Horseback Travel Guide edited by Equus Journeys ltd

Horseback Travel Guide

www.equus-journeys.com


The Threshing BarnHomme Castle Barns

Shelsley WalshWorcestershire. WR6 6RR, UK

Open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm.

Tel: +44 (0) 1905 [email protected]

This guide is an invitation to ride around the world and an illustration of some of the different trips that are possible. On the Equus Journeys website you will find all of our rides, together with the detailed up-to-date itineraries; and a host of interesting information and articles about the different breeds of horses and riding traditions you might encounter.

“In riding a horse we borrow freedom.”

Helen THomson

Equus Journeys, Horseback Travel & Trai lsEquus Journeys was created in 2014 as the sister company to the French agency Cheval d’Aventure. Established in 1972 by a French pioneer Anne Mariage, Cheval d’Aventure was bought by Christophe Leservoisier in 2005 and since then has grown into the top agency for horse-riding holidays in France. Christophe’s dream was to establish a company in the UK which would encompass the same spirit as Cheval d’Aventure, so together with Cathy Holloway, Equus Journeys was born.

Our passion for travel and horseback riding, coupled with a desire to meet local people and learn about their cultures and traditions has inspired us to seek out the best equestrian adventures around the world. Trail rides through dramatic landscapes or safaris on horseback in the wilds of Africa; working cattle on a ranch in America or practising your dressage skills on a schoolmaster in Portugal. Where will your dreams take you? A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so let’s take that step together...

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In 2005, whilst riding on the first Atacama Crossing ridein Chile, the French adventurer Anne Mariage handedme the reins of Cheval d’Aventure, which she hadcreated in 1972 during a horseback journey in Llanos,Colombia. Whilst riding alongside her on this path of the Inca’s, I became aware of the spirit and valueswhich constitute Cheval d’Aventure, and can besummarised in a few words: encounters; respect;curiosity; open-mindedness; riders and their horses the world over and the relationship between them.About ten year laters, we created Equus Journeys in England in the same spirit. Both words summarizeeverything: Equus - the Latin name for the horse, andJourneys - travelling and exploring beautiful destinations.Our desire to create new rides continues, with thatsame travelling soul and the same desire to share themwith other curious riders around the world. It’s time to start another journey again - to sit around a campfireunder a sea of stars, enjoying conversations with newfriends whilst the horses sigh contentedly in thedarkness.

Christophe Leservoisier

HORSEBACK TRAVEL & TRAILS

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In England

The Threshing BarnHomme Castle BarnsShelsley WalshWorcestershire. WR6 6RRUNITED KINGDOMTel: +44 (0) 1905 [email protected]

Open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm

Meet the Equus Journeys team throughout the year at our offices in Worcestershire. Cathy and Joanne will be pleased to welcome you from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. We are remote so please let us know you are coming so we can send you directions.

If you wish to be kept up-to-date with news of our events, new destinations and specialjourneys, you can subscribe to our email newsletter on our website: www.equus-journeys.com

In France, Cheval d’Aventure2, rue Vaubecour69002 LYON – FranceTél.: +33 (0) 4 82 53 99 [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.equus-journeys.com



http://www.cheval-daventure.com

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Equus Journeys Team

Cathy [email protected]

Cathy Holloway has workedin the equine travel industryfor 8 years and travelled tomany destinations includingBotswana, Chile, Jordan andKyrgyzstan. After graduatingfrom Warwickshire Collegewith a BA (hons) in EquineStudies she worked in theracing industry for a numberof years, but after a yearspent backpacking aroundAustralia and New Zealand,her heart was in travel. Sheowns two horses and a dogand loves to ride off thebeaten track.

Joanne [email protected]

Joanne Verth has worked inthe equine travel industry for2 years and ridden in India,but she has travelled far andwide during her life as thewife of an airline pilot! Sheleft the ‘cut and thrust’ worldof advertising behindto follow her dreams andwork with horses beforejoining Equus Journeys. Sheowns four horses and fourdogs and loves meeting newpeople and learning abouttheir cultures and traditions.

Christophe [email protected]

For almost 30 years,Christophe, a Frenchtraveller and rider, hascreated, guided andorganized unusual travel allover the world. The creatorof the Ethical Charter ofTravellers in 1997 and co-founder of ATR (ResponsibleTourism Association), he hasalways been defending theworth of sustainabletourism. After creating anddeveloping severalspecialized tour operatorcompanies, he now devoteshimself to Equus Journeyswhich is centred on hispassion for equestriantraditions, nomadic peopleand Africa.




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Portugal - Lusitano.

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Argentina,

Patagonia.

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Iceland,

Landmannalaugar.

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Equestrian TraditionsWorldwide the horse is revered - ridden, worked, respected and cared for - and ridinghorses is central to all of our holidays. Equus Journeys believes that it is important toinject local equestrian traditions into the heart of our travels. In each meeting withlocal horsemen, you will gain insight into the long history of man and horse.

Man became a rider, acentaur, when he left forwar. In Europe, aselsewhere, riding was bornin the battlefields. TheEgyptians were maybe thefirst to demonstrate this,during the famous battle ofQadesh in 1274 BC, wherethe Egyptian chariots ofRamses II opposed theHittite chariots.Two thousand years later,we find equestrian warriorsin all corners of the globe.The Samouraï warriorsmanaged feudal Japan foralmost 700 years. The ridersof Gengis Khan poured intothe borders of Europe anddestroyed civilizationswhich were thought superiorfrom a technical point ofview. In the 16th century,the expeditions ofconquistadors into the NewWorld introduced the horseswhich were going to

populate America. It wasagain on horseback that theBedouins of Arabia startedtheir raids, and more

recently, the Khampas riderswho organized theresistance in Oriental Tibet.

Benin – Traditional war horse.

A horse of conquest

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During the conquests, mantransported horses, spreadhis equestrian technique andcreated new horse breeds.The most symbolic isperhaps the Barb, whichalone has influenced theequestrian world in threecontinents. Originating inthe East, riders from Arabiantribes in the Atlas mountainspreferred the local horses -barbarian or Barb - thebreed which broughtHannibal and his armies tothe doors of Rome in 218BC. From Maghreb towestern Africa, this warhorse became the vehicle ofMuslim civilization. Later,after the Arabian conquest ofSpain, the Barb horses werecrossed with local Spanish

horses to create theAndalusian horse, which,led by the conquistadorsinto the New World,became the ancestor of thehorses which populatedAmerica. So, from the Barbblood originates almost allof the breeds of theAmericas, from Criollo toMustang.Another example and achange of scenery: in the9th century AD in theNorthern seas, the longboats (Drakkars) of Vikingssailed to the West,transporting their horses intoIceland. More than athousand years of isolationhave preserved this specialbreed which has two uniquepaces - the tölt and the

flying pace, which havebeen lost by other breeds.Another curiosity of equinehistory are the stories ofhorses introduced byconquerors and thenabandoned in the wild. Wehave all heard of theAmerican mustang, but lesswell-known are theforgotten horses of theNamib desert which wereleft behind by the armyduring the great wars of1914. These horses adaptedto survive in the desert andtheir genes changedprogressively over severalyears. Today they are asmaller, unique and hardyhorse.

France - La Doma Vaquera.

The history of breeds

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Rider equipmentBoots:For the majority ofsituations: light hybridriding/hiking boots with adecent sole and heel, wornwith short chaps.Dressage lessons: shortboots with chaps (or longboots if you prefer).Horseback safari: lighthybrid riding/hiking bootswith short chaps. Long bootscan get very hot. Full chapscan be useful because theyprotect from thorns. Don’ttake your best leather bootsas they could be damaged. Ifvisiting the Okavango Deltaduring high flood watersthen it may be worth takingtwo pairs.Ranches and cattle drives:short boots with chaps orcowboy boots.

Environment:If travelling in remotelocations, then take a pockettorch with a dynamo whichdoesn’t require batteries,choose biologically friendlyliquid soap for washing inrivers and take a hybrid solarcharger for charging your

batteries.

Hard Hat:We always recommend thatyou take your own hard hatto ensure a good fit. Onsome rides hard hats arecompulsory. Nowadaysthere are manymanufacturers of lightweighthelmets, such as Troxel,which are ventilated andmore comfortable in hotclimates. There are alsoproducts available which fitover your helmet to makethem look more likeWestern hats or to provide abrim for shade.

Rainwear:Can be essential dependenton your destination.Waterproof over trousersand jackets such as Barbouror Goretex protect againstpersistent rain. Avoidponchos or flapping capesas they do not protect welland can frighten the horses.Always dismount your horsewhen adding waterprooflayers.

Trousers:Whatever you usually ridein and are most comfortablein - make sure you haveworn them before travellingso you know they don’t rub.Breeches, jodhpurs or a pairof jeans (without insideseams) are the mostcommon. On ranches yourguides will likely wear jeansor thick canvas trousers.

Saddle bags:Are often, but not alwaysprovided for you - they arefixed behind or in front ofthe saddle and allow you tobring small items with you,such as water bottles andsuncream. If you need tobuy your own then chooseflexible materials which arelight and waterproof, butbear in mind that not allhorses are happy to carryone. Leather or nylon lacesare a cheap alternative fortying extra layers/jackets tothe back of your saddle.

