Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria
Situated on the northern side of the Balkan Mountain Range in Bulgaria, on the outskirts of the mountain village of Apriltsi, lies this fantastic riding centre which offers a range of beautiful trail rides and based programmes. Here in the heart of Bulgaria the riding is sensational - far away from traffic, work and everyday life, you can ride right into the mountains to find the freshest air and the cleanest rivers. Nature is everything here and the wildlife adds to the sense of adventure with the smell of the roses and lavendulas, the taste of the cool, white wine made from the local grapes, the real yoghurt and the sun-ripened tomatoes.
Current special offers:There is a 75 euro discount on the following trails:
Balkan Mountain Trail: 28th April, 12th May, 16th June, 30th June, 28th July, 25th August.
Singing Rocks Trail: 9th June, 4th August.
Ride on top of the Balkan Mountains, experience the nature, explore the culture and taste the local cuisine and wine. There are only a few spaces left on the above trails.
Menorca Rural Hotel, Menorca
Menorca was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993 with the S'Albufera d'es Grau national park, a bird-filled wetland at its heart. Menorca can offer many unspoiled green areas to be discovered by visitors on horse back. Here you can ride along rural tracks like the Cami de Cavalls and enjoy the magnificent landscape and views offered by this island. You will be accompanied by professional horseman who will show you parts of the island only possible to reach by horse.
Aquitaine Adventures, France
Set in the stunning Landes Forest, this ride offers some dreamy beach riding as well as wonderful paths through the forests and across various terrain. The different programmes offer adventures into the Pays Basques, experiencing wild valleys, trips along the Atlantic Coast with vast beaches of foamy waves, perfect for a summertime dip on your horse, and even based stays at the organised and certified riding centre in the pretty resort town of Mimizan-Plage.
Current special offers:Escorted ride, 7th - 14th October 2012.
Sarah from the Far and Ride office plans to join the Atlantic Coast Experience during this date. This is a great opportunity for single travellers to ride with other like-minded people and the weather is usually still nice enough in October to swim with the horses! Please contact us either via the website, phone or by emailing Sarah on sarah@farandride.com if you are interested to join. Fantastic beach riding and beautiful forest trails! Experienced riders only please.
Cathar Trails, France
These rides along the Cathar Trail offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the unblemished countryside of this Southern part of France. Here you will be close to the Spanish border, riding into the Pyrennean mountains and enjoying the red earth and sights of the region. There are both guided and unguided tours so depending on your wishes and level of experience, a trip can be made to suit you.
Bosko's Ranch and Croatian Culture, Croatia
This friendly Croatian ranch offers varied riding in the countryside and also tuition for younger or less experienced riders. They have well trained horses to take you out along the Cetina river and across the lovely landscapes and there is also the option of fascinating cultural excursions. The Krka Trail is a beautiful adventure through the Croatian countryside where you can enjoy long canters, mountain climbs and even swimming with your horse in the river.
Magic of Istria, Croatia
The perfect setting for horse riding. This warm and friendly destination is based on a small, family run farm in the enchanting Istrian countryside. It is full of charm and beauty in an unspoilt area. Istria has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm and dry summers and mild and pleasant winters.
Cross Country and Tuition in the Golden Vale, Ireland
This is the perfect Irish experience and offers something for everyone, no matter what their ability. Here you will enjoy true Irish hospitality, ride top class and well-trained horses and take advantage of the wonderful facilities and the high level of tuition on offer. The centre offers a fantastic cross-country course with jumps for all levels, an enormous outdoor arena, a recently renovated large indoor school and 120 acres of beautiful countryside.
Extremadura (Spain) and Portuguese Trails, Portugal
These trails rides are a wonderful way to see magnificent landscapes and unspoilt areas of Portugal and Spain. Horses are homebred on a farm in Extremadura, Spain, and are well-trained and enjoyable mounts. There are several trails with the majority of time spent across the Portuguese border but some with a few nights spent in Spain. Riding is Doma Vaquera style (a traditional Spanish method).
