One thing we pride ourselves on here at Globetrotting is the detailed packing advice we offer for all our horse riding holidays. And top of every packing list is riding boots! Think about it: how many times have blisters or wet socks ruined your day? And more than likely, a good pair of boots has saved your bacon once or twice, too.

So – we’ve done a bit of matchmaking with our new partners, Ariat, to help you choose THE perfect pair of boots for your next adventure. We LIVE in our Ariat boots, and have done so for decades. Every member of Team Globetrotting has their own favourites! Just remember, your comfort always comes first.

*Aussies and Kiwis – keep reading to the end for a special gift when you book a riding holiday with us!

English Boots

Countries: England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Spain, Portugal, India, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand.

Short boots: we LOVE the Womens Heritage IV paddock boots (above). They’re super comfortable, fancy enough to polish and pair with matching chaps for riding events, tough enough to last many years, and well-designed for easy maintenance.

Half chaps: unless you’re dolling up for The Scottish Borders Ride, it’s your choice whether you pair your short boots with half chaps or not. They’re great for ensuring your stirrup leathers don’t rub or pinch your calves during long days in the saddle, and offer additional weatherproofing and warmth. The Heritage Contour Half Chap is a very sleek option that certainly stands the test of time.

Tall boots: a word of warning: these are not recommended in hot summer climates, so consider your ride location and season to ensure you won’t be sweltering in full-length riding boots. That said, our favourite tall boots are the Heritage Contour II field boots (below). They’re quite an investment, but they’re premium quality, super comfy, and look stunning, to boot (pardon the pun).

Western Boots

Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Italy.

From the saddle to the dancefloor, Western boots won’t let you down. For full-height show-stoppers, check out all the variations of the gorgeous Round Up boots (above). The Heritage Ropers (below) are a super functional mid-height option that will keep you comfortable all day. And if you’re going globetrotting somewhere warm and dry, Ariat’s range of VentTEK boots have some great features to keep you cool.

Hiking & Riding Boots

Countries: Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Argentina (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego), Iceland, USA (Grand Tetons), Canada (Rocky Mountains, Whistler Wilderness), Australia (Snowy River).

On some of our more adventurous rides, there are moments when you’ll need to walk over tricky terrain on your own two feet. For these rides, a pair of boots that you can ride AND hike in is essential. The good news is that these boots are the comfiest of all! Among globetrotters, by far the most popular option is the Terrain boot (above), which comes in a number of different styles and widths. The Heritage Lacer (below) has the look of a riding boot and is a good choice for fitting under a pair of chaps. And for those with wide feet, you’ll appreciate the wiggle room of the Barnyard Twin Gore II, which is also completely waterproof.

Off the Horse

No matter how good your boots, there’s nothing quite like that moment when you take them off at the end of the day! To keep your trotters happy in your down time, we LOVE a good pair of Hilos, and the Cruisers (below) are also super popular. Both styles slip on and off, which is especially handy if you’re camping.

Which boot style will you choose? And where will they take you? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: you’ll be well-shod!

And for our Aussie and Kiwi globetrotters, the next time you book a Globetrotting holiday, you’ll automatically receive an exclusive discount code to use in the Ariat Australia / Ariat NZ store! How good is that?!?

Check out our whole trove of gear and packing guides HERE. You’ll also receive a ride-specific packing list when you book.

Oh, and don’t forget to checkout our GT x Ariat Apparel, meticulously designed to be your go-to kit for equestrian travel!

The post Best Boots for Globetrotting appeared first on Globetrotting.

I haven’t felt like writing.

The spring deep within me, usually bubbling vocabulary and ideas, is now but an occasional burp of acidic muck.

But today I leave Mongolia again.

I leave my soulscape of grey chipped rock summits, rises dense with pines, hollow vales that echo every footfall, haphazard vegetation, serene marshy lakes, wandering streams, colossal caverns, expansive cornflower blue skies, heavy gunmetal coloured clouds, magnificent sunrises and magic snowfalls. I can hardly bear it.

Mongolia asks nothing more of you than who you already are. If you are stoic and courageous, Mongolia will demand it. If you are excitable, Mongolia will delight and rejoice with you. If you are thoughtful, considerate, reserved, Mongolia will take your hand and show you details only you can appreciate. If you need peace, Mongolia will sit with you in companionable silence, leaning on your shoulder while the lilting breeze lifts the hair straight off your head. Mongolia suffers no fools, but will give you a cheeky wink after absolutely kicking your ass. If you are uncomfortable, too bad. Mongolia refuses to shrink herself for you.

