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).

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AUTUMNAL ANDALUSIA

Want to postpone the donning of ‘thermals’ for winter rides a little longer? Get tacked-up ready to canter through the surf, explore the beautiful Andalusian countryside, learn new equestrian skills and develop haute ecole techniques during Equine Adventures’ 7-night Train & Trail horse riding holiday in Spain. Holidays depart Seville every Sunday throughout 2008.

From Seville, guests are transferred to the impressive 16th century, family-run Epona hacienda, offering a high level of equestrian tuition and facilities. Spend the evening strolling around the narrow streets of Carmona, Europe’s oldest continually inhabited village, before savouring the delights of local cuisine under an indigo sky. After breakfast, trail-rides allow riders the opportunity to explore stunning Andalusian countryside, passing impressive 16th and 17th century haciendas and cortijos, which have stood since Cervantes rode these same trails collecting olive oil taxes. Return to Epona for lunch followed by a refreshing swim in the pool or an afternoon siesta. Improve flatwork or jumping skills and techniques during equitation lessons, which take place late afternoon when the air is cooler. Visit Jerez de la Frontera, the world-famous centre for sherry production where the main attraction of the day is the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestra, a classical equestrian show 'How the Andalusian Horses Dance'. Watch the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best, in the beautiful 18th century riding hall, performing piaffe, passage and 'airs above the ground' such as courbette and capriole. Later, canter through surf during an unforgettable beach ride at Donana Natural Park bordering the National Park of the same name, one of Europe's last true wilderness regions and one of the largest wildlife reserves in Spain. Finally, a visit to Seville for an evening of classical Flamenco, including over twenty dancers of national and international fame, traditional singers and flamenco guitar, is a fitting conclusion to the holiday.

The tour costs from £920 p/p (land only) including transfers, accommodation, most meals, free wine with meals at Epona, guided visits to Jerez and Donana, and all riding.
Tickets for the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestra in Jerez, Flamenco Show in Seville and two meals, (one in Carmona and the other in Seville) are not included and are paid for locally.

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DRESSAGE, JUMPING & TRAIL IN PORTUGAL

The world’s most famous equestrian event, The Horse of the Year Show, has celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a mix of prestigious showing and show jumping championships plus an exclusive Dressage to Music demo from Katie Price – aka Jordan, to the sounds of her husband Peter Andre’s hit Mysterious Girl… If you’re not quite ready for the ‘big time’ (along with burning spotlights, 56,000 spectators and musical accompaniment), Equine Adventures’ offer two centre-based, Portuguese horse-riding holidays combining trail rides with expert equitation tuition from internationally renowned dressage rider Miguel Magalhaes, João Silva - an accomplished eventing rider/instructor, Francisco Fleming - one of Portugal's top ten show-jumpers, and David Alves.

Portugal has a strong equestrian tradition dating back to pre-Roman times producing 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, owned by Olympic Show Jumper Antonio Vozone, riders explore the beautiful Costa Verde of Portugal’s northwest whilst learning classical dressage or improving show jumping skills. During dressage lessons, ride skilfully trained horses, most of them world-famous Lusitanos, that are able to do flying changes (tempi changes), lateral work (half pass, leg yielding, shoulders in), extended trot, canter pirouettes, piaffe, passage, Spanish walk and work on the 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 (2007 Vice-Champion of Portugal) 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.

Show Jumping & Trail Riding - 7 days, departs Porto every Sunday.
The programme is run by João Silva, an accomplished eventing rider / instructor and Francisco Fleming, who consistently ranks as one of Portugal's top ten show-jumpers. 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.

Holidays costs from £1,099 p/p (ride only) including return transfers, guesthouse accommodation, most meals and all riding.

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IRISH DRAUGHT OR A PINT OF THE ‘BLACK STUFF’?

12-year-old mare Peggy who used to enjoy a pint and a packet of crisps at a pub in Tyneside with her owner, has been barred after the landlady purchased new carpets. If, like Peggy, redecorating has put a block on your fun-time, perhaps it’s an exhilarating canter through the Atlantic surf along deserted beaches followed by an evening of Irish craic and a well-deserved pint of the ‘black stuff’ you’re in need of! Equine Adventures offers 4 or 7-night Riding by the Sea horse riding holidays in County Sligo with departures available between Thursdays and Sundays from Sligo now until 30th October 2008 and from April to November in 2009.

Riders are based at Holiday Horse Farm, situated in the most beautiful and untouched area of Ireland directly on the Atlantic coastline. Arrive in time to meet the well mannered, experienced and very sure-footed Irish Hunters and Connemara ponies, then enjoy a short trial ride to become acquainted with each other. Riders keep the same horse for the duration of the holiday and are free to choose a pre-breakfast gallop along miles of sandy beaches or a trek along the lanes of the hinterland at sunset! For the willing, there is also a challenging 10-mile cross-country course with over 50 obstacles - designed to cater for all levels of jumping, so everyone can have fun. For time out of the saddle, Wednesday is rest day for the horses, allowing guests to relax or explore the counties of Sligo and Donegal.

