This western centre offers a range of riding through the south of Tuscany, Italy. For beginners onwards there are mini trails and lessons in western riding aiming at developing and deepening the knowledge of 'natural western', 'collaboration between horse and rider' and 'guidance'. Offering excellent value, super fresh Tuscan meals and years of experience in horse trekking, there is a large range of horses with western tack. This centre has a relaxed informal atmosphere and is especially recommended for those coming alone. A warm welcome and fun holiday is assured here and for a nature loving rider this horse riding holiday is a good way to get started in western riding too.
2010: From Chiusi Train Station on Saturday (9-10am, 5-6pm) - €30pp, other days or times - €60pp.
From Rome €150pp return at set times, other days or times - €210 per car one way from Ciampino and €190 from Fuimicino.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
2010 Basic Natural Riding course: £149/€155/$219
NOTES - WESTERN TUITION
Horses There are about 40 horses, including Haflingers, Appaloosas, Paints, Maremmanas, South American Thoroughbreds and some horses of mixed breeds. The horses live in different herds in big pastures throughout the year. They are reliable and secure, which makes it easy for you to deal with even the most difficult situations like steep slopes or the fording of a river.
Riding
Courses for complete beginners, advanced beginners and riders who can walk, trot and canter on a good horse are available in different weeks. Western saddles are utilized for comfort and ease. Simple guidelines will be given if you have not ridden western before - it is very easy, relaxing and addictive. An American saddle on a well-trained and reliable horse offers to a rider, even with little experience, the chance to enjoy the riding in nature. Since the saddle is very secure you can be sure it will be easy to relax and have fun. The American style of horse-riding is especially appropriate for long excursions, you will find the gaits more comfortable, and at the end of the day you will not feel exhausted but only a little tired, though highly satisfied.
Accommodation
The accommodation consists of comfortable double rooms. Some rooms have a private bathroom but you may have to share a bathroom with one other room. There are communal areas consisting of reception, a bar, living room with fireplace, hall with sofas and tables for games and relaxation, conference room, training or project room, pergola and garden. There is also internet and a VCR available for use. Outside there is a beautiful natural environment that has remained unchanged for years and is ideal for peaceful meditation.
It is also possible to camp on the grounds in an area which is secluded and immersed in the green of the Acacias. It is equipped with excellent facilities with hot water, a small kitchen, a communal covered area and from June to September you can stay in an Indian tepee for 4 people.
Food
Meals are traditional Tuscan dishes, with influences from the cusines of Umbria and Lazio and are home made with many of the products locally grown.
Programmes
Programme 2010
Experience required
Dates
Basic Natural Western Riding Course (+ 12 hours riding out if desired)
All levels
Sat to Sat from 20 Mar to 30 Oct
Taste of trekking
Recent Beginner
See descriptions below
Western Perfection Riding Course
(+ 12 hours riding out if desired)
Able to walk, trot and canter
27 Mar; 22 May; 17, 31 Jul; 25 Sept
Basic natural Western Riding Course Learn to ride western in a week. Suitable for beginners, this week's holiday has 12 hours of a mixture of 'outside' lessons which take places in the fields and woods surrounding the riding centre. There is also the option to increase the riding hours and have another 12 hours riding out in the countryside enjoying the progress that is being made in the lessons.
Taste of Trekking For the more adventurous people who want to test their “Trek-fitness”. There are 3 different itineraries for the Taste Of Trekking although all begin in the same way: during the first 3 days there are two hours of lessons or excursions on horseback, with the afternoons at leisure. The following three days are then spent trekking. At the end of each day, after having taken care of the horses, you are returned to the centre by car therefore you have the experience of riding out on the trail while not having to pack your bags each day. The pace is steady on this ride. The 3 different itineraries are as follows:
1) Taste of Trekking “on the tracks of the Etruscan” - 20, 27 Mar; 3, 10 Apr; 29 May; 16, 23 Oct 2010
On the trail: we ride through beech woods, Etruscan Necropolis, Etruscan roads “Vie Cave” cut deep in the tough rock more than 2000 years ago, Etruscan villages, hills and beautiful countryside.
2) Taste of Trekking “Medieval Tuscany” - 1, 22 May (FULL); 28 Aug; 18 Sep 2010
On the trail: we ride along mountain paths and roads, through the beech and chestnut woods covering mount Amiata (an extinct volcano), through medieval villages, and riding through mineral mines that are over 100 years old.
3) Taste of Trekking “River Trek” - 19 Jun; 3, 24*, 31* Jul; 7, 14 Aug 2010. The trails on the 24th and 31st July are for riders aged 18-27 years old only.
On the trail: we ride through beech woods, pass by Etruscan necropolis along ancient roads, follow different rivers, discovering an uncontaminated natural environment. Weather and time permitting, we can enjoy a pleasant swim with our horses.
Western Perfection Riding Course
This course is aimed at novice and intermediate riders and aims to perfect control of the horse in the open. Having completed this you should be able to master all challenges that may occur under normal circumstances riding out. It is held partly in the arena and partly in a field with difficulties of various levels and includes exercises to train for trail, western riding and pleasure. There is also the option to increase the riding hours and have another 12 hours riding out in the countryside enjoying the progress that is being made udring the week.
The weight limit for this ride is 16 st/220 lb/100 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
Full board (breakfast and 2 three course meals including wine), all accommodation, riding/lessons, horses, tack and English speaking guide/instructor.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Transfers from/to station/airport (payable on site), drinks other than wine with meals, optional extras, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
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
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