Mongolia is unfailingly honest, epically vast, gloriously beautiful, unnecessarily harsh, but above all, Mongolia cuts through all the bullshit and straight to the heart of humanity and nature.

I love her, without reserve.

I love the sudden drama of snow-capped mountain ranges, entirely cloaked in blinding white powder. I love the crunch under foot, the soft indentations of hooves, splitting thin ice shards that too quickly melt in the shallow grooves of flat brown boulders, becoming a precious water source for all creatures. I love the way the horses wend their way through the drift, scooping frozen mouthfuls as they go, only to bob up with icicle whiskers and ticklish nostrils. I love the jagged and arduous climb of mountain passes, the frosty silver, the heavy wetness that shrouds you. I love squinting into the burning sun while your eyelashes catch tiny snowflakes, and your still-warm breath fogs up your sunglasses. I love the sideways pelt of frosty missiles as you step straight into a blizzard. I love the nothingness of a complete whiteout. I love the unsettling and biting winds that flay you as you go.

I relish the silent companionship between human and equine, the bristly fibres of mane between fingers, the longer dreadlocks that catch in your reins. I love that there is no need to communicate, at least not with words. I love the crunch and crack of flint under hooves that becomes a meditation, the inhale and exhale of two beings breathing in unison, the heat of skin that travels from human to horse, and back again, as each divides energy among exposed body parts needled by the brisk air. I love the sticky peel of sweat that glistens on necks after exertion, cantering over plains or straining stubbornly onward, up steep peaks and through gorges that sigh in the stillness. I love laying a palm on my horse’s spiky wither, a gentle reminder to us both that we are in this together.

I love the larch and birch trees dotted along ridges that filter light at golden hour, creating a breathtaking and far-reaching glow. I love the colours of fall that settle thickly in the bracken on river’s edge, the oranges, umbers and burnt yellows that nest between greens.

I love the unassuming trickle of creeks that swell to rivers, the rush and meander of glacial pools. I love that you will see straight to the bottom of the water, or your own reflected sun-crisped face, depending on the time of day. I love the baked shale underneath, desperately clinging to the day’s heat and centuries of secrets.

I love the sky. A sky that holds rainbows and lashing downpours in balanced measure. A sky that is an open window to heaven, constant, yet somehow surprising. A sky that streaks copper, violet, magenta and indigo, announcing the day. A sky that is rarely obstructed, a sentinel and omnipresent spirit overhead.

But mostly, I love the land. The land that is rugged and wild, the land that is pockmarked by marmot holes, the land that bloats, squishy after a deluge. The land that changes in a blink. The land that fluctuates from green to tea-coloured to barren. The land that rages through each season, a land that grins through gritted teeth, a land that allows only the most resilient to thrive, a land that manages to feel equally limitless and also like a cocoon. The land that makes you feel infinitely small. The land that will always be there to break your fall.

That’s my Mongolia. That’s why I love her.

The post Stacey West – My Mongolia appeared first on Globetrotting.

We’re really excited to share with you some incredible images that globetrotter Jess Knight captured during her dreamy time on The Champagne Ride in France. Through her lens, Jess takes us on a magical journey and shares her experiences of one of the most unforgettable trips she’s ever been on. So sit back, relax, and let us transport you to the stunning landscapes and horses of Champagne, France. We hope you’ll love this virtual ride just as much as we did!

‘For those heading on the Champagne ride in France, you are going to LOVE IT. For those thinking of booking, DO IT!’

‘Day 3 was such a highlight. We spent the day cantering through fields of poppies and ended up in Bouzy for the night. We stayed in the most beautiful B&B, where we were welcomed with a Champagne tasting. The restaurant that night was INCREDIBLE. Walking to dinner through the town in the golden light of sunset was just insane.’

‘I LOVED all the guides! They were so knowledgeable and fantastic. We felt so safe with them.’

We are so grateful to Jess for sharing these STUNNING images with us. We’re feeling so inspired to back our bags and jump on the next flight to France. So, are you coming with us?

xx

The post The Champagne Ride in Pictures appeared first on Globetrotting.

