This is a cattle ranch situated in the beautiful 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 single rooms available (on some or all nights). Riders must be prepared to share.
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 few 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 weather 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.
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 Beziers/Narbonne and return transfers from Beziers/Narbonne to the ranch. Drinks are not included and will be billed at the end of your stay.
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Reading List We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
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.
21, The 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
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- Theodore Zeldin
- Francoise Sagan
- Louis Stevensons
