Horseback Riding Vacations in the United States

The United States offers a wide variety of possibilities for Equestrian Tourism. Discover its deserts, mountains, plains... and feel like a cowboy enjoying a few days on a ranch.

Why Explore the United States on Horseback

There are different horseback riding routes in the United States that are not too difficult, so they can be done even by people who are not experienced riders.

Equestrian programs vary in length, from one-day rides to multi-day tours staying in charming hotels, rural houses, and even places of great historical interest.

The United States is not just cowboys and movie sets. You can ride across vast prairies, venture on mountain trails of various technical difficulties, cross dry riverbeds, or gallop over endless stretches of sand.

Are you attracted to the cowboy lifestyle?
Spend a few days with them. They will teach you how to run an American cattle ranch. You will discover that your horse is not only a means of transport or a work tool, but also your partner and companion, as well as your playmate in your free time.

Some Interesting Facts about the United States

The United States, officially the United States of America, is a sovereign country constituted as a federal constitutional republic composed of 50 states and a federal district.

With 9.83 million km² and more than 327 million inhabitants in 2018, it is the fourth largest country in the world by total area, the fifth largest contiguous area, and the third most populous.

It is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations in the world, a product of large-scale immigration.

The United States has the largest national economy in the world, with a nominal GDP estimated at 20.58 trillion dollars in 2018 (a quarter of the global nominal GDP) and a fifth of the global GDP in purchasing power parity.

Amerindian peoples have inhabited the current continental territory of the United States for thousands of years. This Amerindian population was reduced by diseases and war after first contact with Europeans.

Geography

After Russia and Canada, the continental United States is the fourth largest country in the world by total area (land and water), with 7,700,000 km².

Alaska is the largest state in the country, with 1,500,000 km². Hawaii, which occupies an archipelago located in the central Pacific, southwest of North America, has an area of just over 16,000 km².

The national territory has multiple landforms and geographical features. Moving inland, the Atlantic coastal plain gives way to deciduous forest and the Piedmont plateau. The Appalachian Mountains divide the eastern coast from the Great Lakes and the prairies of the Midwest.

The Mississippi-Missouri River, the fourth longest river system in the world, flows from north to south through the center of the country. The fertile lands of the Great Plains extend westward until interrupted by a highland region in the southeast.

The Rocky Mountains, on the western edge of the Great Plains, run north to south through the country, reaching altitudes over 4,300 meters in Colorado.

Further west lies the Great Basin and deserts, such as the Mojave, Sonora, and Chihuahua deserts.

The Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range are near the Pacific coast. With 6,194 meters, Mount McKinley in Alaska is the highest point in the country and the entire continent.

Active volcanoes are common along Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Hawaii consists solely of volcanic islands. The volcano beneath Yellowstone National Park in the Rocky Mountains is the largest volcanic structure on the continent.

Climate

Due to its size and geographic diversity, the country includes most climate types:

• East of the 100th meridian, the climate varies from humid continental in the north to humid subtropical in the south.
• In the southernmost Florida and the Hawaiian Islands, it is tropical climate.
• The Great Plains, west of the 100th meridian, have a semi-arid climate.
• Much of the western mountains have alpine climate.
• In the Great Basin and the deserts of the southwest, the climate is arid.
• The California coast has a Mediterranean climate.
• The southern coast of Alaska, Oregon, and Washington has an oceanic climate.
• Finally, most of Alaska has subarctic or polar climate.

Extreme weather events are quite frequent. The Gulf Coast states are prone to hurricanes, and most of the world's tornadoes develop within the country, mainly in the Tornado Alley area in the Midwest.

Flora and Fauna

The United States is considered an extremely diverse country: around 17,000 species of vascular plants are found in the United States and Alaska. Hawaii has more than 1,800 species of flowering plants, few of which grow on the continent.

The country is home to more than 400 species of mammals, 750 species of birds, and 500 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The Endangered Species Act, passed in 1973, protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats, which are overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There are a total of 58 national parks and hundreds of other natural areas protected by federal and state authorities.

Equestrian Tourism in the United States

If you want to practice Equestrian Tourism in the United States of America, there are many places you should visit with the best providers of Equestrian Tourism.

Ampascachi has selected the providers of Equestrian Tourism services to consider. Below we inform you about the different options available in each region.

Montana: “The Crown of the Continent”

Riding in this state is the best way to know, learn, and enjoy the lifestyle of the Old West.

With a population of barely one million people, Montana remains a pristine natural paradise, with snow-capped peaks, extensive forests, and alpine lakes, dotted with Old West ghost towns, Indian reservations, and progressive urban communities.