Globetrotter Emma Tomlin has kindly offered to peel back the curtain and share her dreamy Canadian adventure with you all. Captured so remarkably through her lens, these images took our breath away!
British Columbia’s landscapes will have your heart racing. From its rugged glaciers, mountain meadows, and crystal blue lakes, there is a good reason this destination is hot on our Globetrotters’ bucket lists.

We hope you enjoy scrolling through these beguiling images. Over to you Emma!

Canada has been on my bucket list for years. I had such high expectations and yet it absolutely blew my mind. Some of the best horse riding of my life and a nature backdrop that took my breath away.

The horses were fab. I rode Autumn, Jackson, and Sky, who was my favorite.

My favorite experiences were the mountain day, and also the ‘Rollercoaster’ (forest canter) day – just stunning riding and scenery. The boat trip rest day was also incredible – what a lake.

 The lodge that we stayed in was so welcoming and friendly. You felt like part of the family right away with Lauren, and Gary in the kitchen making you wholesome, hearty foods to give you energy for each day.

We were led by Anna, who is one of the best horse guides I have ridden with. She was so kind and caring and really looked after us. Anna guided us on every ride and made each day a completely unique experience.

 The riding each day was so diverse and exciting! We rode hills overlooking the beautiful river Chilko, we scaled a 1000-metre mountain on horseback and we rode on the ‘Rollercoaster’, cantering up, down and around beautiful forest paths and ridge edge drops. Each day felt so different, from the scenery to the type of riding and where we went. It was such an incredible experience – my pictures don’t do it justice. Just wow!

We are so grateful to Emma for taking the time to share her breathtaking images and feedback with all our Globetrotters. Thank you Emma!

So, have you started packing for Chilko Lake yet?

The post The Chilko Lake Ride in Pictures appeared first on Globetrotting.

Which horse(s) did you ride? And would you mind elaborating as to why you were happy/unhappy with them?
I rode Daenerys and Song of Ice (see a theme there?) and they were both lovely, well-behaved yet enthusiastic mares.

Please tell us how happy you were with the standard of accommodation on this ride.
Very happy. The staff at the camp could not have been more gracious and accommodating to our every need.

In respect to your guides, please elaborate as to their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality.
The level of expertise that our guides displayed was stellar.

Did you have a favourite day or experience while on your Globetrotting holiday?
While it is hard to pick a stand-out, I would have to say sleeping in the fly camp for one night was a thrill! I think it was the best sleep of the trip!

In terms of value-for-money, how would you rate this particular ride?
Excellent.

Do you have any further comments or suggestions?
I mentioned to the camp some suggestions to add a large map so we could see the whole area, and a wildlife camera so we could see the animals we were hearing all night! But with regards to Globetrotting and your trip administration, you are spot on. Just keep up the good work!

Are there any other services or inclusions you would like to see added to this itinerary?
Everything was exquisite.

We would LOVE a testimonial about your Globetrotting experience to share on our social media channels.
Five years ago, I began planning my celebration for my next big birthday that ended in a zero, which was in 2020. I decided that I wanted to do an African horseback safari and I started looking for the right company to book my trip. I discovered Globetrotting and called and talked to Laura. I was sold on the company, but I needed to wait a couple of years before booking my ride.
Since I had three years before my planned trip, I started intense riding lessons to build up my somewhat neglected riding skills, which soon resulted in buying my own horse! I found a great instructor who pledged to “build skills the first year, build competence the second year and build confidence the third year”! So by 2020, I was ready. However, we all know what 2020 was like, and my dream was postponed for a year. No worries, I just continued to ride and dream. But then 2021 proved no better and I was delayed again. But finally, 2022 rolled around and off I went on my belated birthday trip!
I flew into Johannesburg for a few days with my non-riding sister to recover from the jet lag and enjoy some pre-trip pampering at the lovely Four Seasons hotel, which was well worth the indulgence. Then we headed to Maun and caught our helicopter ride to the camp. That afternoon, after getting settled in our gorgeous tents and having a late afternoon tea, we were introduced to our horses and the camp staff and went for our first ride in the Delta. It was magnificent. We saw elephants and hippos and antelope right off the bat! And we had our first water canter of the trip. I fell in love with my mare Daenerys and would have put her in my pocket and taken her home if I could. That night we had a fabulous dinner and the staff even serenaded my sister, whose birthday was that day (yes, we both celebrated our 60th birthdays together in Botswana. Mine was just a little past due!).
After that, each day was just one more adventure after another. I rode two beautiful mares that week who took great care of me. And even better I met some wonderful people from all over – two New Zealanders, a Canadian from London, a mother and daughter from Northern Ireland, and a lovely woman from the San Francisco area. We all had a blast together. But best of all were our staff and guides. Because my sister is a non-rider, she had jeep safaris every day with one of the guides, Rodgers, who was a savant at finding animals. Want to see a leopard? Ask Rodgers! Want to see wild dogs? Ask Rodgers! He was fabulous, as were Mmushi and Boi, who guided us on horseback. Boi never took his eyes off the horizon, scanning for animals or potential threats. I have to say I never felt unsafe or threatened in any way, even when our horses sensed a lion one day. We just calmly mounted up and headed in the other direction.
All in all, I could not have wished for a better birthday present. It was a life-changing experience and one I will never forget.

