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Castles of Gredos
Central Spain
Spain
Starting in Navarredonda de Gredos, you will follow the Tormes river valley, crossing different landscape everyday as well as beautiful medieval villages full of history.
During this ride, you will also stay one night in Barco de Avila, the hometown of your host. Here, your guide spent his childhood riding with his brother, moving his grandfather’s cows.
The terrain we ride on is different every day and the scenery never gets boring. This is a great ride year round!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Family Vacation
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Meeting:
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Navarredonda de Gredos
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Airport:
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Madrid
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Transfer:
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Madrid airport
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals with wine for dinner and lunch, 5 Riding days, Luggage transport & Excursions described in itinerary
| A | 2024 | 7 day trip | 7d / 6n | €1790 | $1970 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
The price for non rider is the same than always, 20% less than normal price.
Transfer and Other Charges:
|
2024
|
Transfer from/to Madrid Airport included at set times
- to be paid locally
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2024
|
Small group supplement (3 pax only), pp
- to be paid locally
|
€
100
|
$110
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|
2024
|
Small group supplement (2 pax only), pp
- to be paid locally
|
€
150
|
$165
|
|
2024
|
Non-rider- 20% discount
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2024
|
Single supplement
|
€
240
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$265
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Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport in Madrid (MAD)
Pick-up is set for 3:00pm on Day 1. Please, plan your arrival flight for no later than 2:00pm.
You will depart after breakfast on the last day and arrive at the airport around 12:30pm. Please do not book your departing flights leaving before 3:00pm!
Rates do not include:
Alcoholic and canned drinks other than wine, Travel insurance (mandatory), Transfer from/to Madrid Airport & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
The following is a sample itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and other circumstances.
The van support is always close to the group with the luggage, so it's not necessary to carry things on the horse. The group meets the van at tapas time, lunch time, or in any other moment if necessary (for shoeing a horse, take rain coats, etc).
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival to Navarredonda de Gredos
Meet at Madrid airport for 3:00 pm and transfer to Navarredonda (2 hours’ drive). Stop in Avila for a short visit. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Navarredonda de Gredos
Day 2 (Monday): Navarredonda de Gredos to Navacepeda de Tormes
After the distribution of horses, we ride through the Tormes valley and pine forest. We cross some open fields with great views of the Gredos Mountains. We have lunch at fisherman´s hut with an excellent paella, cooked on the spot, beside the river Tormes (possible swimming in summer). Short afternoon ride to Navacepeda.
Riding 4 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Hoyos del Espino
Day 3 (Tuesday): Navacepeda de Tormes to El Barco de Avila
The longest day and the most beautiful views of Gredos Mountains await us! We ride down the valley riding through small and remote shepherd villages. We stop for lunch at Aliseda de Tormes, beside the Tormes River and its medival bridge. In the afternoon, we will ride across an open valley with a different landscape and good trots and canters to El Barco de Ávila. We will cross the Tormes River on a beautiful roman bridge to get to the village. Night and dinner at a 4* hotel.
Riding 6.5 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in El Barco de Ávila
Day 4 (Wednesday): El Barco de Avila to Hoyorredondo
We ride to Salamanca province, a beautiful flat and dry area, with incredible granite formations. It is a very rural region, where you will see fields with stonewalls and farmers riding donkeys. Later on, we ride through holm oaks woods and pastures. We will cross Puente del Congosto, another medieval village with a 15th century bridge and Castle. Picnic near the river, a very beautiful spot for swimming in summer. In the afternoon, we will have some fast and good canters to Hoyorredondo. Overnight and dinner at a very beautiful rural Inn, La Trocha de Hoyorredondo, where it is possible to see the horses resting from your bedroom´s window. A magical place.
Riding 6 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Trocha de Hoyorredondo in Hoyorredondo
Day 5 (Thursday): Hoyorredondo to Navacepedilla de Corneja
Good trots and canters in the morning by the flat Corneja River Valley to Bonilla de la Sierra - very important medieval town, with a beautiful church. We take our lunch break in a private garden with swimming pool and taste a bbq with Avilan beefsteak. In the afternoon, we will start climbing to the top of the mountains.