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w The best pictures are taken on foot! Withthe agreement of the guide, ride ahead ofthe group, dismount your horse, choose thesport mode and take photos of the groupapproaching you.

w For pictures taken on horseback, try to rideslightly to one side of the group, keep holdof your reins and talk to your horse.

w Take pictures of the horses and their ridersin motion. Focus on a section of the group- odd numbers of riders seems to workwell.

w Early morning light or late afternoon light ispreferred.

w To frame your subject well, move him outof the centre and respect the proportion of1/3 sky, 2/3 earth or vice versa, and ensurethere is something of interest in all fourcorners of the picture.

w Use the automatic "burst" mode becausehorses rarely stay still for long adjustments!

w Favour a compact camera which has abuilt-in stabilizer and UV protection filter.Bulky cameras are not sensible onhorseback.

w Take enough spare batteries with you andsave your battery life by avoiding using thescreen and not letting the batteries getcold.

w Protect your camera from dust, badweather and falls by keeping it in yourjacket, bumbag or in a bag attached to yourbelt and put the lanyard over your head.

w Ask the consent of people you meet on thetrail before taking their photographs.

10 pieces of advice for photographers

Chile - Patagonia.

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Extracts from the Ethical Charter for ridersThese extracts are part of the equestrian extension from the Ethical Charter ofthe Traveller in relation to respect, nature, men and horses. We invite you toread it before your holiday.

Respect is the basis ofa better experience•Striking up a conversation

with a pedestrian whilstyou are mounted could beinterpreted as a sign of su-periority over the walker.Dismount, stay betweenyour horse and the personyou are talking to - yourconversation and the qua-lity of your meeting willthen be on an equal foo-ting.

•Watering places are pre-cious and essential to hu-man, animal and farminglife. Ask permission beforeletting horses drink fromwells and do not soil thewater and the surroundingarea.

•Equestrian cultures are va-ried and all are good ifthey are done right. Theurge to discover, your hu-mility and respect are a re-flection of your curiosity.

The horse - the heartof your travel•In ethology, anthropomor-

phism signifies the projec-tion of human motivationsand feelings onto an ani-mal. Avoid this practicewith your horse and treathim with humility and res-pect.

•Letting your horse trot tocatch up whenever itpleases him is a bad habitwhich is very hard to cor-rect. All horses should beable to walk on at a decentpace.

•Local guides, who knowtheir horses, are the bestplaced to advise you ongirthing, adjusting the tack,drinking, tethering etc.

Between riders…•Whilst riding, we have to

remember to respect theother horses and riderswho share our ride andperpetuate the tradition ofgood manners. We shouldalways be conscious of ouractions.

•We advise you to alwayswear a hard hat/helmet,even if your guides andother riders do not wearone - it is your head! Thereare many lightweight, ven-tilated helmets availablenowadays.

•Be courteous to your fel-low riders - point out possi-ble dangers such as holesand low branches, andpass back messages fromthe guide.

Complete version on



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Argentina –

Ornate Angel bit.

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Finally completely free, connected only to

the earth and sky, all senses are stimulated

for a complete immersion in his powerful

and generous nature. I made a pact with

my horse, actor and accomplice, he guides

me to an unknown world and to real

meetings; each day I become a little more,

a piece of the Universe. I am a nomad,

my expedition companions are my family,

the camp fire brings us together, time

does not exist anymore.

Anne Mariage, founder of Cheval d'Aventure

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Expe

ditio

ns &

pac

k tr

ips

Real horseback adventures

and journeys! Long trail

rides where your

belongings are often

transported by pack

animals enable you to

reach isolated areas,

forgotten high valleys and

meet local people and

learn about their

traditions.

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Travel spirit“The history of our sistercompany, Cheval d’Aventure, islinked to the pack trip. Since1972, the soul of Chevald’Aventure has carried on thanksto bold and curious riders allover the world, who haveopened and guided new trailswhich are more accessible onhorseback than in a vehicle.Mountains, high plateaus, snowypasses, isolated valleys, highaltitude lakes and rivers… Lifecan be hard in theseenvironments in which you willride, but the inhabitants arewarm hearted.”

To join an equestrian pack triprequires an open mind and to bephysically fit because it is oftennecessary to walk on foot,leading your horse on steeppaths. The riding experiencerequired is intermediate becausethe principal pace is walk,however you do need to bebalanced in the saddle. You alsoneed experience of handlinghorses as you are usuallyrequired to prepare your ownhorse each day - grooming,tacking up etc.Accommodation is basic as youhave to carry everything withyou: luggage, tents, cookingfacilities and supplies. Mostexpeditions use pack animalssuch as horses, yaks or camels;occasionally a vehicle.Lunchtime picnics are carried insaddle bags; the campsites andtents are simple; the washingfacilities are in the river and theparticipation of all is requiredaround camp. A pack trip is atrue initiation into the world ofriding expeditions and thosewith previous experience of trailriding will find the transitioneasier.

Chile - Atacama.

Kyrgyzstan.

Tajikistan.

Argentina – Patagonia.

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Did youknow

The Long Riders Guild isan international associationof equestrian explorers. The

invitation-onlyorganization was formed in

1994 to represent ridersfrom all nations who have

ridden more than 1,000continuous miles on a

single equestrian journey.With members in forty-five

countries, every majorequestrian explorer alive

today belongs to the guild,including Hadji

Shamsuddin of Afghanistanwho rode a thousand miles

through the war-zone andClaudia Gottet of

Switzerland who rode8,000 miles from Arabia to

the Alps.Their website

www.thelongridersguild.comis full of stories, legends

and knowledge.

http://www.thelongridersguild.com

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HorsesThe horses ridden during anexpedition trip are born in theareas crossed and are adapted totheir environment. They belongto our local teams and havebeen selected for theirrobustness and toughness. Theyare surefooted and can carry yousafely down dizzyingly highpaths. Their mentality isexcellent - even though theirtraining is not to the standardsyou may be used to, they arecareful over tricky terrain.Your belongings are usuallytransferred by pack-saddle on

either yaks, mules, camels orhorses - sometimes a vehiclemay provide the expedition withfresh supplies. The pack animalsmay travel with you, but oftenthey go by a different route withthe camp team and chef so thatcamp is settled before youarrive.The saddlery is very local tooalthough it has been improvedto provide comfort for longhours in the saddle: westernsaddles, local English-typesaddles, Cossack saddles orcavalry saddles.

Some breeds:The Mongolian Horse is a smallhorse, standing between 1.22 mand 1.42 m (12hh - 14hh),compact and very strong. Hepossesses a resistance toinclement weather conditions

because he was born in theopen, with an aptitude to growfat quickly during the shortsummers in order to survive thelong, cold winters.The Kyrgyz Horse is acrossbreed of “celestial horses”which received much praise inancient texts, and is a mixture ofdifferent Russian breeds with theThoroughbred. This breed ofhorse, which contributed to theKyrgyz identity, was almost anendangered species, but theobstinacy of one of our guides,Jacqueline Ripart, assisted itsrehabilitation.

Did youknow

Among the equestriangames of Kyrgyzstan, theKyz-kumaï “Catch thegirl”, matches the fair sexand the male sex in anattempt to flirt: the boychases the young girl onhorseback to try to kissher. If she wins, then onher turn, she chases himto try and hit him with herwhip!

The Qarabair is a Tadjik horsewhich is fit and spirited, ofmedium size and well-knownfor its toughness and tenacity.The Tibetan Horse of Khampas issmall, energetic and tough,perfectly adapted to the altitudeand to difficult terrain.

The Abyssin Pony, is thought tohave derived from differentcrossbreeds with a mixture ofArabian or Barb horses. He isdistinguished by his thick coat,dishevelled mane and incredibleresistance.

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Did youknow

In 138 BC Chang Ch’ienjourneyed for 13 years

through Central Asia andwas particularly impressed

with the fine horses ofKokand which sweatedblood - he named them

Celestial Horses and bredthem as war horses fortheir size, stamina and

strength. Celestial horsesbecame status symbols forrich men and officials and

were immortalized asbronze statues. The

phenomenon of "sweatingblood" was actuallycaused by a parasite

which burrowed underthe skin in the back andshoulders of the horse,

which caused littleswellings which burst and

bled.

Tajikistan –

Qarabair.

Peru –

Paso Peruano.

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Argentina – Salta trailFrom Salta, where the colonial atmosphere and Indian traditions haveremained high, you join a great Inca trail, reaching heights of3,000 m amongst the peaks of the Puna Cerro Bayo - the kingdom ofthe condor. Stunning landscapes of the Andes mountains, desertedvalleys, pampas, cacti and tropical forest coupled with interactionswith local gauchos make this an emotive expedition.

India – Ladakh, the little TibetAn expedition on horseback to meet a Tibetan population who arefree to live by their traditions. From the valley of Markha to thenomadic grounds of Rupshu, you will cross the grandiose landscapeof the Himalayas: a chaos of colourful rocks, jagged crests and thesnow-topped peaks of Kang Yatse (6,400m). Each departure is linkedto a Buddhist festival at either Lamayuru, Phyang or Taktok.

France – Pyrenees Mountain PassA circuit of around 300 km on horseback in the High Pyreneesmountains around the Massif du Carlit. Throughout the ride you passbeautiful lakes, streams and small villages perched vertiginouslywithin this border area with Andorra and Spain. The second half ofthe route is very remote and you are supported by a mule train for atrue equestrian journey!

Iceland – The Island CrossingAn epic crossing of the island from the North-East to the South-West.On your small Icelandic horses you will discover highland, heather,lakes, glaciers, fields of lava and waterfalls. A real immersion inIceland awaits you on this exceptional expedition - 3 weeks of ridingat tölt amongst a herd of several spare horses.

Some ideas

Ride details onwww.equus-journeys.com




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Argentina to Chile – Andes Grand TraverseA spectacular journey which starts in Argentina and ends in Chile.After 5 days riding through the mountains and pampas of ArgentinePatagonia you cross into Chile by boat across a lake before spending6 days riding in the dramatic Lake District. You cross areas so remotethat even the locals travel all day by horseback in order to buysupplies!

