RIDING IN SOUTH AFRICA’S WATERBERG MOUNTAINS

Ok, so the summer is nearly over - before it began, some may say - and the nights are drawing in... Don't feel cheated - grab your passport, pack up your chaps and head off to where spring has sprung! Equine Adventures still have availability on South African riding holidays that will refuel the soul!

Dinaka Safari
7-nights, departing Johannesburg 22nd November and 6th December 08.
Enjoy spectacular African game viewing, endless horizons, good company, great food, excellent hosts and exceptional horses - all set amongst a 9,000 hectare game reserve located in the majestic Waterberg Mountains. Dinaka is unquestionably for 'lovers of luxury' and those who want a guaranteed game viewing experience including Rhino, Hippo, Buffalo, Giraffe, Leopard and Ostrich. Guests are based in lodges situated high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake, offering spectacular views across the plains - a prime spot to relax whilst observing wildlife activities below. As rides are taken during the cooler hours of the day when the game is more active, there is plenty of time to relax and chill-out in the plunge pool.
The safari costs from £1640 p/p including transfers from Johannesburg, luxury thatch lodge accommodation, most meals, locally made drinks and all riding.

Horizon Horseback Adventure
7-nights, next departing Johannesburg 20th September and 3rd October 08 (other dates available)
Guests are based at Horizons Triple B Ranch in Limpopo Province, an area renowned for its wilderness, reflected in its status as a UNESCO recognised Biosphere Reserve. Triple B is a working cattle and game ranch where willing riders can lend a hand during the mustering of Bonsmara cattle from amongst over 20,000 acres of superb riding country. Wildlife highlights include Giraffe, Zebra, Baboon and Warthog, as well as numerous bird species. Enjoy clear blue skies, breathtaking views and vast open spaces - and for the even more adventurous, a challenging cross-country course with over 40 taxing open jumps. Round up the day with a sundowner, exquisite cuisine, great company and a good nights sleep. Horizon is ideal for all abilities - from experienced riders who want to spend quality time playing with horses to beginners and family groups.

The safari costs from £1,170 p/p including transfers from Johannesburg, farm lodge accommodation, most meals and locally made drinks, laundry and all riding.

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DRESSAGE, JUMPING & TRAIL RIDING IN PORTUGAL

The 2008 Olympic Equestrian Teams have seen some excitement – from the US claiming Gold after a ‘jump-off’ and Norway winning its first Equestrian medal, to the Netherlands retaining gold for a record third time… To get a piece of the action – or even brush-up on vital skills in preparation to apply for the 2012 London Olympic Jumping or Dressage Teams, Equine Adventures’ offer two centre-based, Portuguese ‘trail and training’ horse-riding holidays. Tours combine trail rides with expert equitation tuition from Olympic Show Jumper, Antonio Vozone and internationally renowned dressage rider, Miguel Magalhaes.

Portugal has a strong equestrian tradition dating back to pre-Roman times and has produced many fine international riders. With a temperate climate, stunning landscapes of olive groves, cork trees and vineyards, it is an ideal year round riding destination. Based at Hippikos Equestrian Centre on the border of the Peneda-Geres National Park, riders explore the beautiful Green Coast of Portugal’s north-west whilst learning classical dressage or improving show jumping skills. Choose from 25 horses including Hanovarians, Holsteiners, Oldenburgs, Bradenburgers and Selle Francais as well as a number of world-famous Lusitanos. All are well schooled and able to do flying changes, tempi changes, Spanish walk, lateral work, extended trot, half pass, and work on long lines. For time out of the saddle, relax by the indoor pool, explore the stunning landscape on foot, play tennis or visit tranquil, nearby beaches.

Classical Dressage Training & Trail Riding - 7 days, departs Porto every Sunday.
Classical dressage lessons are taken on skilfully trained horses, with internationally renowned dressage rider, Miguel Magalhaes, and David Alves. Ride for between three and four hours a day, including two 60-minute sessions of flatwork training, mainly concentrating on outline, transitions, lateral movement and flying changes (depending on ability), and a trail ride.
The holiday costs £1,099 p/p (ride only) including return transfers, guesthouse accommodation, most meals and all riding.

Show Jumping & Trail Riding - 7 days, departs Porto every Sunday.
The programme is run by Olympic show jumper, Antonio Vozone, and Francisco Fleming. Combine flat work and jumping on highly trained horses. Ride for between three and four hours a day, including one 60-minute flat work lesson and one 60-minute session over jumps, followed by a trail ride.
The holiday costs £1,099 p/p including return transfers, guesthouse accommodation, most meals and all riding.

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NEW TOUR - POMINO AND MUGELLO WILDERNESS TRAIL RIDE

Stylish, cultured, good humoured and yet volatile - Italy, with its golden light, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Equine Adventures’ offers a new tour, riding deep into Tuscany’s spectacular landscape through the heart of the Casentino-Pomino, Chianti Rufina and Mugello regions. Discover the dramatic Mugellos wilderness, take in some of the world’s top wine regions, soak up Tuscan history, and indulge in local gastronomic delights accompanied by superb wines – the epitome of a perfect holiday and with a one-off saving of £60 p/p! Equine Adventures’ new 8-day Pomino & Mugello Trail departs 27th September 2008.

