Equestrian tourism has been growing in popularity for years. It is not only a great reason to travel, but also an active holiday that appeals to both adults and children. Along with physical activity, you can enjoy the mountain air, admire natural scenery, learn to ride, and meet new people who share your interests. These tours can last anywhere from an hour to several days. If you have never taken this kind of trip, here are some fascinating places in Russia where even a short horseback adventure is worthwhile.
Horseback tours are especially popular in summer in the Moscow Region, Kostroma Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, the Caucasus, the Urals, Altai, and Crimea. In winter, they are most commonly offered in Crimea, the Southern Urals, and Kostroma Oblast. Naturally, this type of active holiday is available in many tourist destinations as well as in remote, scenic corners of Russia.
Riders seeking solitude among alpine meadows often head to the Republic of Khakassia. However, this destination is better suited to travellers with a good level of fitness. Some trails run through forest paths, fragrant steppes, and meadows, while others cross mountain ranges. The journey is well worth it: you will discover the region's remarkable scenery, archaeological and historical sites, and corners rarely reached by visitors.
A trip to Altai is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Horseback routes pass through meadows, steppes, taiga forests, and mountainous terrain. First-time riders can begin with rides around Lake Karakol or the Aygulak Range. For a more challenging experience, choose routes from Dzhazator to Tyungur, journeys across the Ukok Plateau to the Altai Princess, or rides along the rivers and glaciers of the South Chuya Range. There are countless beautiful places here where travelling on horseback is a wonderful addition to the adventure.
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During the warmer months, equestrian tourism is popular in the Urals, while winter tours are not available. There is a huge variety of routes for travellers, although some require good physical fitness. If you are ready for a challenge, consider exploring the Southern Urals. You will find taiga forests, full-flowing rivers, and routes that pass through the Bashkir Nature Reserve. Please note that children may not always be permitted on these demanding trips. In return, you can breathe crystal-clear air, enjoy vivid experiences, and see landscapes that many people know only from photographs.
Equestrian tourism is also popular around Lake Baikal. In addition to the beauty of the lake itself, you can learn about the culture and way of life of local people. What makes this trip especially interesting is that the route is covered not only on horseback, but also by boat or kayak. For this reason, it is best to begin such a journey in Irkutsk. This is an unusual and far-from-standard type of holiday, so if you think there is little to do at Lake Baikal, think again. From many points around the lake, you can saddle up and set off to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery.
Visitors to Moscow have a great opportunity to head into the surrounding Moscow Region. There are numerous holiday bases and specialist centres where you can not only enjoy riding, but also learn the basics as a beginner or take a short ride. It is an excellent option if you do not want to travel far, or as preparation for a longer multi-day journey.
In summary, a horseback journey can be a carefully planned adventure, the main purpose of a trip, or a spontaneous way to add variety to your travels. However, it is best to join these tours with instructors, who can support you, help when needed, and show you interesting places. Most importantly, horseback tours allow you to see parts of Russia that cannot be reached on foot.