Tibet – The Kham Riders Kham is a historical region of Oriental Tibet and homeland of theproud Khampas warriors. This rugged landscape is the theatre for apack-trip using yaks to carry your supplies across the grassy highplateaus where nomadic families live. This ride normally begins atone of the spectacular festivals such as Tagong, where Khampas ridersdress up in their most beautiful finery to perform equestrianacrobatics at the gallop.

Canada – Yukon, Into the wild This equestrian expedition journeys through Canada's last frontierbefore Alaska, through wild landscapes of great beauty: glacialvalleys, volcanoes, rivers and lakes, forests and tundra. Ride downremote trails once used by trappers and today only traversed by thewildlife - caribou, moose or even wolves. If you are lucky you maysee them, as well as grizzly bears, lynx, beavers and osprey. Anunforgettable trip for small groups of adventurous riders.

Chile – Discover the Atacama desertExplore the beautiful Atacama desert around San Pedro on the back ofa Chilean Criollo. This unforgettable ride passes through salt flats,sand dunes, colourful lagoons and deep canyons, with Licancaburvolcano on the horizon. Camping off the beaten track, yourbelongings are transported by vehicle so the pace can be faster thanother pack trips.

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His hoof knocks a stone, creating glittering

sparks. His powerful quarters hoist us along

the mountain path which smells of herbs.

Flat on his neck, wet with sweat and with

long reins, I bury my head in his mane to

avoid the dry branches which whip us as we

pass. Our guide tells us we are at the top…

almost. The path ends. The panorama is

huge. The blue water shines in the distance

and the breeze brings with it the fragrance

of the sea. A tortured pine shares its shadow

with us, for the most beautiful picnic lunch

in front of an endless vista.

Laure Marandet, Rider.

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Trai

lsA mobile trail ride where

you move on every day.

Depending on the type of

journey you prefer, you

could spend your nights

camping or in comfortable

accommodation.

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Horseback trailsGoing on a trail is to leavebehind the indoor arena and theoutdoor school, and to follow apath for a mobile route ofseveral days. To immerseyourself in the rhythm of a trail,whilst at the same timeremaining reasonable, the idealstay is somewhere between 5and 15 days on horseback… butthere is no true limit! Theaccommodation on a trail ridegenerally changes every nightand there are trails to suit alltastes: wild camping orcharming guesthouses.Each morning, the luggage isloaded onto a vehicle and takento the next stop. Only what yourequire for the day (water bottle,

rainwear) finds a place in yoursaddle bag. You travel light so asnot to clutter up your mount -remember that it is he who willtravel the 20-45 km each day.For this reason, the pace is oftenwalking, but when the groundpermits it, you should expectlong trots and wonderfulcanters!Depending on the country andits equestrian traditions, you maybe expected to take care of yourhorse during the trail.A riding hat/helmet is alwayscompulsory for the under 18’sand we strongly recommendthem for all, even if your guidedoesn’t wear one.

USA.

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Italy.

Jordan -

Wadi Rum desert. Did youknow

The fair of PushkarDuring the month of

Kartika, the lunar eighthmonth of the Hindu

calendar, breedersthroughout the whole of

Rajasthan bring theirhorses and camels toPushkar for the kartik

purima (the full moon).Each year some 200,000

people converge here,bringing 50,000 camels

and horses. The city istransformed into a

whirlwind of sound andcolours.

India - Rajasthan -

Pushkar fair.

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A multipurpose horseA good trail horse is not simply a “nice and easy” horse. He has tocombine numerous qualities: be calm and serene, but with anenergetic walk; he should be used to all the surprises which canoccur on the path, either natural or manmade (tractors, bikes,deer etc). Used to being ridden within a group, he is generallysociable and should listen to his rider. Finally, the trail horse is anoverall good athlete, with a sure foot and a strong constitution,capable of walking for several hours on difficult ground, to sleeptethered to a line and to tolerate all weathers.In order to satisfy all these requirements a lot of the guides will breedtheir own horses, using their best trail horses. Some of these “fieldcocktails” do not look very special but they can turn out to begenerous companions.

Local breeds, long adapted tothe climate and ground are avery good option for the trail.Like the incredible IcelandicHorse who lives outdoors in aherd all year round. The localmounts offer the gift of a uniqueequestrian experience on ahorse which often has anatypical morphology: small,stocky Merens raised in thePyrenees; the nice Finnish horse,round and hairy; the fit Marwariof Rajasthan with his high headcarriage and curved ears.

On the whole, the horses whichhave been carefully selected tobe effective “work tools” arealso excellent mounts for trailriding. Depending on thedestination, you frequently findQuarter-horse, Criollo,Camargue and Andalucianhorse crosses. The Arabian, andits numerous crossings, is alsovery popular and known forbeing physically tough.

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Ecuador.

Senegal.

Mongolia.

Did youknow

In Iceland, where thehorses do not measure

over 14.2hh, it iscustomary for the riders to

change horses 2-3 timeseach day. As your ridinggroup is likely to consist

of 14 to 20 riders, youcould be following a herdof 50 to 60 loose horses!A show in itself! Regular

stops are planned tochange horses and

therefore the pace canremain fairly steady

throughout.

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Choosing the right trailThe right choice of horseback trail depends on numerousparameters, such as atmosphere and landscape, duration, time of year, budget, accommodation and riding ability. Here are someimportant points you should take into account:

• It is better to join a trail whichis suited to your riding level.Knowing how to evaluateyourself can be difficult, butmaking a mistake can ruinyour holiday… and that ofyour trail companions! Askyourself the followingquestions: what is your ridinglevel? What are your trailexperiences? Do you rideregularly, and if not, do youhave the possibility to rideseveral times before yourdeparture? The staff at EquusJourneys are happy to discussall this with you to find you atrail that suits you.

• Camping or rustic huts permityou to make the most of thewilderness, to travel onremote paths and seeremarkable sunsets. But agood bed and a hot showercan help you to recover fromthe tiredness of the day and so

a camping trip may not suityou. A horseback trail canalso be a luxuriousexperience, with exceptionalaccommodation and grandmeals. Be sure to tell us ofyour wishes!

• The pace of trail rides variesconsiderably depending onthe horses and the ground. Ifyou want energetic gallops,choose trails on soft, flat,open ground with livelyhorses. Conversely,mountainous itineraries offerspectacular views, but slowerrides over uneven ground,which requires a good horse.

• Mountain Trails often requireyou to dismount and walk onfoot during steep climbs ordescents. You have to bephysically fit and wearappropriate shoes!

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Some ideasFrance – Armagnac TrailA comfortable trail between Perigord and the forests of Landes, onexcellent Selle Francais/Arab crosses. Ride through the terraces of therenowned vineyards of Buzet and past Armagnac orchards on thehillsides of the Lot valley. The shadow of Henry of Navarre (Henry IVof France) still hangs over the city of Nerac and its chateau. Eachnight you will experience the wonderful local cuisine.

Spain – Sierra Nevada trailA trail on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Followold mule trails past flowering oleander shrubs and through whitevillages with clear water fountains. You will climb on horseback toMulhacen (3,478 metres), the highest peak on the Iberian peninsula.The scenery is spectacular but the pace can be slow due to theterrain.

Finland – Wild LaplandA trail ride in the wilds of Lapland on the borders of Finland, Norwayand Sweden. Discover the legendary land of the reindeer and meetthe Sami people in the heart of the Taiga forests. In this extremelyquiet and wild region, far from the usual touristic sites, you overnightin rustic chalets and dine on delicious fresh salmon, herring andreindeer. This far north the sun never sets during the summer months.

Romania – The riders of TransylvaniaThis horseback trail invites you into the mysterious landscape ofTransylvania - a world of counts and countesses, medieval villagesand the aristocratic houses. A Romanian team will guide you amongstthe spectacular scenery of the Carpathian mountains, where hay isstill cut by hand, ox still pull the carts, and the horse is omnipresent.

France.

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Some ideasIceland – The Landmannalaugar tourA new equestrian trail between volcanoes and glaciers, through thedesert of Oraefi and into the heart of Landmannalaugar, one of themost spectacular and isolated areas of Iceland. On your Icelandichorse with its magical paces, head out for an adventure from Heklavolcano to the glaciers of Myrdalsjökul and Eyjallajökull, anddiscover lava fields and hot springs.

Iceland – Kjolur trailA pacey horse riding trail which crosses Iceland on historical trackslinking the North to the South. You ride amongst a herd of loosehorses and swap your mount at least twice a day. Ride through thehighlands, past glaciers, volcanoes and raging rivers. This rideincludes visits to some of the sights of the famous Golden Circleincluding Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir lake.

Mongolia – Kentii - riding the SteppesMongolia is one of the original trail destinations, and the area ofKentii is favoured amongst Mongolians for its lush forests and grassysteppes. A herd of loose horses accompanies you so that you canswap onto a fresh horse for endless canters across the wildlandscapes. Spend your nights camping whilst your meals areprepared in a traditional yurt. There are always rides scheduledaround the Naadam games for those who wish to combine theirriding holiday with this annual festival.

Mongolia – Lake KhuvsgulA trail ride on the borders of Siberia, from northern Tsaagan Nuur inTsaatans to the shores of Lake Khövsgöl. This linear route throughdense forests opens the door to one of the wildest regions ofMongolia, where the locals still practice shamanism. Immerseyourself in the lifestyle of local, nomadic, reindeer herding familiesand their traditions.


Iceland,

Landmannalaugar.




