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Nature at
360
degrees
on horseback
It’s amazing how your outlook changes
when you stand a horse head above
the surrounding countryside. Strapped
to a saddle with the wind in your face,
one can’t help but feel like the explorers
of old. Up here there are no walls. The
view is unfettered and the world sprawls
out in every direction. In a land blessed
with gorgeous scenery — not to mention
hundreds of ancient temple ruins — the
possibilities for adventure are plenty.
Siem Reap isn’t the first place that
comes to mind when horseback riding
is mentioned. Yet with a largely flat
landscape composed of paddy fields,
ponds and streams, it boasts an ideal
setting for this activity. Would-be
Cambodian cowboys should head
straight for The Happy Ranch (
thehappyranch.com
),
a Western-style
horse farm that offers guided trail rides
to the surrounding countryside. Guests
are paired with horses and given basic
instructions in horsemanship. Depending
on your gait (beginners usually walk
their horses, while the most experienced
riders go full gallop), the tour lasts around
four hours at most. Whatever speed
you choose, though, this is one ride that
shows you a different side of Cambodia.
The Happy Ranch
can personalize
trail rides based on
your skill level and
experience
Feel like a cowboy
when you explore Siem
Reap on horseback
