Horse Treks Done Right: Our Commitment to Animal Welfare

Exploring remote landscapes on horseback can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel. It is quiet, low impact, and deeply connected to the land. But it also comes with responsibility. When horses support our journeys, their welfare must be considered.

At World Expeditions, we have a clear position: horses must be treated with care, respect, and dignity. That is non-negotiable. Whether you are trekking through Mongolia, Argentina or Kyrgyzstan, our commitment to horse welfare applies to every trip.

What We Expect and Enforce

All of our horse trek operators must meet strict welfare standards. These are based on international best practice and guided by the Five Domains Model of Animal Welfare. In practical terms, this means:

• Horses are given unrestricted access to clean water, appropriate feed, and shelter.
• Load limits are strictly enforced (no more than 20% of the horse’s body weight).
• Saddles and tack are properly fitted and checked regularly.
• Horses are never overworked, mistreated, or handled using whips, spurs, or harsh bits.
• Natural behaviours such as roaming, resting, and social interaction are supported.

We welcome World Expeditions’ ongoing commitment to ensuring that their travel offerings are animal friendly, including animal-assisted adventures. Their leadership over many years has helped lift standards across the entire travel industry”
– Ben Pearson, Country Director, World Animal Protection Australia, 2025

Ongoing Monitoring

We build welfare clauses into all relevant operator contracts and carry out due diligence at the start of every partnership. We also monitor traveller feedback, which helps us flag issues early and take action when needed.

A Shared Responsibility

On trek, you will often witness a strong and respectful bond between the horses and their handlers. Many of our local teams come from long traditions of horsemanship. We support those relationships by ensuring the animals are not just tools of travel. They are working companions who deserve care and respect.

If you ever see something that does not sit right, we ask you to let your guide know and to report it in your post-trip feedback. Every voice matters.

Travel That Stands For Something

Responsible trekking means looking after the people, places, and animals that make these journeys possible. When you ride with us, you are helping support higher welfare standards across the industry.

Because ethical travel does not end at the saddle.

Learn more about our Horse Treks around the world.