You can appreciate the charm and unique beauty of its National Parks, Glacier and Yellowstone, and come face to face with Montana's wildlife. These are not the only parks; Montana has a total of 9 National Park areas.

Equestrian tourism providers in Montana

• ROCKING Z GUEST RANCH ( www.rockingz.com )
• HIDDEN HOLLOW HIDEAWAY ( www.flynnhideaway.com )

Arizona: “The Grand Canyon State”

Riding on desert trails and visiting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is the best way to reach the Heart of Arizona.

In Arizona, the horse plays a leading role; here lives the popular Cowboy of the southern United States, and you are invited to spend a few days with him.

Arizona is full of activities, from outdoor adventures to relaxed explorations. With so much to discover, you certainly can't do it all in one trip.

An endless adventure awaits you; it is an ideal place to enjoy outdoor life. This area is known as the “Wild West” and has been shown countless times in movies.

Equestrian tourism providers in Arizona

We have selected the following providers:

• WHITE STALLION RANCH ( www.whitestallion.com )
• ARIZONA HACIENDA RANCH ( https://www.farandride.com/riding-holidays/usa/arizona_hacienda_ranch/ )
• RANCHO DE LOS CABALLEROS ( www.ranchodeloscaballeros.com )
• TOMBSTONE MONUMENT RANCH ARIZONA ( www.tombstonemonumentranch.com )
• TANQUE VERDE ( www.tanqueverderanch.com )

Wyoming

Travel on horseback through this cowboy state and stay at its famous ranches, participating in their daily activities.

When you learn the routines of these cowboys, you will discover another meaning of the word companion, when you closely observe how man and horse relate in these latitudes.

Although it has not yet been discovered by foreign tourists, Wyoming is anything but "the end of the world," as a writer defined it.

While the state's geography is mostly open plains, strips of high deserts, and wide mountain ranges, you will also find many small towns with historic buildings, museums, shops, and restaurants.

Among Wyoming's tourist attractions are the country's first national park, Yellowstone, Native American reservations, and a handful of ghost towns.

Equestrian tourism providers in Wyoming

Our suggestion in Wyoming for your horseback riding vacation:

• BITTERROOT RANCH ( www.bitterrootranch.com )
• THE HIDEOUT LODGE & GUEST RANCH ( https://thehideout.com )
• GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH ( www.grosventreriverranch.com )

Colorado: “Diversity of Natural Ecosystems”

Riding through its abundant nature will give you the opportunity to explore this part of the country that remains pristine and intact.

Colorado has numerous ski resorts, vineyards, canyons, fossil-rich national parks, steep natural trails, and particularly colorful and picturesque routes.

It could be said that the greatest attraction among Colorado's many natural wonders is Mount Elbert, the highest peak of the North American Rocky Mountains.

The natural beauty of this state inspired the first verse of the song "America the Beautiful," sung by the best voices in the USA, including Frank Sinatra.

Equestrian tourism providers in Colorado

Ampascachi offers some highly recommended alternatives:

• SNOWMASS CREEK OUTFITTERS ( www.snowmasscreekoutfitters.com )
• ACTION ADVENTURES TRAIL RIDES ( https://ride.actionadventures.net )
• GRANITE MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS ( www.granitemountainoutfitters.com )

Washington

In Washington, you will have horseback riding experiences and adventures with athletic and well-trained horses, experienced riders, and impressive trails.

Time passes more slowly here when you ride. If you let yourself be carried by the rhythm of your route companion, the horse, you can enjoy this experience with all your senses.

Washington is a state with two distinct faces. The Cascade Range divides its landscape into two zones: the wet forested areas to the west and the fertile agricultural lands to the east.

It is named after the country's first president. It is the second most populous state in the western United States. Almost 60% of its population lives in the Seattle metropolitan area, one of the state's most popular tourist destinations.

Washington is a leading producer of products as diverse as wine, wood, apples, hops, pears, and potatoes. It is a major contributor to the nation's manufacturing industries.

Equestrian tourism providers in Washington

Ampascachi has selected the following equestrian tourism providers:

• BULL HILL RANCH ( https://bullhill.com )
• K DIAMOND K GUEST RANCH ( www.k-diamond-k.com )

New Mexico

Discover the Old West while riding the trails of outlaws Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, and Sundance Kid, and through the canyons where Apache warrior Geronimo lived in the 19th century.

New Mexico is a land of contrasts. Distinctive regional cuisine, a thriving and ever-evolving art scene, cosmopolitan urban centers, and vast uninhabited wilderness areas.

It was a Spanish colony claimed by 16th-century conquistadors. Today it remains home to a large Spanish-speaking population and many historic sites to visit.

