Chinese New Year is the biggest traditional holiday in
Chinese culture and 2026 ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, the first day of
the lunar new year which falls on February 17.
As one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the Fire Horse is a
symbol of strength, freedom, energy, confidence and bold action. In Chinese
culture, the horse represents forward movement, courage and embracing
opportunities with dynamism, mirroring the spirit of adventure and equestrian
culture worldwide.
Horse-loving
travelers have the opportunity to connect with horse experiences around the
world that celebrate equestrian traditions, historic riding estates and
immersive horseback experiences.
The Oberoi, Wadi Safar | Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
The resort, opening in the second half of 2026,
will be the luxurious and premier home base for exploring Diriyah and the
region’s world-class equestrian and polo offerings. Just 30 minutes from King
Khalid International Airport, the property features 60 rooms and 10 private
villas designed for privacy, modern comfort and understated luxury.
Guests can step directly into the heart of the Royal
Equestrian & Polo Club, a hub for dressage, show jumping, and elite equine
competitions, boasting four outdoor arenas, an indoor arena with seating for
1,000, 263 stables, riding schools, lunging arenas, training tracks, and
paddocks.
Polo enthusiasts can enjoy two dedicated polo fields, a
clubhouse with lounges, cafés, restaurants and a pro-shop, all set within a
self-contained facility designed for horses and riders alike.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok, Indonesia (Photo Credit: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok)
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok | Lombok, Indonesia
Set on the white sands of Medana Beach within 24 acres of
tropical gardens, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok blends traditional Indonesian
charm with modern luxury, offering ocean-faced dining, an infinity pool, a
private jetty, and access to vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.
Guests can embrace the spirit of adventure with guided
horseback rides along the shoreline, suitable for beginners and experienced
riders alike. The experience allows travelers to connect with nature, explore
the stunning coastline, and embody the vitality, freedom, and courage that the
horse represents, making every beachside ride a memorable reflection of
Lombok’s natural beauty and the resort’s genuine hospitality.
Three Camel Lodge |
Ömnögovi, Mongolia
Deep in the heart of Mongolia’s vast Gobi Desert, Three
Camel Lodge offers one of the world’s most unique riding experiences. Guests
begin their journey on horseback, across the sweeping dunes and plains of the desert
to arrive at a nomadic family home, where they are warmly welcomed with
traditional milk tea and introduced to life on
the Mongolian steppe.
Visitors can try hands-on activities such as ropemaking, with
skills passed down through generations. For more experienced riders, the
Mongolia’s Ultimate Horseback Expedition by
Nomadic Expeditions provides an unforgettable 15-day adventure through northern
Mongolia, leading riders across dense forests, rolling meadows and rugged
mountain trails, culminating at the pristine Lake Hovsgol, often called
Mongolia’s “dark blue
pearl.”
Travelers can meet the Tsaatan, a nomadic Tuvinian people
who herd reindeer in remote mountains and forests and spend nights in cozy
tents along the serene Dood Sailig River, immersed in the rhythm of Mongolia’s
wilderness.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Vancouver Island, Canada
Located in 600 acres of pristine, UNESCO-protected
rainforest in remote Clayoquot Sound, this off-grid luxury retreat offers an
authentic equestrian program capturing the spirit of the Year of the Horse.
Guests aged 12+ channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl by pulling on cowboy
boots and helmets, saddling up with the lodge’s dedicated herd (stabled up the
valley), and joining guided western-style rides led by an experienced equine
team.
The 3.5-hour adventures traverse lush, diverse landscapes,
river valley meadows, ancient old-growth forests, Jurassic fern gardens, and
even glacial river crossings– in an untouched wilderness. Younger visitors can
meet and interact with the horses up close.
Tierra Patagonia Horseback Riding (Photo Credit: Tierra Patagonia)
Tierra Patagonia
| Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Nestled on the shores of Lake Sarmiento, overlooking the
dramatic Paine Massif and bordering the iconic Torres Del Paine National Park
in Chilean Patagonia, this all-inclusive luxury eco-lodge offers an authentic
gaucho-inspired horseback riding program.
Guests saddle up with local Chilean gauchos at nearby
Estancia Lazo for a peaceful half-day adventure across mixed terrain, winding
through ancient lenga forests, open pampas, and clearings dramatically revealing
astonishing panoramic views of the towering granite peaks and glaciers. Led by
skilled local guides, these immersive rides evoke Patagonia’s rich ranching
heritage, blending freedom, cultural connection, and the raw power of one of
Earth’s most dramatic wildernesses.
Turtle Island | Yasawa Islands, Fiji
Hosting only 14 couples at a time, Turtle Island blends
barefoot luxury with adventure offering a rare chance to connect with powerful,
intuitive animals in one of the most romantic settings in the world. Guests can
experience sunrise beach horseback riding along Turtle Island’s white-sand
shores — a signature adventure reflecting the island’s spirit of freedom and
connection.
With Wi-Fi limited to one area and no TVs in the bures,
Turtle Island creates space to slow down, unplug and fully immerse in the
rhythm of the island. Beyond horseback rides, couples are welcomed into the
Turtle Island family through immersive all-inclusive experiences — from private
beaches and personalized picnics to nightly dinners sourced from the day’s
catch and the island’s five-acre garden, along with kava ceremonies and
dancing.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | San Diego, California
Situated in the hills of one of San Diego’s most exclusive
communities steeped in equestrian heritage, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe offers a
timeless retreat rooted in tradition. The area’s identity has long been shaped
by its rural elegance, private bridle trails, and deep-rooted horsemanship,
preserved through its historic Protective Covenant and celebrated by local
riding clubs and ranches.
Honoring this legacy, The Inn invites guests to discover the
beauty of Rancho Santa Fe on horseback with expert-guided trail riding through
rolling hills and eucalyptus-lined pathways. Intimate 60- and 90-minute rides
offer a serene journey through sun-dappled trails and scenic vista points,
providing a unique perspective on the countryside that has drawn visitors for
over a century.
Just minutes from the world-famous Del Mar Racetrack, a
cornerstone of Southern California’s Thoroughbred racing tradition, The Inn’s
central Village location and estate-style setting seamlessly connect guests to
the pastoral charm of Rancho Santa Fe and the enduring excitement of the
region’s storied equestrian culture.
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