Big thanks to Allison for sharing her experience of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Keen to see this incredible, wild kingdom for yourself? Click here to learn more!

The post Feedback on the Okavango Delta Safari, Botswana appeared first on Globetrotting.

We’ve always known that the Castle & Estate Ride in Ireland is THE perfect ride for globetrotters looking to fast-track their horsemanship, especially beginners and those new to jumping. And Hope Towle is living proof! Earlier this year, Hope boosted her trail riding confidence on the Thirlestane Castle Ride in Scotland. Buoyed on by her success, she then turned her gaze towards the Emerald Isle. More well-trained horses, luxurious accommodation and magnificent countryside awaited, with one major difference: the chance to focus on jumping. With an indoor arena, over 300 cross country jumps scattered across the estate and expert instructors on hand, the Castle & Estate Ride took Hope’s riding to the next level!

Read on to see what she thought:

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the accommodation that you would like to mention?
All staff at the lodge were friendly and accommodating. The rooms were clean and very cozy!

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the meals that you would like to mention?
The five course tasting menu was phenomenal. And the ease of reserving tables made the experience much smoother. Breakfast was always lovely.

Which horse(s) did you ride? And would you mind elaborating as to why you were happy/unhappy with them?
Predominantly, I rode Arnie. He was big, comfortable, and I felt 100% safe to really take myself out of my comfort zone and try things like galloping, jumping, and cross country for the first times. He is a schoolmaster extraordinaire!
I spent the remainder of my week with the beautiful Blueberry. She is very sweet, strong, and willing. She was a nice contrast from my personal push-button lease horse, but I always left my rides/lessons with her feeling accomplished.

In respect to your guides, please elaborate as to their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality.
The guides far surpassed my expectations for the trip! Steven, Gemma, and Orla are world class and I don’t believe I could think or speak of them more highly. Given how busy they are and the amount of rides/lessons/people they work with on a daily basis, it speaks volumes to their talent, level of service and care for the horses that they were still able to personalize our whole week to the point that we all felt comfortable and safe to leap out of our comfort zones. We all had so much respect for them!
I mostly had my estate jumping rides with Steven, as well as my first jumping lesson; he really made me feel comfortable enough to try to get the most out of my experiences aboard the trusty Arnie. All the lessons were small and focused, leaving me, at least, with a laundry list of things that I can improve moving forward. I wish I could have made this a month long holiday!

Did you have a favourite day or experience while on your Globetrotting holiday?
The balance of arena and estate work was my favorite part. If I had to narrow it down, I would say  the indoor jumping lessons were my favorite experiences. It was something I had not done before this trip and the instructors did a phenomenal job, working with me to make sure each attempt felt better than the previous.

In terms of value-for-money, how would you rate this particular ride?
Excellent.

We would LOVE a testimonial about your Globetrotting experience to share on our social media channels.
I could not possibly find any critique of this ride! The instructors are extremely knowledgeable, approachable, and know exactly how to push you out of your comfort zone while keeping you feeling totally safe. I rode Blueberry and Arnie. Both horses were big, comfortable, and trustworthy; but different enough that I left with plenty to work on back at home. The horses and the team of instructors made me feel 100% safe to try many things for the first time. We arrived on Wednesday, my first ever jumping lesson was on Thursday, and I was clearing some cross country jumps by Sunday! I only wish I could have made this a month-long holiday! The staff at the Lodge and restaurants were lovely, the food was second to none, and the accommodations were beautiful. This ride was recommended to me as a confidence booster, and I truly believe that was an understatement.’

