NEW FOREST WESTERN RIDING BREAK - UK

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Created in 1079 by William the Conqueror and recently designated a natural park, the New Forest is now famous for the New Forest ponies that roam free. Only an hour and a half drive away from London we find a fun riding break suitable for beginners and with plenty of faster riding for more experienced riders as well as a carriage option for non riders. Accommodation is in B&B's or a Holiday Inn Express just a few minutes away from the stables. You ride through this varied terrain on Argentinean Criollos, a working breed ridden in the Western saddles and style. For bold beginners this riding is akin to learning to drive an automatic car, straight forward and without the fiddly bits! You will be galloping across the heaths with the best of them in no time at all.

Trip length 3 days / 2 riding days / 2 nights Ride only price 2008: £349 Non riders sharing: £200 Departure dates Year round. Weekend or midweek departure dates subject to availability. Approximate riding time per day 5-6 hours Riding ability required Bold beginners onwards. Min age 14. Group size 2 - 10 Meeting point Southampton/Bournemouth train station or airport. Or riding centre if driving. Transfer Included from meeting point Single supplement 2008: £30

SAMPLE ITINERARY - NEW FOREST WESTERN RIDING BREAK

Day 1
Your horse riding holiday begins as you arrive at the riding centre in the late afternoon to meet the Argentinean Criollos and the team of Dutch Friesians the centre uses for driving. After a transfer on to your B&B or hotel to check in, you will be free to enjoy your evening.

Day2
You will be collected from your accommodation and taken to the farm to spend a couple of hours riding in the arena, matching you to a suitable criollo horse, playing games and getting accustomed to the western riding style. Informal tuition in western riding techniques will be given. After a chat about the upcoming riding over a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea you will be driven to the edge of the New Forest where your horses will be waiting for you, having been boxed over from the farm.

An exhilarating ride through the forest and over the heaths brings you to a local pub where your horses will be taken into the corral and you will enjoy a hearty pub lunch (not included). Your afternoon ride will continue through this area of outstanding natural beauty before you are transferred back to your hotel at the end of a busy day.

Day 3
After a good breakfast and checking out you will continue to ride through the New Forest. Your luggage will be taken by van back to the farm. Again, plenty of great scenery and good canters- stopping off for a pub lunch and then onto the farm. After treats for your horse and a cup of tea it's time to say goodbye.

NOTES - NEW FOREST WESTERN RIDING BREAK

On the Saturday evening we can arrange a pub crawl in a horse-drawn coach with 4 beautiful Fresian carriage horses. You really feel as if you could be living 200 years ago as your team of Friesians and grooms take you from one ancient pub in the middle of the New Forest to another where you taste local ales while your coachman waits! An unmissable experience. This costs £50 p/p and requires a minimum of 4 people.

The weight limit for this ride is 18st /251 lb/114 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
2 nights bed and breakfast, all riding, guiding and use of helmets as described, transfers.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Drinks, lunches and dinners.

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