Riding holidays cost from £495 p/p (4-nights) and £750 p/p (7-nights) including B&B farmhouse or guesthouse accommodation and all riding.

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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.

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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.

Click here for more European riding holidays.

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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SADDLE-UP FOR CHIANTI! ITALY - TUSCANY

With its golden light, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage Italy has inspired poets and painters for centuries. From the Villa de Colognole farm estate, ride deep into Tuscany’s spectacular countryside, experience the beauty of the Chianti Rufina wine region, the wilderness of the Monte Giove National Park, and the harmonious rolling plains, hills and mountains of the Mugello. Combine this with an excellent climate, superb food, fabulous wine and well-schooled horses - the epitome of a perfect riding holiday! Equine Adventure’s 8-day, centre-based Chianti Rufina riding holiday, next departs Pontassieve (near Florence) 2nd, 9th and 23rd August 2008. (Other dates available).

From Pontassieve station, near Florence, guests are transferred to a restored 18th century farmhouse on the Villa de Colognole farm estate, a base for 7-nights. After getting acquainted with equine companions, set off on tracks used by WWII partisans, take in the breathtaking panoramic views across the Florentine Basin then enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch. Next, ride through the wine making village of Rufina, and on to the beautiful vineyards above Pontassieve, passing fields of wild flowers, lakes, and the ever present rolling landscapes typical of the area. Cross the river Sieve and enjoy an exhilarating canter along the flatlands, before returning to base. Head through the village of Dicomano, through private vineyards and farmland to Il Lago, where in warmer months riders can swim in the secluded lake, nestled amongst pine forest. After a picnic lunch on the banks, followed by a lazy siesta under the shade of the trees, return to the farm via lush vineyards, forest tracks, cool chestnut woods and olive groves. On final day, choose from a guided trip to Incisa for top Italian labels, an Italian cooking class, or just relax by the pool before the holiday concludes next day. Located in the heart of the Chianti Rufina region, the wildest of all Chianti winemaking areas, the holiday is an excellent option for non-riding partnres, as those taking four-legged excursions return every evening to the same location. For time out of the saddle, full-day and half-day rides allow guests the flexibility to relax by the pool or visit nearby Florence.

The tour costs from £995 p/p including return transfers from Pontassieve railway station, B&B accommodation in a restored 18th century farmhouse at Ville de Colognole and all riding. Flights are not included but are available from Equine Adventures. Transfers can be arranged from Florence Airport for a supplement of £38.

Click here for the Italian Horse riding holiday - Chianti Rufina

SADDLE-UP IN FRANCE - RIDING FROM AN 18TH CENTURY FRENCH FARMHOUSE IN THE DORDOGNE

From the recently restored 18th century Le Bourdil Blanc, saddle-up and head out into an ancient land of forest, meadows and valleys, sampling local cuisine and regional wines en route, during Equine Adventures’ exclusive 7-day centre-based riding holiday amongst the spectacular countryside of the Dordogne. The Dordogne Ride next departs Bergerac 27th September and 11th and 25th October 2008.

From Bergerac, transfer to Le Bourdil Blanc, an 18th century manor house, where outstanding freshly prepared meals, regional wines, and a welcoming atmosphere allows for guests to relax and feel at home. Spend 5-days riding through thousands of hectares of the region's most beautiful private estates, following trails through dense ancient forest, lush valleys, flower-filled meadows, and terraced vineyards, meeting no other riders and encountering hardly a gate to open all day long. A different ride is offered each day, ensuring that riders have the freedom to enjoy long energetic trots, exciting canters, and lazy relaxing walks. Ride through the village of Lamonzie Montastruc and across La Foret de Liorac to enjoy a picnic lunch on a terrace overlooking the formal gardens of Chateau Garraube. Visit Ste Foye de Longas truffle farm then ride to the Dordogne River, taking in the spectacular views before an evening wine tasting at Chateau Belingard. Next, continue through the Caudeau valley, visiting the villages of Montclard, Saint Georges, St Martin des Combes and Clermont de Beauregard and passing the Chateau de la Gaubertie. For time out of the saddle, visit local sites including Sarlat - the best preserved medieval village in France, or remain at the house, which offers a swimming pool, tennis court, Carp lake, designated trout stream, and croquet lawn – all within the grounds of the manor. Alternatively, curl up in the living room in front of the log fire with a good book!

The riding holiday costs £950 p/p (accompanying non-riders £600 p/p) including transfers from Bergerac, accommodation at Le Bourdil Blanc, most meals, wine with dinner and all riding.

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.