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Last Update: 31 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Jordan

Jordan is probably most well-known for the ancient Nabatean city of Petra which is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; and for the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth at 402 metres below sea level (and dropping an average of 1 metre every year).

Much of Jordan is covered by the Arabian desert and so an equestrian vacation in Jordan is predominantly about riding Arabian horses through deserts. Arabian horses are one of the oldest breeds and were developed in desert climates so are perfectly adapted for trail rides across the Wadi Rum desert. Renowned for their stamina and speed, they are often the preferred choice of endurance riders worldwide. Arab horses are sensitive and spirited so riding in Jordan is for intermediate to experienced riders who are happy horse riding across wide open spaces with never a fence in sight.

The Arabian horse is treasured amongst the local Bedouin tribes and historically prized mares were often kept inside the tents with the family to protect them from theft. The Bedouin, being Muslims, do not believe in the gelding of stallions, so few horses are gelded, although you may find one or two. Mares are the most valued however, so it is likely that you will be paired with an Arabian mare on your Jordanian horse riding holiday.

The riding in Jordan is almost all within the Wadi Rum desert, a beautiful landscape of rose-pink sands with large rock formations rising many metres above sea level. Ride in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. As these are a trail rides you will explore different areas of the desert each day and camp in a different spot each night. You can opt to erect a tent or simply sleep outside with a vast patchwork of stars over your head. You can ride in the desert at anytime of year, but summers are fiercely hot so we would recommend the Spring and Autumn when daytime temperatures are perfect for riding.