Imagine exploring dense forests, galloping along sandy, beaches and trotting past ancient ruins and then stopping for a picnic amidst winding olive groves and scented pine forests. Turkey is perfect for riding enthusiasts who want to combine their love of the saddle with adventure and exploration. There are numerous organised rides taking in some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, we take a look at just a small selection of what is on offer.
Heading Out
You can ride year round in Turkey; when the weather is at its hottest during the arid summer months, rides take place during the early morning at around 7 am or in the late afternoon around 4 pm. There is obviously more flexibility in terms of ride times during winter when the weather is cooler, although the best periods to indulge in riding are around April to June and September to November. No matter what time of year you choose to ride here, skies are invariably always blue blending against the turquoise sea or contrasting with the lush green farmland. Riders are advised to wear riding hats and sensible footwear with a heel. Sneakers are not a good choice because they can slip through the stirrups. All riders should consider their personal safety in the event of an accident and ride in pairs with a qualified guide who knows the area well. Take a mobile phone with you programmed with the number of the emergency services and always carry some water even on short rides. You should be an accomplished rider of intermediate standard to tackle some of the longer hikes. The riding stable you use will usually inform you about which routes are suitable for your riding ability. Many stables will also take children who are of a good standard and for those adults and kids not quite up to par, there are often shorter rides where horses are lead on a lead reign.
Riding the Patara National Park
Many rides explore the rich beauty of the Patara National Park, which lies between Kalkan and Fethiye on the Mediterranean coast. A ride through the National Park provides views of the long sandy Patara Beach, voted one of the best in the world by the Times Online. The area is also is a sanctuary for some diverse birdlife as well as some beautiful flora and fauna. The ancient town of Patara is visible though quite incredibly, much of them remain undiscovered, including the renowned Temple of Apollo. Most of the excavated remains, like the Lycian Parliament Building and what appears to be the world’s oldest lighthouse were once covered by tons of sand. Rides through this area take you through the pine forests and down onto the beach. It is a spectacular area for riding – undoubtedly one of the best.
Cruising through the Country of the Horse, Cappadocia
There is no need to head for the coast for your Turkish riding holiday. Some companies tour inland areas and one particularly great site to explore is the Cappadocia region, located inland southwest of Kayseri city. This area has long been a meeting point for Asians and Europeans; even Alexander the Great left his mark here. The landscape is magnificent with exciting cliffs and lush valleys in a palette of earth tones, greens and the striking blues of the sky. Apart from the wonderful scenery, there are some incredible ancient remains, including massive underground cities, which once hid early Christians from Muslim and Roman aggressors, hidden caves where the walls are adorned with ornate paintings. The famed rocks of Cappadocia close to Goreme have eroded into hundreds of impressive pointed pillars reminiscent of a thousand mosque minarets.
Trekking through the Marmaris National Park
Just 6 km from the popular beach resort of Marmaris, lies the areas national park. It is full of beautiful sites and sounds and geological innovations, in fact the North West part of the park is a deep red in colour thanks to the oxidation from the rocks. When you ride through the park you will pass forests rich in rare tree species as well as plenty of pines and oaks and they all blend to provide a rich array of colour. The scents of the area overwhelming; rosemary, oleander and bay mingle with the aroma of pine. Olives trees grow wild and the array of local wildlife adds to the scenes of natural beauty; wild goats roam on the stretch between Marmaris and Koycegiz and you may also see foxes, squirrels, weasels and if you are very lucky, bears and lynx. At the fringes of the park you can picnic next to one of the tranquil, unspoilt beaches or maybe in one of the designated areas on the park’s camp sites. As you continue your ride, you will chance upon the ancient sites of the former cities of Amos and Physkos, where there are ruins of an ancient theatre, city walls, and a temple.