If the Castle & Estate Ride sounds like your kind of holiday, click here to learn more and book your ride of a lifetime!

The post Feedback on the Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland appeared first on Globetrotting.

Mike Barker kicked off his Globetrotting career with a safari ride in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Now, anyone who’s experienced that ride will agree that it sets the bar pretty high! Here at Globetrotting HQ, we were more than a little curious about which holiday Mike would book next. But when he chose the Scottish Borders Ride, we knew he’d have a blast!

Check out Mike’s entire feedback form below:

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the accommodation that you would like to mention?
Cringletie Hotel was delightful. A charming, cosy, relaxed and stylish home away from home. The rooms were large, immaculately finished and so comfortable. The staff were always helpful and fun and there were plenty of whiskeys to choose from, as one would expect. A beautiful example of stunning Scottish estate architecture and atmosphere.

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the meals that you would like to mention?
I thought the food was excellent throughout the stay. Tasty, fine dining, but homely and filling as well. I did love the little picnic bags they made for us on our riding days – great sandwich fillings for my taste!
But the highlight was the Scottish night. A true feast, and we were honoured to share in Scotland’s traditions.

Please tell us how satisfied you were with the quality of horse(s) you rode.
Ecstatic! The horses were predominantly Irish Draught. There were so sturdy and fun to ride.

In respect to your guides, please elaborate as to their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality.
Gemma was our lead guide on all the rides. A great horsewoman, person, mother, and a fun personality to be with. She knows all the horses intimately and their likes and dislikes – seriously impressive. She was great to chat to and gave us excellent information about the countryside, its history, the traditions and life in the Scottish Borders, and of course the Common Ridings and their history.
Susy, who runs the equestrian centre, is a wee gem of a lady. You can just see how much she cares for all her horses and that the Globetrotting guests get a truly amazing riding experience. She’s not one who stands for any nonsense – from horses or people! Her passion for horses, Scotland, the Common Ridings and for doing the right thing by people is contagious. Several times during the trip, I had thoughts of packing it up and coming to live and work at Susy’s stables and being part of that wonderful life. And Susy is tireless with her exemplary work ethic.
And finally, I have to mention Helen, our tour admin extraordinaire. Helen was super organised – and did a great job of organising us – and she has a funny, dry sense of humour and witty stories to recount.

Did you have a favourite day or experience while on your Globetrotting holiday?
I had my first beach ride on this trip, so that was a personal highlight. Galloping along the wide open beach with the ‘Chariots of Fire’ movie theme song ringing in my ears is a lifelong memory for me now.
But you cannot go past the Common Ridings. Ours was at Kelso. A truly unique experience. Where and when can you ride with a130+ other horses and riders, all roaming through rolling hills, vast cropped fields, country laneways and towns, cantering through the countryside, while supported by vibrant local communities who watch all along the route and dress in their best finery? A dream day. So much so, I have booked The Scottish Borders Ride again for May 2023.

In terms of value-for-money, how would you rate this particular ride?
Excellent.

We would LOVE a testimonial about your Globetrotting experience to share on our social media channels.
Well what can I say about the Scottish Borders Ride? Kate Pilcher and Laura Rae said I would love it and have a ball. And how right they were!
Neither words nor photos really give you the true sense of joy, freedom, warmth, contentment and excitement that this whole experience gave me. That bond and emotional connection you get with your horse, and then with the earth while riding over it, is so good for the soul. I wish one could bottle that up and take it home.
The scenery in the Scottish Borders is beautiful. You ride up over the hills, down into the valleys, through farms, forests, rivers and estates, and into towns and villages. It feels as if you are going back in time to when the horse was the main form of transport, but with the comforts of modern life!
Gemma was such a magnificent guide, friend and organiser, looking after us all. Susie, who manages the stables, is a beautiful horse lover, great host and such fun to chat with. Helen, our tour admin guru, was so organised, happy and always energetic.
Galloping along the beach with the theme tune from ‘Chariots of Fire’ ringing in my ears was a highlight. But the pinnacle of the week was the Common Riding. Riding with 130 other horses and riders, all dressed up in fine regalia, starting in the town of Kelso and riding out behind a pipes and drums band to a big community reception, then galloping through fields and across country lanes all day. Where else in the world, literally, can you do that? What a heartwarming day and lifetime experience! So much so that I have booked to go back in 2023 and do it all again.
Finally, a Globetrotting trip is nothing without the friendships you build meeting fellow horse lovers. I had a ball on my trip with eight women from Texas. I learnt, laughed, rode, ate and drank heaps with them all. Thank you Lindsay, Steph, Tara, Shari, Knoxy Knox, Emma, Jen and Jessica. It’s awesome to know you all now and I’ll see you in Texas next year.’

