Complete guide to horseback riding in Georgia, Caucasus

Why discover Georgia on horseback?

What are the best places to discover on horseback in Georgia?

Horseback riding allows you to enjoy Georgia’s breathtaking scenery in a whole new way! Depending on what you’re after, you can take a half-day stroll or tackle the mountains for a few days. This activity is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. The most popular regions for horseback riding are Tusheti (Omalo), Vashlovani Park, Svaneti (Mestia) and Racha (Ghebi).

What is Georgia’s equestrian culture like?

Horses have played acentral role in Georgian society, both historically and culturally. Here are some important aspects of Georgia’s equestrian culture:

• Historical heritage: Horses play an important role in Georgia’s history. The country is famous for its skilled riders and ancient equestrian traditions. Horses were used for transport, hunting and warfare. At the end of the 19th century, the prowess of the Georgian riders attracted the attention of the famous American, Buffalo Bill, who recruited a dozen of them to take part in his circus show “The Wild West Show”. The performances of these Georgian cowboys, combining equestrian acrobatics and folk dancing, quickly became legendary on the circus’s American and European tours.
• Georgian horses: Georgia is famous for its native horse breeds, notably the Tush horse, also known as the Tushin. These tough, hardy horses have been bred to adapt to mountain conditions, and are prized for their agility and intelligence. They are small, calm horses. They can climb rocks and very steep slopes, and know how to preserve themselves to make the best use of their energy. They live in free-ranging herds all year round. Following the rhythm of the transhumance, they are either in the Tuchetian summer pastures or wintering on the Kakhetian plains.
• Traditional equestrian sports: Georgia is famous for its traditional equestrian sports, such as cxenbulti, a form of equestrian polo, and doghi, a horse race.
• Equestrian celebrations and festivals: Horses play an important role in traditional festivals, particularly pagan ones in Georgia. Horse races, equestrian acrobatics and other events highlighting riding and equestrian culture are organized on various occasions. In Tuchetia, for example, the Tushetoba or Atnigenoba celebrations feature horse races.
• Cultural symbol: Horses are also present in Georgian art and symbolism. They are often depicted in paintings, sculptures, tapestries and other art forms, testifying to their cultural importance.

Do I need a guide for my horseback expedition?

It’s highly recommended to have an experienced guide when planning a horseback riding trip, especially if you don’t have much riding experience.

• Safety : An experienced guide can guarantee your safety and that of the group. They know the horses, the routes, the local conditions and any potential dangers. They can help you avoid risky situations and intervene in emergencies.
• Orientation and navigation: A competent guide knows the routes, trails and topography of the region. This prevents you from getting lost or finding yourself in difficult situations. They can also guide you to the best places to visit, sites of cultural interest (monasteries, churches, historic villages, etc.) or natural beauty.
• Cultural and historical knowledge: A guide can share knowledge about local culture, history, flora and fauna. This enriches your travel experience, allowing you to better understand and appreciate the cultural and natural aspects of your destination.
• Horse care: A qualified guide will look after the horses throughout your trip. He makes sure the horses are healthy, well fed, properly saddled and suited to your level of riding experience.
• Logistical support: The guide takes care of all the logistics: planning the itinerary, booking accommodation and meals, organizing transfers and managing the horses. This allows you to concentrate fully on your riding experience without having to worry about the practicalities.

How to choose a guide for a horse trek in Georgia?

There are many agencies that organize horse treks in Georgia. The hardest thing is to choose an agency that you know takes care of its animals, feeds them properly and doesn’t overexploit them during the tourist season. To help you make your choice, we’ve selected a number of professional and experienced guides, which you’ll find below.

Our recommendations for equestrian guides in Georgia

Here are our recommendations for professional, experienced and welfare-conscious guides.

What you need to know before your Georgian ride

When is the best time to go horseback riding in Georgia?

The climate in Georgia is diverse, thanks to the country’s varied landscapes. From the subtropical climate of the west coast to the semi-desert climate of southern Kakheti and the mountainous climate of Tusheti, it’s possible to hike all year round in Georgia. If you’re planning a horseback ride in the Greater Caucasus regions (Tusheti, Svaneti, Khevsureti, etc.), the best time is in summer, between June and September, when temperatures are mild, between 10°C and 20°C. Transhumance takes place in spring and autumn. Even if conditions are more extreme (risk of snow and rain), the experience is unique: you’ll accompany herds of horses, cattle and sheep to the mountain pastures (or to their wintering area), meet the shepherds and discover their semi-nomadic way of life. In the south-eastern region of Georgia (Kakheti), the climate is much more temperate, even arid along the border with Azerbaijan. Summers are very hot, while winters are mild. That’s why this region is ideal for horseback riding in winter.

What’s a typical day like on a trail ride?

On a horseback trek, you don’t ride all day. Riding days last between 4 and 8 hours, during which some passages are marketed. In mountainous terrain, you’ll pass through passes approaching 3300m, ride over ridges and high plateaus, cross rivers and deep gorges, and pass by hilltop villages accessible via narrow pastoral paths. That’s why the preferred gait is the walk. The downhill sections and some difficult/steep sections are marketed. On the plains of southern Kakheti, gaits can be more sustained: walk, trot and canter.