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Did youknow

Chagras clothingThe poncho is believed tohave originated in Castille

and was taken to SouthAmerica by the early

explorers- it keeps ridersboth warm and dry. Thetraditional over-trousers

are made from the skins ofgoats, lambs, bear, wolf or

deer and are often wornwith the furry side outer-most rather than inside.

The chagras lasso isformed from twisted

leather and is the worldslongest, measuring 25 -

45m. The wooden stirrupsprotect the feet from when

riding along rocky paths.

Italy - Sicily -

Mount Etna.

Mongolia -

Gobi Steppes.

32

Some ideas


Jordan – Wadi RumExperience the thrill of riding Arabian horses, the pride of yourBedouin guides, amongst the red and ochre sands of the Wadi Rumdesert. This horseback trail also includes a visit to the rose-red city ofPetra and the Dead Sea. A real immersion in Bedouin culture - youwill be welcomed by a warm and attentive local team

Morocco – The Desert RideA horseback trail in the south of Morocco. Barb horses and ridersmake a path through the Moroccan desert, to magnificent oases. Anenergetic horseback trail amongst the sand dunes of the Sahara,where castles and citadels nestle in the parched earth, surrounded bygreen palm groves, where life is calm and tranquil, sheltered from thesun.

Morocco – High Atlas trailAn exciting horseback trail in the midst of the High Atlas mountainsof Morocco. Riding courageous stallions, cross the most mountainouslandscapes of Morocco, discovering high plateaus and forgottenvalleys. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Berber culture, ridingthrough beautiful villages and observing their traditional farmingmethods.

Namibia – Namib desert trailA challenging and pacey ride across the oldest desert in the world,this horseback trail is one of the most challenging. Ride 400 km fromthe red dunes at Sossusvlei, through the Namib desert to the coast atSwakopmund. Sleep under the stars and marvel at the magic of thisever-changing landscape.

Namibia -

Namib.




33

Chile – Torres del PaineThe stunning Torres del Paine national park offers a magicalcombination of spectacular scenery, mountain paths and openpampas perfect for long canters. You can either choose a campingitinerary, which ventures into remote areas of the park, or opt for anestancia to estancia ride if you prefer a warm bed and hot shower atthe end of the day!

Peru – Sacred ValleyRide the fabled Peruvian Paso in its homeland, high in the sacred valleyof the Incas. The trail goes past terraced landscapes and ancient Incaruins and the itinerary includes a visit to Macchu Picchu and a free dayin the city of Cusco. This ride is at high altitude and so the trail startsslowly to allow you time to adapt, but there are plenty of opportunitiesto experience the fifth gait of this cadillac of horses - the "paso llano".

Ecuador – Cotopaxi AdventureAn almost complete circuit around the worlds highest active volcano- Cotopaxi. Ride through stunning Andean highlands - across aridplains, rolling hills, lava fields and wetlands - following old Inca trailsand passing adobe cottages and patchwork fields farmed by thecharming local people.

Uruguay – Gauchos, pampas and oceansJoin traditional Uruguayan gauchos on this trail ride through naturereserves near Rocha. Alternate days on cattle estancias with trails pastemerald lagoons and onto deserted beaches for exhilarating canters.The area is home to more than 400 species of birds and you may belucky enough to see sealions and dolphins as well.

India – Forts and Palaces of RajasthanA wonderful horseback trail through Shekhawati where you can feelthe glorious past of the traders on the Silk Road. Your guide, an heirfrom an important Rajput family, welcomes you into his ancestral fort.On horseback you discover the agricultural life of Rajasthan and visitthe "havelis", rich residences which hold many secrets. Not tomention the chance to ride the beautiful Marwari horse of Rajasthan.

Marwari horse.

34

How quickly our children learnt how to fly

a kite or kick a football, to fetch water, play

cards, milk cows, shear or sort sheep and

wrestle. And the teenagers are initiated into

handling the “uurga” on horseback (leather

lasso on the end of a 4 metre pole, used for

catching horses), learning to respect their

mounts, to round-up the horses early in the

morning… and the Mongolian children

have learnt how to cheat at cards as well as

our own children do! After a football game,

a horse ride and lots of laughter, we shared

the wind of freedom. In Mongolia the sky is

huge everywhere.

Two French families in Mongolia

35

Fam

ilies

A selection of the most

beautiful horseback rides

to suit families. The pace

of the riding, the

accommodation and

guiding are adapted to

include children and non-

riders are welcome.

36

Travelling with familiesSharing the passion of horsesand travelling with your familycan be a headache, particularlyif not all the family are riders.However, we have solutions tothis problem!The best solution is a holiday ina place which is dedicated toriding: a ranch, guest house orequestrian home which offersactive, fun and culturallyinteresting alternatives.Centre based stays are moreeasily able to adjust to familieswith young children.Mobile trail rides are bettersuited to older children, andsome are also accessible to non-riders if it is possible to travel

some sections on a camel,walking or on mountain bikes.An equestrian family trip alsooffers the opportunity for non-riders to learn or to improve. Ayoung rider will always be proudof her father if he has a go atriding on holiday and will bedelighted to offer him someadvice!Riding holidays can also bepopular for a mother and herdaughter (s) or a father and hissons… and if their equestrianability is sufficient, then most ofour rides become accessible.Holidaying with several familiescreates friendships betweengroups of children, each agegroup becoming independentfrom the other.

Kenya – Laikipia

plateau.

37

South Africa –

Waterberg plateau.

USA – Montana.

Did youknow

Greek Gods and horsesThroughout Greek

mythology, the horse wasa pre-requisite for the

hero and the gods.Remember the centaur?

Pegasus, the horse of Troy,the carnivorous mare ofDiomede, the mounts of

Hermes and Helios… Thehorse - rare, noble warrior

and companion,represented wealth and

prosperity.

38

Horses for families The horses offered for familyriding groups have to be verymulti-purpose. Just as the age,weight, size and equestrian levelof the riders are different, so arethe horses. Mongolia andIceland are the exceptionbecause these countries haveonly one breed available: theMongolian Horse and theIcelandic Horse, but both aresmall. Beyond the breeds, eventhe size, disposition andtemperament of the horses haveto be suitable for differentabilities. The qualities requiredin a horse suitable for childrenare kindness, softness,surefootedness and gentleness aswell as being safe, energetic andpatient for games on horseback.

The breedsHaflinger: coming from Tyrol(the Hafling village), theHaflinger, named Avelignese inItaly, is a mountainous breedwhich is small and light andused under saddle and as a drafthorse. This small horse is robust,solid and endowed with a calmand pleasant nature and a docileand affectionate temperament.The Haflinger is easy to identifywith its chestnut coat and flaxenmane.The Welsh pony: the WelshMountain pony is one of theoldest Welsh breeds and we canfind evidence of it during thetime when the Romans werepresent in Wales. In the16th century, Henri VIII orderedhis subjects to shoot all mareswhich were less than 13hh; agroup of ponies took refuge inthe Welsh mountains, where theground, climate and influence ofArabian blood created the WelshMountain pony. Its intelligencecombined with its naturalkindness make it a pony whichis fantastic for children. He isvery surefooted and popular ontrails.

Riding hats/helmetsare compulsory for all

riders under 18. We recommend all

riders wear acorrectly fitted hard

hat and take theirown with them.

USA.

39

Did youknow

The fifth pace of theIcelandic horse

The tölt is a natural,extended walking pace -

clear, rhythmical and withfour equal beats it can

vary in speed from slow(walking pace) to fast

(cantering pace). It has aspectacular appearance

and looks staccato but inreality it is very

comfortable, to the pointthat a rider can carry aglass of water withoutspilling a drop. It is acomfortable pace for

children to learn on thetrail.

Greece – Kefalonia.

USA – Wyoming.

South Africa –

Waterberg plateau.

40

Choosing the right family rideThe right choice for a family riding holiday is based on a mixture of length of stay, budget, riding ability, preferred accommodation,mobile trail or static ride, and whether you require options for non-riders.

Some advice:• In all scenarios, if you wish to

get the family together thenthe speed of the ride is likelyto be slower - the riding isalways adapted to the skills ofthe weakest rider.

• For a family with children lessthan 8 years old, werecommend staying in eitherone or two lodges and ridingout from there each day.

• For small children the dayshave to be kept very busywhilst still allowing time forthem to rest (nap/read/playquiet games) either before orafter their riding.

• Plan some games for the quiettimes - a football, a kite,drawing pencils etc.

• If your children are over 8years old, then you may beable to join some mobiletrails under canvas, forexample a ger camp inMongolia, where it is possibleto have a tent which sleeps

four, so that the young feelsafe and the adults can bereassured.

• The menus are adapted forchildren and there are somelittle treats provided (chips,Nutella, pancakes). Mealtimesare planned around thechildren or separatemealtimes are provided.

• From 12 years old andupwards, particularly if thechildren are active,independent and good riders,they can participate in manyhorseback trails which are notspecifically aimed at“Families”. Under 18’s mustalways be accompanied by anadult.

• Non-riders are welcome andmay be able to join the riderson a camel, walking, on amountain bike or in a vehicle.

41

Did youknow

AiragEven today, Mongolianstraditionally use mares

milk, which is essential totheir nomadic lifestyle. It

is possible for them toobtain 150 to 300 litres ofmilk per year, in addition

to what the foal drinks!This represents an average

of 3 to 4 litres per daywhich is collected during

an average of five dailymilking sessions. This

mares milk is also used toprepare the traditionalfermented milk called

"airag" or "kumis".

Morocco -

Aït Bougmez.

South Africa –

Waterberg plateau.

