Our Globetrotter goes from a trot to a canter as she discovers some of the world’s finest horseriding experiences and luxury bases to ride out from

For fresh air and relaxation, few things compare to spending some down-time on horse back and there’s no better place to start a global round-up of places to ride than Little Beaver Creek in British Columbia, Canada. On-site owner and General Manager Alex Schütz is the most famous Swiss-born cowboy in North America – and he is a remarkable horse whisperer too. There are 25 horses, and you can trek for hours in this glorious 200-acre Glimpse Lake wilderness, three and a half hours’ drive north-east of Vancouver – a GPS stops you getting lost. My favourite of the seven hand-hewn pine suites is Loon Bay Master Suite, next to a private landing dock on the lake. www.littlebeavercreekranch.com

Next comes Dunton Hot Springs, near Dolores Colorado, US. Riding in the San Juan Range of the Colorado Rockies is a magical experience. Art Woods, General Manager of the 12-cabin luxury ranch, can arrange horses for trekking on the 1,400-acre estate and peaks beyond that soar to 14,000ft. Afterwards, relax in the 103-degree natural hot springs inside a dedicated bath cabin, out in the fresh air or, if you are in the Well House cabin, in a stone bath six-feet from your bed. Mario’s organic cuisine, in the original saloon that dates to 1895, is a great way to finish the day. www.duntonhotsprings.com

Now to South America, to Posada Salentein near Mendoza, Argentina. This 4,492-acre Uco Valley estate – once owned by Jesuits – now has 1,124 acres planted with Merlot and Pinot Noir: what a great way to feel invigorated, riding one of the estate’s Criollos through vineyards, with snow-capped Andes in the distance. The eight bedrooms are in two houses – choose Los Sarmientos, which has a big fireplace in the parlour. www.bodegasalentein.com

At Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, in England, Dinah Rose runs an on-site equestrian centre with 14 horses, including some splendid Shire horses. The estate – an hour from central London – is over 500 acres. The 133-room hotel is an expansion of the splendid brick mansion built in 1728 and the spa is a conversion of stables that are even a hundred years older. The Olympicsized pool is in a glass conservatory, connected to an outside vitality area. www.fourseasons.com/hampshire

Every horse lover, as well as those wanting to experience all the ‘greats’ in life, will want to visit Italy’s twice-yearly Palio race, held in Siena’s city-centre Piazza del Campo on 2 July and 16 August, at least once. Grand Hotel Continental, built in the 17th century by Pope Alexander VII, can arrange seats in one of the medieval buildings overlooking the race. At any time, the hotel’s concierges can also set up horseback riding for guests: their excursions are three hours from pickup to return, with riding in the Monteriggioni and Colle Val D’Elsa areas. www.royaldemeure.com

Now Down Under, first to Moonlight Head Lodge near Yulong, Victoria, Australia. Mark Banning- Taylor commissioned Pritzker Prize winner Glenn Murcutt to design the four-room lodge that will have a nearby boutique hotel opening soon. There are stunning views of the Cape, and of cliffs near the Twelve Apostles, spectacular rock stacks that rise up over 200 feet from the ocean. Ride to Cape Otway with local horseman Neil Henry, who will push you as hard as you want but no further. www.moonlighthead.com

Finally, to New Zealand, to Grasmere Lodge, near Christchurch. Riding manager Heather Harrington leads various treks from October to April. You are introduced by name to your ‘farm hack’ mount, specially bred for surefootedness and endurance, and your saddle has a small pommel, knee-holds and a deep seat for extra comfort. The estate was first settled in 1858 and some of the Lord of the Rings movie scenes were shot here. Today the 10-room lodge is owned by General Manager Tom Butler, with the premium lodge being Riverview Cottage for its views down the Cass River. www.grasmere.co.nz

MARY GOSTELOW is editor-in-chief of WOW.travel, the online magazine of www.kiwicollection.com