About Horseback Riding Turkey

A Family Business Built on Horses, Trust and Experience

Over 35 Years of Riding Experience Across Turkey

Horseback Riding Turkey is a family-run business founded in 1988 by Ercihan Dilari and managed together with his wife, Tülin Dilari. For more than three decades, our work has been guided by a simple belief: horses are not tools or equipment — they are companions, partners, and part of our family.

If you care deeply about the well-being of horses and want to experience riding in a responsible and ethical way, you are in the right place.

With more than 35 years of hands-on experience, Ercihan Dilari has been involved in some of the most important long-distance horseback riding routes in Turkey — many of them for the very first time.

Among these pioneering journeys are:

  • The Evliya Çelebi Way (2009) – A 330 km UNESCO-recognized cultural route across Turkey, completed together with his beloved horse Anadolu and accompanied by a team of academics.
  • The Saint Paul Trail (2013) – A 500 km route stretching from Perge, near Antalya, to Yalvaç, northeast of Lake Eğirdir.
  • The Phrygian Way (2014–2016) – A 506 km network linking Ankara, Afyonkarahisar, Eskişehir and Kütahya, bringing riders through ancient valleys shaped by the Phrygian civilization.
  • The Great Anatolian Ride (2014) – A unique expedition starting in Cappadocia and ending in İznik, connecting several historic trails into one continuous journey.

These experiences form the foundation of every tour we design today.

Horseback rıdıng cappadocıa turkey

Our Mission & Vision

Safety, Responsibility and Professionalism in Horseback Tourism

Horseback Riding Turkey is a company known is a company known for its safety and professionalism. We approach horseback tourism with a deep sense of responsibility. Every tour we design and every operation we run is planned with the same care and seriousness as if we were riding ourselves. Human safety and horse welfare are not optional values for us — they are the foundation of everything we do.

Our vision is to contribute to horseback tourism at an international standard while ensuring that safety, preparation and ethical practices remain at the core of every experience we offer.

Protecting Horses, Nature and Life

As Horseback Riding Turkey, our first and most important mission is to protect horses and all living beings that share the natural environment we ride through. Horse health always comes before everything else. Routes, group sizes and daily schedules are carefully planned to respect the physical and emotional well-being of our horses.

At the same time, we aim to support and elevate Turkish equestrian culture to international standards, while sharing its rich heritage, gastronomy and ethical values with the world.

A Family-Oriented Travel Experience, Not Tourism as Usual

We do not see our guests as tourists. From the moment you arrive, our philosophy is simple: you are part of our family. We prepare each ride as if we were organizing it for someone close to us, and we never treat anyone as a stranger.

Our goal is for every guest to leave Turkey not only with unforgettable memories, but also with a genuine connection to our culture, our people and our way of life.

Guest Happiness Through Trust and Care

Your happiness is our non-negotiable priority. We want every guest to return home feeling satisfied, safe and genuinely cared for. While we have clear rules and standards, communication is always open. If there is anything you are not comfortable with during a ride, we encourage you to inform your guide immediately. Our experienced and responsive team is always ready to find solutions on the spot, ensuring that both horse welfare and guest satisfaction are protected at all times.

Multi-day horseback riding adventure in Cappadocia for experienced riders

A Philosophy Built on Horse Welfare

What sets Horseback Riding Turkey apart is not only experience, but values. Ercihan Dilari never sees horses as mere animals; they are lifelong companions. Horse welfare is always the priority — from route planning and group sizes to rest periods and training routines.

Over the past decade, Dilari has successfully trained horses that went on to become national champions in Endurance competitions, a discipline that demands exceptional care, patience and understanding of the horse.

Education, Social Responsibility and Sharing Knowledge

Horseback Riding Turkey is actively involved in education and social responsibility projects. The Hippotherapy Project, carried out in cooperation with Nevşehir University, reflects our commitment to using horses in ways that positively impact both people and animals.

Beyond Turkey, Ercihan Dilari has organized and guided horseback riding expeditions across different countries, terrains and climates. A strong believer in continuous learning, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with riders of all levels. His unique approach often gives even very experienced riders a completely new perspective on horses and nature.

Why Ride With Us?

horseback riding turkey, horse riding cappadocia about hbrt
  • A family business with decades of experience
  • Ethical horse care and responsible riding practices
  • Tours designed by a national endurance champion
  • Routes shaped by real long-distance riding experience
  • A philosophy based on respect, learning and trust

At Horseback Riding Turkey, every ride reflects our history, our values and our lifelong connection with horses.

Discover seamless integration and enhanced experiences designed to elevate your daily life. Our innovations transcend traditional boundaries, creating a more interconnected and intuitive world for everyone.

Horseback Riding Turkey is recognized as one of the leading names for horseback riding in Cappadocia and long-distance trail adventures across the country. With decades of experience, carefully trained horses, and routes shaped by history, nature, and authentic local culture, we welcome riders from around the world seeking a true horse riding holiday in Turkey. From spectacular valleys to remote landscapes, every journey reflects our passion for ethical horsemanship, rider safety, and unforgettable exploration in the saddle. As Horseback Riding Turkey, our mission is to create meaningful connections between riders, horses, and the landscapes they travel through. Choosing Horseback Riding Turkey means riding with a team devoted to tradition, welfare, and world-class trail riding standards.