This state also has several Native American communities that maintain a traditional way of life inevitably lost in most other states.

With large, sparsely populated land areas, this state is a great vacation destination to discover one of the last truly untamed regions of the world, interspersed with a few old towns and centuries-old mission churches.

Equestrian tourism providers in New Mexico

Ampascachi in New Mexico suggests:

• BURNT WELL GUEST RANCH ( https://burntwellguestranch.com )
• GERONIMO TRAIL GUEST RANCH ( https://geronimoranch.com )
• CREEK RANCH ( www.creek-ranch.com )

Idaho: “The Gem of the Mountains”

A horseback vacation in Idaho will surprise you as you ride through rugged terrain and discover beautiful landscapes.

The Rocky Mountains cross Idaho, a state known for its vast unexplored wilderness and great mineral wealth. Seven percent of its total area is designated as a nature park, home to cougars and brown bears.

It has a population of 1,567,000 inhabitants, of which 11.5% come from Hispanic or Latin nations. Koorenais, Shoshones, and Delawares live in Indian reservations.

The climate is characterized by mild temperatures, with drier and colder continental winds and zones. Its varied topography stands out.

Equestrian tourism providers in Idaho

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays suggests:

• RED HORSE MOUNTAIN RANCH ( https://redhorsemountainranch.com )
• IDAHO ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANCH ( https://idahorocky.com )
• WESTERN PLEASURE GUEST RANCH ( https://westernpleasureranch.com )

California: “The Land of the Sun”

California, known as the "Golden State," is the perfect destination if you are looking for a sunny place all year round and want to explore beaches, deserts, and mountains on horseback.

It is the most populous state in the country. Its variety of landscapes ranges from the forested northern coast to the harsh deserts of the south. Right in the middle of the state is a fertile valley, home to farms, vineyards, and orchards.

California is home to extensive sequoia forests, arid deserts (including the famous Death Valley), vast coastal lands, and mountain ranges including the Cascade Mountains, the Tehachapi Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada.

Giant sequoia forest

California's cities have much to offer, from amusement parks and luxury shops to award-winning restaurants and innovative art galleries.

California has one of the largest economies in the world and has top-notch hospitality and tourism infrastructure, including Equestrian Tourism.

Equestrian tourism providers in California

• THE ALISAL RANCH ( https://alisal.com )
• RANKIN RANCH ( www.rankinranch.com )
• MARBLE MOUNTAIN GUEST RANCH ( www.marblemountainranch.com )

Nebraska

Endless trails that you ride on horseback will make you feel part of the movement of adventurers that triggered the so-called Gold Rush.

Located in the heart of America, Nebraska is home to numerous rural communities and agricultural farmland.

Its two main cities, Omaha and Lincoln, are of great cultural interest. Your itinerary may include a visit to the cities' museums to learn about the state's past or to see the most important sites of pioneers and Native Americans.

Its central location in the country means many travel its trails, but it was the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855 that originally attracted many outsiders.

The picturesque river valleys offer many opportunities for outdoor activities, and horseback riding is no exception, while Nebraska's agricultural towns charm visitors with their American spirit.

Equestrian tourism providers in Nebraska

Here we suggest visiting and staying at:

• RUNNING HORSE RANCH ( www.runninghorseranchabq.com )
• ROWSE'S 1+1 RANCH ( https://1plus1ranch.com )
• DOUBLE R GUEST RANCH ( www.sandhilldoublerranch.com )

Texas

Enjoy an equestrian vacation visiting ranches in Texas and horseback riding through the second largest state in the United States. An unforgettable experience.

Thanks to its size and geological features, Texas contains diverse landscapes that closely resemble the southern and southwestern United States.

Although most people associate Texas with arid land areas, deserts cover only about 10% of the state, with most of its large population centers located in areas once covered by prairies, grasslands, and forests.

As you travel from one end of Texas to the other, observe the change in terrain from coastal pine forests and swamps in the east to mountains in the west, with rolling plains and rugged hills in the center.

And take enough time to mingle with the locals, famous for their hospitality, generosity, and fiercely independent spirit.

Equestrian tourism providers in Texas

For your Equestrian Vacations in Texas we suggest:

• TEXAS RANCH LIFE ( www.texasranchlife.com )
• HILL COUNTRY EQUESTRIAN LODGE ( www.hillcountryequestlodge.com )
• ROCKING L GUEST RANCH ( www.rockinglranch.com )

The United States, a vast country that allows you to choose routes in the mountains, on the coast, in the desert... Choose your path and discover extraordinary landscapes and cultures.