Learn to ride a horse before vacationing on the grasslands
In the city, horseback riding is often referred to as equestrianism and is considered a symbol of nobility. But on the grasslands, horses are simply a means of transportation, and riding is the most convenient way to get around. Of course, as a first-time visitor to the grasslands, you’re unlikely to manage the dashing act of galloping with ease. At best, you’ll be able to guide your horse at a slow walk or a light trot, which is already considered top-tier activity for a beginner.
The vastness of the grasslands is beyond what most southerners can imagine. For instance, riding to visit a herder’s family, sipping some milk tea, watching a Naadam competition, or paying respects at an ovoo may seem close in distance, but walking there could take days — and you might just end up going deeper into remote areas. That’s why almost everything you do on the grasslands has to be done on horseback. Therefore, learning how to ride a horse is absolutely essential for a grassland vacation.
Horse posture matters more than technique
When riding a horse, posture is key. It’s a sport where “posture matters more than technique.” Equipment is not worth discussing too much — you can rent a full set, from helmet to riding outfit, which looks much more elegant. The word “dashing” is perfectly fitting for anyone on horseback. The more crucial skill is to have “one-third of your foot in the stirrup, not all of it, otherwise you won’t be agile while moving.” The horse guide always emphasizes this: using your legs is the top priority.
Riding a horse is like driving a car — you need to steer the horse. The reins are your steering wheel: pull left with your left hand, and the horse’s head and legs will obediently turn left. Pull right, and the horse will dutifully veer right.
Horseback riding can help women lose weight
The first horseback ride on the way there is particularly nerve-wracking. Horses are known for being agile and spirited, and sitting in the saddle isn’t always comfortable. At the beginning, well-trained horses carry you step by step, jogging toward your destination. On the way back, knowing they’re heading home, the horses get excited and start enjoying a light trot. This is when clothing and gear become very important — traveling light is the best strategy. You need to adjust your body’s bouncing rhythm according to the horse’s movement pace. Generally, horses run at a steady rhythm, so the best approach is to grip the stirrups tightly, hold the reins and iron ring firmly, and lift your body slightly off the saddle and back, bouncing up and down moderately. This is the best way to minimize discomfort caused by the friction between your hips and the horse, reducing pain.
The horse guide repeatedly emphasized on the way to sit upright, keep your back straight, not let your mind wander, squeeze the horse’s belly tightly with both feet — as long as you do that and hold the reins, you’re basically safe. Overall, horseback riding is something you can easily get addicted to on the grasslands, especially for women, who will definitely benefit from it in terms of weight loss. At the very least, the constant bouncing on horseback helps strengthen muscle tone or even shed excess fat, and it burns a lot of calories.
Travel recommendations
Enjoy five-star service on the grasslands
If you want to live like royalty on the grasslands, we recommend the Grassland Tour Package at Shangri-La Hotel, Hohhot. Here, you can enjoy Shangri-La’s five-star service in the midst of the grasslands. For example, at the “Holy Land of Mongolians” resort in Xilamuren Grassland, there are exclusive Mongolian yurts for Shangri-La guests, and a kitchen reserved for the hotel’s five-star private chefs. Hotel staff also accompany you to the grasslands to provide services, offering the same amenities as the hotel, from slippers to toiletries.
Recommended package: “Three Days and Two Nights Shangri-La Grassland Tour,” priced at RMB 11,888 for two people (plus 15% service charge). This price includes one night in a Deluxe Room at Shangri-La Hotel, Hohhot, and one night in a Luxury Mongolian Yurt at the “Holy Land of Mongolians” in Xilamuren Grassland (both include double breakfasts); luxury hotel sedan airport transfers and free shuttle service to any one of the following attractions: Cashmere Market / Muslim Cultural Street / Antique Market / Xiaozhao Temple / God of Wealth Temple (you can choose either the first or third day for sightseeing); enjoy a double buffet dinner at the hotel’s Café Xin, two signature cocktails at the lobby lounge, a Mongolian traditional lunch at the VIP table, and a specially prepared gourmet double dinner by the Shangri-La chef team in the VIP room; activities during the trip include horseback riding with grassland flair in Xilamuren, grassland-style outdoor activities, and bonfire parties.
Personal tips
Bring a sun hat that ties securely (preferably a professional outdoor hat — it can easily be blown away by the wind while horseback riding). When riding, it’s best to travel light and avoid unnecessary burdens for both you and the horse.
The temperature difference on the grasslands is extreme, so bring a jacket. On summer nights, you might even need to use an electric blanket inside a Mongolian yurt — this should help you gauge how thick your clothes should be (only needed at night).
The weather on the grasslands changes unpredictably — it might be pouring rain and windy five minutes ago, and sunny with a rainbow overhead the next second. Strong winds and rain can be terrifying, with the sound of the wind howling harshly. For safety, it’s best to take shelter in a yurt to avoid the risk of being blown off the grassland.
The weather on the grassland is extremely unpredictable. It could be pouring rain and howling wind one moment, and bathed in sunshine with a rainbow hanging overhead the next. The strong winds and heavy rain can be quite terrifying, with the wind sounding like a hoarse roar. For safety's sake, it's best to take shelter in a yurt to avoid the risk of being blown across the border.