For centuries, before the narrow hairpins of the Abano Pass were carved through granite cliffs, horses were the sole heartbeat of Tusheti. They ferried salt, flour, wool, and mail across treacherous scree slopes, forging an unbreakable bond between mountain horsemen and their loyal companions.

Today, embarking on horseback riding in Tusheti remains the most poetic and authentic way to explore this untouched wilderness. Sitting high in the saddle as your mount navigates steep pine gorges and alpine plateaus, you experience the Caucasus not as a hurried tourist, but through the patient, rhythmic gait of an ancient mountain expedition.

The Tushetian Horse: Master of High Caucasus Ridges

Not every horse can survive—let alone thrive—in the sheer verticality of the Greater Caucasus. The legendary Tushetian horse breed (Tushuri tskheni) is an extraordinary high-altitude marvel. Compact, sure-footed, incredibly hardy, and possessing calm temperament, these horses were bred over centuries by highland shepherds to navigate exposed cliffs, loose scree, and icy river crossings with innate precision.

When you choose horseback riding in Tusheti, you ride alongside horses that know every rock on the trail:

• Innate Sure-Footedness: Unlike larger lowland breeds that stumble on rocky inclines, Tushetian horses maintain low centers of gravity and instinctively test unstable soil before placing their full weight.

• Calm Mountain Temperament: Accustomed to sudden mountain weather shifts, fluttering flags, and barking shepherd dogs, local horses remain steady, making them reliable partners for intermediate riders and beginners under local guidance.

• Traditional Saddles & Comfort: Treks utilize comfortable trail saddles fitted with durable felt pads and wool blankets (nabadi traditions) to ensure comfortable weight distribution for both rider and horse over long daily ascents.

• Iconic Equestrian Corridors: Famous riding routes traverse the deep forests of the Chanchakhovani Gorge, connect stone towers between Shenako and Diklo, and climb straight onto the breathtaking alpine crest of the Unagira Ridge (3,050 m)

“To ride a Tushetian horse along a high mountain ridge is to witness an ancient dialogue between beast and terrain—where every step echoes centuries of highland survival.“