Equestrian Tourism - Discover the Adventure of Horseback Riding in Nature
Equestrian Tourism
What is Equestrian Tourism?
There are different academic definitions for Equestrian Tourism, but at Ampascachi we prefer to define it as a combination of the passion for horse riding, the desire to ride in nature, and the interest in discovering new places (other provinces, countries, or continents), to reach special and unique places that can only be accessed on horseback. All this with a touch of adventure: sleeping in camps, crossing rivers, and riding through narrow mountain gorges.
Depending on how these ingredients are combined, we get different types of equestrian tourism products or horseback riding holidays.
Equestrian tourism and horseback riding
What we usually see in the market as horseback rides, two or three-hour tours in a day, is not considered equestrian tourism by enthusiasts.
For a product to be considered equestrian tourism, it must include at least two days with an overnight stay.
Humans and horses, united by equestrian tourism
Humans have been connected to horses for over 5,000 years, and this bond has always been linked to human development.
Horses were used for work in the fields, as a means of transport, and in wars. Ancient empires could expand thanks to horses.
For these reasons, a close relationship developed between humans and horses, which changed over the centuries, but always relied on the horse serving and helping humans. Horses were never kept as pets for company.
Horses helped humans work, travel, and fight wars; they were part of the rider. The more horses a community had, the greater its capacity to produce or fight.
The surrender of Breda - Velázquez
Horses had a great influence on human life.
Over time, humans invented more and better engines and machines. Today, we have fast means of transport, modern war machinery, and agricultural machines.
With this progress, the horse lost its importance for human life and survival, and is now only used for a few specific tasks, such as on cattle farms.
Fortunately, horses are still used today, almost exclusively for equestrian sports such as dressage, jumping, polo, etc. In the past, these activities were only secondary.
The best and most common use of the horse that remains today is riding through nature, which many horse lovers enjoy on their rides. Horse and rider move together, relaxing in the landscape.
In this way, the horse becomes valuable to humans again, without having to compete with modern development. This allows people to ride for fun and pleasure, to take horseback tours or equestrian holidays. These are not only for experts; beginners can also ride through the countryside after a few lessons and escape everyday stress.
Different Equestrian Tourism Products
In addition to the above definition, there are also other academic definitions of equestrian tourism.
"An equestrian tourism product is a tourist product in which horse riding is the main motivation."
There are three factors to consider: routes and logistics, equestrian activity, and accommodation. As mentioned, the product should include at least one overnight stay.
According to these definitions, there is a difference between equestrian tourism and horse-based tourism. The latter refers to tourism and leisure activities related to horses, such as horse shows, equestrian sports like polo, jumping, dressage, etc.
At Ampascachi, when we talk about equestrian tourism, we always mean horseback holidays, especially star rides or multi-day horseback tours.
Horseback riding holidays on the beach
These programs include riding on beaches for a week or more.
You don't necessarily ride right by the water, but as close as possible depending on the conditions (tide, sand, etc.), and you can even enjoy exciting gallops through shallow water.
Horseback tours with camps
These horseback trips can last more than four days. Generally, there are no hotels along the way, so you sleep in camps equipped with different types of tents.
You also need additional equipment, such as sleeping bags, personal hygiene kits, appropriate clothing, etc.
It's also important to be physically fit to spend several days on horseback.
These camps vary in comfort and equipment depending on the provider. Even if they are not luxurious, the adventure, waking up in the wilderness, and direct contact with nature make the trip magical.
Equestrian holidays on a ranch or estancia
In these programs, you spend your holiday on a horse or riding farm, such as a ranch (like in the US) or an estancia in Argentina. You stay on the property and take star rides, meaning daily rides start and end at the ranch.
These programs are more relaxing, as you have free time each day for other activities, such as helping with cattle, playing tennis, exploring the area, or simply reading in a quiet spot.
Many of these programs are ideal for families with children.
Riding courses for beginners and special disciplines
These programs offer beginners the chance to take riding lessons to learn the basics, then go on rides with an instructor. This prepares them to later take real horseback tours, which require more experience.
This is ideal for people who want to get in touch with horses and ride outdoors.
There are also similar programs where you receive at least a week of lessons to improve dressage or jumping. These are for sport riders who want to improve their techniques.
These programs are for both beginners and advanced riders, who receive lessons but also enjoy a pleasant time in a peaceful, natural environment.
Horseback safaris
These riding programs are offered in Africa and are truly unique. They are called safaris because the word originally meant an expedition to hunt large wild animals, especially in Africa.
Even though no animals are hunted here, you can encounter giraffes, elephants, or big cats while riding through the African wilderness.
In these programs, you often sleep at a base camp, usually large, comfortable, well-equipped tents. There are also options to ride and sleep outdoors or in camps.
Some routes are safe for beginners, while others are only for experienced riders, as you may encounter lions, buffalo, leopards, or rhinos.
There are other programs focused on polo or dressage, and some are mainly for children. The programs mentioned above make up about 95% of the offers, which are marketed by agencies acting as intermediaries between clients and providers.
Equestrian Tourism Around the World
Equestrian holidays are becoming more and more popular worldwide. This type of tourism, centered around horses, is enjoyed by many people in Europe and the USA. Equestrian holidays are for both beginners who have never ridden a horse and for experts. They are closely linked to the principles of responsible and sustainable tourism, the search for authentic experiences, and close contact with nature.
To provide you with information about riding holidays, we have collected and organized it by continent. You will find everything you need to know about destinations and providers.
Our Equestrian Tourism Offer
Ampascachi is a company dedicated to Equestrian Tourism in Argentina. We strive to offer a balanced program with riding, conventional tourism, local customs and traditions, typical food, and the culture of local people. All this can be found in our beautiful, unique country, Argentina, where the landscapes and climate will enchant you.
In all our programs, you ride Peruvian Paso Horses, a breed that has been a jewel among horses for 500 years since it arrived in America with the Spanish conquest.
Ampascachi has its own stud farm, breeding, educating, and training all its horses to offer and guarantee the best animals for their tours.
The Peruvian Paso is the best horse for long distances and multi-day rides in nature.
On our website, we share our experiences as breeders of Peruvian Paso Horses, our riding tours, the Argentine landscapes, various horse training techniques, and above all, information about equestrian holidays, which are all very different but always interesting.
