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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Turkey
Intro to Turkey
![]() Cappadocia![]() Mediterranean![]() Turkey
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Cappadocia Relaxed Ride
Cappadocia
Turkey
Discover Cappadocia, its culture and its magical landscape...
During this relaxed holiday, you will have the opportunity to spend time with beautiful Arabian horses, improving riding skills and learning about natural horsemanship techniques, surrounded by the rocky valleys of Cappadocia. You will also be able to go on walks and sightseeing trips to learn more about the local culture.
This program is flexible and can be adapted according to your needs and wants, which makes it ideal for family getaways!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Family Vacation
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Ortahisar
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Airport:
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Kayseri
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Transfer:
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Kayseri Airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include*:
Accommodations, All Breakfasts and Dinners including water, tea and coffee, 4 half-days around horses (introduction of natural horsemanship, cattle penning & discovery of the area on horseback) & activities as described in itinerary & Transfers at set times
| A | 2024 | 8 day trip (4 riding days) - ask for rates | 8d / 7n | €0 | $0 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
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Transfer pick up included from Kayseri airport at set times between 8:00am and 6:00pm (no arrival between 10pm and 6am)
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2024
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Non-rider rate - Please inquire
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2024
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Balloon flight, pp (from 300 Euro) - please inquire if interested
- to be paid locally
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2024
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10% discount for riders under 30 (does not apply for discovery ride)
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2024
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Single supplement - please inquire
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Pick-up/ drop-offs are available from Erkilet International Airport/ Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Pick-up is between 8:00am and 6:00pm on Day 1.
The free transfers are included at a set time only - NO EXCEPTIONS! If you have no choice but to arrive at an alternative hour, we can book you a commerical airport shuttle (limited hours of operation) or in extreme cases you will need to take a taxi from the airport.
Tour Dates for 2024
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| A |
2024
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip (4 riding days) -...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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Additional tour dates possible, please inquire about availability
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Rates do not include:
Lunches, Beverages other than water, tea and coffee at meal times, Travel and medical insurance (mandatory), Gratuities, Airport transfers outside of set times, Groom service (you are required to care for and saddle your own horses) & Optional balloon flight
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
The program below is for information only; it can be modified upon request, depending on the participants’ ages, interests and horse-riding level.
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival at Kayseri airport. Transfer by minibus to your guest house in Ortahisar. Evening meal with your guide.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Mustafapasa
Day 2 (Monday): First Ride
Discovery of the farm and the animals. This morning, you can also meet your horse and go for a short test ride on our training course. After lunch on the farm, go for a 2 hour ride around the farm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Mustafapasa
Day 3 (Tuesday): Ortahisar
After breakfast, you will ride to the village of Ortahisar, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, ride back to the ranch through the Gomeda valley (Self-guided walk with a GPS also possible).
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Mustafapasa
Day 4 (Wednesday): Yatak and Tartale valleys
This morning, we go for a 2-hour ride in Yatak and Tartale valley. We enjoy our lunch in the troglodic hotel of Ayvali. In the afternoon, riders can walk to Cavusin through the valley of roses (Self-guided walk with a gps). In the evening, transfer to your guesthouse in Uçhisar.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Uçhisar
Day 5 (Thursday): Green Valley
Walk in the Green Valley (3 hours). Lunch in Goreme. Visit of the Goreme open air Museum.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Uçhisar
Day 6 (Friday): White Valley
Walk in the White Valley. Lunch in Cavusin and transfer to the farm for a training on natural horsemanship.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Mustafapasa
Day 7 (Saturday): Pancarlik Valley
We ride to Pancarlik Valley and have a picnic lunch with the horses in the valley before riding back to the farm by the scenic valley of Ortahisar.
You have the option to be driven to the hammam in Ürgüp for a relaxing steam bath and massage.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Ortahisar
Day 8 (Sunday): Departure day
Breakfast and transfer to Kayseri
Meals included: Breakfast
Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.
For those interested in experiencing the hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia's surreal landscape at sunrise it can be arranged. The cost varies depending on season and type of ride, from 150 to 220 Euro plus 10% tax -- paid locally in cash or credit card. The price includes:
- pick-up from hotel around 04:00h
- deluxe flight (1 hour, up to 16 passengers)
- return to hotel before breakfast
Note that if the weather does not permit for the balloon flight the operator will advise at the last minute, often after the pick-up.
Meeting:
Ortahisar
Airport:
Kayseri
Train station:
Kayseri Railway Station
Transfer:
Kayseri Airport
Distance:
35 miles
Pick-up/ drop-offs are available from Erkilet International Airport/ Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Pick-up is between 8:00am and 6:00pm on Day 1.
The free transfers are included at a set time only - NO EXCEPTIONS! If you have no choice but to arrive at an alternative hour, we can book you a commerical airport shuttle (limited hours of operation) or in extreme cases you will need to take a taxi from the airport.
