Horse Nations Indian Relay Council, US

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.

Competitors race without saddles across the US and Canada.

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Horse Nations Indian Relay CouncilPlaceCompetitors race without saddles across the US and Canada.
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.
Icelandic horsesPlaceIcelandExperience unique movement like pacing and tölt on guided rides.
rettirFestivalIcelandAttend annual sheep roundups in September and October.
stóðréttirFestivalIcelandAttend annual horse roundups in September and October.
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’.
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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Horse Nations Indian Relay Council

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7 equestrian experiences to embrace your inner cowboy