Riding Clinic in Southwestern France

Introduction
Landes France
The objective of this clinic is to make horseback riding accessible to everybody and to introduce the basic skills needed to make any rider autonomous and confident. We also want to show that, with a few indispensable riding notions, trail riding is a beautiful way to discover surrounding natural environments in complete safety.

We teach people how to catch horses in their paddocks, as well as how to tack and take care of them. We also introduce our guests to the psychology and the basic behaviour of horses in different kind of situations. By the end of the week, riders should be able to walk, trot (rising), and canter independently.

Our Equestrian school has developed an accelerated learning method, allowing complete beginners to enjoy the pleasure of riding outdoors in just one week! This is also made possible thanks to our wonderful and well-trained horses.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so you will be staying at the same location every night.

Description
You will be staying at the guesthouse beside the riding center. We can accommodate up to 17 people total.
Our guesthouse is divided into 3 buildings:
- the main guesthouse building has 4 bedrooms with ensuite facilities.
- the guesthouse's annex building has a big dormitory (capacity of 4-7 people) and 2 shared bathrooms
- the family guesthouse has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom
The guesthouse has an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi access. Laundry can be done for an extra fee.



It is possible to add yoga classes, a relaxing massage or a sauna session for an extra fee, paid locally (please inquire).

If we do not have enough space, riders will stay in a hotel in Mimizan Beach or at another guesthouse close to the riding center.

Room Occupancy
We charge a single supplement fee for solo travelers not willing to share a room with another rider.
If you would like to guarantee a double/ twin/ single room, additional costs apply (this allows you to have a private bathroom).



Meals
This package includes half-board (breakfasts and dinners) from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day.

Breakfast is served at the guesthouse before we head out on our rides.
Dinners are served either at the guesthouse or at local restaurants. We try to offer as much variety to guests as possible.

You can choose to pay for lunches locally (about 26 euros) or you can upgrade to full board for an extra fee.

1/4 litre of wine or soda and coffee is provided during dinners. Other drinks need to be purchased locally.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Unfortunately, we cannot cater to vegan diets.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


In order to take part in this program, no previous riding experience is required. However, participants need to be in good physical shape in order to make the most of their stay! 

Horses 
We have 30 horses (mostly Anglo-Arabs) and 5 ponies. Most of them are born in our family farm.
Beauty, blood, intelligence, frankness, kindness, and generosity are the essential qualities we seek in the choice of our horses. Our horses are safe, brave and easygoing; well trained and very well-balanced. They horses live in herds in the outdoors. We take great care in providing horses with a good quality of life.

Staff
Guidance is guaranteed by qualified /certified equestrian guide of tourism (French professional certification: A.T.E., CQP ASA or BPJEPS Tourisme Équestre) having good regional knowledge and willing to let you discover the beauty of this area.

Children
Participants as young as 10 years old can join the ride as long as they are accompanied by an adult. From 15 years old, participants are welcome to join the ride non-accompanied. There are no discounts for children.

Itinerary


This program runs all year round from Sunday to Sunday.

Our clinic mixes theory lessons and riding lessons:
- Theory lessons are designed to teach most common horse behaviors so that you can get a better understanding of your new four-legged partner.
- Riding lessons focus on teaching how to stay in control of the horse at any pace and individually (without following other riders from the group). 

The clinic will also teach you how to take care of your horse (cleaning, brushing, taking, catching the horse in the paddock...) to reinforce the bond and be able to gain independence. You will be responsible for your horse before and after each riding session.


The program includes 5 days at the riding school or hacking in its close surroundings. Each day, you get two sessions of riding lessons (about 2 hour-long) and about 3 hours of theory lessons (including time to take care of your horse before and after riding lessons).
Your first riding lesson starts with the basics in the arena and ends by a short trail ride in the forest
Then, most lessons take place outdoors in order to help participants be prepared in any situation they may find while hacking.
During the week, we also give one basic jumping lesson: how to approach a jump (in the arena). 
The last riding day, we go on a full day ride to discover the area surrounding the riding center.

By the end of the week, participants of this program are able to canter alone on the beach with a good control of their balance and their horse.
Please note that we do not cover the sitting trot or sitting canter during this week.

In case you want private lessons, the supplement needs to be paid in advance. Keep in mind that the lessons taken in the arena will be private but you will still join the group when going outdoors (different groups are created depending on rider level).



Non-Riding activities - inquire for extra cost
- Tennis
- Bicycle
- Swimming pool
- Numerous water sports 
- Yoga
- Wellness (sauna & massage)

Rates and Dates for Riding Clinic in Southwestern France

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Mimizan
Airport: Bordeaux
Transfer: Bordeaux airport

Climate:
                                            Mont-de-Marsan area