CALLING ALL ROCKIE RIDERS! CANADA’S KANANASKIS COUNTRY WILDERNESS PACKRIDE

Turn off your mobile, leave your laptop at home and head off into the Canadian wilderness for a thrilling horseback adventure amongst Alberta's stunning Kananaskis Country. Following trails surrounded by the towering Canadian Rockies, canter through grassy meadows, passing crystal-clear rivers, spending nights under canvas and enjoying campfire dinners under the stars. Equine Adventures’ 7-day Rockies Wilderness pack ride departs Calgary 13th and 27th July, 24th August and 13th September 2008.

Each day heralds a new, thrilling horse-riding experience with challenging terrain, dramatic vistas and opportunities to cool off in mountain streams. Start the adventure at Moose Mountain Ranch, where guests select their mounts and set off on a 5-day ride with packhorses in tow, through fabulous scenery. Riders get to explore some of the 4,200 square kilometres of wilderness that make up Kananskis Country, right in the heart of the Rockies adjacent to Banff National Park. Nights are spent under canvas, nearby streams offer open-air washing facilities and riders are expected to help out with camp duties. Following steep and dramatic terrain, the trail descends into Elbow River Valley, to a secluded meadow to set up camp amidst spectacular snow-capped peaks. After a day’s riding, horses are groomed down before tired riders relax around the campfire for a well-earned and delicious dinner. This ride is a true wilderness adventure that offers breathtaking scenery, the camaraderie of the trail, excellent camp-fire cooked food and the opportunity to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature. Finally return to Little Elbow Trail Head, say goodbye to equine companions and overnight in a guesthouse before heading home.

The tour costs from £885 p/p including transfers from Calgary, 2-nights B&B (one at the beginning and one at the end of the ride) and 4-nights tented camp accommodation, most meals, 6% federal tax, all riding and expert guiding.

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SIRUAI SAFARI - KENYA ON HORSEBACK

Explore the Mara on horseback, canter over open plains dotted with wildebeest, alongside galloping Zebra, enjoy night game drives and encounter Elephant, Buffalo and Lion - experience East Africa through the eyes of Siruai guides on well schooled and bush-wise horses. Equine Adventures’ 9-day Siruai Safari next departs London 24th June and 7th, 18th, 29th July 2008. (Other dates are available).

On arrival in Nairobi, guests are transferred to the Maasai Mara by light aircraft, in time for lunch at the safari’s luxury tented camp and an afternoon ride. After a good night’s sleep, enjoy an early morning ride, returning to camp for a hearty breakfast. The rest of the day is spent exploring this beautiful area by horseback, by jeep, or on foot. Next, follow vast tracts of open country, beneath the Bardamat Hills. Here, a BBQ lunch and water for the horses is on offer before heading to a new campsite. Offering unparalleled views, this location is a new concession that the Siruai have recently negotiated with the local Maasai. Spend time exploring this untouched area of the Mara before travelling west to the Njaknjiak Gorge. Here, enjoy a refreshing lunchtime swim in the rock pools before heading for the next camp pitched on the Olare Orok stream. The next three days are based at Acacia Camp exploring the region by horse or by vehicle, meeting local Maasai, enjoying night-time game drives and a Mara River BBQ, before transferring back to Nairobi for homeward flights.

The holiday costs from £3,830 p/p including all flights, transfers, 1-night accommodation in Nairobi at House of Waine, luxury tented accommodation, most meals and drinks, temporary membership of the Flying Doctor’s society of Africa, horse, tack and expertly guided activities.

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DIAMOND CIRCLE TOLT - 8-DAY ICELANDIC HORSEBACK ADVENTURE

Whether at a tolt or a gallop, explore Iceland’s spectacular volcanic Lake Myvatn, an area often called the ‘Diamond Circle’ for its proliferation of natural wonders, on the back of purebred Icelandic horses. Descended from the Viking horses of a thousand years ago, Icelandic’s are small and gentle with great stamina, speed and intelligence, making perfect riding companions during Equine Adventures 8-day Diamond Circle tour, departing London 12th July 2008.

This tour is perfect for those who want the excitement of wilderness riding without ‘roughing it’ as overnight stays are in comfortable country guesthouses and farmhouses. After an initial night in Reykjavik, guests are transferred to Saltvik, located in a pristine coastal area, to saddle up and begin their explorations in the picturesque highland plateau of Hvammsheioi. After a hearty breakfast the following morning, ride towards the magnificent Lake Myvatn, famous not only for its volcanic and geothermal features and rich birdlife but for being the sunniest spot in Iceland! Further highlights include riding through the beautiful valleys of Engidalur and Baroardalur together with the mighty Odaoahraun Lava field, Iceland’s largest, before over-nighting at Guesthouse Kioagil on the banks of a glacial river. Next, ride through the Baroardalur Valley towards the magnificent Gooafoss Waterfall and on to Fellsskogur Forest before returning to Saltvik. The last day in the saddle reveals some of the country’s finest scenery, characterised by the vast lava fields of Aoaldalshraun and deep rich birch forests. The ride concludes with a final exhilarating canter across Hvammsheioi heath (not dissimilar to Hampstead Heath!) before returning to Reykjavik for a last night and homeward flights next day. Optional whale-watching excursions are available.

The tour costs from £1,435 adults and £1,076 children (8-12yrs) (ride only) including domestic flights, transfers, comfortable accommodation, most meals, equipment hire and expertly guided activities. Whale-watching excursions cost £35 p/p.

NEW TOUR – UNDER 3s GO FREE!!! RIDE THE PONY EXPRESS

COLORADO HORSEBACK ADVENTURE

Canter through open meadows, follow mountain trails, work cattle, water-ski, dine like royalty, enjoy special children’s programmes and experience the spectacular wilderness of south west Colorado. Join Equine Adventures on its NEW 7-day Wilderness Trails Ranch riding adventure this summer and children under three get to go for free! Family holidays depart Durango daily, now until 31st August 2008.

Wilderness Trails Ranch has been family owned and operated by the Roberts since 1970 and is situated 35 miles north east of Durango, amongst the beautiful San Juan Mountains of south west Colorado. Surrounded by Piedra and Weminuche Wilderness Areas, the region is one of the most scenic in Colorado and is known locally as ‘The Switzerland of America’, where crystal clear streams, open meadows, high mountains and vast forests, support diverse wildlife. Riders participate in a variety of riding experiences including Western riding lessons, mountain and valley trail rides, fishing rides, trailblazing, trotting and loping, cattle work, arena work, and gymkhanas. The ranch offers supervised programmes for all age groups from 3 to 17-years – such as ‘The Pony Express’ for the under 5s and ‘The Saddle Tramps’ for 6-10 year olds, as well as family rides each week. After an adventurous day riding, enjoy exceptional gourmet meals ranging from cowboy steak & fish cookouts, to succulent Prime Rib, Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean specialities. Child-friendly food is always available to cater to younger tastes. For time out of the saddle enjoy hiking, fishing, water skiing and tubing on Vallecito Lake. Evenings are spent enjoying campfire sing-a-longs, live music and western dance lessons - or just relaxing under Colorado’s brilliant night skies!

The holiday costs £1,360 adult, £1,110 (6yrs to 17yrs) and £780 (3yrs to 5yrs), under 3yrs FREE, including return transfers from Durango and La Plata Airport, cabin accommodation, most meals, all riding, cattle work, youth programmes, Middle Mountain tour, water-skiing/tubing, nightly entertainment, fishing at several stocked ponds, and many other activities. The ranch does not accept gratuities! Baby-sitting is available most afternoons and some evenings at a rate of $12 an hour.

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