Equestrian sports offer a thrilling blend of excitement, skill, and connection with nature. If you are an equine enthusiast, you already know how amazing it is to have horses in your life. 

Or maybe you are a digital nomad who just discovered the fun parts of equine sports?

However, finding the perfect place to live with your equine companion can be a challenge. Whether you are a professional rider, breeder, or just a horse lover who likes to caress horses, you need a place that offers the right combination of space, facilities, culture and community. Luckily, there are a few places around the world that cater to the needs of equine enthusiasts. Here is an overview of what we believe are the best seven places to move to if you are an equine enthusiast:

Iceland is probably one of the most obvious choices.  With its stunning landscapes, mild climate, and year-round riding opportunities, Iceland is the perfect place for equine enthusiasts who love nature and tranquility. Plus, it makes the choice of horse simple: Icelandic horses are the only horses that exist on the island of Iceland.

Icelandic horses are famous for their unique gaits called ‘tölt’, a gait that most horses in the world genetically are not able to use. If you have not yet tried it, it is a quite unique and refreshing way to ride. The country’s equine industry is very developed with a wide variety of opportunities to get involved in competitions, breeding and much more.

Iceland also boasts a vibrant equine culture. From traditional horse roundups to high-stakes competitions, there's always something going on in the horse community. The country even hosts an annual festival, Landsmót, which is dedicated to the Icelandic horse. This event is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts to gather, compete and share their passion for these unique animals.

Moreover, the Icelandic people have a deep-seated respect for their equine companions, stemming from their historical reliance on horses for transportation and work in the harsh Icelandic landscape. This respect is evident today in their laws and attitudes towards animal welfare. In Iceland, abuse of horses is severely condemned and the horses are given plenty of space to roam and live as they would in the wild.



The only real down-side of Iceland is: You can't bring your horse with you since Iceland does not allow importing horses.

I was first going to write "The Greater Zurich Area". But really all of Switzerland is great for equine enthusiasts. Switzerland has an amazing equestrian culture in all parts of the country. The Swiss have some of the most well-maintained and picturesque riding trails in the world. Plus, with a variety of equestrian events held throughout the year, there is never a dull moment for horse lovers.

The country also has strict animal welfare laws and high standards for horse care and facilities. Horse owners can rest assured that their equine companions are receiving top-notch care in Switzerland. Additionally, Switzerland's central location in Europe makes it easy to travel to other countries for competitions or breeding opportunities.

Zurich and Zug are of course excellent, if costly, locations in Switzerland for equine enthusiasts, offering a wealth of opportunities to engage with the equestrian community and enjoy horse-related activities.

If your income is not that high yet (below 100K), some of the places with a lower rent might have an advantage over those with lower taxes but higher real estate prices / rents.

The good news is: Whether you are in Zurich, Zug, Luzern, Lugano, St. Gallen, Bern, Basel or Geneva, you will always find a decent stable somewhere and hopefully good people taking care of your horses or offering lessons, organizing events and so on.



Overall Switzerland really has an equestrian culture at a high level which you will not find everywhere in the world.

Germany

Who would have thought that Germans are not only good at making cars?

They are also great at taking care of their four legged predecessors! Germany has a long-standing tradition of equestrian sports, particularly in the disciplines of dressage and show jumping.

But it's not just about sports in Germany. Horses are deeply ingrained in German culture and have been for centuries. From traditional festivals like Oktoberfest to holiday parades featuring beautifully decorated horses, there is always something going on to celebrate these majestic animals.

Germany is renowned for hosting some of the world's most prestigious equestrian events, drawing both competitors and fans eager to witness excellence in various disciplines. One such event is the CHIO Aachen, held annually in July. This five-star competition is often regarded as the "Wimbledon of equestrian sports," featuring top-tier show jumping, dressage, and eventing competitions. The atmosphere is electric, as the world’s elite riders showcase their skills in front of passionate crowds.

Another significant event is the German National Equestrian Championships (Deutsche Meisterschaften), which take place in various locations throughout the country. These championships celebrate the finest in German dressage and show jumping, providing invaluable opportunities for local riders to shine and garner recognition. Events like these highlight the country’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting equestrian excellence.

In addition, the Equitana, held every two years in Essen, stands out as a unique trade fair and exhibition, combining competitions, educational seminars, and merchandise for equine enthusiasts. It's a must-attend event for anyone interested in the latest trends and innovations in the equestrian world.

These events not only showcase Germany's deep-seated equestrian culture but also strengthen community ties through shared passion, making the country an unparalleled destination for equine lovers.

If you are looking for an American destination that offers the best of all worlds—including top-notch equine facilities as well as cultural activities and venues—then look no further than Lexington, Kentucky. Also known as the “Horse Capital of the World”, Lexington is home to many renowned horse farms and equestrian centers, including Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland racing tracks. The city also hosts several annual events such as the Red Mile Harness Racing, a five-day event that takes place in October every year.

In addition to the horse-related activities, Lexington is a great city for outdoor enthusiasts. The extensive network of trails and parks are perfect for riding, hiking, biking, and other recreational activities. There's always something new to explore in Lexington with its numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues.

Lexington also enjoys strong support from the local community. There is a thriving equestrian community in the city and there are many clubs, associations, and organizations dedicated to preserving the region’s equestrian heritage.

All in all, Lexington offers plenty of activities for equine enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. Whether you are an experienced rider or just getting started with horseback riding, Lexington has something for everyone.

Alberta, Canada

If you are looking for a place that combines the beauty of nature with top-notch equestrian facilities, Calgary is the perfect choice. The city hosts some of the biggest horse shows in North America, and it offers a wide range of training and boarding facilities. The surrounding mountains, rivers, and forests provide plenty of opportunities for trail riding and adventure.

Near Calgary is also the famous Banff National Park. Every year millions of tourists visit the national park. But the best option to explore and enjoy surrounding lakes and mountains is from the saddle of a horse. Banff definitely offers a unique experience for horse-lovers.

The city is also home to some of the best equestrian centers in Canada. The Spruce Meadows Equestrian Center, founded by Ron and Judy Southern in 1975, hosts a variety of competitions throughout the year such as the ‘Masters’ Tournament and the ‘North American’ tournament.

Calgary also has several clubs and associations dedicated to promoting equine welfare and education. The city is host to an annual ‘Stampede’ event that celebrates the history of horsemanship in Canada.