'Hannah Rides' Is Rewriting Horseback Tourism in Egypt

Ask most people what comes to mind when they picture horses in Egypt, and the answer is rarely flattering. Years of viral footage of starved animals hauling tourists around the Pyramids, whip-happy handlers and horses collapsing mid-ride have done real damage to how the world sees Egyptian riding culture, and not without reason. The Egyptian government recently banned horse rides at the Pyramids, citing animal welfare concerns. Hannah Khalid, known as 'Hannah Rides', has no interest in pretending that reputation came from nowhere. She wants to prove it is not the whole story. Through Hannah Rides, her platform organising luxury horseback holidays across Egypt and abroad, she is changing how travellers get to experience the heritage and beauty of the country, both figuratively and literally. Scene Traveller spoke to Khalid about the vision behind Hannah Rides, how she is taking on the issue of animal welfare in Egypt, and what a rider can expect from one of her trips. First, tell me about your background before Hannah Rides. Were horses always a part of your life?
I started riding horses in high school, initially as a personal passion. As my skills developed through professional training, I began teaching beginner riders and eventually moved into free riding across different parts of Egypt. At some point, I realized I wanted something beyond show jumping and competitions. I was looking for freedom, and I found it through horses. Through social media, people started associating me with horseback riding and regularly asked if they could join me on my rides. So what began as informal rides with friends is what then evolved into organized equestrian experiences. So when did you first start organising trips as Hannah Rides?
I started Hannah Rides in 2021, initially by organizing riding experiences across Egypt. As the community grew, the trips expanded internationally to destinations like Kyrgyzstan, Zanzibar, and South Africa. But the vision was never just to organize riding holidays. I'm trying to redefine what horseback tourism can be by putting horse welfare, authentic travel and local culture at the heart of every experience. Do you remember the first trip you organised?
Yes, I do. While I had already been organizing riding experiences in Egypt, my first international trip was to Kyrgyzstan in 2024, and it was definitely the most challenging one. Whenever I add a new destination, I always travel there alone first to explore it, visit the local stables and make sure every detail matches the experience I want to create. My biggest concern wasn't the logistics. It was making sure my guests enjoyed the destination as much as I did when I first discovered it. You're also a Stable Manager. What does that mean?
Being a Stable Manager means being responsible for every aspect of a horse's well-being, from nutrition and farrier care to overall stable management and daily operations. I first became a Stable Manager in Zanzibar in 2022, where I helped build a stable from the ground up after importing the horses from South Africa. It was a challenging experience, especially with the limited access to equine veterinarians and medications, but those challenges motivated me to deepen my own knowledge. I decided to complete a diploma in Stable Management early the following year. Has that translated into Hannah Rides?
With Hannah Rides, my role is different. I carefully choose to work only with stables that prioritize horse welfare. I make sure the horses are healthy, well cared for, and never overworked or mistreated, because I believe every great riding experience should also be a good experience for the horse. Can you tell me about your own horse? How long have you been riding her?
I rescued Vanilla, my Egyptian mixed-breed mare, in 2021, and she's been my companion ever since. She's my personal mare, and I ride her regularly, especially on desert rides in Egypt. Vanilla means so much to me. She's incredibly kind, intelligent, and has a calm personality. Over the years, we've built a special bond, and I honestly see her as more than a horse. She's my best friend who just can't speak. Can you walk (or ride) me through a typical Hannah Rides trip?
Most trips last between 7 and 8 days, with around 3 to 4 hours of riding each day. We schedule regular breaks for both riders and horses, making sure the horses have enough time to rest, eat and drink. Most of our guests are intermediate to advanced riders, but beginners are always welcome. We carefully match each rider with a suitable horse, and I've had many beginners join their first trip and later return for more advanced adventures. What are your most popular destinations?
In Egypt, we've organized trips across many incredible destinations, including Fayoum, the Giza Pyramids, the Saqqara Desert, Siwa Oasis, Hurghada and Dahab. Each location offers a completely different riding experience, from deserts and mountains to beaches and historical landscapes. Internationally, our most popular destination has been Kyrgyzstan, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and unforgettable riding trails. Looking ahead, we're excited to expand our international riding holidays while continuing to introduce riders to new equestrian destinations across Egypt. Horse welfare is clearly a personal and professional goal of yours. How do you see your role in changing this perception in Egypt more generally?
One of my goals is also to show a different side of Egypt. I know that many international travellers have concerns about horse welfare in Egypt, and I understand where those concerns come from. My goal isn't to ignore those concerns, but to introduce people to the many responsible stables and horse owners who genuinely care for their horses. Egypt is home to some of the world's finest Egyptian Arabian bloodlines, and I'm proud to introduce travellers to that heritage. I want people to leave with a more balanced and authentic understanding of Egypt's equestrian culture and the people who truly care for these incredible horses. Through Hannah Rides, I want people to see a more complete picture of Egypt's equestrian community. I believe responsible horseback tourism can support horse welfare while helping travellers discover the country's incredible landscapes, culture and equestrian heritage. What's next for you and your platform?
Looking ahead, my biggest focus is showcasing more of Egypt through Hannah Rides. From October 2026 to April 2027, we'll be launching a full season of horseback adventures across Egypt, welcoming both local and international travellers. My goal is to help visitors discover Egypt from a completely different perspective through horses, culture and authentic local experiences. I also hope to encourage more women around the world to travel, ride and experience the same sense of freedom and confidence that horses have given me. Hannah Rides is a welcoming community for everyone, but I'm especially proud to inspire more women to explore the world from the saddle.