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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Turkey

From ruined castles and elaborate palaces reminiscent of ancient empires; diverse landscapes of snowy mountains, rich agricultural vales, open steppes and extensive sandy Mediterranean coastline, to vibrant cities and delicious cuisine, Turkey has a multitude of attractions for visitors. The country is famous for straddling both Europe and Asia with the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul at the centre. It is home to Mount Ararat and the Taurus mountain range and is the place where Tulips originated.

Turkey has a well developed active tourism and leisure industry and has abundant horse riding stables. With so many riding centres to choose from visitors are encouraged to check the standard of riding and quality of horse care at their chosen destination before venturing on a Turkish riding holiday. Day treks and riding lessons are often available as an activity to guests staying at many resorts and boutique hotels, using local equestrian centres.

For a full on horse riding holiday visit the Cappadocia region of Anatolia and explore the breathtakingly beautiful high ancient volcanic plateau area. See Byzantine churches and houses carved into rock caves, mesa formations and fairy chimneys all from horseback riding Akhal-Teke, Arabian and Turkish horses. Follow in the footsteps of the 17th Century Ottoman Turkish traveller Evliya Çelebi through the wide open expanses of north west Turkey.

Week long ranch vacations are offered near to Yaniklar in western Turkey.  Here ride through rural countryside, enjoying the local culture and sampling tasty home cooked Turkish food. Or visit the Kaya Valley near Fethiye on the Mediteranean coast for a weeks’ horse riding trek into mountains, through pine forests and past quiet villages. Flatwork and jumping lessons are also available on a centre based stay.

Another area to visit is the southern Taurus Mountains. Join an adventurous trail ride staying overnight at local houses, with day rides around Tahtali Mountain, through orange groves, on coastal paths with gallops along deserted beaches. Heading further east near to Nigde fit and experienced riders can join an adventurous horse riding expedition into normally inaccessible wild areas to see remote mountain villages and vineyards, canyons, waterfalls and high moonlike plateaux. This trip involves long hours in the saddle each day and uses pack horses to carry your kit. Other riding holidays are found near Goreme with treks on Arabian horses and just outside Istanbul staying at a country resort, offering extensive riding facilities as well as the luxury of a boutique hotel and spa.