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Tack:
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McClellan light trailing saddles with saddlebags. Standard bits and pelhams
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Horses:
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Arab and cross-Arab mares
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Pace:
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Mostly at a walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate and above
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Age:
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Min
12 - child or teen must be good rider
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs - Strictly enforced, may be weighed on arrival
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Physical Condition and Riding Ability
Riders must be able to tack up and mount their horse unassisted. You must be able to stay in control on spirited horses and tack up your horse yourself. Before coming to Turkey, go for a few rides and get adequately fit in order to avoid muscular pain or irritations during the trail.
This program may be suitable for riders who lack a bit of confidence, but it is NOT suitable for beginners or novices. The trail includes 4 riding days with about 2 to 3 hours in the saddle each day. We cover 20 km a day on average, on varied terrain.
Tack
The riding equipment includes standard bits and pelhams as well as McClellan light trailing saddles and saddles made by ourselves. These are fitted with two saddlebags for you to carry the picnic and personal belongings for the day.
Horses
Our stable is composed of forward-going Arab, and cross-Arab horses who will surprise you with their robustness and their agility. They are 1,50 m tall on average - the ideal size for trailing on tortuous paths! All our horses are responsive, well balanced and respectful of the rider and they are extremely sure-footed.
We have put a lot of time and investment into the quality of our horses. Since 2015 more than half of our cavalry has been renewed with pure Arabian endurance horses. Most of our horses have qualifed in national endurance races.
We have invested in a horse walker and in an arena in order to continue to offer riders well trained horses.
Our horses live together as a herd and all spend their days outside grazing in our fields when not on the trail.
Horses are assigned according to riding levels and riders' preferences, but the size and the weight of the rider are also important criteria.
Our team will groom and prepare the horses, so no participation is required by the rider.
Weight Restriction
Riders cannot be over 85kg. We will weigh riders on arrival and those over will not be able to participate in the riding program.
Guide
We will provide 1 guide for every 4 riders.
Travel Insurance
You must have appropriate travel insurance to take part in our trails. Make sure your policy covers horse-riding activities abroad. Your insurance details will be requested on arrival.
Riders 12 yrs and older can participate, but anyone under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult!
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months from date of departure from Turkey required by all nationals referred to in the chart, except: 1. nationals of Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtens. more
Mustafapaşa area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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38
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44
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53
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63
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71
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80
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87
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88
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78
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66
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53
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41
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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22
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25
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33
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39
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48
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54
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59
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60
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50
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42
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32
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25
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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4
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7
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12
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17
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22
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27
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30
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31
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26
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19
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12
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5
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-6
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-4
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0
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4
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9
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12
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15
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15
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10
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5
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0
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-4
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Cappadocia has a semi-arid, continental climate, with 29 days of rain per year on average.
March: Cold weather, last frost after winter.
April: The sun is back, nature has woken up. Nights remain cold.
May: Sunny weather but may turn stormy at short notice.
June: Vegetation is lush, fields are covered with flowers, the horses are at the top of their form, the kids are still at school ...
July: Beautiful weather. Highly recommended.
August: Very sunny weather, and hot (35°). Siesta is a must after lunch. Bring your hat and sunglasses.
September: Very nice, Indian-summery weather. The trees bear fruits.
October: Beautiful light, great colors. Days are cooler and nights are cold again.
November: Rain is back. May be frosty at night. For the most adventurous riders only.
*Send us a copy your travel insurance policy - with your reservation (or shortly after) All non-insured riders will not be allowed on the trail*
-- to make sure bring along a copy as well
Every rider should bring along:
• hard water bottles (preferably 2 x 1 litre). We want to avoid plastic waste so we provide mineral water in big tanks, not in individual bottles !
• warm and waterproof clothing in spring and autumn. Many people overlook the fact that Cappadocia is in altitude and may have some cold wind and rain.
In summer, dress as if you were going for the desert; in spring and autumn, bring some warm clothing and a waterproof (low risk of rain).
Every evening, the logistic vehicle will forward your luggage to the guesthouse.
The guides do carry first aid packs with them, but you may also want to bring your own water purifying tablets, aspirin, large spectrum antibiotics and sunscreen.
This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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| Travel Insurance |
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Long sleeved shirts
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Good walking shoes, rather than boots! However, make sure your shoes are not too big, or they may get stuck in the stirrups.
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) Riding without a hard hat is at your own risk.
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Riding gloves
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chaps or mini chaps
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Hat with chin Strap
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Sweatshirt for evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjamas
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Walking shoes
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For Camping trips:
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Sleeping bag rated down to -10 F (-20 C) at least
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Flashlight
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| Flask |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for an emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Camera and enough extra films
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
These trails are all progressive rides where nights are spent at various locations.
