Horseback Riding Vacations in Israel

Israel: Holy Land

Israel is a small, narrow country on the southeastern coastline of the Mediterranean Sea.

It entered history some 3,500 years ago when the Jewish people forsook their nomadic way of life, settled in the Land of Israel and became a nation. Over the years, the Land was known by many names: Zion, Palestine, The Promised Land and the Holy Land, to mention but a few.

It is the only country in the world where life revolves around the Hebrew calendar.

Geography

Israel is a country of unity between Africa and Asia.

In addition to the highest mountain in the country, Mount Hermon of 2,814 m, we find the lowest point on earth, in the area of the Dead Sea, located at about 424 m below sea level.

Mountains and plains, fertile land and deserts are often minutes apart. The extension of Israel from north to south is only 424 kilometres.

Israel may be divided into three geomorphological regions, from West to East:

• The Mediterranean Coastal Plain
• The Central Mountain Range
• The Jordan Valley

To these three regions, we must add the Negev Desert, characterized by low sandstone hills and plains. It is located in the south of the country.

Although much of the territory is desert, in the valleys, we find lilies and many different trees, including pines, eucalyptus trees, olive trees and acacias.

Cities

The Galilee is one of the most important regions of the Hebrew country. In this Israeli province, full of history and spirituality, you can follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ during his first preaching.

Among the cities of Israel, we would like to highlight two of them, Jerusalem and Nazareth.

Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is one of the most famous and fascinating cities in the world. It has been recognized by the Israelis as the capital of the State of Israel. Here we will find the Western Wall.

Nazareth, the cradle of Christianity. According to Christian tradition, this is the city where the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit, and it is the place where Jesus grew up. Today, Nazareth is Israel's largest Arab city and has about 30 churches and monasteries, as well as ancient mosques and synagogues.

Equestrian tourism in Israel

The equestrian trips in Israel are something more than just horseback rides. You will discover these sacred sites and the cities of Nazareth and Jerusalem, without forgetting the mythical Dead Sea.

Biblical characters will appear in each different ride in the tales you’ll hear from the gentle local people, who are always willing to share their stories with anyone who wants to listen.

You will visit the places where the most significant miracles of Christianity occurred, historical battlegrounds and more than one place you have heard of in the Old and New Testament.

In Israel, you must see the Galilee region and the Jordan River Valley, a combination of rewarding rides and enriching visits to Israel’s historical places.

In northern Israel, Galilee is the perfect destination for your horseback riding vacations. You may be interested in its culture, archaeology, history or natural beauty, but in any case, the Galilee has them all. With a small population and a rocky terrain, this area is better explored on horseback.

Another region you must visit on horseback is the north of Israel. There you have the best riding trails, in the impressive Golan Heights, the northernmost part of the country.

Don’t forget to pay a visit toMount Tabor and Mount Meron, following the same paths that Jesus once did.

The Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) is one of the many places you can see here. You can even go for a swim in the Jordan River. Hundreds of secret waterfalls and streams will be a part of the horseback adventure.

And if you are looking for something wilder, you must then explore the spectacular wilderness of Ramon Crater and Negev Mountains, with fabulous vistas.

It is an endurance ride for experienced riders, who are able to go for long trots and canters.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Israel

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration to know the best of Israel on horseback.

Sirin Riders

Sirin Riders is a renowned horseback riding vacation operator in Israel.

With them ou will meet an authentic Israel, can savour the fresh desert air, appreciate the rocky terrain of the Galilee and admire the views from biblical mountaintops after a long ride.

Their staff is skilled horsemen, specializing in trail riding; they combine their passion for horses with a deep knowledge and love of Israel.

Horseback vacations are a fantastic way to learn about the fascinating history, cultures and peoples of Israel. If we add all this to the fact that their horseback riding tours are conducted in small groups, then we will have a magnificent experience.

They offer several equestrian tour alternatives, but their most popular options are the rides in the Galilee.

Horseback riding in the land of Galilee

This is a mounted adventure packed with intensive riding through the beautiful landscapes of the Menashe plain, Carmel mountain range and the Jezreel Valley.

You will ride up majestic Mt. Tabor and Mt. Carmel. On horseback, explore the ruins of Tel Meggido – the site of Armageddon, and swim with their horses in the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River.

• The duration is 7 days and you will ride an average of 5 hours each day.
• Suitable for intermediate and experienced riders, with excellent physical condition.
• There is a weight limit of 90 kgs.
• ou will get to know the different ethnic groups inhabiting this area including the charming Druze and engaging Circassians.
• This trip includes walking tours of Nazareth and the Old City of Jerusalem.

