This is the ride your inner pony mad kid has been manifesting for years. You help move young horses more than 110 km through Idaho back country, five nights of open range and no polite arena corners. It is you, real wranglers, a string of opinionated youngsters (horses not humans!) and long days that leave your legs shot and your heart very, very full.

Long days, big skies, and the open Karoo calling. Ride out on a working cattle ranch that has been in the same family since 1898, hosted by Julie Hobson, with professional photography included.

LEVEL:  Comfy Intermediate. The fastest way to move cattle is slowly. A great way to get back in the saddle.

Ride Texas the classic way: from the saddle, deep in the Hill Country. This riding centre sits on the former HQ of a century-old cattle ranch, with trails threading through 6,000 acres of live oaks, yucca and wildflowers. Expect wildlife cameos: deer, wild turkey, rabbits, the lot.

Wide open canters with wild game in the Umgeni Valley. Owner Tess Miles Stone leads you through shady riverbanks, rocky gorge tracks, waterfall lunch stops, secret pools and long grass canters. Big views and real South African hospitality.

The ride kicks off in Coxilha Rica, a wild high plateau in the south of Brazil. At about 1000m up in true gaucho country, you roll into an old fazenda and straight into the arms of Paul and his gaucho crew. Flemish born Paul Coudneys and his right hand cowboy Daniel host you, guide you, and keep the stories flowing all week.

Deep in the Colombian wetlands, ride alongside the original cowboys, mustering horses and cattle. It doesn’t get more real than this. Hosted by Paul Coudenys.

LEVEL: Intermediate - moving at the pace of the herd.

⭐Bad Pony Approved:Rode it. Loved it. Read it.

BAD PONY APPROVED

This ride is so good that 2026 is fully booked. Grab a 2027 saddle while they last.

A working cattle farm in the Eastern Cape, in the family since 1898. Four cattle drives a year, and you ride as part of the team. Real herding, real stockmen and women, real Karoo.

Terrain is rocky and steep, so above-average fitness is non-negotiable. Expect to dismount and chase the odd runaway calf on foot.