🐎 Where to go horse riding in Georgia? TOP destinations and tips for beginners
📋 Want to try horse riding in Georgia? We tell you where you can ride horses, how much a tour costs, which routes are suitable for beginners and families with children. Horse breeds, safety, tips and FAQ - everything you need to know before your trip.
🌄 Ride your dream - "horse riding in Georgia" will show you the mountains as only horses and the wind see them!
🚀 Why You Should Try Horse Riding in Georgia
🏔️ Imagine: dawn in the mountains, tiny clouds swirling over Kazbegi, the saddle crackling, and alpine grass rustling slowly under the hooves. Horseback riding in Georgia is not just horseback riding; it is an opportunity to dissolve in the rhythm of ancient pastoral paths, where every turn opens up a new panorama of sparkling peaks and green valleys.
🐴 Horseback riding tours combine active tourism and eco-friendly acquaintance with nature: no motors, just clean mountain air, animals and nature around. Do you like nature trails? Here you will see streams, pass them by fording, hear the wind playing in the coniferous crowns, and feel how differently the mountains sound when you walk along. In one trip, you get both a vacation in the mountains and a “live” excursion on local legends - guides will share stories of their lands, teach you how to communicate with a horse and suggest the most photogenic places.
📍 Where to go horseback riding: the best destinations
🐎 In Georgia, horse riding is not only entertainment, but also a way to touch the non-touristy side of the country. Below are the best regions where horse riding tours are organized for any level of training. Choose a route to your liking - from the coast to high mountain trails.
🗺️ Top Horseback Riding Destinations in Georgia
| 📌 Region | 📍 Locations | ⏱️ Duration | 👣 Skill Level | 💸 Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazbegi | Stepantsminda, Trinity Church | 2 hours to 2 days | Beginner – Intermediate | from 80 ₾ |
| Svaneti | Mestia, Ushguli | 1–3 days | Intermediate – Advanced | from 300 ₾ |
| Adjara | Machakhela, Goderdzi | 1 hour to full day | Beginner – Intermediate | from 70 ₾ |
| Kakheti | Lagodekhi, Sighnaghi, Akhmeta | half day – 2 days | Any | from 100 ₾ |
| Samtskhe-Javakheti | Akhaltsikhe, Vardzia | 1–2 days | Intermediate | from 150 ₾ |
| Tusheti | Omalo, Dartlo, Keselo | 3–5 days | Advanced | from 500 ₾ |
| Around Batumi | Green Cape, Black River | 1 hour to half day | Beginner | from 60 ₾ |
🧭 All routes go along pastoral paths, national parks or historic roads. This means that the impressions will be vivid, and the photos will be postcard after postcard.
🐴 How the horse trails work: a day from the saddle
🌄 Horseback riding is more than just a route from point A to B. It is a journey in the rhythm of nature, when you live in the saddle and dissolve into the surrounding landscape.
📅 A typical day on a horseback tour looks something like this:
⛺ Overnight stays can be different:
- tents under the stars,
- guesthouses in villages,
- tourist shelters along the routes.
🧑🤝🧑 The groups are small - from 2 to 8 people. An experienced guide is always present, who monitors safety and helps beginners. Many routes are accompanied by pack horses with supplies and equipment.
🐴 The horses move at a measured pace, the route is well thought out: you don’t just ride, but have time to look around, stop in picturesque places and take photos. This is not a race, but a conscious movement in harmony with nature.
💬 Important to know: even if you have never sat in the saddle, choosing a short tour (for 1 day), you can handle it. The main thing is to listen to the guide and trust your four-legged friend.
👨👩👧👦 Is it suitable for beginners and families with children?
🤗 Yes, it does! Horseback riding in Georgia is not only for experienced riders. Many routes are specially adapted for beginners and families with children, so that everyone can experience the magic of traveling in the saddle.
🧒Who are the walks suitable for:
- those who have never sat on a horse;
- families with children from 6 years old;
- tourists looking for a gentle and leisurely format of active recreation;
- elderly travelers who want to change the typical format of excursions.
🐴 What makes walking safe and comfortable:
- the horses are calm, trained, with a balanced character;
- each route is accompanied by an instructor or local guide who controls the pace and helps with management;
- rides take place on flat areas - at the foot of the mountains, along rivers and meadows;
- you can choose short rides - for 30 minutes, an hour or half a day.
💬Recommendation: if a child or an adult has a fear of horses, do not refuse in advance. Often it is enough to simply watch, walk next to, and then saddle. Local guides are great at sensing the mood and can win over even the most cautious tourists.
🎒 What to take with you on a horseback riding tour
📦Even if the walk is only planned for a couple of hours, it is important to prepare: the weather in the mountains is changeable, and comfort directly affects the impressions of the trip. Below is a checklist of basic things to take with you.
- Comfortable pants and a T-shirt/long sleeve (preferably without inner thigh seams)
- Sports shoes or hiking boots
- Light jacket or windbreaker — in case of wind or rain
- Cap, buff, or sun hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Small backpack or waist bag
- Water bottle (0.5–1 L)
- Mini first-aid kit (band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic)
- Phone in a case and a power bank
- Snack (if the ride lasts more than 2–3 hours)
📌 Advice: if you are planning a route with an overnight stay, check with the organizers whether equipment (sleeping bag, mat, tent) is provided, or if you need to take it with you.
