There are some places where time is measures in “hoofbeats.”
So, why not settle into your saddle and prepare for a ride across the Argentine Pampas, through French wildflower meadows and on again to Spanish sierras.
That is the message from Relais & Chateaux which has come up with a list of ten properties that “celebrate the art of horsemanship, passed down with passion and shared with authenticity.”
More than just a chance to get away from it all, these ten experiences “perfectly encapsulate” Relais & Chateaux’s 12 Commitments to Sustainability, by perpetuating local hospitality traditions, preserving living heritage and protecting the beauty of the countryside.
The ten include Cashel Palace at Cashel in Ireland where guests can immerse themselves in the world of two equine institutions that have helped shape the story of modern thoroughbred racing.
The day begins at Ballydoyle Racing, where sweeping vistas, immaculately maintained training tracks and a renowned equine therapy center offer a privileged glimpse into the realm of champion trainer Aidan O’Brien.
The tour continues on to Fethard, known as the cradle of Ireland’s equine heritage.
Then, in the afternoon, guests pass through the storied gates of Coolmore Stud for a guided tour of its pristine grounds, observing celebrated stallions up close and visiting its restricted-access Legacy Museum which traces Coolmore’s illustrious history and thoroughbred bloodlines.
Accompanied throughout by Cashel Palace’s Equine Concierge, participants on this equestrian excursion enjoy privileged access to sites that are normally closed to the public, for a unique insight into the dedication, expertise and legacy of Irish racehorse breeding.
Another in the “top ten” is the Hardenberg Burghotel at Nörten-Hardenberg, Germany
Horsemanship is much more than a leisure activity on this estate: the noble animals embody a way of life deeply rooted in its history.
Here in Lower Saxony, vast meadows and rolling forests provide the ideal terrain for horseback riding. In the shadow of the romantic ruins of Hardenberg Castle, Hardenberg Burghotel invites guests to immerse themselves in its equestrian world, which centers around a stud farm and a centuries-old breeding tradition.
Whether for personalized lessons, dressage sessions, rides through the open countryside, or more technical aspects of training, each experience is designed with respect for both horse and rider.
Curious beginners and more seasoned riders alike will find attentive guidance, provided by professionals who share the same passion. Against the backdrop of the property’s aristocratic heritage, and amid all this unspoiled nature, the precision of horseback riding feels like a return to timeless elegance.
A third in the list Auberge Du Jeu De Paume at Chantilly in France.
Just a stone’s throw from Auberge du Jeu de Paume, the Chantilly Polo Club is the beating heart of the region.
The leading polo center in Western Europe, it is home to nearly 1400 horses and hosts as many as 500 matches each season. On the field, every move counts: the rider and his mount respond as one to the rhythm of mallet strikes, in a dazzling choreography that combines speed and precision.
The club’s polo school trains future players in its complex techniques and passes on its passion for the game. Introductory courses and training programs are provided throughout the year.
Guests at Auberge du Jeu de Paume can experience this world first-hand thanks to its close ties with the club, so they can attend matches, meet riders, and begin to appreciate the remarkable bonds between horse and rider.
Relais & Chateaux is an exceptional worldwide collection of 580 unique, independently operated hotels and restaurants, united by strong values and a devotion to excellence across every aspect of hospitality.
Originating in France in 1954, and now present in 65 countries, the Association works to celebrate the distinct art de vivre of every global destination.
Led by passionate hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs, each of its properties cultivates a meaningful sense of place by nurturing its individual cultural, gastronomic and environmental heritage and collaborating with local artisans.