Menorca Trails, Menorca
Anyone who knows Menorca will know that one of the pillars of its culture, one of the basic elements we have to understand and interpret the history and the character of Menorcans, is the horse. Already in the XIV century the horse was the main player in Menorca's defensive system, associated with the Bridle-path - the Camí de Cavalls which goes all round the edge of the island. Harmony between man and horse persists to this day in a perfect balance between work on the fields and traditional celebrations in which the horse is the veritable star.
Balaton Park Trails and Tuition, Hungary
A family-owned and managed centre with a yard run by qualified staff who are able to offer tuition as well as trails on superbly schooled horses. This newly built and stylish Horse Farm is situated in the protected area of the Balaton Uplands National Park. Whilst riding their well schooled and healthy horses their riding tours will introduce you to the unique natural surroundings of the diverse countryside. You will find old volcanos, hills with vineyards, mysterious forests, rustling reeds and the waves of the Balaton Lake 'The Hungarian Sea' all of these being the special features of this area.
Levante Hills Farm, Mallorca
This farm, situated in the idyllic Levante hills of Mallorca, is dedicated to riding and offers tuition and trail rides as well as breeding some impressive Spanish horses. Horse lovers can enjoy the peaceful Mallorcan countryside or can do some more advanced dressage with the stunning stallions bred here. There are traditional style bedrooms, a welcoming restaurant, a swimming pool and terrace for guests to enjoy after a fabulous day spent in the saddle.
Dordogne Wine & Dine, France
Referred to as 'The Galloping Gourmet' by Horse and Hound Magazine, this exclusive destination is set in and around the spectacular Dordogne countryside in South-Western France. Guests ride through thousands of hectares of beautiful private estates, exploring thick forests, valleys, vineyards and meadows, on well schooled and loved horses. Picnic lunches and luxurious dinners, accompanied by fine local wines, add the finishing touches to this high end holiday destination.
Cefalu Trail, Sicily
From this destination situated near Cefalu we can offer you some wonderful horseriding. Cefalu and the Madonie represent an area unspoilt by pollution and where you can enjoy the fantastic variety of landscapes from horseback - mountains, forests, lush vegetation and the typical Sicilian landscape which can be desert like.
This new horseback riding journey will surprise even the most seasoned rider with its beauty– as you ride through four Sicilian parks: the Madonie, Nebrodi, Etna and Alcantara. The itinerary from Cefalù to Taormina is characterised by an evocative landscape, a mixture of history, culture and traditions.
Showjumping Resort and Spa, Turkey
An excellent all round destination offering tuition (particularly showjumping), short countryside hacks and great resort accommodation in a lovely part of Turkey. Children are also well accommodated here and they too can enjoy great tuition from welcoming and experienced bilingual instructors. The hotel provides beautiful rooms with a stunning indoor pool and spa facilities, as well as restaurant serving delicious meals and drinks. Enjoy a cocktail in the bar at the end of a riding day!
Exmoor Farmhouse Getaway, England
With gates which open straight onto Exmoor National Park, this 17th century farmhouse is the perfect riding getaway. There is no road work here, just miles of open heather moorlands and a choice of well schooled and fun horses. Delicious farmhouse cuisine (afternoon tea and cakes!) and cosy accommodation offer a restful destination for a peaceful break.
Kupres Farm, Bosnia and Herzegovina
This destination is set in the natural beauty of the Kupres Plateau and is a lovely way to see some untouched landscapes and a little known part of the world. There are fields, forests, lakes and rivers to be explored and you will receive a friendly welcome from the hosts. This riding destination is extremely good value and an insight into the rural life of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most of the horses are quite spirited (there are some steadier options available) and riding is generally of a fast-pace unless you specify otherwise.
Brecon Beacons and Beyond, Wales
World class trail riding over the Brecon Beacons and beyond. These riding holidays are set in some of the most beautiful and undiscovered parts of Wales and fit, fine and sure-footed Welsh Cobs are the perfect mounts. Run by the Turner family with over 40 years experience, this is trail riding not to be forgotten.
