THE CURATED ADVENTURE
How Anne Buckley Curates Immersive Equestrian Experiences from Patagonia to Kenya and beyond
BY LINDSAY HUNTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANYA CAMPBELL
For some people, travel is about checking destinations off a list. For Anne Buckley, it's about creating experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.
As founder of Adventurous Equestrian, Buckley has built a business around taking riders far beyond the ordinary. Her itineraries span Kenya, Botswana, Argentina, Patagonia, and now Europe, where guests ride through breathtaking landscapes, immerse themselves in local cultures, and return home with stories that become part of who they are.
But what makes Buckley's trips stand apart isn't simply the destination. It's the thoughtful curation behind every detail. From the accommodations guests return to after a day in the saddle to the artisans they meet along the way, Buckley approaches travel much like a designer approaches a home—considering not only how something looks, but how it feels.
"I want the experience to be truly life changing," she says. "It brings me such joy to know that people feel like their life is better and more meaningful having done something that I put together for them."
Ironically, the journey that led her to create Adventurous Equestrian began during a period of profound personal change. Living a traditional life in Tennessee, Buckley found herself longing for the adventurous spirit she had once embraced as a young woman. That spirit was reignited when she came across an article describing a riding safari in Kenya.
"When I got to the part where the author described galloping with the migrating wildebeest herds as being like inside a kaleidoscope, something took root," she recalls. Within twenty-four hours of contacting the safari operator, she had filled an entire group trip with friends and family. What started as a personal adventure soon evolved into something much larger.
Over time, Buckley became known not only for discovering extraordinary riding experiences, but for bringing together extraordinary people. Today, one of her greatest strengths is curating groups that genuinely connect. "No one wants drama on their vacation," she says with a laugh. "I'm good at figuring out who will make for an easygoing, joyful experience."
That attention to human connection has become one of the defining characteristics of her brand. While many travel companies focus on logistics, Buckley focuses on relationships. The result is a community of riders who often return home as lifelong friends.
The experience itself is equally intentional. In Argentina, guests often begin their journey with a shopping excursion to discover handcrafted pieces made by local artisans. Traditional bombachas, boinas, leather goods, and custom embroidered accessories help immerse riders in the culture before they ever swing a leg over a horse.
For Buckley, these details matter. "Oftentimes these are truly once-in-a-lifetime trips," she explains. "People have an image in their mind of what those memories are going to look like."
That philosophy extends beyond clothing and photography. The accommodations she selects become part of the story as well. Whether it's a luxury tent overlooking the African plains or a secluded lodge in Patagonia, every property is chosen with intention. "I'm looking for somewhere I want to spend the week relaxing when there's a break between rides," she says. "Is the bedding cozy? Is the hot water plentiful? Do I feel genuinely comfortable and relaxed in my downtime?"
It's a mindset that resonates with the Luxury Equestrian Network community. Just as thoughtful design elevates a residence, atmosphere elevates a travel experience. The spaces we inhabit influence how we feel, how we connect, and ultimately how we remember.
Buckley's move from Tennessee to Kenya further deepened her appreciation for place and culture. What began as a dream eventually became reality as she relocated her family to East Africa, embracing a lifestyle that felt unexpectedly familiar.
"From the first moment I experienced Kenya, it always felt like home to me," she says. Living there has given her a firsthand understanding of the hospitality, craftsmanship, and creativity that define the region. From intricate beadwork and leather goods to artwork and textiles, she continues to seek opportunities for guests to engage meaningfully with local culture while supporting the communities they visit.
Underlying every decision, however, is one unwavering standard: horse welfare. Buckley is passionate about working only with operators who prioritize exceptional care. She carefully vets each experience before offering it to clients, paying close attention to the condition, management, and happiness of the horses. "I absolutely will not work with companies that do not go above and beyond for their horses," she says.
As Adventurous Equestrian expands into destinations such as Spain and Italy, Buckley's philosophy remains unchanged. Adventure may be the catalyst, but connection is the true destination.
For the riders who join her journeys, the takeaway is rarely just a collection of photographs or passport stamps. It's a renewed sense of wonder, deeper friendships, and the confidence that comes from stepping beyond the familiar.
When asked what she hopes guests carry home with them, her answer is simple. "Joy," she says. "A deep feeling inside that they're more fulfilled and happier than they were when they arrived—and that it will last them a lifetime."
Contact Anne Buckley at:
Adventurousequestrian@gmail.com
Instagram @adventurousequestrian