Riding 6 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Navacepedilla de Corneja
Day 6 (Friday): Navacepedilla de Corneja to Navarredonda de Gredos
This is a magnificent day! We ride in the mountains through 3 different valleys. In the morning, we will ride up to the highest place of the ride: Puerto de Chía (1,800 m), with a magnificent view of the Corneja river valley in the back and the Alberche river valley in the front. Lunch break is at San Martin de la Vega with the views of the Gredos Mountains. After lunch, we will cross the Alberche River and continue to Tormes River valley to get to the stables.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Navarredonda de Gredos
Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Breakfast at the hotel, departure at 10am to be in Madrid airport around noon.
Meals included: Breakfast
8-day option: Same itinerary with extra day riding with good trots and canters along the lovely Tormes river valley.
Day 7 (Saturday): Navarredonda de Gredos
You go on a circular fast-paced ride along the lovely Tormes river valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Navarredonda de Gredos
Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
Breakfast at hotel, departure at around 10 am. To be at Madrid airport at 12 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Non-Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. They can travel in the support car and join in meals, dinners and others activities, or if they wish, they can rent a car and move on their own, joining the group for dinner.
Meeting:
Navarredonda de Gredos
Airport:
Madrid
Train station:
Avila
Transfer:
Madrid airport
Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport in Madrid (MAD)
Pick-up is set for 3:00pm on Day 1. Please, plan your arrival flight for no later than 2:00pm.
You will depart after breakfast on the last day and arrive at the airport around 12:30pm. Please do not book your departing flights leaving before 3:00pm!
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Tack:
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English with saddlebag
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Horses:
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Pura Raza Española PRE (14), Pure Hispano-Arab (4), Anglo-arab (1), 2 Crossed (hispano-bretón, hispano-lusitano)
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Pace:
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Moderate with extended trots and controlled canters. (approx. 150-180 km total)
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
10
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs / 90 kg
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Riding Experience
This trip has been designed for intermediate to experienced riders. You should be comfortable at the walk, trot and canter, in group, in open spaces and your seat should be firm. On the rides, you will be riding for between four to seven hours a day so it is important to be as riding fit as possible.
Pace
The overall pace of riding is moderate with walk, trots and canters mostly every day, depending on the terrain. Usually, when the terrain allows for a safe canter, we canter. In the mountains, in many areas the terrain does not allow for trotting or cantering so we enjoy walking with breathtaking views around.
Tack
We use fine quality English saddles and silicon seat saver. All the tack is in excellent conditions, very comfortable for horses and riders. You have small saddlebags in front of the saddles for a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, mobile, etc.
Helmet
We recommend wearing a helmet, however you can ride without a helmet but your insurance must clearly state that you are covered to do that. You will also be asked to sign a disclaimer.
Support Vehicle
A support van follows the group during the whole week, meeting us in the morning, for tapas-breaks, lunches, at night and to move your luggage. This means you have access to your luggage at least 3 times a day.
Horses
We currently have 21 horses: 14 PRE, 4 Pure Hispano-Arab, 1 Anglo-Arab and 2 Crossed (hispano-bretón, hispano-lusitano).
Our horses are responsive, well behave, good natured and serene thanks to the natural horsemanship method used to train them.
Most of our horses were born and bred at home while others have been with us since they were foals.
They live in freedom as a herd, eating, drinking, sleeping and traveling together in the most natural way possible.
They live in a huge pine forest (500 ha) in the Gredos Mountains or in the rich pastures in the Dehesas of Extremadura. They keep fit as they can walk around 20 km every day. They live with other groups of animals including other horses, donkeys, cows and also wild animals such as wolves, roe deer, deer, wild boar, foxes.
Staff
Emilio and Mamen (both born in Gredos Mountains) will be personally escorting you on these trips. Emilio will happily guide you across the trails, while Mamen will be preparing delicious meals and pic-nics.
Emilio has been working in equestrian tourism for over 30 years and he dedicated his whole life to his horses. He speaks English and Spanish.
Age Restrictions
There is no upper age limit, as long as you are riding fit and healthy. The minimum riding age is 10 years old (competent riders only), accompanied by an adult.