From Florence, guests spend an initial night at the 18th century Villa de Colognole estate, arriving in time for an aperitif before dinner followed by a good night’s sleep. After breakfast, meet up with equine companions then ride along national park tracks and through local vineyards before returning to Colognole for a delicious Tuscan-style lunch and an afternoon relaxing by the pool. Next up, enjoy a full day riding through the Pomino winemaking region before reaching overnight accommodation in a converted olive mill, high in the Pomino hills overlooking the Frescobaldi vineyards. Continue through the Pomino and Sieve valley areas, crossing rivers and taking in the spectacular views over the Chianti Rufina and Molin di Piano regions. Spend a night at Casa Cheli above Pontassive, where guests enjoy an al fresco dinner and drink locally produced wines. Continue into the Mugello region passing two prominent castles, then overnight at a Medician Villa, famous for being the country getaway for some of Florence’s most prominent artists. Ride up to the summit of Monte Giove, through forests and along old partisan tracks, stopping at Bottega restaurant for a lunch of local specialities before returning through vineyards back to the estate. A final day can be spent relaxing by the pool taking in the Tuscan sun, or sightseeing in Florence, before the holiday concludes next day.

The holiday costs £935 p/p (usually from £995 p/p) (September departure) including return transfers from Pontassieve train station (Florence), villa accommodation, most meals, wine with evening meals and all riding.

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DESERT EXPLORER HORSE RIDING HOLIDAY - JORDAN

Ever dreamed of galloping through unspoiled valleys of biblical lands, crossing the mystical landscape of Lawrence of Arabia, riding through canyons and gorges on the finest-bred Arabian horses, and spending nights under star-filled desert skies? Explore Jordan’s ‘King’s Highway’ and the unique rock-hewn Nabataean city of Petra, during Equine Adventures’ 10-day riding adventure from the deserts of the Wadi Rum to the Red Sea shores at Aqaba, next departs Amman 19th September and 10th October 2008. (Other dates available).

After arrival in Amman, the adventure begins by vehicle with 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 explore the ancient city of Petra, described by D.Burgen as ‘the rose city, half the age of time’. The site was at the heart of the ancient Nabataen kingdom, with many tombs and temples still remaining, all hewn out of the living pink sandstone rock, amongst the canyons of Jordan’s south. Later, transfer by road to Wadi Rum, then saddle-up for 5-days of exhilarating desert riding on well-schooled Arabs, retracing many of Lawrence’s trails. Set off through the expanses of Jordan’s desert landscape, venturing deep into canyons, 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, visiting Bedouin tribes along the way. Whilst in the desert, riders sleep under the stars or in tents, meals are prepared over an open fire, while watching the sun set. Finally, transfer by road for 2-nights in Aqaba, searching for souvenirs in the colourful souks, or relaxing along the coral-rich coast of the Red Sea, before returning to Amman for homeward flights.

The tour costs from £995 p/p (ride only) plus a local payment of US$50 p/p payable on arrival in Amman. The cost includes transfers, 4-nights hotel and 5-nights camp accommodation, most meals, baggage transfers during ride, horse, tack and expertly guided activities. Visas will be issued on arrival in Jordan at a cost of US$15.

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CABALGATAS LA SIERRA - HORSEBACK RIDING IN MEXICO

Gallop across open grassland, canter through beautiful woods, ride through small villages and at the end of each day, park-up your equine companion and transfer back to an authentic hacienda for the night – getting the best from a trail ride without packing your bags each day! Combine this with an outstanding climate, well-schooled horses, excellent cuisine and traditional Mexican hospitality and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable riding holiday. Equine Adventures’ 8-day Cabalgatas la Sierra ride departs Mexico City 26th October and 23rd November 2008.

Mexico is crammed with a multitude of opposing identities, from desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, to ancient ruins, colonial towns, deserted beaches and an amazing collection of flora and fauna. Riders are based at Finca Enyhe, a traditional hacienda situated in the Valle de Bravo, two hours drive from Mexico City. The region is home to one of Mexico’s largest horse populations due to its topography, with numerous trails, paths, dirt roads and old 'Caminos Reales' traversing the county in every direction, allowing great scope for horse and rider to enjoy the breathtaking countryside. At the end of each day, horses are left at different ranches found en route, whilst riders transfer back to Finca Enyhe in time for a refreshing swim in the pool, a cool margarita and a delicious dinner. Ride across valleys and though forests abundant with orchids, enjoying picnic lunches and short siestas along the way. Climb to Los Saucos (9,000ft) then visit a butterfly sanctuary where millions of Monarch Butterflies (end October) will have congregated in the trees after their migration from Canada and USA. Continue through meadows, alongside trout-filled rivers, and ascend ‘la Sierra de Juan Luis’ for spectacular panoramic views before riding on to El Coloso rock formation, for further stunning views. Ride thousands of feet above Zacazonapan, a town located in the ‘Tierra Caliente’ – a vast open valley of sun-baked earth with no trees or shade, and to San Francisco Mihualtepec, an authentic Mexican pueblo. The tour ends with a farewell dinner in a beautiful colonial restaurant before transferring to Mexico City for homeward flights next day.

The holiday costs from £1,275 p/p including return transfers from Mexico City, accommodation in a traditional Mexican hacienda, most meals, wine with evening meal and all riding.

CLICK HERE FOR CABALGATAS LA SIERRA - HORSEBACK RIDING IN MEXICO