Start the day early with a full breakfast in the wilderness or in a remote village, watching the sunrise over the mountains. Once your belly is full, you help the guide prepare the horses: you put the saddles in place and check the equipment to make sure everything is in good condition. When everyone is ready, it’s off for a few hours of hiking. At noon, you take a lunch break. This is a time for the horses to graze and rest. Then it’s off again for a few hours of riding before reaching your camp for the day. The choice of camp is also very important for the horses, hence the importance of having a guide who knows the horses’ needs and the best places to spend the night.

What level of horseback riding is required in Georgia?

Horseback riding is more than just a leisurely stroll, especially when it lasts more than 2 or 3 days! A minimum of knowledge is required to enjoy the ride in the best possible conditions for you and your equine companions. Bear in mind, too, that it’s not as easy to recover when you’re on the move, as the comforts aren’t the same as in a hotel. You’re bound to be sore, and you’ll be wild camping or sleeping in small inns with basic comforts. A good physical condition is therefore recommended, as well as experience of mountain trekking. You’ll be traveling in remote areas and on small mountain trails, so it’s not uncommon to have to dismount and walk alongside the horse for several kilometers. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you start with a 2 or 3-day hike or contact your guide to find out if this new experience is right for you!

A few tips to help you prepare for your trip on horseback

• Equipment: Be sure to check what is included in the trip and what equipment you should bring. Bring a bomb if you’re not sure you’ll find one on site. Dress for the weather! Don’t forget to take a look at the climate during the period you’re planning to travel. This is a point to bear in mind even before booking, to choose the best season. Don’t forget to wear clothes that regulate heat and dry quickly.
• Insurance: Don’t go trekking on horseback without insurance. Animals are as unpredictable as the terrain. So you’re never safe from an accident.
• Choosing a guide or travel agency: Check the reliability of the organization you are going to use for your horseback riding trip.. You can read travelers’ reviews and ask questions about the equipment, the horses and their welfare, the training of guides, and so on.
• Animal welfare: Before starting your ride, check your horse’s general condition. Check for visible wounds, lameness and proper shoeing.

What equipment do I need for horseback riding in the Caucasus?

The head

• Hat, bonnet
• Sunglasses
• A bomb

Clothing

• T-shirts or blouses, including one with long sleeves (to protect against the sun)
• Technical undergarment
• 1 warm fleece or equivalent
• A windproof and waterproof jacket or rain cape
• An anorak / warm jacket
• 1 pair of waterproof overtrousers in case of rain or river crossing
• 1 pair of comfortable evening pants
• 1 pair of riding pants according to personal preference
• 1 pair of walking pants
• A pair of warm gloves

Accessories

• Swiss Army knife, water bottle, headlamp.

• Purification tablet or filter, personal medication (note that morphine is not allowed in Georgia: codeine, tramadol, etc.), high-protection sun cream.
• Sleeping mat and sleeping bag, meat bag (sometimes included on organized hikes).
• Fontes (small panniers to be folded in front of the saddle) to hold your day’s essentials (sun cream, etc.).
• Portable battery for recharging your phone or camera.

Shoes

• Trekking/mountain shoes: it’s best to avoid riding shoes that aren’t suitable for walking.
• A light pair of shoes for evenings out.

What is the average budget for horseback riding in Georgia?

The average budget for a horseback riding holiday in Georgia can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the trip, the itinerary, the level of comfort required, the services included and the service provider chosen. Here’s a general estimate of the costs you can consider:

• Cost of the hike: The cost of the hike itself will depend on its duration and the organization offering it. Riding trips can last from a few days to several weeks. Rates can vary from 50 to 200 euros per day, depending on the services included (accommodation, meals, guide, etc.), the commitment of the expedition, the logistical difficulty and the level of comfort.
• Accommodation : If accommodation is included in the tour, it may be in the form of open-air camps, gîtes, guest houses or small hotels. Rates vary from 20 to 50 euros per night, depending on the type of accommodation and its location. Don’t forget to count your nights in Tbilisi (or Kutaisi) if you arrive by plane.
• Meals : Meals are generally included in the tour package. This means you don’t have to deal with the logistics, which can be complicated in the mountains where there aren’t many refreshment points.
• Transport: If you need to get to the starting point of the hike, you’ll need to take these costs into account. Generally, the service provider can arrange the transfer for you.
• Travel insurance: We strongly recommend (and some agencies even require) that you take out travel insurance to cover equestrian activities and any medical or cancellation costs. Insurance rates may vary depending on the length of the trip and the coverage chosen. Read our article on the best travel insurances here.

What accommodation is available for horseback riding in Georgia?

In the valleys, it’s quite easy to find small guesthouses, usually including dinner and breakfast in the price of the night. Sometimes it’s also possible to stay with local people, giving you an authentic insight into the Caucasian mountain way of life. For an evening, you’ll live with the family and eat produce from their garden. Generally speaking, there’s no electricity and amenities (toilets, showers) are basic, if not non-existent. As you climb higher, you’ll find only a few shepherds’ camps. In this case, wild camping is the ideal way to enjoy the scenery.

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