Home / Africa / Tunisia
Last Update: 16 Dec 2010
Riding Holidays | Tunisia
Almost half of Tunisia is part of the Sahara Desert and the country has a long association with the Barb – a desert horse with great hardiness and stamina. A riding holiday in the desert is an opportunity to experience the life of a desert nomad.
The Barb horse, which is similar in height and stature to the Arabian horse was often mistaken for Arabians by Europeans despite having distinctly different characteristics – the Barb generally possesses a fiery temperament and carries its tail low. The Barb is second only to the Arabian in its importance in the development of other breeds and is evident in the history of the Iberian breeds (Andalucian and Lusitano) as well as the Argentine Criollo and American Quarter Horse.
Although the Barb may not possess the physical beauty of the Arabian horse, it has the same boundless energy and endurance, the same ability to survive on meagre rations, the same surefootedness and an impressive turn of speed over short distances.
The wide open spaces of the deserts and salt pans are ideal for fast riding, so a horse riding holiday in southern Tunisia is definitely one for those who enjoy speed. The Kroumirie Mountain ride in the north, not far from Carthage, offers slower riding due to the steepness of the terrain, but there are still plenty of opportunities for appreciating the Barb horse at its best.
Equestrian vacations in Tunisia are predominantly trail rides which journey through ever-changing landscapes and offer riders the chance to experience different scenery everyday. In northern Tunisia, the trail rides pass some of the many archaeological sites in the area, whilst southern Tunisia is a must for film-buffs, with the area being famous for scenes in The English Patient and Star Wars.
Riding Holiday
Riding Holiday with link
