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.

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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.

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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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NEW EQUINE ADVENTURES 2009/10 BROCHURE

Equine Adventures’ new 2009 brochure offers the most comprehensive range of riding holidays to date including 20 new rides in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa, and features Zambia, Cyprus and Peru for the first time. As an extra incentive, Equine Adventures now offers savings of up to £100 p/p for returning customers through its new Chameleon Club loyalty scheme, plus discounts on any tours featured in the 2009 brochure if booked before 24th December 2008 – there’s never been a better time to pack up the jods and head off for adventure!

Examples of NEW riding holidays include:

CYPRUS – The Drapia Ride: 7-days, daily departures from Larnaca throughout 08/09
Costs £441 p/p (normally £490) if booked before 24th December 08
Based at Drapia Farm, set amongst a beautiful valley of orange groves and surrounded by gentle hills, the holiday is suitable for non-riders, beginners and experienced riders. 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.

PERU – Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas: 12-days, next departs Cuzco 16th April 09
Costs £2,965 p/p
Discover Peru’s ancient history and impressive scenery on purebred Peruvian Paso horses. Follow secluded mountain trails, pass isolated Quechua and Q’enco Indian villages and visit Inca ruins including Machu Picchu. Spend nights in hotels near some of the world’s most spectacular sites, and camp by lakes with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.

ZAMBIA – Kafue Horse Safari: 8-days, next departs Lusaka 10th March 09
Costs £2,715 p/p
Explore Kafue National Park, Zambia's oldest and largest NP and one of Africa’s newest riding destinations, offering a vast and impressive range of scenery and wildlife. Ride through huge teak forests, across endless open plains and along the shoreline of Lake Itezhi-tezhi, enjoy an optional guided safari walk and spend a night under the stars.

USA – Tanque Verde Ranch: 8-days, daily departures from Tucson beginning 16th December 08
Costs £1,287 p/p (normally £1,430) if booked before 24th December 08
Located in the lush desert foothills of the Rincon Mountains, the ranch offers riding for all abilities with plenty of additional activities ideal for non-riders, families, or for those wishing to combine riding and relaxation. Ride amongst the pristine Sonoran desert, enjoy guided hiking and mountain biking, or relax in the outdoor spas.

Click here to see the full range of horseriding holidays.

FOOTSTEPS OF CONQUISTADORS

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. Equine Adventures’ 7-day Pacific Coast and Andes Ride, led by former Spanish Olympic team equestrian trainer, Rodolfo Coombs, next departs Temuco 4th January and 1st March 2009.

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 custom. 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 returning to Temuco for homeward flights.

The tour costs £1,190 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 South American riding holidays.