Travel Insurance
It is mandatory to take a travel insurance for this trip! If you come from Europe, you should bring the European Health card, this gives you access to Spanish health care.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
Ávila 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
|
Jul
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Aug
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Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
46
|
48
|
54
|
57
|
65
|
75
|
82
|
82
|
74
|
62
|
52
|
47
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
30
|
32
|
34
|
38
|
44
|
51
|
55
|
55
|
50
|
43
|
36
|
32
|
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
8
|
9
|
12
|
14
|
18
|
24
|
28
|
28
|
23
|
17
|
11
|
8
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
-1
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
7
|
11
|
13
|
13
|
10
|
6
|
2
|
0
|
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain)
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
7
|
7
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
Castilla and León has a continental Mediterranean climate with long and relatively cold winters with an average of temperatures between 4º and 7º C (39.2º F and 44.6º F) and with warm to hot summers.
The general lack of rainfall makes it easy for accommodating riding holidays and is excellent to enjoy the sun all year round whatever the temperature. The high altitude of the plateau and mountains accentuate the contrast between the winter and summer temperatures, as well as during the day and night.
Spring
At this time of the year, temperatures are mild during the day with a mix of sun and clouds. Nights are still cold so bring a sweater.
Summer
During this season, weather is hot as well as dry and very sunny. It is the ideal time to enjoy picnics by the river.
Autumn
Early Autumn is usually mild with a mix of sun and clouds. However, temperatures can get chilly at night.
This list is only a basic guideline for you...
TRAVEL
Travel documents and Trip Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING GEAR
English or Western riding attire - whatever you are most comfortable riding long distances in!
Comfortable and worn-in riding boots
A hard hat is not required, but always recommended for safety
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Rain proof coat
PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjamas
Light summer jacket
Trekking boots /comfortable shoes
Swimsuit
Bandana
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
Personal Toiletries
Insect protection
Personal medications
Sore cream (for the emergency)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for any electric appliances
Camera and enough extras (films, batteries, memory cards etc)
Belt pack
Sun glasses with strap
Sun tan lotion and lip balm
Small bar of soap
Flashlight
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
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations.
Description
Accommodations are in small hotels and rural inns with private bathroom (toiletries almost always included). Most overnights are at charming rural hotels where we enjoy the exquisite regional cuisine, known for its tendency to be gourmet. We will also experience modern hotels, built in the traditional European style, located in areas of outstanding beauty.
All accommodations provide free Wi-Fi access.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Navarredonda de Gredos
Night 2: Hotel in Hoyos del Espino
Night 3: Hotel in El Barco de Avila
Night 4: Rural Hotel in Hoyorredondo
Night 5: Rural Hotel in Navacepedilla
Night 6: Hotel in Navarredonda de Gredos
Hotel in Navarredonda de Gredos
This small hotel is surrounded by nature and provides great views of the mountains. The bedrooms all come with Wi-Fi access, a TV and private facilities. Guests are welcome to relax in the panoramic lounge or outdoor terrace.
Hotel in Hoyos del Espino
This charming hotel offers beautiful views over the Gredos Mountains. It has 21 rooms, all equipped with a TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a digital telescope and can arrange observation sessions on clear nights.
Hotel in El Barco de Ávila
This beautiful hotel built out of noble materials offers modern and comfortable accommodations featuring private bathrooms with hair dryer and toiletries, heating/air-conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and hardwood floors. The property benefits from a beautiful view over the city and surrounding mountains as well as a lovely garden and terrace.
Rural Hotel in Hoyorredondo
This charming rural accommodation is surrounded by beautiful nature and has been built in the traditional architectural style of the area. It has 6 guestrooms with a rustic decor, private facilities and a TV. There is a lovely garden and terrace where guests can relax. There is also a living room with a big fireplace that guests are welcome to use. Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
Rural Hotel in Navacepedilla
This charming rural complex has 17 accommodations with beautiful views over the surrounding mountains. The rooms feature natural materials with stone walls and beam ceilings. Each one of them has been fitted with a TV, free Wi-Fi access, a lounge area with fireplace, air conditioning and a modern bathroom. Guests are also welcome to relax in the beautiful garden.
Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.
Meals
All meals are included on this trip.
The food is a highlight of this trip! Mamen will delight you with the tapas-breaks waiting for you with Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, olives, nuts, etc.
Lunches are taken on the trail; in the countryside (we bring tables and chairs) and always include a starter (salad, gazpacho, vegetables, etc), a main course (paella, iberian pork, fish, etc), fresh fruit, coffee and local wines. Lunchtime features delicious home cooked Spanish dishes such as Paella, Tortilla Española, Iberian pork bbq, salads, and soft cheese very typical from Extremadura “Torta del Casar”. Lunch is often followed by a siesta in the countryside.
After the day riding, your dinner in the evening is around 9 pm and you can choose from different dishes and courses of local Spanish recipes. Your dinner is usually taken at the accommodation and include a choice between 3-5 starters (mix salad, soup, vegetables, pasta, etc), 3-5 main course (grilled beef, pork, stews, fish, omelet, etc), a dessert (flan, rice pudding, fruit, cake, etc), local wine, bread and coffee or tea.
The following drinks are included in the package: red and white wines, beer, refreshments, coffee or tea during the meals and aperitifs. Water bottle is provided every morning.
Dietary Restrictions
Special diets (vegetarian, gluten free, allergies, etc.) can be arranged with advance notice.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
English with saddlebag
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Pura Raza Española PRE (14), Pure Hispano-Arab (4), Anglo-arab (1), 2 Crossed (hispano-bretón, hispano-lusitano)
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with extended trots and controlled canters. (approx. 150-180 km total)
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
10
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs / 90 kg
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Riding Experience
This trip has been designed for intermediate to experienced riders. You should be comfortable at the walk, trot and canter, in group, in open spaces and your seat should be firm. On the rides, you will be riding for between four to seven hours a day so it is important to be as riding fit as possible.
Pace
The overall pace of riding is moderate with walk, trots and canters mostly every day, depending on the terrain. Usually, when the terrain allows for a safe canter, we canter. In the mountains, in many areas the terrain does not allow for trotting or cantering so we enjoy walking with breathtaking views around.
Tack
We use fine quality English saddles and silicon seat saver. All the tack is in excellent conditions, very comfortable for horses and riders. You have small saddlebags in front of the saddles for a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, mobile, etc.
Helmet
We recommend wearing a helmet, however you can ride without a helmet but your insurance must clearly state that you are covered to do that. You will also be asked to sign a disclaimer.
Support Vehicle
A support van follows the group during the whole week, meeting us in the morning, for tapas-breaks, lunches, at night and to move your luggage. This means you have access to your luggage at least 3 times a day.
Horses
We currently have 21 horses: 14 PRE, 4 Pure Hispano-Arab, 1 Anglo-Arab and 2 Crossed (hispano-bretón, hispano-lusitano).
Our horses are responsive, well behave, good natured and serene thanks to the natural horsemanship method used to train them.
Most of our horses were born and bred at home while others have been with us since they were foals.
They live in freedom as a herd, eating, drinking, sleeping and traveling together in the most natural way possible.
They live in a huge pine forest (500 ha) in the Gredos Mountains or in the rich pastures in the Dehesas of Extremadura. They keep fit as they can walk around 20 km every day. They live with other groups of animals including other horses, donkeys, cows and also wild animals such as wolves, roe deer, deer, wild boar, foxes.
Staff
Emilio and Mamen (both born in Gredos Mountains) will be personally escorting you on these trips. Emilio will happily guide you across the trails, while Mamen will be preparing delicious meals and pic-nics.
Emilio has been working in equestrian tourism for over 30 years and he dedicated his whole life to his horses. He speaks English and Spanish.
Age Restrictions
There is no upper age limit, as long as you are riding fit and healthy. The minimum riding age is 10 years old (competent riders only), accompanied by an adult.
Travel Insurance
It is mandatory to take a travel insurance for this trip! If you come from Europe, you should bring the European Health card, this gives you access to Spanish health care.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
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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Castles of Gredos
Tour Code:
IT-SPGRE1-G
7 days /
6 nights
Dates :
June to October
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. |
|