USA – Montana.

42

Botswana – Thamalakane River rideA lodge based safari just outside of Maun, where you can ridethrough the wildlife on the reserve, explore the picturesqueThamalakane and Boteti rivers and ride past local cattle posts. Thereare signed walking trails through the reserve and the chance for boattrips on the river too. We recommend a stay of 3-4 days beforeheading to either a riding or non-riding camp in the Okavango Deltaor Kalahari desert. All abilities and children are welcome.From 8 years old.

Italy – Agro-tourism in TuscanyThis family of riders awaits you in Tuscany. The lessons and horsebacktrails are done in a convivial manner, in the heart of vineyards androlling hills. The charming accommodation, swimming pools, Chiantifood and wines, cultural wealth, beautiful landscapes of Tuscany andpersonalised equestrian programmes are the ingredients for asuccessful family holiday. From 8 years old.

South Africa – Endalweni safariA lovely mix of riding amongst plains game, heading inland to theTranskei to discover Xhosa traditions and canters along the beautifulbeaches of the Wild Coast, all whilst spending your nights in thecomfort of Endalweni Lodge. Ponies are available for children andmany of the horses are sensible enough for complete beginners - wecan tailor-make the week to suit your wishes. From 6 years old.

Iceland – Saga of the SouthOne of the Icelandic trails which is suitable for children, thanks to itsshort stages, progressive paces and nights in farmhouses. Onhorseback, in the south of Iceland, follow the deep canyons,crystalline rivers and mountains covered with wild flowers, where theviews stretch as far as the glaciers. Discover the fun of the tölt as afamily. From 12 years old.

Some ideas





43

South Africa – Horizon ranchThe ultimate family holiday for those who love horses and riding.Based on one of the oldest family farms in this area of outstandingbeauty, you can join trail rides, search for plains game, play polo-crosse or swim with your horse. You can view the Big Five in a nearbyreserve, but there is no dangerous game to ride through. Children arewelcome and there are suitable ponies available whatever theirability. You can even spend a night or two in their tented CampDavidson for a real African adventure. From 4 years old.

USA – Wyoming Bitterroot RanchIn the atmosphere of "Little House on the Prairie" this is one of thefinest ranches in the West. An authentic family atmosphere andrefined hospitality, coupled with riding trails on Quarter Horses orArab/Thoroughbred crosses. There are attentive and professionalequestrian coaches for all levels, making it an ideal ranch for familiesor less experienced riders. There are also beautiful rivers for fly fishingand the opportunity to try your hand at working cattle. From 6 years old.

Mongolia – Ger campsTake your family to Mongolia to experience life in a traditional gercamp. Ride horses or go walking through the dramatic landscape, andtake a step back in time. Experience life without the usualaccompaniments - computers, televisions etc. Stays are tailor-madeand there are ger camps in different areas of the country so that youcan experience the Gobi desert, the steppes, the mountains and rivers- or combine a few nights at different camps. From 8 years old.

Greece – Mediterranean RamblesThis holiday on the beautiful island of Kefalonia, in the heart of theIonian Islands, is very flexible and ideal for families of riders and nonriders. Mornings are devoted to walking, riding lessons or swimmingon horseback, and the afternoons are free to explore the island. Astable of well schooled Haflingers can accommodate riders of alllevels. We recommend that you rent a car for more freedom. From 6 years old.

44

Galloping in the dust amongst zebra,

I am half a man, half a horse, for a thrilling

and amazing race, half aware of this unique

sensation. Being on horseback in the bush

is to be as a centaur in an infinite original

landscape; it is to feel the strength and

brutality of wildlife; it is to marvel at the

harmony of the early morning; it is a

primitive relation to nature. It has to be

known once in a riders life.

Christophe Leservoisier,Rider.

45

Hor

seba

ck S

afar

iEncounter wild African

animals in South Africa,

Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania

and Namibia, where a

horseback safari usually

also offers a high standard

of comfort! Whether in

lodges or fly camps, you

will feel the atmosphere of

“Out of Africa”.

46

Kenya –

Chyulu hills.

A Horseback SafariA horseback safari is eithermobile with fly camps such as in“Out of Africa” which moveeach day or every other day; ordaily rides from very nice lodgesor comfortable static bushcamps.Whichever kind of safari youchoose, the daily pace is usuallythe same. You are woken early inthe morning with tea or coffeebrought to your tent. Then, aftera light breakfast, you ride for 3 -4 hours, alternating canters withwalking whilst viewing thegame. After lunch there is timefor a rest and siesta until teatime,when you head out for a shorterride during the subtle eveninglight.Safaris in open spaces with lionsand elephants are usually

limited to groups of 8 or 10riders and are alwaysaccompanied by an armed leadguide. The second guide (backup guide) brings up the rear andbecomes the head guide in caseof danger, such as an elephantcharge. You will be impressed bythe skills of your guides - theyare very good riders and have alarge knowledge of the fauna,the flora and the environmentaround you. Most of them areEnglish speakers and first aidtrained.Your horses are prepared by thelocal team so you cancompletely relax.Riding helmets are usuallycompulsory and we recommendtaking your own.

47

Did youknowOne of the main

differences between apredator and its prey, apart

from the diet, is theplacement of its eyes. The

predator has its eyes infront of its head, watching

his prey, ready to hunt. Theeyes of the prey are on

each side of its head,watching behind or in

front, alert to a potentialdanger. It is a privilege thatthe horse, as a prey animal,

allows a predator (ahuman) to ride upon his

back.

Kenya - Maasaï Mara.

Botswana –

Tuli block.

Botswana –

Okavango Delta.

Safari HorseA good safari horse has veryparticular skills because it livesand moves in an environmentwhere it can be prey. In thebush, its relationship with manprotects him from predators, inparticular lions. He has to betough, calm and very energetic,balanced, resilient and used tomeeting the large wild animals:elephants, giraffes, cats etc. Mostof these horses originate fromnumerous cross breeds betweenhorses imported from differentEuropean Countries and morerecently from Argentina or USAwith local horses such as Basuto,Abyssinien, Somalian andBoerperds. Their resiliance in thebush is bred into them and theydevelop resistances to localdiseases.

The Breeds:In East Africa, the horsesoriginate from Arabia-Somalia,English thoroughbreds,Boerperds, Somalian ponies andNamibian Warmbloods oftencrossed with Spanish blood andTrakehner. Often used to playPolo, they are easy to handleand tough.In Southern Africa, horses aremainly Namibian, Hanoverian,Trakehner, Haflinger, Anglo-Arab, Barb-Arab, EnglishThoroughbred, Appaloosa, Shire,Boerperds and Warmbloods - allvery energetic, tough and sure-footed. There are even twoPercherons in the OkavangoDelta.

In general, these horses cancarry riders of 85-90kgmaximum, but this depends onthe ability of the rider. On somesafaris there are horses whichcan carry heavier riders.

48

Namibia –

Damaraland

Did youknow

The wild horse of Namibiais a breed originating fromthe horses (Kap-Boerperds,Hackneys and Trakehners)

of Germanic and SouthAfrican forces, which wereabandoned during the First

World War. Some 200horses survived in the area

of Garub - almost desert,listed as a nature reserve

and with access strictlyforbidden after the

discovery of diamondsclose to Lüderitz in 1908.

They are able to endureextreme temperatures (as

much as 70°c in Decemberdown to -5°c in June), and

tolerate frequent strongwinds up to 140 km/h.

Their size reduced to assistthem in this harsh

environment. The history ofthese horses is mentioned

in the book and film“Running free”.

Kenya.

Botswana –

Okavango Delta

Kenya.

49

Choosing the right horseback safariThe right choice for a safari is based on a mix between: budget,riding experience, required comfort, duration, mobile or static, open to non-riders/family and prior safari experience.

• The average duration of asafari is generally 6 to 7 dayson horseback, so a total of 9to 10 travelling days. It ispossible to extend yourholiday to Mozambique,Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, CapeTown etc.

• A horseback safari budgetvaries from £1,100 to £5,200excluding internationalflights.

• The requested ridingexperience is often linked tothe wildlife present.Therefore, the presence of

lions and elephants requires ahigh standard of riding inorder to react quickly.Conversely, a horseback safarifrom a lodge on a privatefenced reserve withoutpredators, is open to allequestrian levels. A mobilesafari is usually limited tocompetent riders.

• Non-riders are welcome onmany safaris. They willparticipate in the uniqueexperience of a safari on foot,by boat, mountain bike orvehicle.

• Riding and walking safarissuit those who wish to learnabout the different fauna andecosystems they willencounter - game drives areusually possible as well.

• Some riding safaris havehorses which are suitable fordifferent levels and are alsoaccessible for riding families.See also our chapter forFamilies.

50

South Africa -

Wild Coast.

Tanzania -

Ngasurai plains.

South Africa -

Waterberg plateau.

51

52

South Africa – Waterberg – Ants lodgesIn a private reserve in the middle of the Waterberg plateau in SouthAfrica, are nestled two luxurious lodges with a charming African feeland beautifully situated. Each one has its own stables and guidingteam. The welcome is warm and adapted to your level and yourneeds. You may have the chance to observe rhino on horseback.This magical place is perfect for “honeymooners” and families withriders of all abilities.

Botswana – KalahariIn the heart of an amazing environment, there is a 5 day horse-ridingsafari in the Makgadikgadi salt pans which are set within the Kalaharidesert. A unique safari which follows in the footsteps of the firstBotswanan explorers to meet local Bushmen.