Visit their web site and find out more about their programs and their horses: www.ride-israel.com.

Isra Trails

IsraTrails grew out of a desire to provide world-class riding vacations in the most breathtaking, historic, and beautiful country on earth.

To experience the real splendour and unparalleled archaeological and biblical history of this country, it's best to get off the beaten path and into the land itself.

This is what they offer at IsraTrails. Their goal is to provide this opportunity at the highest professional standards, along every point of your vacation - on and off the trail.

Their horses

Their herd is made up of Quarter Horses and Arabian-Quarter mixes; gaited horses (Singlefoot, Missouri Fox Trot, Tennessee Walker) and pure breed Arabians can be secured if requested in advance.

Their horses are used to these trails. They are well-trained, veteran horses, familiar with each corner and they are carefully selected to guarantee adventure, enjoyment and safety for both riders and horses.

They expertly match horse to rider, and they take their time for that.

Experienced equestrians may choose a more spirited horse while they pair beginners with the most calm and predictable horses.

Its routes

Most of their horseback riding vacations are designed for clients who can ride up to 6-8 hours per day (with breaks of course!).

They can accommodate beginner riders as well, if coordinated in advance. Non-riders are welcome to join groups via a Jeep ride-along option.

They offer several rides. One of the most popular ones is Northern Exposure, on the best trails in Israel's breathtaking Golan Heights, the northernmost part of the country.

On this route you can visit the historic Mount Tabor and Mount Meron, with optional ride along the Jesus Trail. Two days additional is the Galilee region, along the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret), and swimming in the Jordan River.

They also organize day trips to the mystical city of Tsvat, the beautiful town of Tiberias and to the hidden waterfalls.

A very complete, all-inclusive option.

If you want more information about other horseback tours, go to their web site: www.isratrails.com.

Alpaca.co.il

In Mitzpe Ramon, in the heart of Israel's Negev Desert, is this unique Alpaca Farm. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this place.

Alpacas are a kind of small camel used by Incas and they produced milk and high-quality wool, and sometimes they were used for carrying loads across mountainous trails.

They decided to raise them and sell their wool in Israel, and what was an impossible idea, a crazy adventure, finally came true in Mitzpeh.

Ramon and alpacas have found a new and nice home.

Around this colourful activity, the desert landscapes and the notion of a special settlement in the heart of the Negev Mountains – all made visits to the farm site attractive to families, youth and groups of tourists.

Craters, primal landscapes, natural phenomena and the proximity to the crater spawned the idea to develop horseback riding in the desert.

In this way, they became the only Equestrian Tourism supplier in this region.

They acquired and trained especially wild horses riding in the desert, and indeed their horses reaped numerous awards in competitions and have won praise from international experts.

Horse riding in the Negev crater

If you are an experienced rider you can do their program, a challenge for riders who feel capable of doing it, which will turn your horseback riding holidays in Israel into an unforgettable experience.

This is an endurance trip for experienced riders. Riders must have a considerable experience and be able to trot and canter during long periods.

You will ride for 6 days, up to 5 hours each day, through the spectacular wilderness of Ramon Crater and Negev mountains with stunning views.

On the first day, you will meet your horse and the terrain, getting ready for the great adventure in which you will travel more than 50 km per day.

You will ride to Ramon Crater and cross it surrounded by amazing scenery and unique geological phenomena.

At night, you will camp under a myriad of stars, very visible in the clear night sky of the desert. In the morning, you´ll wake up with the sunrise and continue riding along some of the most beautiful scenic desert trails that Israel has to offer.

In the evening, you´ll ride up to the most challenging point of the horse trek. At sunset, you will go back to the farm.

After a day of rest for you and the horses, you will continue riding for two more days that are incredible in the high Negev desert before you go back to the airport.

Go to their web site if you want to learn more about the history and the everyday life of this incredible Farm and its owners, special people capable of setting out on the craziest adventure: alpaca.co.il.

A horseback tour around the Holy Land, discovering its geographical variety: the desert, the Jordan Valley, the Mediterranean coastline and the Dead Sea shores, will be an unforgettable experience. Explore the coastline and the rich history of this wonderful country.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Israel on horseback?

Israel offers a stunningly diverse array of landscapes, most of which are easily traversed, making it a truly ideal riding country. Discover them in our free eBook on equestrian tourism in Asia.