Lusitano Dressage, Portugal
A wonderful destination for dressage tuition in the beautiful Alentejo region of Portugal. The destination is dedicated exclusively to Lusitano horses and offers lessons in dressage for beginners to Haute École level from qualified and experienced instructors. Guests stay in a charming guesthouse decorated in traditional Alentejo style set on an 11 hectare property.
Current special offers:For all bookings confirmed before 31st May 2012, discounts are as follows:
- June, September, October and November 2012: 100 euro discount per person for a 1 week stay, full board, on programme A (10 dressage lessons)
- July, August and December 2012: 160 euro discount per person for a 1 week stay, full board, programme A (10 dressage lessons)
Deductions will be taken from the cost of the riding programme. In case you would prefer to book a half board stay, please contact us so that we can arrange a reduced discount.
For last minute bookings for April and May, there are specially discounted prices which offer a huge saving.
1 week, full board, on Programme A (10 dressage lessons): £510 per person
1 week, half board, on Programme A (10 dressage lessons): £460 per person
Provence, France
Established in 1987, your experienced host and guide has put together a team who love horses, travel and this beautiful countryside. They offer a large variety of rides in south-east of France. Having a loyal client base they now create new itineraries every year to explore this fabulous region. They are best known for their Inn to Inn programme which allows the rider to enjoy the spectacular diverse terrain from the back of a horse. As one of the first organiser of horse trips in France, they offer frequent departures as well as a large choice of dates and itineraries.
Barcelona Trails, Spain
This destination offers a trail ride through the beautiful Barcelona landscapes. You can enjoy the Mediterranean climate, the thick woodlands with sheer cliffs and rounded rocks and a lovely variety of colours throughout the views. You will be taken back to the Middle Ages as you explore some hidden Spanish treasures.
North Portugal Dressage and Show Jumping, Portugal
This equestrian centre offers tuition in dressage and show jumping and prides itself on the quality of its instruction and horses. The centre is home to 22 horses, many of which are trained to Grand Prix level and whose welfare and care are paramount. Instructors can teach from Beginner to Grand Prix level and the centre has excellent facilities for you to improve your riding in this lovely setting.
Ride and Relax Quinta, Portugal
A welcoming family-run quinta (farmhouse) in the green heart of Mid Portugal, one of the most unspoilt terrains for horse riding in Europe. This destination provides a great setting for a relaxed and easygoing riding holiday. You can explore the spectacular and diverse landscapes which range from eucalyptus, pine and cork oak forests on the lower slopes, to tracks which climb up to heather clad hilltops and offer breathtaking views. This is a lovely holiday spot for riders with non-riding partners or those who just wish to take it easy.
Roy French Natural Horsemanship, England
Roy French is a talented horseman whose expertise lie in natural horsemanship and western riding whilst also extending to classical Spanish dressage. He has lived and trained in the US, Australia and Spain and has now returned to the UK and set up a training centre where he offers one on one training to guests.
Polish Castles, Poland
A welcoming destination in Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) offering horse riding on Polish warmbloods. Wielkopolska is a region situated west-central of Poland and features picturesque countryside, fascinating wildlife and a wealth of historical buildings. Rides are accompanied by a horse-drawn carriage which carries refreshments and extra clothes to bring an element of added comfort.
Almeria, Spain
This riding base near to Almeria can offer riding along the seaside and beach. In this wonderful countryside we offer you some first class horseriding. Programmes here can be tailormade so do not hesitate to ask if you would like something a little bit different to those listed here. Your host, Manolo, is vice-president of the Andalusian Equestrian Tourist Board and is a skilled horseman whilst remaining a kind, caring and attentive host. His love of people, horses and nature is evident in his holidays and he describes horses as "our companions through life".
Moorland Cattle Drives and Trail Rides, England
A chance to try your hand at authentic cattle driving and to enjoy some beautiful trail rides across the moors. This working farm still uses horses to drive their cattle, the riders working as a team with the horses and dogs to get the job done. The moors provide excellent riding country with a variety of terrain to explore and magnificent views to enjoy. A typical week will involve a few days of cattle work and then a variety of trail rides to show you the surrounding area.