South Africa &Botswana – African ExplorerA horseback safari which offers 4 riding days in South Africa whichgives you the ideal introduction to Africa with plenty of plains gameto view in the Waterberg mountains, followed by 4 riding days inBotswana which offers a vast, unfenced wilderness and the chance toride with big game.

South Africa – Surf and TurfA beautiful equestrian adventure for small groups, in a wild area ofSouth Africa which combines game viewing on a private reserve for 3nights, venturing through the Transkei, visiting Xhosa villages and amini trail along the Wild Coast, discovering endless beaches andbreathtaking views from the cliff tops.

Namibia – Damaraland expeditionAn equestrian trail within the mountainous and mineral richlandscapes of Damaraland, where oryx, elephant and black rhino stilllive in their natural habitat. This horseback trail finishes on thespectacular Skeleton Coast. More than a holiday, this is a real-lifeadventure.

Some ideas





53

Botswana – Motswiri campThis luxurious camp on the northern fringes of the Okavango Delta,near the Selinda Spillway is ideal for mixed groups and can offerfamilies the chance to view big game. There is a large family tent sothat children can sleep near their parents and there are lots ofactivities on offer - horse-riding through the bush (competent ridersonly), fishing on the spillway, game viewing on foot, in a boat or on a4WD vehicle as well as mokoros and kayaks for viewing smallerspecies from the water, such as the beautiful reed frogs.

Tanzania – Lake Natron RideA trail ride through the hauntingly beautiful Lake Natron area, famousfor its vast breeding colonies of flamingoes. Here it is the landscapewhich is the attraction rather than large herds of game, although youmay see zebra and wildebeest if you are lucky. You will see the onlyactive volcano in Africa - Oldonyo Lengai and ride through Maasaivillages. You will have plenty of opportunities for long canters andgallops across open grasslands, perhaps with zebra and wildebeestalongside.

Botswana – Tuli TrailA classic and very popular mobile safari on beautifully schooledhorses, ending each riding day in comfortable walk-in tents. Mashatugame reserve is home to large herds of elephants, giraffe, lion,leopard and numerous antelope within the vast, unfenced wildernessof eastern Botswana. Afternoon game walks and vehicle drives allowyou to view species difficult to approach on horseback, such as lion.This trail is also open to non-riders.

Botswana – Okavango Delta - Macatoo CampA horseback safari from Macatoo camp, in the heart of the OkavangoDelta, is a unique experience. Luxurious camps in 200,000 hectaresof bush, superb game viewing, canters through the water, qualityhorses, a flight over the delta in a light aircraft and the remoteness ofthe location make this a must-do safari! Non-riders welcome.

Did youknow

Back in the 1970’s, TonyChurch, the son of a white

Kenyan farmer, who wasin love with his country,

came to knock on thedoor of Cheval d’Aventurewith a plan in his head: toencourage riding travellers

to discover big game onhorseback in the Maasaï

Mara reserve. Heconvinced Anne Mariage,

a French adventurer andthe founder of Cheval

d’Aventure, to participatewith her riders and the

rest, as they say, is history!

54

Be a cowboy of the four seasons,

on a saddle behind the back of cows,

in the dust, the mud, the snow, the wind

and under the sun with an unlimited

horizon. Gallop, relax and trust your horse,

an old working companion… and at night

by the fire, a shooting star, a horse snort

and a touch of melancholy.

Christophe Leservoisier,apprentice cowboy.

55

Ran

ch &

Cat

tle D

rive

A well trained working

horse; a herd of cows,

sheep or horses; a wild

immense landscape and a

way of life - all combine to

offer the chance to

become a gaucho,

cowboy, wrangler, charro,

guardian, chagra,

vaquero… There is a world

full of equestrian ranching

traditions to experience.

56

Cattle drives and working a herdIn Iceland, North America orPatagonia… everywhere thehorse is necessary for farmers,we propose a selection ofholidays which centre aroundthe work of ranchers and cattledrives. These holidays speak toriders who are looking for realand authentic experiences andwish to be completely involvedin the work of a ranch with aherd of horses, cows or sheep. Itis about rounding up andmoving on a herd to anotherpasture, to sort through the stockand work with lasso to brand,castrate or vaccinate. The dailyactivities are determined by theneeds of the farmer and theseason.

For these livestock farms, whichhave often been owned by thesame family for severalgenerations, the welcoming ofriders is a complementaryeconomic activity. Do not waitfor a tourist guide but set out todiscover true locals: sometimesreserved, even unassuming, orauthoritarian, gruff orimpertinent, and with strongaccents, they are alwayspassionate! Go to meet thempeacefully, to talk about theirhorses and their herds, to learnthe lightness of a hand or theanticipation of herd reactions - itwill open the door to an oldworld for you.The rancher will also help youwith the choice of your horse -they have an intuitive perceptionwhich almost immediatelyassesses your abilities and findsyou the perfect companion.

57

Argentina.

58

Working horseRanching and the necessities ofextensive cattle farming, such aslocating large herds on hugeterritories in order to look after,treat, select, round up and moveon is intense work and requirestough, multipurpose horses,

which have to be trustworthycompanions for their riders.Patient training leads to a perfectunderstanding between the riderand his mount, who worktogether as one.

The working horse often has anatural "flair for cattle" andduring the cattle cutting orlassoing, he will know how bestto place himself so as to help thecowboy with his task. He willknow how to move slowly in aherd to isolate a cow and itscalf, listening to his rider whoguides him with his seat, legs orhands; and then to burst forth ina furious gallop to retrieve thecalf that has strayed from theherd.These horses are famous for theirexceptional disposition, whichcombines good agility with spiritand being easy to handle,making them unique workingpartners. Even though they aretough, the requirements of thework can mean that you ride 2to 3 different horses each day.

59

The Breeds:The Icelandic horse is a uniquebreed which has been isolatedfor 930 years and stilldemonstrates two extra paces -the tölt and flying pace. Hisenergy, toughness andsurefootedness make him a"catch-all" horse, ideal forrounding up sheep.The Camargue is inseparablefrom his “gardian” for lookingafter and sorting a herd of bulls.The “Camarguais” is a lively,agile, robust and very toughhorse. Gifted with infallibleinstinct and large feet, he isperfectly adapted to his sub-aquatic environment.

The South American Criollos arerenowned for being particularlyfrugal, healthy, robust and tough.Capable of carrying very heavyweights for long distances andover all kinds of ground, theyhave an autonomous andindependent nature.The North American QuarterHorse is used for all ranch workand is therefore very good at,and of course he is alsopresented for, Western ridingdisciplines: reining, westernpleasure, cattle cutting etc. Hisagility, balance and speed aremuch appreciated.

Did youknow

A quarter of a mileThe origin of the QuarterHorse breed goes back tothe colonization of NorthAmerica, when colonistswere looking for a horse

which was fast over shortdistances, because the

town races did not exceedone quarter of a mile.

They crossed their horsesfrom England with the

descendants of Spanishhorses, to breed an

explosively fast horse overshort distances. More than150 years later, a Virginian

breeder, John Randolph,imported a Thoroughbred

to improve the capacity ofthe breed to run long

distances. At this time,with the conquest of the

American West, heintroduced Mississippi

Mustangs to the mix,which gave him vigour

and toughness, creatingthe Quarter Horse we

know today.

Argentina -

gauchos at work.

60

Choosing the right holidayThe right choice is based on amix between: budget; ridingexperience; required comfort;duration; mobile or static andprior experiences.

• The average duration ofranching holidays is generally6 to 8 days on horseback, so atotal of 10 to 11 travellingdays, depending on thedestination. In the USA thereare many options to extendyour trip to includeYellowstone or Grand TetonNational Park or to visitrodeos etc.

• For this kind of trip the budgetvaries from £800 to £3000excluding flights.

• Non-riders are welcomed bysome ranches, where it ispossible to learn to ride or togo fly fishing, walking,mountain biking, sailing,canoeing etc.

The different possibilities include:• The driving of horses, sheep or

cow herds in order to movepasture, are recommended forcompetent riders only, who arephysically fit. They run on onlya few dates each year and youneed to book in advance.

•Working ranches which aredevoted to working withcattle, generally offersaccommodation which is quitesimple - from a local house toa prospectors tent. Theseranches are recommended forgood riders who are motivatedto work with their horse (6-10hours riding each day).

• Ranch stays which are moremultipurpose and open toeveryone: learn to ride, takepart in non-riding activitiesand spend time with yourfamily. The accommodationcan range from simple bedand breakfast in an estanciato a cozy log cabin.

• Specific dates around anequestrian festival or atraining course: ethology,reining, cutting, barrelracing… See also our chapterabout Instruction.

USA - Montana.

61

Did youknow

Wrangler?Wranglers are cowboys

who take care of the sparehorses waiting at the backduring large cattle drives.

Some drives with c. 3,000head of cattle required 10to 15 cowboys, riding 12

hours per day and regularlychanging horses, therefore

a herd of 50 to 70 horseswere needed. The

“wranglers” kept the herdtogether and assured theirprotection against thieves,

because no cattle drive waspossible without the horse

or its cowboy!!

62

USA – Buffalo RanchIn the heart of this amazing ranch, discover cattle work with theirherd of 2,000 buffalo, and ride over the amazing landscapes ofsouthern Colorado. This ranch is perfect for those wanting toexperience the life of old Westerns, and is suitable for riders and non-riders. There are special weeks when calves are born and again whenthey are branded.

Ecuador – The ChagrasYou will cross the Ecuadorian Andes on horseback, at heights over3,500 m, under the towering Cotopaxi volcano, to participate in acattle drive with Chagras - the cowboys of Ecuador. During abeautiful horseback trail, you will share the life of these farmers:rounding up the herds in the mountains and driving them to thecorrals. A unique immersion in the heart of the Chagras tradition withthe comfort of haciendas.

