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.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
2010 Standard Programme: £189/€189/$279
2010 Learner Programme: £189/€189/$279
SAMPLE ITINERARY - WESTERN RANCH
There are 2 different Programmes available
Standard Working Cattle Programme (as below) - April to October.
For riders who can at least walk, trot and canter confidently.
Learner Working Cattle Programme - April - October.
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.
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.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
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.
Please note that single rooms are not available between 1 June and 31 August.
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
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.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
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/Narbonne and return transfers from Carcassonne/Narbonne to the ranch. Drinks are not included and will be billed at the end of your stay.
Clients who enjoyed this holiday also booked: Catalan Week with Mini Trail - Spain
Ride through the untouched nature of Catalonia and for miles on the beach. Gallop as fast as you wish. Somogy Nature Trail - Hungary A fast trail ride over 6 days through a nature reserve, accompanied by nature guides and staying in simple lodges or in basic hostels along the way. Essaouira Beach Trail - Morocco
Ride along the Atlantic beaches and visit Essaouira. Excellent horses, combination of small lodges and camping accommodation. Central Atlas Summer - Morocco
Explore the High Atlas on magnificent ArabX-Barb horses in this vehicle supported camping trip for intermediate riders onwards. Carcassone Pyrennean Trail - France Explore the Pyrennean Mountains, a beautiful area redolent of history and a superb ride in the rugged countryside near the Spanish border, guided or unguided with comfortable lodgings and excellent dinners.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
17, Acorn Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 ORA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
Office hours 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday
Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com http://www.unicorntrails.com
This Website and all of its contents are copyright of Unicorn Trails.
Under no circumstances is any part of this site to be copied or used without written permission.
