Horseback Riding in the Taurus Foothills

Behind Antalya the land climbs quickly. Within a few kilometres of the coastal strip the hotels give way to red earth, pine and the lower slopes of the Taurus range, and the easiest way into that landscape is on a horse rather than in a vehicle. Trails go where roads do not.

You are in the saddle for two to three hours, following forest tracks and mountain paths through pine. The pace is a walk for most of it, which is what makes the length manageable — this is a landscape ride, not a race. Resin, dust and warm needles is what the air smells like, and the sound is mostly hooves.

Anatolian horses, used to this terrain and to riders who have never held reins before. Sure-footed on loose stone and unbothered by the gradients, which is exactly what you want on a slope. They know the route better than anyone on their back.

That is the normal case here rather than the exception. Certified instructors run the group and give you the basics before you mount: how to hold the reins, how to sit, how to ask the horse to stop. Helmets are provided and worn. Intermediate riders are equally catered for and will not be held to a beginner's pace the whole way.

Ponies are available for younger riders, so families can go out together instead of splitting up. Judge it by your own child's confidence around large animals rather than by age alone.

WeCare books this as a full-day outing with hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned Mercedes, a guide, lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water and insurance. The riding is the centrepiece; the transfer and the meal are built around it.

Long trousers, without question — bare legs and saddle leather do not get on. Closed shoes with a small heel are ideal, trainers are fine, flip-flops are not. Bring sunglasses and tie back long hair.