Chile – Torres del Paine horse driveAt the end of the trail season in this southernmost corner of Patagonia,herds of horses are driven from the park to their winter grazing. Withthe towers of Paine as a back-drop, this is a fast ride for experiencedriders only.

USA – Wyoming/Montana ranchAn old-fashioned ranching experience in scenic and remote open-range country. Daily activities are determined by what needs to bedone, so you could be rounding up and moving cattle, or sorting andcutting them ready for branding or castrating. You can do as much oras little as you like and all abilities are welcome. Overnight inpioneer camps and take a step back in time…

Some ideas





63

USA – Cattle DriveIn Arizona or in Montana, each spring and autumn, 1,200 cows andmore than 100 horses are driven over several weeks between theirwinter ranch and the large pastures at Pryor Mountains and Big HornCanyon. Long days in the saddle and an intense experience for thedevoted admirer of the American Western.

Argentina – Estancia Los PotrerosThis comfortable estancia in Argentina offers a more relaxing holidayand is a year-round destination. Ride out daily on the rolling Cordobahills and return to the estancia for informal wine-tastings; or rise earlyand help to round-up the horses and bring them in for the days'activities.

Iceland – Sheep Round-upBefore the first snows cover the plateaus of Landmannalaugar, youmeet up with the local farmers to assist with rounding up thousandsof sheep. Working as a team, from the black ash of Hekla volcano tothe plains, this is an exclusive immersion into the very elusive circleof Icelandic breeders.

France – Transhumance of MerensTraditionally, the breeders of Merens drive their horse and cattle herdsinto the Pyrenean mountains for the summer. This occasion leads tonumerous meetings and festivities. After driving c. a thousand maresand their colts, you then continue the trail on horseback (4 days) onthe magnificent Campuls circuit.

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Between Borana Lodge and Sosian lies the

Laikipia plateau, at the foot of Mount

Kenya. In this elegant environment we were

welcomed and offered the liberty of choice:

horseback safari, walking safaris, following

the herds in a vehicle, strolling, spending a

night in the bush… everything was possible

and real. We lived our dream…

Honeymoon couple, one of whom was a rider.

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Rid

ing

Hol

iday

sA riding holiday based at

a centralised

accommodation,

with rides in different

directions each day which

can be adapted to differing

riding levels and to your

wishes. You can unpack

and relax, knowing you

return to the same place

each night and even sit out

a day and rest if you

prefer.

66

Spirit of the holidayA centre based riding holidayoffers comfort, a variety ofactivities for riders and non-riders, flexibility on length ofstay and options for differentriding abilities. It is anopportunity to share a horsebackholiday with your family, as acouple or amongst friends,without worrying whether thenon-riders will get bored.Wherever in the world youchoose, a centre-based ridingholiday is the ideal solution for apersonalized trip because itallows you the possibility tocombine several lodges whichcan offer quality horses andguides. These riding holidays areinitially selected according tothe quality of available horses,the quality of the guiding and

the “riding” mind of the owners.If the owner of a hotel whichproposes horseback trails is nota rider himself, then he will notunderstand the needs of theriders. So it is the selection ofthe guide and his horses first andthen the accommodation. In most cases, the lodgesselected have a small guestcapacity; the meals are goodand generous and there is afamily atmosphere. Oftennestled in areas of beautifulscenery which is favourable forlong trails on horseback, theypermit many different routes tokeep you interested for severaldays. And when there are only afew good rides from each lodge,then your itinerary can includetwo to three different lodges inthe area.Turkey -

Cappadocia.

67

Did youknow

Descendants of theMagyar warriors of

Hungary, the Csikos(literally “horse herdkeepers”) are the lastrepresentatives of the

historical riding tribes ofCentral Europe. To movethe herds of horses, they

use a whip which is 6meters long and their

saddle has no girth - just asurcingle!

Mozambique -

Benguerra Island.

Botswana -

Okavango Delta -

Macatoo Camp.

Canada - Quebec.

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Choosing the right holidayThe right choice depends on a mixture between the length of stay,your budget, riding level and the standard of comfort you prefer.Also, if you have non-riders in your group or wish to relax and thenumber and type of alternative activities on offer.

HorsesThe stable of horses are often varied to cater for different riding levelsand also so that they can be suitable for riding families. See also oursection on Families.

Some breedsThe Barb, or Berber horse, is apure breed and native from theMaghreb region (Morocco,Tunisia etc). Historically it wasused for parades, work and, ofcourse, war. Over 2000 yearsago the Romans called him the“Horse of Barbarity”. An Arabiansong proudly describes him withthis concise speech: “he can behungry, he can be thirsty, he canbe cold, he can be hot, but neveris he tired”. His exceptionalqualities made him the preferredmount for dressage in numerousEuropean royal courts from the14th century onwards. TheNapoleonic army also used thishorse and the French regiment ofSpahis consisted entirely of Barbhorses. Of medium size, calm,sweet, balanced, courageous andtireless, he is the perfect trailhorse.

The Hungarian warmblood, wasfirst developed at theMezohegyes State Stud inHungary. The stud crossed nativeHungarian horses such asNonius, Kisber Felver, Gidranand Furioso to produce thewarmblood; these native breedsare also present in theHolsteiner, Hanoverian andDutch warmblood. TheHungarian warmblood stands 16- 17hh and is lighter and moreelegant than some of its heavierwarmblood predecessors.

69

Did youknow

Stallion or mare?In North African and

Middle Eastern countriessuch as Morocco, it istraditional to ride only

stallions, and the maresare devoted to breeding.

Stallions are rarelycastrated. Though the

Islamic teachings and theQur’an are ambiguous on

this topic, the prophetMuhammad was said to“prefer mares, becausetheir belly is a treasureand their back honours

your seat”.

Morocco - Barb horse.

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Some ideas


Kenya – Borana LodgeRelax at the luxurious Borana Lodge, with views over the SamanguaValley and Lewa Plains, riding out each day in search of gameincluding elephant, giraffe, zebra or even lion. Non-riders are offeredgame drives or walks and novice riders can ride Rose Dyers Somalianx Ethiopian bush ponies, which are even suitable for children.

Turkey – CappadociaA semi-itinerant trail in the heart of Cappadocia. Spending your nightsin old Ottoman houses and guesthouses in the towns of Urchisar andOrtahisar, you ride through the geological wonderland ofCappadocia: canyons and rocky pillars sculpted by the wind andmysterious caves. There is a special route for accompanying non-riders.

Hungary – Magyar RidesA centre based ride for the competent rider, with plenty of speed asyou ride through the Puszta steppes. From your comfortable hotel,you ride in the national park of Kiskunsag, a huge territory of forestsand meadows full of flowers. Here horses are part of the local culturalheritage and the Csikos (mounted horse herdsmen) still work ontraditional livestock farms.

Morocco – Moroccan ranchNot far from Marrakech, this riding holiday in the Atlas mountainsoffers you charm and changing scenery. The ranch blends in with itslandscape and the area covered on horseback is wild andmagnificent. Discover Berber culture whilst riding well cared for BarbArabian horses. A perfect escape from the European winter!




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Argentina – Estancia HuechahueThis estancia in northern Patagonia is almost completely self-sufficient. Ride out each day across pampas lands, with Lanin volcanoevident on the horizon on clear days. As well as trail rides, you canhelp with the Hereford cattle or simply relax at the estancia. Non-riders will find the fishing excellent or can go hiking.

South Africa – Kondowe rideIn eastern South Africa, near to Kruger National Park, stay on a lodgein a private 400 hectare reserve. Explore the area on foot, in a vehicleor on horseback - there is no dangerous game on the reserve and soall abilities are welcome, including competent children (there are nosmall ponies).

Mozambique – African ParadiseMozambique is the hidden treasure of southern Africa with its largebeaches of white sand and blue coral lagoons. Experience thistropical paradise from horseback where the water temperature neverdrops below 23°c and the horses go swimming voluntarily! Ideal fornon-riders with numerous activities possible: scuba diving,snorkelling, sea kayaking, fishing, sailing etc.

South Africa – Cape WinelandsIdeal for wine lovers! This ride in the famous Winelands area justoutside of Cape Town offers horse-riding trails through vineyards andforests, interspersed with wine tastings and ending with deliciousmeals in well chosen restaurants. Non-riders can travel with thegrooms to meet the riders for the wine tastings or hire a car andexplore the area themselves.

For more suggestions you may wish to consult our chapters on Horseback Safaris p. 45 and Instruction p. 73.

The book "104 Horses"tells the story of Pat and

Mandy Retzlaff and howthey fled war-torn

Zimbabwe with the horsesthey refused to leave

behind. The horses theyrescued are available for

you to ride inMozambique.

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Just for a moment, it all comes together -

you find the right buttons and everything falls

into place. You and your horse are as one,

in harmony, dancing to a symphony only you

can hear. To start with it’s fleeting; one stride,

two strides; then lost. But once you feel it,

you’re hooked and a lifetime’s passion

has begun…

Cathy Holloway

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Inst

ruct

ion

Learn, listen, understand,

feel and tirelessly follow in

search of lightness and

discretion of the aids.

74

LearnIn riding, we are eternal apprentices and always learning…Whichever style of riding you choose, every progression you makereveals another set of skills to learn and so you go tirelessly back towork. In one week, a good instructor and well-schooled horse canhelp you to improve. Some of our instructors, such as Rafael Sotto,possess a very high equestrian level and the talent to impart thatknowledge. Together with schoolmaster horses you can learn to feelif the movements you have requested are right and then take thatfeeling home. The horses themselves are our greatest teachers!

