Ride Transylvania – 10 days from £915 pp

Save £100 on Equine Adventures’ 10-day Ride Transylvania trips departing on July 10, or August 7. Priced from £915pp (2 sharing), the trip explores the stunning Romanian countryside on horseback taking in the Calimini Mountains and breathtaking unspoilt valleys.

The itinerary also includes a meeting with local people to experience the culture and traditions, and a trip to Dracula’s Castle. Price includes all riding, airport transfers, accommodation (5 x camping, 2 x guest house and 1 nt x hotel) and most meals.

Non riders welcome to travel in the support vehicle, minimum age 14yrs, and experienced intermediate riding skills (walk/trot/canter) essential. Call Equine Adventures 0845 130 6981.

Discover The Secret Life of Elephants with Equine Adventures – 9-day horseback safari from £2430pp

Discover The Secret Life of Elephants with Equine Adventures’ 9-day Big Five Safari. Offering a saving of £380pp on February departures (12, 18, 22 or 27), the trip includes a thrilling ride in the Mashatu Game Reserve - aka Land of the Giants for its magnificent elephant herds - a vast wilderness area almost untouched by man. Horse-back safari riding trails cover riverine and bushveld terrain in a breathtaking countryside that is rich in wildlife. Fly to Johannesburg for 4 days in South Africa based at Dinaka in Limpopo Province, and continue with 4 days in Botswana. In addition to elephant, sightings of all the big game are a realistic possibility given good weather conditions at the tail end of the wet season. The price, from £2430 (normally £2810) includes flights, transfers, shared accommodation (single supplements available), horse and most meals. And…. February bookings are automatically entered into a prize draw to win your safari place foc).

RIDE JORDAN’S HOLY LAND - 10-DAY EASTER ADVENTURE

To combat ‘January gloom’ experts are suggesting a variety of efficacious activities, from growing your own food to practising metta bhadvana meditation. Equine Adventures offers its own brand of pick-me-up with the prospect of an Easter break galloping through the landscape of Lawrence of Arabia and the history of a biblical land. The 10-day Jordan Explorer horseback adventure follows the ‘King’s Highway’, visits Nabataean Petra and the canyons and gorges of Wadi Rum, together with the Red Sea shores of Aqaba, departing Amman 10th April 2009.

Arrival in Amman, is followed by a visit to the King’s Highway, an area rich in archaeological sites dating back to the Hebrews, King Solomon, the Crusaders and Saladin. Next day, continue by road to the ancient city of Petra, at the heart of the Nabataean kingdom, described in John W. Burgon’s poem as ‘the rose city, half the age of time’. Later, transfer by road to Wadi Rum, saddling up for 4-days of exhilarating desert riding on well-schooled Arabs, retracing many of Lawrence’s trails. Embark through the expanses of Jordan’s desert landscape, venturing deep into the canyons of Wadi Rum, passing immense sand dunes, stony plains, valleys and dry oases. Experience the towering wind-sculpted rock formations, including the ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ immortalised in Lawrence’s writings, encountering Bedouin tribes along the way. In the desert, riders sleep under the stars or in tents, and enjoy meals prepared over an open fire whilst watching the sunset. Finally, transfer by road for 2-nights in Aqaba, searching out souvenirs in the colourful souks, or relaxing along the coral-rich coast of the Red Sea, before returning to Amman.
Ability - riders need to be fit and confident to lead horses through sand.

The holiday costs from £1,460 p/p (land only) including transfers, 4-nights hotel and 5-nights camp accommodation, most meals, baggage transfers during ride, horse, tack and expertly guided activities. Local payment of US$50 p/p is payable on arrival to cover tips plus US$15 visa cost.

Contact Equine Adventures for further details.

AFRICA’S NEWEST - ZAMBIA’S ONLY…

Explore one of Africa’s newest riding destinations – Kafue National Park, similar in size to Wales and host to an impressive combination of large herds of big game, diversity of landscape and wildlife. Zambia’s ONLY horse riding safari operation opens in Kafue NP for the first time in March 2009, and first on the scene is Equine Adventures who offer an 8-day Kafue Horse Safari departing Lusaka 10th March 2009.

Guests are based on the outskirts of Kafue National Park, Zambia’s largest and oldest park, in Kafue Horse Safari’s new, traditionally built lodge. Established and operated by Steven Rufus – an advanced open eventer, equine studies lecturer, registered farrier, founder of Botswana’s Limpopo Horse Safaris and South Africa’s Songimvelo Horse Safaris, one of the foremost horse guides in the industry – guests are in safe hands! Ride well-schooled South African Boerperd, SA Warmblood, Quarter Horse crosses and Thoroughbred crosses over a varied riding terrain – huge teak forests, endless open plains and the shoreline of Lake Itezhi-tezhi – home to 34 mammal species, a huge diversity of reptiles and amphibians, and up to 500 avian species. From Lusaka, transfer by road to Kafue Horse Safari Lodge in time to meet the horses and an introductory ride. After an early breakfast, head out in to the park for a morning ride tracking game – including elephant, zebra, wildebeest and African Wild dog. After a leisurely lunch and a chance to relax by the plunge pool, enjoy a shorter afternoon ride – returning for sundowners in the central dining area overlooking the watering hole – the perfect place to observe game taking a drink! Later, enjoy a guided walking safari and a night camping under an open-sided Lapa (traditional thatched roof hut), visit nearby Nkala Fortified Camp – Zambia’s oldest stone built church, then ride through rural villages, meeting local people and enjoying picnic lunches en route. Finally, take a last ride across the plains before transferring to Lusaka for homeward flights.

