rettir, Iceland — Travelrags

National GeographicJun 26

7 equestrian experiences to embrace your inner cowboy

These trips let you discover some of the world's most iconic horse-riding cultures and traditions — and explore wild landscapes straight from the saddle.

Attend annual sheep roundups in September and October.

14 things in this story

Icelandic horsesPlaceExperience unique movement like pacing and tölt on guided rides.
rettirFestivalAttend annual sheep roundups in September and October.
stóðréttirFestivalAttend annual horse roundups in September and October.
Elsewhere
Kazakh eagle huntersPlaceBayan-Ulgii, MongoliaAttend annual festivals to watch demonstrations across the steppe.
Marwari horsesPlaceRajasthan, IndiaChosen companions of Rajput clans, prized cavalry horses.
Chittorgarh fortressSightChittorgarh, IndiaExplore historical walkways from the saddle of a Marwari.
Pushkar Camel FairFestivalPushkar, IndiaAttendees trade horses, cattle, and camels.
Argentine gauchoPlacePampas, ArgentinaLearn cattle herding and navigating terrain at estancias.
Borders Common RidingsFestivalScottish Borders, United KingdomExperience cultural reenactments from May to September.
Bandera, TexasNeighborhoodBandera, United StatesNicknamed the ‘cowboy capital of the world’.
Lexington, KentuckyNeighborhoodLexington, United StatesEarned the extravagant title of ‘horse capital of the world’.
Horse Nations Indian Relay CouncilPlaceUS, United StatesCompetitors race without saddles across the US and Canada.
Feria del CaballoFestivalJerez, SpainCelebrates elaborate horseback parades and flamenco performances.
Camino de SantiagoTrailSantiago de Compostela, SpainRide a traditional Spanish horse along grassy mountains and coastal trails.

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7 equestrian experiences to embrace your inner cowboy