Equestrian Destinations for a Valentine’s Get-Away

A holiday of love can’t possibly not include horses.

Pixabay/kolibri5/CC

Looking for a non-traditional Valentine’s Day surprise for your horse loving significant other or spouse? Remember — as long as horses are involved, 99% of the time we will be happy. So when planning, maybe consider one of these fabulous equestrian destinations for a one-night or one-week getaway that will be sure to put a smile on the face of the one you love.

Branson, Missouri

Branson is one of my all-time favorite vacation spots. My husband and I love to take a weekend and make the drive up for a few days of absolute bliss. Load up the trailer and take your horses out to venture out to Busiek State Forest and enjoy 18 miles of beautiful trails. Don’t have or want to take your own horses? Not a problem, there are several horseback riding services such as Bear Creek Trails! After a relaxing trail ride, stop downtown and check out the Branson Landing and all of the shops it has to offer. Don’t forget to pick up your tickets for the ever popular Dixie Stampede and see all of Dolly’s beloved horses while enjoying a hearty meal!

Lexington, Kentucky

You can’t think of horses without thinking of Lexington. This beautiful and historic town has had firm roots in the equestrian industry for many decades which gives tourists seeking an equestrian based getaway a perfect spot to enjoy all things horsey! Of course, stop by the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park and tour the Hall of Champions where you can see some of horse racing’s greatest enjoying a life of relaxation or one of the many museums they offer! After that enjoy a trail ride or farm tours of some of the most beautiful farms in Lexington through Unique Bourbon and Horse Farm Tours, just a hop down the road from the Horse Park. Check out Keeneland Race Track or the legendary Thoroughbred Center! With an endless amount of things to do, places to see, and amazing restaurants to enjoy, Lexington is an easy destination for the horse lover to appreciate.

Cat Spring, Texas

How about enjoying some rest and relaxation at an adorable bed and breakfast just an hour west of Houston? BlissWood Bed and Breakfast comes highly recommended by many fellow equestrians as a hot spot to just enjoy some beautiful scenery and incorporate some activities in here and there. This 500 acre working ranch gives you plenty of options with their historic houses and cabins along the property. Take a tour of the ranch, enjoy archery or bike riding, take a day and enjoy some bass fishing, and of course with 500 acres to explore, there is plenty of space for a evening trail ride. While planning for that special weekend away, book an in-room massage and take advantage of their Valentine’s Day menu exclusively for those who reserve rooms for a retreat.

Vancouver, Canada

Enjoy a Valentine’s Day show in Vancouver with the renowned Cavalia Odysseo team! With a show on and around February 14^th, you can bring a smile to your horse lover’s face as they enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful and well-trained horses in what some may call an equestrian ballet. This thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience is a must-see for anyone who enjoys the natural beauty of the horse. With 13 different breeds represented in the show, there is a little something for everyone. Book a romantic dinner before the show and you are set for a night of enjoyment!

Ireland

Wanting to travel abroad? Ireland is one of the most beautiful equestrian destinations with firm roots in the English riding industry. Equestrian Holidays Ireland can help you find the perfect establishment for your needs. From cross country riding to trail riding, there is a little something for all skill levels in their array of vacation spots. Enjoy a day learning polo or take a traditional trip in the hunt field! Ireland is the land of the horse and pair some fun equine activities with phenomenal views, a nice meal in a quaint village, and the one you love and you both will take a trip to remember!

Of course, these are just a few samples of the many adventurous and romantic trips you can plan for the horse lover in your life. There are many equestrian-centered travel agencies out there that will be happy to help you plan the trip of a lifetime if you are a little unsure as to which path to take. From ranch work to hunting with the hounds, you can find something for almost anyone as you travel the world and enjoy all the sights it has to offer on the back of a horse!