The horseback safari costs from £2,715 p/p including road transfers, 7-nights safari lodge accommodation, all meals and drinks, park fees and all riding.

Click here to see more African riding holidays.

NEW - ECUADOR’S COTOPAXI NP

Ride across arid plains and lava flows, through wetlands and woodlands, over grassy hills dotted with wild flowers, following a complete circuit around the base of the world’s highest active volcano – majestic, snow-capped Cotopaxi, staying in historic haciendas, inns and isolated farmhouses along the way, AND if booked before 24th December 2008 - pocket an early booking discount of £50 per person! Equine Adventures’ NEW 8-day Around Cotopaxi riding adventure next departs 11th January and 14th and 26th February 2009.

Ecuador is one of South America’s smallest countries, located on the Equator between the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon Jungle, and crossed by a series of fertile Andean valleys, snow peaks and active volcanoes. From colonial capital, Quito, pack up your bags, mount your horse and ride to Hacienda San Francisco – base for the night. Next, begin the adventure along cobbled tracks and through valleys, enjoying long exhilarating canters though the stunning Andean Highlands, into the heart of ‘Condor Country’ – Cotopaxi National Park - home to the mighty Andean Condor. Ride through high páramo to dormant Rumiñahui Volcano (4,721m) – before crossing steams, descending down into the fertile Machachi Valley. Continue through some of the 325km-long ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, to Lasson Plains, for some faster riding as the terrain opens out. Later, follow a rocky path to Sincholagua - taking in stunning views of the Andean peaks before returning to civilisation and a transfer to Quito for homeward flights.

The holiday costs £1,165 p/p (land only) or £1,115 if you book before 24th December, including transfers, 7-nights hacienda, inn and farmhouse accommodation and all riding. Flights are not included but can be arrange through Equine Adventures – it is recommended guests should arrive at least one day before the tour to aid altitude acclimatisation.

Click here to see more riding holidays in the America's.

NEW - INDIAN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Britain didn’t have an Indian summer this year… However, there is an opportunity to head off on an Indian Christmas and New Year. Ride the famous Marwari horses across beautiful and varied landscapes of Rajasthan - through forest, across semi-desert, over rocky hills and passing tribal villages, staying in forts, palaces and under canvas – the perfect horseback adventure! Equine Adventures’ NEW 14-day Rajasthan’s New Year Ride departs Delhi 22nd December 2008.

From Delhi, transfer by air to Udaipur in time for an afternoon visit to the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, before continuing to Kumbal Garh next day. Here, meet up with equine companions - locally bred Marwari horses, with their characteristic inward-curling ears, descendants of the splendid war horses that served the ruling families and warriors of feudal India. The ride follows trails through forests and wildlife reserves, across deserts, past villages and along the foothills of the Aravalli Hills. Experience spectacular panoramas, stopping for freshly prepared lunches en route and staying in converted forts, castles, palaces and a luxury camp along the way. Spend Christmas Day riding through some of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary’s 578 km² - surrounding Kumbhalgarh Fort and host to leopard, sloth bear and chaisingh (four horned antelope), before reaching Ghanerao Royal Castle and a traditional Rajasthani feast. Journey west across the rugged slopes of the Aravalli Range, along dry riverbeds and over sand dunes to Bhadrajun Castle, also known as the Pink Castle, in time for New Year’s Eve. Later, visit Jodhpur Fort en route to Delhi and take in a sight seeing tour of the city before homeward flights.

The holiday costs £1,995 p/p (land only) including transfers, internal flights, fort, palace, camp and hotel accommodation, most meals and all riding. Flights are not included but are available through Equine Adventures.

Click here to see more Indian riding holidays.

NEW CYPRUS HORSEBACK ADVENTURE

Explore the beautiful Cypriot countryside on horseback across gentle hills, through remote valleys or along pristine beaches and rocky coastlines, develop riding skills during intensive lessons, or relax in the pool. Equine Adventures’ NEW 7-day Drapia in Winter ride offers experienced riders extra hours in the saddle – along with some winter sun, AND if booked before 24th December 08, save 10% plus a further £50 early booking discount! Holidays depart Larnaca NOW till 31st March 09.

Guests are based in traditional, recently renovated and fully equipped apartments in the picturesque village of Tochni. Surrounded by gentle hills and beautiful valleys of orange groves, it is the perfect location from which to explore the area on horseback or just sit back and relax. Numerous trails are on offer and rides begin each day from Drapia Farm, a short drive away, an idyllic, year-round destination. Enjoy two full-day trail rides across gentle hills, through remote valleys or along pristine beaches and rocky coastlines, enjoying picnic lunches en route. On remaining days choose between two-hour trail rides or develop skills during intensive one-hour lessons. After a day in the saddle, take a dip in the swimming pool before enjoying delicious meals in the nearby restaurant. For time out of the saddle, discover the region on foot or by bike, or for those who would like to explore further afield Equine Adventures would be happy to arrange car hire.

The holiday now costs £526 (land only) (was £640 – SAVE £114) including transfers from Larnaca airport, half-board accommodation and all riding. Car hire costs £155 for 6-days. (£248 for non-riders – was £275 SAVE £27).

Alternatively, for beginners, children (6yrs – 12yrs) or those wishing to improve their riding skills;

The Drapia Ride - 7-days, daily departures from Larnaca throughout 08/09 – AND if booked before 24th December 08 comes with a 10% early booking discount.
The holiday now costs £441 p/p (land only) (was £490 – SAVE £49) including transfers from Larnaca airport, half-board accommodation and all riding. Car hire costs £155 for 6-days. (£248 for non-riders – was £275 – SAVE £27).

Click here to see more European riding holidays.