If you’re eager to learn more about the Scottish Borders Ride, click here.

Or click here to read a Q&A with Mike about his life with horses and introduction to the world of Globetrotting.

The post Feedback on the Scottish Borders Ride appeared first on Globetrotting.

1. If someone is opening or closing a gate, walk your horse through the gate and come to a halt, leaving enough space for others to pass through behind you. Wait until the gate is closed before riding off.
2. Never pass your lead guide, whether at a walk, trot or a canter. Your guide knows the track and their environment intimately, while you’re a visitor under their care. Also, passing other horses can lead to a race mentality among the herd.
3. If your guide signals to stop, be quiet or point out something, follow their instructions and pass the information on to your fellow riders behind you, who may not have seen or heard.
4. When riding single-file or along a narrow track, maintain at least a ‘one-horse gap’ between your horse and the horse in front. This gives everyone room to manoeuvre if necessary and prevents tiffs between horses.
5. Be aware of your fellow riders and their horses. If a rider has a horse that needs to be at the front of the group to prevent it from jogging, try not to pass that horse.
6. Horses who are a bit on the cranky side, and horses who don’t get along with each other, should be given ample space and ridden in the order recommended by the guide.
7. Encourage your horse to stride out in the walk, rather than slipping behind to the back of the group and trotting to catch up. It’s not good for your horse’s education and will become exhausting for you, the rider.
8. At river crossings give the horse and rider ahead of you plenty of space before entering the water yourself.  This will prevent the horses from swimming on top of each other, which can be extremely dangerous.
9. A special rule for Africa: the quieter you are, the more likely you are to have amazing wildlife encounters. So leave the loud conversations for the campfire and you’ll be amazed at the animal experiences you’ll be privy to.

Do you have any tips to add? Leave them in the comments!

The post Horse Riding Holiday Etiquette appeared first on Globetrotting.

Is it a rodeo? An exhibition? A festival? Or all three? More than just midway rides, bucking broncos and fireworks, the Calgary Stampede is a ten day celebration of Western heritage. It’s a gathering place for horse enthusiasts from all over the world – hosting, educating and entertaining over a million visitors each year. Known to locals as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, this call-it-what-you-want event is held every July in the city of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.

The event kicks off with the iconic two-and-a-half mile Stampede Parade. Making its way through a sea of spectators in downtown Calgary, the Parade features countless beautiful floats, marching bands, celebrities, cultural performances and of course LOTS of horses. Once it’s over, the gates to Stampede Park are opened and day one officially begins!

The heart of the Calgary Stampede is the rodeo, one of the largest and the most famous events of its kind. The calibre of a rodeo comes down to two things: the skill of the competitors and the quality of the horses, bulls and steers. The Stampede Rodeo features the world’s best competitors and animals – safe to say it doesn’t get better than this!

The cowboys and cowgirls face off in furious displays of skill and grit, with every win building towards Showdown Sunday, Rodeo’s Richest Afternoon. There are six major events: ladies barrel racing, bareback, tie-down roping, steer wrestling (below), saddle bronc and bull riding. For the brave competitors, performing in front of more than 20,000 fans each day is the highlight of the rodeo season.  

But the fun doesn’t stop at the end of the day. Each night, visitors are treated to the world’s most unique double-header: the Evening Show, which features both the Grandstand Stage Show and the GMC Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races. As the sun sets, the GMC Rangeland Derby thunders around the track with 36 chuckwagons vying for over $1 million in prize money. Tight turns, vaulting, four-horse harness teams, mad gallops – there’s nothing quite like it! The pounding of hooves and trembling of the ground needs to be felt to be believed. Then, when the last wagon thunders across the finish line, prepare yourself for the Grandstand Show: a variety extravaganza that includes comedy, elaborate song and dance numbers, acrobatics and a spectacular fireworks finale.

