WESTERN RANCH - FRANCE

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This is a cattle ranch situated in the beautiful unspoilt countryside of the Haut Languedoc Natural Park. The varied terrain of pine forests, heather moorland and steep, craggy hillsides makes for exciting riding country. The ranch is 3,200 ft above sea level with views to the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day, making it a pleasant temperature even in the heat of summer. The working cattle horses, although of a steady nature, are not suitable for complete beginners. There is a mix of trail riding and 2 days of optional team penning and cattle work. Accommodation is in comfortable en suite rooms on site, with a western bar and dining room in the lodge and a swimming pool.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride only price 2008: £699 2009: £809 Note: 2008 prices still apply if booked before the end of the year! Departure dates Each Saturday 2008: 5 April to 22 November 2009: 18 April to 31 October Approximate riding time per day 4-5 hours Riding ability required All abilities. Min age 16. Group size 1-10 Meeting point (getting there) 2008: Carcassonne Airport or Narbonne train station 2009: Bezier Airport or Narbonne train station Transfer €75 return per person for one, €50 per person for 2 or more payable locally from Bezier and Narbonne. Carcassonne transfers in 2009 €100 return per person for one, €75 return per person for two or more - only available upon request. Flight guide London - Carcasonne and Bezier return from £70 with Ryanair. See below for flight info. Single supplement none if willing to share, otherwise 2008 £155 and 2009 £190 when available (not avaialble from 1st June - 31st August).

SAMPLE ITINERARY - WESTERN RANCH

For 2009 there are 3 different Programmes available

Standard Working Cattle Programme (as below) - all year. For riders who can at least walk, trot and canter confidently.

Learner Working Cattle Programme - April, May, September and October, £36 supplement
On this programme the first few days are devoted to intensive ground handling and lessons. Beginners can learn the basic principles of riding ranch horses in a short time due to the personal attention, peace and quiet and well schooled horses. Riders are usually ready to join the trails later in the week and will leave confident and able to ride.

Western Exhibition Programme - June, July and August, £36 supplement
An increased amount of cattle work from a separate cow camp during the first 3 riding days with lessons in such disciplines as: cattle drive; horse drive; cattle penning; cutting; team penning and finally a parade. All of these will culminate in participation in a Western Exhibition on the Wednesday where you will participate in the above disciplines. This is followed by a day off to recover and you rejoin the regular programme on the Friday. Intermediate riders onwards only.

Day 1
Saturday
Arrival, you are welcome to arrive anytime after 4pm.

Day 2
Sunday
After breakfast we have a detailed briefing about saddling with western tack, seat, style and general western riding tips. After that we head out on our first ride out in the beautiful area surrounding the ranch.

Day 3
Monday
After breakfast we go for a beautiful all day ride passing lakes, plains and thickly forested areas.
We stop en route for a picnic lunch which we take along in saddle bags.

Day 4
Tuesday
After breakfast we do the morning ride in groups of 2 to 4, in Le Trec style, over a natural obstacle course (bridges, gates, water crossings etc). Then there are a fwe hours off after an extensive lunch followed by a spectacular evening trail, returning to the ranch in the dark. The quieter the ride, the more chance of seeing wildlife- an amazing experience.

Day 5
Wednesday
Today is a rest day for you and your horse. You are free to spend this day as you wish. For example if you do not have your own transport we can take you to the local market in nearby St Pons.
Guests with their own transport can explore the many possibilities of the Haute Languedoc area. Or you might choose to spend the day on the ranch, relaxing, reading, swimming in the pool and walking in nature on self guided trails.

Day 6
Thursday
After breakfast there is a detailed explanation of the principles of working cattle from on horseback. Next we put the principles into practice by trying our hand at driving cattle, cutting and team penning.
After our hot lunch we may make use of the obstacle course on the ranch, or if the weatehr allows possibly even some swimming with the horses.

Day 7
Friday
After breakfast we work a different and far larger herd of cattle on the ranch culminating in a team penning competition.
The week is concluded with a big BBQ!

Day 8
Saturday
Sadly your riding holiday comes to a close and you depart after breakfast.

NOTES - WESTERN RANCH

Riders will keep the same horse all week to enable them to build a working relationship with their horse, riders are also asked to saddle and groom their own horses to this end.

The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation in a double room with shower, toilet and small living area, meals, commencing Saturday night with dinner and concluding the following Saturday with breakfast, 5 full days of riding, approximately 4-5 hours per day, English speaking guide, all tack is provided, including slickers/ponchos if it should rain.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Travel to and from Carcassonne or Bezier in France and return transfers from Carcassonne or Bezier to the ranch. Drinks are not included and will be billed at the end of your stay.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.

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