EnduranceTo succeed in this discipline isto respect the equestrian adage:“fair and softly goes far in aday”. For this reason, the riderhas to “feel” his horse, how toadapt his pace to the ground,how to be light in the saddle …And of course, listen to his horseand look after it.It is difficult to determine aspecific model of endurancehorse even if the Arabian breedgathers the most number ofnecessary qualities. We also finda lot of the talents of the Arabianin the crossbreeds: Anglo-Arabsand Barb Arabs.

Classical dressageThe equestrian schools arechosen first for the quality oftheir horses and of theirinstruction. Then follows thefactors of comfort and the charmof the accommodation and theaccessibility. For instruction in Portugal andSpain, the highly trained horsesare PRE Andalucian or Lusitano.The Lusitano is the result ofselecting for cattle work andarena work, whereas the PREAndalucian was bred for cavalryand bull fighting. In Italy, yourhorse choice is more varied withbreeds including Thoroughbredsand Arabs.

Training & clinic eventsOccasionally, wepropose trainingand « clinicevents» withinstructors orspecialistsrecognized withintheir discipline. Ifyou wish to be keptregularly informedof these specialdates, pleasecontact CathyHolloway andpoint out [email protected]

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did youknow

Nuño Oliveira (1925-1989), was a

Portuguese ridinginstructor, considered as

the most important masterof equestrian art in the

20th century. Fuelled by alove of equestrian culture

and opera music, heapproached riding as a

true art and devoted histime to learning and

teaching lightness and thelove of the horse through

his clinics and writing.Hypersensitive, quick-

tempered, generous,independent and a geniushe is still revered amongst

lovers of ClassicalDressage.

Portugal -

Alcainca.

Italy -

Tuscany.

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Recently recognized by theinternational authorities,Western riding is represented atthe World Equestrian Gamesthrough reining. For reining, therider has to control his horsewith accurate precision toperform circles, pirouettes andstops, all while keeping his reinsin one hand. This ridingdeveloped through the skillsrequired by the daily work ofcowboys and the necessity forperfectly trained horses. Thecowboys, after finishing their

work, liked to measure theirequestrian ability and the qualityof their horses and so theyinvented numerous eventsinspired by their daily life, suchas barrel racing, roping(capturing a calf with a lasso)and, of course, the rodeo. Thehorses used most frequently forwestern riding are the workingbreeds - the Quarter Horsedominates the discipline, butalso the Appaloosa, Paint,Mustang and Criollo.

Natural Horsemanship is amethod of training horses basedon equine ethology, and aims tointeract with the horse in a waywhich takes the psychology andnatural instincts of the animalinto account. Its North Americanorigins are most probably linkedto western riding, which requiresabsolute control over the horse,with the condition that the rider

must consider his horse as apartner and an obedientcollaborator, basing therelationship exclusively on trust.This relationship leads tocomplete harmony between therider and his mount.Natural horsemanship ispracticed on all breeds of horseand its theories arerecommended to all riders.

Natural Horsemanship

Western riding

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USA - Montana -

Rocking Z.

Did youknow

The oldest team sport in the world!

The first evidence of thegame of Polo appeared in

Persia some 2,500 yearsago. The sport spread to

Constantinople and fromthere to Turkmenistan,

Tibet, China and Japan. Inthe 12th century, Gengis

Khan conquered Iran andAfghanistan and brought

Polo back with him topractice with his warriors.

The game became anessential teaching tool: it

tests the merit of a manand reinforces his

personality. Polo teacheshim agility on horseback,an appreciation of speed,

of the intensity of battleand a decisive mind.

Argentina -

Los Potreros.

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Some ideas


USA – Montana, Parelli method,In the heart of Montana, the Wirth family supports the methodof the famous horse whisperer Pat Parelli. You will learn todevelop a unique relationship with your horse who started as astranger to you: pass your ideas on to your horse, influence himand build an invisible connection between you both, ending theweek as partners.

Argentina – Learn to play PoloAt Estancia Los Potreros there is the chance to try your hand atPolo during all normal estancia stays, however, on set datesthroughout the year it is also possible to join a specific Learn toplay Polo week. With instruction, stick and ball practice and thechance to play some chukkas, this is the ideal starter course foranyone interested in experiencing this national sport!

USA – Wyoming ranchLearn to ride Western whilst out on the trail, and on two daysduring your week you can have lessons in the arena to improveyour position, balance and confidence. You will find that yourriding improves without even thinking about it as you arefocused on herding cattle or appreciating the beautifullandscape you ride through.

Namibia – Okapuka enduranceAt this game reserve just north of Windhoek, you ride Arabianhorses which have been trained and competed by your hosts.On special endurance weeks you will help to train yourendurance horse before travelling to an event and competing ata distance agreed by your guides. The races are competitive andguests have been known to win!


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USA – California Redwood CoastOn the Mendocino coast north of San Francisco, ride trails throughRedwood Forests on beautifully schooled endurance horses. Your hostis a world renowned endurance rider and instruction in equine sportsconditioning is provided on each trek. Learn to measure your horse'sheart rate and test him for a dozen signs of metabolic function. Amock endurance ride is undertaken towards the end of the week.

Portugal – Alcainca, Dressage schoolOne of our bestselling dressage training centres based to the north ofLisbon, not far from the ocean. The voice of the Master Nuno Oliveirastill rings out amongst the team of instructors, led by one of his oldstudents: Georges Malleroni. Most of the horses are schoolmasterstallions who will help you achieve your riding dreams: lightness,impulsion and harmony.

Spain – Andalusia, Dressage SchoolClose to Seville, this traditional 16th century hacienda offers dressagetraining with lessons comprising of 2 to 4 riders, supervised by a teamof competent instructors, one of whom is Rafaël Soto, winner of anOlympic silver medal at Athens. If your non-riding companion is agolfer then one of the best courses in Europe is only 20 minutes fromthe hacienda.

Portugal – Dressage & ShowjumpingAn equestrian centre in northern Portugal which offers either puredressage lessons (up to three a day) or a mixture of dressage lessonswith show-jumping lessons. Inexperienced riders can learn on thelunge and progress to group lessons, whilst experienced riders canbenefit from the high level of training in the indoor arena.

Italy – Dressage and Dolce VitaIn the middle of Tuscany, in a 17th century house, this dressage centreoffers you a yard full of well-schooled horses. Your instructors havetrained with some of the best riders of the Portuguese equestrianschool: Pedro de Almeida and Luis Valença. An ideal mix of ridingwith Italian food and wine!

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EQUUS JOURNEYS Limited N° 8954859

Tanzania - Lake Natron.

Artwork : Marc Chilliet.

Thanks to the photographers : Christophe Leservoisier (1, 2, 7, 9, 11, 16, 25, 28, 34, 37, 38, 41,42, 43, 55, 57, 58, 60, 61, 63, 69), Anne Mariage (21, 24, 29), Line Turin (17, 19), LaureMarandet (77, 78), Annie Vorac (couv 1), Christophe Raylat (27), Frédéric Gomez (31), JohnSobey (45, 49, 52, 67), Louise Carelsen (47, 49), Sarah Jane (48), Betty Garcia (56), Kevin Begg(57, 70, 77), Mandy Retzlaff (65, 67, 69), M.Balsiger (66), Yolande Seguin (67), Fransisco Mayer(72), M. Binnendick (75), Slawik (75), Ant Barber (35, 39, 41, 51), Laura Dowinton (37), AstridHarrisson (13), Eduardo Finkel (59), Emilie Chaix (8, 18), Joanna Westermark (51, 80), FulvioCinquini (couv 2 & 4), Bayard Fox (61), Céline Frers (2, 15), Marie Allègre (6), François Bourne(17), M.Calonne (17), Dominique Porato (33), Céline Decoster (39), Family Wirth (39, 77),David Foot (44).

This horseback travel guide is purely indicative and does not guarantee the availability of ridesor services. It is accurate at the time of going to print, but for up-to-date information pleasecheck our website www.equus-journeys.com or call our office.

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under thePackage Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Equus Journeys and in the event oftheir insolvency, protection is provided for the following:

1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK.

1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Pleasenote that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with EquusJourneys. N° 5303


“In riding a horse we borrow freedom.”

Helen THomson

Equus Journeys, Horseback Travel & Trai lsEquus Journeys was created in 2014 as the sister company to the French agency Cheval d’Aventure. Established in 1972 by a French pioneer Anne Mariage, Cheval d’Aventure was bought by Christophe Leservoisier in 2005 and since then has grown into the top agency for horse-riding holidays in France. Christophe’s dream was to establish a company in the UK which would encompass the same spirit as Cheval d’Aventure, so together with Cathy Holloway, Equus Journeys was born.

Our passion for travel and horseback riding, coupled with a desire to meet local people and learn about their cultures and traditions has inspired us to seek out the best equestrian adventures around the world. Trail rides through dramatic landscapes or safaris on horseback in the wilds of Africa; working cattle on a ranch in America or practising your dressage skills on a schoolmaster in Portugal. Where will your dreams take you? A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so let’s take that step together...




The Threshing BarnHomme Castle Barns

Shelsley WalshWorcestershire. WR6 6RR, UK

Open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm.

Tel: +44 (0) 1905 [email protected]

This guide is an invitation to ride around the world and an illustration of some of the different trips that are possible. On the Equus Journeys website you will find all of our rides, together with the detailed up-to-date itineraries; and a host of interesting information and articles about the different breeds of horses and riding traditions you might encounter.



Horseback Travel Guide edited by Equus Journeys ltd

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