Best Hotels and Resorts for Equestrians and Horse Lovers

Any true equestrian will tell you that the place they feel most at home is in the saddle. So, what about when you’re planning out the perfect vacation, and essentially seeking an ideal home away from home? You’ll want to find somewhere you can indulge your passion for horses and immerse yourself in the unrivaled freedom of the cowboy (or cowgirl) lifestyle. Some of you even have your own mounts you want to bring along on your outdoor adventures, because exploring the world isn’t nearly as much fun when you don’t have your trusty steed to experience it all with. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of several top-notch horse-centric getaways where seasoned riders and novices alike can enjoy the ultimate equestrian vacation. 

Situated just 20 minutes outside of Austin, Texas, Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa is nestled on 405 lush acres along the banks of the Lower Colorado River. Offering a blend of luxury and outdoor adventure, the resort boasts a plethora of activities, including golf, hiking, a water park and a world-class spa. But, for those looking to indulge their passion for horses, Hyatt Lost Pines boasts an impressive equestrian center where guests can embark upon guided trail rides, suitable for both novice and seasoned riders, through nearby nature parks and the scenic Texas Hill Country. Horse enthusiasts who seek to improve their skills can also take riding lessons, while youngsters can enjoy pony rides to connect with equines and experience Texas culture on their own scale. The resort also offers plenty of other Western-themed activities, including encounters with Texas Longhorn cattle, to give guests an authentic taste of life in the Lone Star State. 

The Resort at Paws Up is a breathtaking paradise for all horse lovers, from seasoned riders to those who’ve never been on a horse before. This expansive 37,000-acre property is just begging to be explored on horseback. Here, you’ll get an authentic and luxurious Western ranch experience with spectacular views of the Montana wilderness, from the legendary Blackfoot River to sprawling meadows and endless conifer forests. Natural and historical sights abound, and you can explore them on unforgettable excursions, or try your hand at running and sorting cattle by taking part in a genuine cattle drive. If arena work is more your speed or you’re just starting out, you’ll be delighted to discover The Resort at Paws Up is home to Montana’s largest private equestrian center, the Saddle Club at Paws Up. There, private lessons are available for all riding levels, as well as pony rides for the little ones. With one of the most impressive and expansive equestrian programs in North America, the resort offers everything from horse whispering to trail rides and cattle drives to wagon team driving. 

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Rawah Ranch fittingly takes its name from the Ute word for “abundance”, and there’s certainly a bountiful amount to explore and enjoy here. A seasonal hotel that welcomes guests from June through September, this authentic dude ranch offers luxurious Colorado-style wood cabins in the rugged Laramie River Valley, which are the perfect cozy retreat after a long day on horseback. Supplying a true Wild West-inspired experience, the ranch features a comprehensive equestrian program, including daily guided horseback rides through breathtaking alpine trails, which can be tailored to riders of all skill levels. Guests can get one-on-one lessons or participate in cattle drives, horsemanship clinics, and even overnight pack trips, fully immersing themselves in the cowboy lifestyle. The property accesses an expansive network of over 22 trails, that wind through picturesque aspen groves, peaceful valleys, rushing rivers and past cascading waterfalls. The ranch also offers fly fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts to experience the majesty of Colorado’s high country.

Nestled in the foothills of the famous Blue Ridge Mountains, equine ambassadors are an integral part of the experience at Forrest Hills Mountain Resort in Dahlonega, Georgia. Located within the resort is Dahlonega Carriage and Horse Rides, which provides everything from guided trail rides through picturesque trails to horse-drawn carriage rides and rides aboard chuck wagons that culminate in an Old West-style cookout. The resort’s horseback riding experiences range from one to four hours long, and are suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced-level riders with a minimum age requirement of eight years old. Accommodations include cozy cabins and lodge rooms, many with rustic charm and modern amenities. Additionally, the resort offers various activities such as hiking, biking and fishing. There are plenty of other activities available in the immediate area, from kayaking, canoeing and rafting to visiting wineries, breweries, zoos, petting farms or wildlife preserves. With all that the North Georgia mountains have to offer, a stay at Forrest Hills Resort can prove ideal for guests seeking a blend of scenic adventure and relaxation.

Dunton Hot Springs is an exclusive Colorado resort that sits on the site of a former western ghost town set in an alpine valley in the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by picturesque peaks, aspen forests and meadows. Dunton is a meticulously restored 19th-century mining town that’s been turned into a Relais & Chateaux resort, featuring 14 luxurious, hand-built log cabins that blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Through the property’s newly updated seasonal summer activity offerings, Dunton has horsey adventures to suit riders of all skill levels. Guided trail excursions range from family-friendly one-hour rides over easy terrain to three-hour rides that follow historic tails used by cattlemen, sheepherders and outlaws centuries ago. The resort’s namesake natural hot springs provide the perfect way to unwind after a day spent in the saddle. For those who might prefer a different approach, Equine Bonding sessions are also available. These sessions provide a more therapeutic and meditative experience in connecting energetically and spiritually with these magnificent animals.

Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia, is a particularly exquisite destination for horse lovers, offering an immersive equestrian experience in the heart of Virginia's horse country. The resort features a state-of-the-art equestrian center with a 14,000-square-foot stable, riding arena, and miles of scenic trails across the gorgeous 340-acre property. Guests can partake in a variety of activities such as guided trail rides, riding instruction, polo lessons and horsemanship clinics, catering to both novice and experienced riders. Guests are also welcome to bring along their own horses for overnight or longer-term boarding. Salamander’s comprehensive equestrian facilities complement its refined guest accommodations that seamlessly blend both elegance with comfort. The resort itself offers such upscale amenities as a 23,000-square foot spa, indoor and outdoor pools, gourmet dining, fitness center and outdoor recreation opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded and indulgent stay.

Situated on a 3,500-acre working ranch in the breathtaking Wasatch Mountains near Park City, Utah, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a haven for horse lovers seeking an upscale, nature-infused retreat. The resort's premier equestrian program offers a variety of experiences, including guided trail rides through the stunning high alpine terrain, private riding lessons, natural horsemanship clinics, equine wellness experiences, wagon rides and sleigh rides in the winter, all of which can tailored to different skill levels. The resort even has its own animal rescue sanctuary, the Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, which is a forever home for more than 45 horses, as well as countless cows, chickens, goats, dogs, cats and more. The only guest ranch in North America with its own onsite, full-time vet, The Lodge at Blue Sky invites guests to visit the sanctuary to see how these creatures receive the gold standard in animal care, including massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic work, light therapy and more. 

Located on 12,000 acres within Virginia's picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland, Auberge Resort Collection is a year-round mountain retreat that provides the quintessential setting for unforgettable horseback riding adventures. In fact, nature lovers of all kinds will appreciate this property, as the possibilities here for communing with the great outdoors are as vast and varied as the landscape itself. While Primland also offers such outdoor activities as hiking, fishing, golfing and ATV riding, taking in the majestic surroundings on horseback stands out as the most serene and captivating way to explore the untouched wilderness that surrounds the resort. Guests can go on guided trail rides that wind through lush forests, open meadows and ridges with breathtaking views. The stables supply a selection of even-tempered mounts suitable for riders of all skill levels, as well as experienced guides, so that riders of all skill levels can participate in this ethereal experience. Riders can also opt for professional lessons at the well-equipped Equestrian Center if they’re looking to improve their performance and stabling facilities are available for those who want to bring their own four-legged companions along for the ride. The resort also occasionally hosts equestrian events and clinics, enhancing the entire experience for enthusiasts.

Situated in Southern California’s serene Ojai Valley, Ojai Valley Inn has beckoned travelers since its opening in 1923 to the tranquil setting known as “Shangri La”. The resort encompasses 220 sprawling acres located around 90 minutes north of Los Angeles and makes an ideal retreat for equine enthusiasts. Its extensive equestrian program includes guided trail rides through the picturesque Ojai countryside, where guests can soak in stunning views of the valley and surrounding Topatopa mountains. Riders of all skill levels can take advantage of personalized lessons from experienced instructors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. The on-site stables are well-maintained and equipped with top-notch facilities, ensuring the comfort and care of both horses and riders. Beyond equestrian activities, guests can unwind in the resort's elegant accommodations, savor gourmet dining and rejuvenate at the award-winning spa.

 

Greenhorn Ranch is a premier dude ranch that offers an authentic and immersive experience for those who love horses and the Western lifestyle. Located about 90 minutes from Reno in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, the ranch provides a range of equestrian activities, including guided trail rides, cattle drives and riding lessons suitable for all skill levels. The ranch sits on 600 picturesque acres and has access to over 500,000 acres of public land to ride over and explore the area’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The property features well-maintained stables and offers personalized attention to both horses and riders, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Greenhorn Ranch also offers a unique therapeutic modality called Equine Guided Education (EGE), which is offered to groups for team building and enhancing communication, leadership and decision-making skills. EGE also addresses many areas of psycho-emotional health and well-being; human development, relationships and self-esteem. Accommodations here range from cozy cabins to rustic lodge rooms, complemented by hearty ranch-style dining. The ranch also offers an assortment of other outdoor activities for guests to enjoy, including hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, skeet shooting, hatchet throwing, archery, golf and gold panning, as well as more laid-back pursuits like whisky tasting and leatherworking.