Ranches & Riding Vacations for Appaloosa Horse Lovers
Looking for a photo-worthy riding opportunity? Saddle up on a colorful and unique Appaloosa horse at these riding vacation destinations.
Striking, intelligent, independent and colorful are all words to describe Appaloosa horses. Bred originally by the Nez Perce Indians, you may recognize these horses because of the spots and splashes of color on their coats. No, these horses are not part of a Rorschach test, but they have intrigued humans throughout history. Appearing in ancient cave drawings in France, as well as centuries old Asian art, these captivating horses continue to be bred and raised at ranches and riding vacation hotspots as far away as Israel and as close to home as Ohio.
Check out a few of the guest ranches and riding holidays offering trail rides on Appaloosa horses for your introduction to this versatile breed.
An Appalooosa horse in Israel from Ramot Ranch.
Israel
Ride Appaloosa horses with Ramot Ranch in Israel. Ramot's owner Uri Peleg, one of Israel's leading horsemen, brought eight pregnant mares over from the USA in the 1980's, and they were the beginning of the love affair between Israeli riders and Appaloosas. Today, Ramot Ranch takes riders out on Appaloosa horses high in the mountains of the Golan Heights. Situated above Moshav Ramot and overlooking the Sea of Gallilee, this ranch boasts awesome views and is largest riding destination in the North of Israel.
Riding an Appaloosa horse on the Sea of Galilee in Israel with Ramot Ranch.
Ohio
With over 25 miles of trails winding through woods, creeks and more on over 500 acres, Spotted Horse Ranch in Hocking Hills, Ohio offers guided trail rides on their Appaloosa horses. For guests that want to bring their own horse, campsites equipped with electric and water for horses, covered stalls and also showers and bathrooms are also available.
Appaloosas in the morning at Hocking Hills Ranch in Ohio.
Montana
Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, located just a few miles north of Yellowstone’s border in Montana, raises and trains a herd of around 120 Appaloosa horses, which make for photo-worthy mounts amid the jaw-dropping landscapes in this part of Montana. This traditional dude ranch offers trail rides through timbered forests, grassy meadows and into the mountains.
Watch a video on Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana.
Italy
Ca’ de Figo, located in Lombardy, is an agriturismo where guests can saddle up on Appaloosas in Italy. Lombardy is a region in Northern Italy whose capital is Milan. It is bordered by Switzerland. The farm breeds Appaloosas, sticking as much as possible to the original breeding standards with the help of The Appaloosa Foundation. Trails wind through vineyards, rolling hills, and woodland, where deer and other animals might be seen. Guests may also visit medieval castles and local wine producers. When not riding, the farmhouse offers organic meals, time in their spa and wellness center and local sightseeing.
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Running through the Italian countryside with Ca’ de Figo in Lombardy.
Do you know a great place to ride an Appie that we missed? Please email us to let us know about it, so we can add to this resource. Learn more about great dude ranches and equestrian vacations in the Equitrekking Vacation Guide and at Top20Ranches.com.