💰 Prices for horse riding tours in Georgia and what is included
📊 In Georgia, you can find tours for every taste and budget - from a short walk through a picturesque valley to a multi-day route along high-mountain trails with overnight stays and meals. Below are approximate prices and what is usually included in the price.
| 🕒 Duration | 💵 Approx. Price | 📦 Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | from 50–80 ₾ | Ride with instructor, short route near the mountain foot |
| Half-day (3–4 hours) | from 100–150 ₾ | Route with stops, light snack, guide accompaniment |
| Full day | from 180–250 ₾ | Trek, lunch, transfer to the starting point, helmet rental |
| 2–3 days | from 400–600 ₾ | Route, overnight stay in guesthouse or tent, meals, guide |
| 4+ days | from 800 ₾ | Full tour with accommodation, packhorses, meals, and transfer |
💡Remember: prices may vary depending on the season, region, route complexity and comfort level. It is better to check the details with the organizers in advance.
🗺️How to get to the starting points of the routes
🚙 Most horse riding routes in Georgia start in picturesque but remote places - it is not always easy to get there, especially without a car. Below are the main ways to get to the starting point of the chosen route.
| 📍 Region | 🚗 How to Get There | 🗺️ Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Kazbegi | Minibus from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (~3 hours) | Departs from Didube Bus Station every hour; private transfers also available |
| Svaneti | Minibus or intercity bus to Mestia (8–10 hours) | Faster option: domestic flight from Tbilisi to Mestia (1 hour) |
| Adjara | From Batumi — minibus or taxi to Goderdzi | Some tours start directly from Batumi — check with your organizer |
| Kakheti | Minibuses to Telavi, Lagodekhi, or Sighnaghi | Rental car recommended — routes are scattered |
| Tusheti | Only 4×4 vehicle — from Akhmeta via Abano Pass | Hire a local driver — road is seasonal and very difficult |
💬 Tip: If you don’t have a rental car, choose tours with included transfer. This will save time and nerves, especially in mountainous areas with limited transport.
🌄Horses and Guides: Who Goes with You on the Journey
🐎 In Georgia, a horse is not just a means of transportation, but a real travel companion. Thanks to generations of breeds, these animals are hardy, calm and ideal for mountain conditions. And next to you there will always be an experienced guide who knows the route and the characteristics of each horse well.
Calm, friendly, and sturdy — perfect for beginners and flatland trails.
Hardy and agile — born for mountains, confidently handles rocky paths and passes.
Obedient, balanced, and strong — ideal for long-distance rides in the highlands.
🧑🌾 Who is leading the route:
- 🌟 Local guides and shepherds, many of whom have been in the saddle since childhood - they know every trail and can read a horse's behavior;
- 🧭 They help choose a route based on your level, tell you how to stay in the saddle, and monitor the safety of the group;
- 🗣️ They often speak Russian or English, share stories, legends, and advice.
🧡 These people are the soul of your journey. They don't just lead the route, they make it warm and memorable.
💬Important to know: all horses undergo adaptation and training before going on the route. And if you are afraid, the guide will always be there so that you feel confident and connected with the animal.
⚠️ Safety and Health Tips in the Saddle
🧘♀️ A horseback riding tour is not an extreme adventure, but still an active holiday, especially if the route goes through the mountains. To ensure that the trip leaves only pleasant memories, it is worth thinking about your comfort and safety in advance. Below are key tips to help you avoid troubles along the way.
📌 Remember: your well-being and safety on the road are not only the guide’s concern, but also your own responsibility. It’s better to prepare in advance and enjoy every minute in the saddle!
🌟 Advice from the Madloba.Info team
📚 We rode horses for dozens of kilometers through the mountains, plains and gorges of Georgia - and collected for you the most useful tips that will help make your trip truly unforgettable. This is something that tour operators do not always tell you about, but which will definitely come in handy on the road.
💬 From us personally: don't be afraid to try! Even if you've only petted ponies at the zoo before, in Georgia you'll definitely meet your first horse, which will change your idea of traveling 💙
🤔 Frequently asked questions
📩 If you are going on a horseback riding tour for the first time, you may have many questions - from clothing to insurance. We have collected the most popular ones and answered them honestly so that you feel confident and calm before the trip.
🧍♂️ Can I participate if I've never ridden a horse?
Yes! Many routes are suitable for beginners. A briefing is provided, and the route is selected based on your experience level.
👶 Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children from 6 years old can participate when accompanied by adults. Some routes offer ponies and shorter rides for younger kids.
😬 What if I'm afraid of horses?
Fear is normal. It often goes away within the first 10 minutes. Guides will help you build trust and create a calm atmosphere.
📸 Can I bring a phone or camera?
Yes, but it’s best to keep it in a protective case or backpack. For photos during the ride, a waist bag or GoPro is convenient.
📅 How can I book a horseback tour in advance?
You can book directly with the organizer or through travel platforms. Some regional hotels also offer tours on-site.
🛡️ Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it’s mandatory. Make sure your policy covers active recreation, including horseback riding.
🥾 What clothes and shoes should I wear?
Comfortable pants (preferably without inner seams), sneakers or hiking boots with firm soles, a sun hat, and a windbreaker.
💧 What should I take for a one-day tour?
Water, sunscreen, light snacks, a small first aid kit, phone, power bank. For overnight tours — ask the organizer for a full list.
🕒 How long does the ride last?
The shortest tour is around 30 minutes. Standard rides take 2–4 hours. There are also full-day and multi-day routes (up to 5 days).
🚗 What if I don’t have a car?
Choose tours with transfers or use public minibuses. In mountainous regions like Tusheti, it’s better to go with an organized driver.
16 comments
Log in to leave a comment