1

Haven't done enough horse riding to compare what I did as great, but we did a day trip out of Chugchilan when we hiked the Quilatoa loop. Scenery was spectacular, but the only problem was that the half way through we realised the horses didn't have horse shoes, and it seemed their feet were getting a little sore when they walked on the rock section.

Whilst more than able for trotting and a bit of canter, they weren't stallions galloping the day away.

2

Ah yes, I did read somewhere not to take that horse ride due to how the animals were been treated. I am not an experienced horse rider, but interested in doing a short tour where the animals are treated well and scenery great.

3

Hello!

Apart from the Chugchilán to Sigchos ride - very scenic but agree with #1 that the horses were not the best cared for I've ever seen - I have two very strong recommendations in Ecuador. They depend on your level of proficiency on a horse though!

1. Ride into Sangay National Park to the base of Volcán Sangay, one of the world's most active volcanos. For advanced riders only (very steep in places, extremely muddy in others) but extraordinary. Rather than describe it here check out the following link to the corresponding entry on my travel blog:

http://www.travelblog.org/South-America/Ecuador/Centre/Sangay-National-Park-/blog-725387.html

You hire ponies in a local village for this one, and ours seemed pretty good. Unwell horses would not have managed this trail. This cannot be done solo - far too complicated and hazardous. Andean Expeditions in Riobamba is highly recommended, run by a Canadian who's lived in Ecuador for years. One of my 15-month trip's highlights. Only a handful of visitors make it to this sector of the park.

2. Vilcabamba in Southern Ecuador. Lovely riding in PN Podocarpus. We went with a local guy called Holger (great play on words - geddit? - but it seems that actually is his name) with superbly cared-for horses, evidently very well loved. Plenty of very fast galloping if that's your thing. It was exhilarating, the horses were racing each other. Highly recommended.

See link below:

http://www.travelblog.org/South-America/Ecuador/South/Cuenca/blog-729640.html

The quality of horses in hit or miss in Ecuador (unlike Argentina or Chile where horses are very unlikely to be badly cared for), but outside Quilotoa we were happy. We refuse to ride on horses which aren't well - sores, unshod, badly-trimmed hooves or poor-quality tackle.

I hope one of these options appeals! #1 is superb but really off the beaten track, #2 is more mainstream but wonderful.

Will

4

Casa Mojanda, a mountain lodge outside of Otavalo, takes good care of their horses and offers rides around the countryside. Very enjoyable, scenic and peacefull. Some of their horses are good for beginners and some (paso finos) are better for more experienced riders. I"ve taken these ride a number of times and highly recommend them. I think that there are horse rides from the Zuleta hacienda above Ibarra but I've never done it there.

5

Hi! I'll be volunteering with this program for the first time next month. They offer all sorta of adventures, horseback riding being one of them. Here's the link, might be worth checking out. Probably very affordable compared to most. Have fun!!
http://www.ecuadorecoadventure.com/horseback-riding/

6

Gracias todos for all the informacion.
Celene