Friday, September 26, 2008

AUSTRALIA’S NEW SOUTH WALES RIDING ADVENTURE

With the Autumn equinox behind us and winter chills approaching, how do pristine sandy beaches, undulating hills, eucalypt forests, pockets of rainforest and warm sunny days sound? To prolong the summer months, join Equine Adventures on its 8 day, centre-based Kerewong Horse Adventures in Australia’s New South Wales and ride through the extensive network of trails, natural Australian beauty and wildlife of Kerewong State Forest. Tours next depart Port Macquerie 19th October, 2nd, 16th, 30th November and 14th December 2008.

Situated on the New South Wales coast, Kerewong is operated by Kathy Holtrust and offers small groups of experienced riders carefully selected and trained Australian-bred Arabian horses that have the stamina, endurance and temperament to provide some of the world’s best riding! Guests are based at the riding centre, a 30-hectare former nursery, surrounded by extensive gardens, host to numerous native species. Accommodation is provided either in cabins or the main residence, all with superb views. The main property offers wide verandas, ideal to kick back with a cool drink and take in magnificent views of gardens and horse paddocks – or enjoy a refreshing dip in the heated swimming pool. Tours commence with a transfer from Port Macquarie to Kerewong in time to meet fellow guests and horses, before dinner and a good nights sleep. After breakfast, ride through the hilly terrain of Kerewong State Forest, stopping for a creek-side picnic and swim en route. Ride to impressive Comboyne Mountain (670m) for magnificent 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, cross farmland for an Aussie ‘Morning Tea’ at Pear Trees Farm, nestling in a secluded valley, then cool-off during creek-crossings with ample opportunity to watch indigenous wildlife. Later, enjoy a fantastic beach ride along the Pacific Ocean and possible close encounters with kangaroos. Follow a historic timber railway line to sample produce at a local vineyard, then ride across beautiful green, rolling and fertile farmland of the Comboyne Plateau for ocean views before the holiday concludes next day.

The holiday costs £830 (ride only) including return transfers from Port Macquerie (or Kendall Railway Station), accommodation and most meals, wine with dinner and all riding.


Equine Adventures specialise in tailor making itineraries and is happy to arrange pre and post tour requirements for all clients.


Click here to see more Australian riding holidays.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Equine Companions in Turkey

Equine Adventures has last minute availability on a 7-day horse-riding holiday through Turkey’s ancient Cappadocia, a fantasyland of ‘fairy chimneys’ rock formations, frescoed rock-hewn churches, troglodyte villages and beautiful valleys, departing London 5th October 2008.

The name Cappadocia dates back to Persian times, when the region was known as katpatukya meaning 'Land of Beautiful Horses'. Since that time Cappadocia has seen the rise and fall of many different civilisations, relics of which will be encountered during the ride. Cappadocia is rightly famed for its unique geology, shaped by volcanic activity and the effects of erosion and earthquakes. Layers of ash, lava and basalt form the foundations of this unique landscape of massive plateaux, steep cliffs, spectacular canyons, hidden caves and distinctive ‘fairy chimneys’. Spend the days riding through the magnificent Red, White and Pigeon valleys, meandering within canyons, crossing moon-like plateaux, visiting isolated villages and historical remnants en route. At night, experience legendary Turkish hospitality in a handpicked selection of characterful Anatolian guesthouses. Horses are well-schooled, sure-footed Arabs and Barbe-Arabs. A support vehicle transports luggage and equipment, while a packhorse is used to carry picnic lunches and small items during the rides.
The tour costs £625 p/p including transfers from Kayseri airport, guesthouse accommodation, most meals, horse and tack plus expert guiding.

Flights are not included.

Click here to see more European riding holidays.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

PACIFIC COAST, ANDES MOUNTAINS AND AN OLYMPIC TRAINER

The 2008 Beijing Olympics may be over but for Equine Adventures, the journey’s only just begun. Gallop along spectacular Pacific beaches spending nights under the stars, then journey into the High Andean mountains, riding through ancient forest, crossing rivers and passing blue lagoons, following in the historical footsteps of the Spanish conquistadors and led by former Spanish Olympic team equestrian trainer, Rodolfo Coombs. Equine Adventures’ 7-day Pacific Coast and Andes Ride, next departs Temuco 16th November and 15th December 2008.

The tour begins with a night to relax in the Mapuche market town of Temuco before transferring by road to the coastal village of Lobería. Here, guests meet their equestrian companions, direct descendants of Spanish conquistadors’ horses. Next day, head out on the only route Mapuche Indians permitted the Spanish colonists to travel, through land which continues to be Chile's stronghold of Mapuche culture and customs. Gallop along miles of magnificent beaches and wade through the turbulent surf of the Pacific Ocean, camping under the stars in igloo-style tents at Puerto Saavedra and at Budi Lake, the only salt-water lake in South America. In the 1960s this entire section of the Southern Chilean Coast was devastated by one of the largest tsunamis in recorded history. Now rebuilt, the area offers many fascinating historical and anthropological sites. Continue along the coastal route to Porma, where horses and riders are transported by road to the protected 200 hectare Huepilmalal Equestrian Centre. Owned by Rodolfo Coombs, the centre is located near Pucón, gateway to northern Chilean Patagonia at the heart of the Andes. The next two days are spent on rides through indigenous ancient forest, interspersed by spectacular volcanoes, snow-capped peaks, transparent lakes and relaxing hot springs, enjoying picnic lunches whilst taking in the magnificent views. Enjoy a final morning’s ride, before transferring back to Temuco for homebound flights.


The tour costs £1,060 p/p (ride only) including return transfers from Temuco Airport, hotel and camp accommodation, camping equipment, most meals, a support vehicle and all riding. Flights are not included but are available through Equine Adventures.

Click here to see more Chilean riding holidays.