The world's best destinations to explore on horseback

There’s nothing quite like sauntering through the wilderness on horseback, at one with the animal below you and the world around you. You'll almost certainly cover more ground than if you were on foot, you'll probably see more wildlife and closer up, and you'll have a great vantage point. Dependent on your riding experience, you can tackle mountain passes, join a cattle round-up or canter along a deserted beach. The options are limitless.

Whether you’re getting in the saddle for the first time, or are ready to take your skills to the next level, do get some practice in first – your legs and posterior will thank you!

Indulge your cowboy/girl fantasies. Western riding is perfect for everyone, not least because the huge saddles keep you very secure. Beginners find it much more comfortable too, and – lets face it – we all look cool in a Stetson. Stay on an authentic ranch, whether in Montana, Wyoming or the deserts of the south-west, and you can round up cattle, learn to lasso, or simply relax on a trail ride. 

Utah is a particular favourite for any level of rider, its magnificent red-rock scenery just screaming to be explored. Bryce Canyon's spectacular maze of red spires and hoodoos are arguably best discovered on horseback and it even has dedicated horse trails. You can ride into the heart of the Bryce Canyon amphitheatre or follow the tracks of Butch Cassidy through scenic Red Canyon. Alternatively, if in the Kanab area and you want an exclusive experience, take a 90-minute trail ride through privately-owned and very beautiful Cave Lakes Canyon. 

Can't choose between going on a ranching holiday or going on a riding safari? Well, how about combining both? Horizon Horseback is based on the Triple B Ranch in the malaria-free Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. This is an unspoilt part of the country but just two or three hours north of Johannesburg. All standards of rider, from complete beginners upwards, are catered for, and horsey activities on offer include horse-back safaris, polocrosse, western games, cattle mustering and swimming with your horse.

The best way to explore the Land of Fire and Ice is by doing it the way the locals have for centuries: by horseback. The purebred horses here were brought by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago and are small (but never call them a pony!), tough and a lot of fun. Uniquely they also have a fourth gait known as the tolt, which is incredibly fast and comfortable. Trot through the rugged lunar landscapes, past volcanoes and glaciers, in search of trolls. Or visit in autumn to join the great sheep and horse round-ups.

Riding is ingrained in Spanish culture, and there are few finer sights than a noble Andalucian stallion prancing proudly along. These are the horses of many a child's dreams, beautiful and brave, with flowing manes and tails. You'll find yourself sitting straight-backed and haughty, like the Spanish caballeros, as you explore the wild sierras, rugged coast or pine forests of southern Spain.

Trekking the Inca Trail is so last year. For a very different experience, ride a sure-footed steed in the Inca's footsteps, along narrow mountain paths, over the Salkantay Pass and along the route towards Machu Picchu (transfer the last section by train). At night you stay in luxurious lodges, soaking away your aches and pains in an outdoor jacuzzi or a sauna, before a fine meal. The horses are keen but well-trained Quarter horses. Note: although the horse is taking the strain, you will still need to be reasonably fit (and confident in the saddle), but this will be an experience to remember.

Small but perfectly formed, the Balkan country of North Macedonia is mountainous and untramelled, begging to be explored by horseback. Beautiful Mavrovo National Park is home to bears, wolves and lynx, as well as a great horseriding company. Horseman Vasko Velisovski is brilliant at matching riders with the right horse for them, most of which are kind and tough, and equipped with comfy Western saddles. The terrain is a mix of forest paths and high meadows, and you're guaranteed a lot of fun. Combine your trip with some of the country's other highlights such as a lakeside stay at UNESCO-listed Ohrid and you'll be in paradise. 

The ultimate riding experience is a safari with a difference. The Okavango Delta has carved out a reputation for exhilarating riding adventures. One of the joys of being on horseback is that you can get closer to wildlife, meaning that on a riding safari you can approach giraffes, canter alongside zebras and track elephants. But, given the critters you might meet (including lions) you really do need to be an experienced rider so that you're capable – if need be - of galloping out of danger! After a day splashing through the Delta’s waterways, and cantering across open plains you relax with a sundowner in luxury bush-camps.

The Land of the Pharoahs is on nearly every one's travel bucket list and for good reason. Egypt's ancient sites are magical and leave a lasting impression. But Egypt's beautiful and spirited horses are rather magical too. Channel your adventurous side by exploring the pyramids by horseback - much more comfortable and exhilarating than riding a camel. But a true explorer should look at the trips offered by Ride Egypt. Its portfolio of tours cover everything from the pyramids to the Red Sea, but we particularly like the look of its multiday Tombs, Dunes and Kingdoms expedition which takes in the Giza Plateau, Faynoum Oasis, the UNESCO-listed Wadi El Hitan and Luxor's incredible Valley of the Kings. You'll get to visit some of the country's most famous sites but also get immersed in spellbinding desert landscapes that most visitors don't get to see. 

Wanderlust's Lyn Hughes has ridden horses in over 50 countries around the world. Despite this (and owning her own horse) her riding hasn't improved. But she does believe that if she can do it, anyone can.