The Calgary Stampede also features a vast array of arts and agricultural exhibits, musical performances, shopping, and of course the Stampede Midway carnival which offers rides and games of all kinds for all ages. You will feel like a kid in a candy store as you walk around the grounds! The captivating experience is unrivalled, the excitement intoxicating and the Stampede spirit consumes the city.

The first Calgary Stampede was held in 1912 when the era of the Canadian Old West had just passed. It had mixed success (rain contributing to a lot of the problems), but still drew 80,000 people, which was double Calgary’s population at the time. The Stampede’s visionary, Guy Weadick, persevered and grew the Calgary Stampede into what it is today.,

I’m keen to know globetrotters, have any of you been to the Calgary Stampede? Did you immerse yourself in the Western culture, dine on amaze-balls Western cuisine and get yourself some good ol’ cowboy boots to click your heels and dance the night away in? I can’t WAIT to experience the Stampede for myself this year!

And don’t forget, if you are heading off on our horse riding holiday in BC, Canada in July, a visit to the Calgary Stampede is a MUST either before or after your ride!

References: Calgary Stampede and Visit Calgary

Image credits: steve estvanik/Shutterstock.com.

The post The Calgary Stampede appeared first on Globetrotting.

Horse riding holidays foster a deep respect for the incredible landscapes, animals and people that we are fortunate to encounter. Travelling as globetrotters, we can rest easy knowing that we’re boosting the local economy and treading lightly on the land. But it’s up to us to ensure the rest of our trip is carried out in the same respectful, sustainable way. And nowhere is this more important than Africa!

Enter low travel. Enter slow travel! These two concepts are centred around the idea that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that travel is best when you take the time to fully immerse in the places you visit rather than flitting from one to the next.

Low travel essentially means flying as little as possible, instead opting for land-based means of transport such as trains, buses, cars, bikes, hiking and, of course, horse riding! Slow travel involves truly unwinding to live on local time, giving yourself as long as you can, or would like, to explore, and valuing the depth of your experience more than the breadth. By doing these things, you’re guaranteed to leave a more positive impact wherever you go.

So here are our suggestions for globetrotting low and slow across the spellbinding continent of Africa.

Morocco

The gateway to Northern Africa, Morocco truly has it all: snow-capped mountains, dreamy beaches, labyrinthine cities, time-forgotten villages, fertile farmland, arid plains and the otherworldly Sahara Desert. We recommend flying into the capital city, Rabat, then slowly making your way down through Casablanca to Essaouira, perhaps via Marrakech, before arriving in the city of Agadir already thoroughly enchanted with Morocco and champing at the bit for the Atlantic Explorer ride. Afterwards, return to Marrakech to catch the bus to Ouarzazate, or hire a private driver to give you a local’s perspective en route (your ride hosts will be able to recommend reputable local drivers). The gateway to the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate is where your guides will meet you on day one of The Sahara Ride – undoubtedly THE best way to explore this desert.

If you’d like to continue your African adventure, from here you could wander southeast to…

Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana

In all three of these crazy cat countries, you’ll be able to experience some of THE best safari riding in the world. Whether you book one, two or all three of these trips, you’re in for the ride of your life. In Kenya, you’ll explore the vast expanse of the famed Maasai Mara game reserve; in Tanzania, you’ll ride alongside elephants in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro; and in Botswana, you’ll splash across the wildlife-filled water meadows of the Okavango Delta.

After the thrill of riding with lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras and more, you might want to keep riding forever. If that’s the case, then you must visit…

Namibia

Here you’ll find not one, but two absolutely EPIC endurance rides! Choose between the Namib Desert Safari and the Kalahari Desert Safari. Both are 10 days long, with 7 riding days, taking you places few people are ever fortunate enough to go. For the die-hard endurance rider, the Namib Desert Safari will give you lifelong bragging rights. You’ll travel between 40 and 70 kilometres (25 and 43 miles) each day! The Kalahari Desert Safari, on the other hand, covers between 20 to 40 kilometres (12 and 15 miles) each day and has more of an emphasis on wildlife.

What would your dream multi-ride African adventure look like? Let us know in the comments, or feel free to contact us to get the ball rolling!

And for more tips on how to be a responsible globetrotter, click here.

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