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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010
Riding Holidays | Georgia
Georgia is an incredibly beautiful country, set in the Caucasus Mountains on the east side of the Black Sea. The country has some of the most magnificent mountain scenery in the world, filled with fragrant meadows, deep gorges and pristine forests, all to a backdrop of high snowy peaks. These mountains are the natural divider between Europe and Asia and are home to Europe’s tallest peak, Mount Elbrus which stands at 5642m.
The country has a fascinating history. It is the site of the oldest European habitations with archaeological evidence dating back 1.7 million years; the land of the golden fleece according to the ancient Greek legend and it has the oldest wine making traditions in Europe, there were wineries dating from 8000BC in the Shulaveri region. Georgia is a multicultural country and Georgians are very proud of their traditions and cultural heritage. Friendship is also very important and visitors are considered highly, as tradition dictates guests come from God.
Horse riding in Georgia is mainly focused in the Tusheti area in the north east of the country. Experienced riders can join a Tusheti mountain trail ride, an adventurous cultural expedition visiting rural villages which have remained mostly the same for centuries. Visit David Gareja, a 6th Century monastery and cave town and explore the famous wine growing Kakheti region, before heading up into the Tusheti mountains, staying with local Tush families. Ride Tushin mountain horses, small but strong and surefooted with lots of stamina.
Further south horse riding is also available in the mountains near to the capital city Tbilisi, with a week long camping trail using Thoroughbreds, Arabs and Akhal-Teke horses.
Tbilisi itself is a very picturesque cosmopolitan city, with narrow cobbled streets filled with coffee shops, restaurants, halls and theatres. Visitors to Georgia will be delighted by the tasty local cuisine. There are two national dishes; a cheese filled bread pie called khachapuri and khinkali, spiced minced meat wrapped in a dumpling. Georgian food uses lots of fresh local ingredients and fruit is important. Due to its ancient traditions in Georgia, there are lots of local wines to try.
