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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Oman

Oman is very much a horse nation. Traditionally one of the main centres for breeding Arabian horses, the country also promotes many competitive equestrian events. Flat racing and endurance riding are very popular, plus ‘tent pegging’ races - an age-old event involving riders competing to pick up tent pegs from a line in the ground using long lances, all at gallop. There are also showing, dressage and show jumping competitions. Oman is very proud of its Arabian horse breeding heritage and the country has a Royal Stud farm at Salalah, breeding both Arab and Thoroughbred horses.

The capital Muscat (Masqat) is one of the best places to visit for horse riding. There are two riding centres in the city’s Qurm Natural Park offering horse riding lessons and short trail rides for all levels of rider. Children are very welcome to have riding tuition and experienced riders can have interesting rides through the nature reserve, along the creek and onto the Shati Al Qurm beach. Carriage rides are also available. Qurm Natural Park is the biggest park in Muscat and has beautiful scenery to ride through. There is a lake and fountain, a rose garden and many planted floral areas.

For a horse riding vacation in Oman you can also opt to stay at a resort near Barka and choose riding out from the resort’s stables as part of a weeks activity program. This gives you great flexibility since you can pick how much horse riding you would like each day and mix and match the riding with many different activities. There is also an eight night riding vacation available in Oman visiting several different areas in the country. The Al Kamil and Al Wafi region is well known for its horse breeders and racing trainers and the Enam Equestrian show ground at the Royal Stables in Seeb is one of the main venues for equestrian events.

Oman is a hot country and the best time to visit for horse riding is winter from October to April. Summer (May to September) is really too hot for riding. However if staying in the desert remember night time temperatures can be cold, near freezing in mid winter. Oman is a popular tourist destination and the people are friendly and welcoming. The country has good amenities and there is a lot to see and do.