Learn to Ride in Belize

Introduction
Interior Belize
If you are a rider who wants to refresh your horsemanship skills, bring back to you inner core a sense of rhythm and balance, then this package is just what you need!

You will work with the same horse and trainer throughout the program. The goal is to renew the fire that every horse lover carries inside.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so nights will be spent in the same location.

Description
Nestled near the river in a quiet jungle setting, in the midst of birds and other tropical wildlife! The tropical jungle resort features delightful accommodations that blend with the local landscape and culture. You will stay in standard rooms in the main lodge or in cabanas with roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatch and are uniquely designed. Built by local craftsmen with fine Belizean woods, they are, in themselves each works of art. All standard rooms and suites are equipped with A/C for your comfort (we also have some rooms in the cabanas with A/C). The cabanas and chalet rooms are equipped with ceiling fans and / or standing fans. On site you'll enjoy a swimming pool, bird sanctuary, and 14" Meade telescope for star gazing at night.
Wireless is available at the front desk/reception area of the lodge and in the Chateau Brio building. Laundry is also available.


Standard Rooms
Beautiful stained glass windows and solarium bathrooms make theses all delightful places to stay. The unique use of sea shells in a bathroom mirror, Carolyn Carr art, artistic tiling, local arts and crafts, honor the Belize culture and beauty in these designer rooms. Rooms are air-conditioned and have a reading desk, comfortable easy chair, as well as a queen bed, and most of them have a single bed as well. Four of our standard rooms are in the lodge which has a communal sitting area, adjacent to a patio that overlooks the river. The other two standard rooms are in our Chateau Brio. The building features curved stairs with beautiful banisters and amazing masonry around all the windows. On the second floor there is a large patio where evening conversation can be enjoyed. Inside the rooms you can relish the view of the beautiful landscaping and pool through arched, stained glass windows.


Cabanas
With roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatching are uniquely designed. Crafted by the Banana Bank craftsmen with fine Belizean woods, they are, in themselves works of art. Each cabana has a solarium bath, a sitting room, and two bedrooms, each room with a queen size and single bed. Four to six family members, friends or groups traveling together can be easily accommodated in each cabana. Carved doors, original oil paintings and jungle ambiance create a truly memorable surrounding.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if you are traveling as a single rider.
Triple occupancy is possible.



Meals
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day are included.

The dining room has an exotic feel to it. The tone is set by the soaring thatched roof. Carved banisters, pink gypsum stonewalls, and rich local hard wood paneling make this a beautiful place to enjoy. Our meals are served family style and are widely reported to be some of the best in Belize. The family atmosphere provides a setting for lively discussion between guests from different parts of the world and diverse interest. Menus vary but center around the kind of home cooking we call "grandma's food" although our girls cook up some of the best local cuisine found in Belize.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Horses
About 80 horses of thoroughbred mixed with quarter horse breeds are found at our farm. Years of careful hands on training from when they are foals, provide trustworthy but agile mounts that will easily carry you through the jungle trails. We train our horses as per horse whispering concepts and methods. We are experts at matching horses and riders.

Tack
While we mostly ride western, we do have two sets of English saddles and tack for your use.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary: 7-day option - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. You will be met by a one of our drivers and transported inland to our lodge.
After getting settled into your room, it will likely be time for dinner.
Meal included: Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 2: Refresher
After a full breakfast you will be ready to start the day by becoming acquainted with your horse for the week. The morning will be spent in the round pen going over the basics. You will work to gain trust between you and your week long companion. There will be refresher exercises in balance and reining your horse to respond to your signals.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 3: Review the Basics
An hour in the round pen and then move to the arena for room to practice what has been learned. Correct use of reins and body control will be the special focus.
After lunch obstacles will be put in place in the arena to practice tactics in balance and performance under timed pressure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 4: Exercise & Trail Ride
An hour in the round pen will push you to loosen up your riding style. Learn to move with the horse and use your reins, knees, feet and weight to communicate with your horse. The exercise will move to the arena to stretch out and “feel the burn”.
After lunch the devil’s dip trail ride is an option or a ride on level ground geared toward practicing new skills.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 5: River & Capital Ride
Today, you will go on a very special experience with your horse over unique terrain with challenging scenes and sensations. Lunch will be local flavor in an authentic Belizean setting.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 6: Review
A gymkhana will be set up and events will be timed. Ideally there will be other riders with whom to compete and test your skills. We will video your performance to preserve a memory of your week of accomplishment.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 7: Departure
After a hearty breakfast and a heartfelt goodbye to your hosts, trainer and horse, you will be transported to your next destination, either another hotel, the municipal airport or the Phillip Goldson International Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Sample Itinerary: 4-day option - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. You will be met by a one of our drivers and transported inland to our lodge.
After getting settled into your room, it will likely be time for dinner.
Meal included: Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 2: Review the Basics
An hour in the round pen and then move to the arena for room to practice what has been learned. Correct use of reins and body control will be the special focus.
After lunch obstacles will be put in place in the arena to practice tactics in balance and performance under timed pressure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 3: River & Capital Ride
Today, you will go on a very special experience with your horse over unique terrain with challenging scenes and sensations. Lunch will be local flavor in an authentic Belizean setting.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 4: Departure
After a hearty breakfast and a heartfelt goodbye to your hosts, trainer and horse, you will be transported to your next destination, either another hotel, the municipal airport or the Phillip Goldson International Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non-Riding activities
There are also a number of free activities that you can take part in during your stay including birding, swimming in the outdoor pool or visiting the onsite museum and art gallery. 

Rates and Dates for Learn to Ride in Belize

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Belize City
Airport: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
Transfer: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) or Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA)

Climate:
                                                Belize City area