Description
The traditional habitat of Cappadocia is mainly troglodyte: rooms are carved in the rock. Most of the hotels are beautifully restored old houses and offer caves rooms.
Most people enjoy this amazing experience. But some guests have complained about the lack of windows and the rough (unfinished) walls in their bedrooms. Please let us know if you would have an issue with this type of accommodation.
Most nights are at the same guesthouse in Mustafapasa and 2 nights are spent in Uchisar.
Room Occupancy
Single room accommodations are possible depending on availability. A single supplement fee applies for those nights if you are not willing to share room with other riders.
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applies.
Meals
All breakfasts and dinners are included for this trip.
A continental and Turkish breakfast option is available at the accommodations.
Dinner vary everyday and feature local specialities.
Tea, coffee and mineral water are included; wine, beer and soft drinks are available as an option, for an extra cost.
Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian options are available upon request.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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McClellan light trailing saddles with saddlebags. Standard bits and pelhams
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab and cross-Arab mares
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Mostly at a walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate and above
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12 - child or teen must be good rider
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Weight:
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|
Max
185 lbs - Strictly enforced, may be weighed on arrival
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Physical Condition and Riding Ability
Riders must be able to tack up and mount their horse unassisted. You must be able to stay in control on spirited horses and tack up your horse yourself. Before coming to Turkey, go for a few rides and get adequately fit in order to avoid muscular pain or irritations during the trail.
This program may be suitable for riders who lack a bit of confidence, but it is NOT suitable for beginners or novices. The trail includes 4 riding days with about 2 to 3 hours in the saddle each day. We cover 20 km a day on average, on varied terrain.
Tack
The riding equipment includes standard bits and pelhams as well as McClellan light trailing saddles and saddles made by ourselves. These are fitted with two saddlebags for you to carry the picnic and personal belongings for the day.
Horses
Our stable is composed of forward-going Arab, and cross-Arab horses who will surprise you with their robustness and their agility. They are 1,50 m tall on average - the ideal size for trailing on tortuous paths! All our horses are responsive, well balanced and respectful of the rider and they are extremely sure-footed.
We have put a lot of time and investment into the quality of our horses. Since 2015 more than half of our cavalry has been renewed with pure Arabian endurance horses. Most of our horses have qualifed in national endurance races.
We have invested in a horse walker and in an arena in order to continue to offer riders well trained horses.
Our horses live together as a herd and all spend their days outside grazing in our fields when not on the trail.
Horses are assigned according to riding levels and riders' preferences, but the size and the weight of the rider are also important criteria.
Our team will groom and prepare the horses, so no participation is required by the rider.
Weight Restriction
Riders cannot be over 85kg. We will weigh riders on arrival and those over will not be able to participate in the riding program.
Guide
We will provide 1 guide for every 4 riders.
Travel Insurance
You must have appropriate travel insurance to take part in our trails. Make sure your policy covers horse-riding activities abroad. Your insurance details will be requested on arrival.
Riders 12 yrs and older can participate, but anyone under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult!
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months from date of departure from Turkey required by all nationals referred to in the chart, except:
1. nationals of Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, who can enter with a national ID card (which must have a validity of one year).
Visas
Sticker-type entry visas: Tourists and business visitors from the following countries do require visas and can obtain a sticker-type entry visa at the point of entry for a fee (prices are dependent on nationality):
(a) 2. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, the UK* and USA for stays not exceeding three months;
(b) 3. Greek Cypriot Administrative Region, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic for stays not exceeding one month.
Except 4. Nationals of Bulgaria who do not require a visa for stays up to three months, but do require a visa for transit and for entry at certain points in Turkey; check with consulate.
Visa Note
(a) *British National Overseas passport holders should contact the visa section of the consulate general before travelling. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
British passport holders can obtain tourist visa either at the port of entry in Turkey for £10 or from the consulate general in the UK for £50. Single entry (six months): £74. Single entry (one year): £230. Single transit: £74. Study: £74 (six months) or £230 (one year). Work: £230. These prices are provided by The Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey in London; prices may vary according to nationality.
Validity
Single entry: up to six months or one year. Multiple entry: up to five years. Transit: six months. Work: one year. Study: six months or one year.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. Applicants must pre-book an appointment with the relevant consulate. An online appointment system is available for The Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey in London (website: www.turkishconsulate.org.uk/en/visa ). Travel agencies can also make visa applications.
Working Days Required
Usually three, but dependent on nationality of applicant and type of visa. Some applications may be referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara, which may take much longer (minimum six to eight weeks).
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
2 |
| Australian |
2 |
| Canadian |
2 |
| USA |
2 |
| Other EU |
2/3/4 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Cappadocia Relaxed Ride
Tour Code:
IT-TKIR06
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
Year round
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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