This is a beautiful rustic equestrian ranch situated in the unspoilt countryside of Le Sidobre. The varied terrain of pine forests, heather moorland, natural lakes and flowing streams makes for exciting riding country. The area is known for the countless granite rocks that are scattered randomly over the area. This program is recommended for strong intermediate and advanced horseback riders.
The Le Sidobre ranch moved to a new location in 2021 and offers accommodation is in comfortable en-suite rooms with sitting area and a restaurant onsite.
A welcoming atmosphere combined with fun filled horseback riding days create a wonderful vacation experience with a high level of returning guests.
Read about this, and other Western style horseback rides in Europe on our blog Our Top 7 Picks for Western Riding Holidays in Europe
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from JF of Leeds on 20/09/2023
Day 1
Arrive at the ranch from 16:00. Check into the rooms and take a look around the ranch before a 3-course meal with the group.
Day 2
After breakfast there is an introduction to the horses. A saddling demonstration gives plenty of opportunities for discussion and questions. After lunch is the allocation of the horses and the first short ride.
Day 3
Today is a full day ride across plains and through woodland. Enjoy the parks vast views and enjoy a picnic lunch at a vantage point.
Day 4
Today's ride is across plains and through woodland in a different area than previously.
Day 5
This is a rest day. Relax at the ranch, go for a walk in the forest or, if guests have a car they could go sightseeing in some of the interesting locations like Castres (about a 20 min drive from the ranch), the beautiful town of Albi (about 1hr drive from the ranch) with it's beautiful cathedral Sainte-Cécile or Castelnau-de-Montmiral (over 1hr drive from th ranch, 32km west of Albi).
Guests without their own transportation we can be taken to Castres by the hosts and picked up later (included with transfer costs).
Day 6
Today the ride explores more of the trails around the farm with a picnic lunch in a picturesque spot.
Day 7
After breakfast, ride out into the surrounding area for the last day in this beautiful area of France. The week is finished off with a BBQ at the ranch, and recap the week's adventures with new, old friends.
Day 8
Depart after breakfast.
Riders will keep the same horse all week to enable them to build a working relationship. Riders are also asked to saddle and groom their own horses.
Read about this, and other Western style horseback rides in Europe on our blog Our Top 7 Picks for Western Riding Holidays in Europe
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
There is a mix of horses, all trained by the ranches owner. The guests will be shown how to saddle up if required. The horses are trained for endurance, strength and good character. The riding is at a walk, trot and canter over varying terrain. The ranch is a beautiful area of Le Sidobre and there are large open meadows to canter over as well as small trails in the forests. If riders are up for it and capable, there might be a chance for a nice gallop as well.
Advanced Programme: Riders should be comfortable in all paces, riding out in the open countryside. Riders of any discipline are welcome. Western riding skills are taught on the ranch and no previous experience of western riding is necessary. The weight limit for this ride is 90kg and riders should be 16 years or over.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The estate is spread over 20 hectares, where both private and guests quarters are located as well as the bar and restaurant, and the stables. The guest houses and restaurant are separate from the farm. Everything is within walking distance. There are 4 double rooms available at the ranch, all of which have their own bathroom and sitting area. Single rooms are not available and guests should be prepared to share a room with someone of the same gender. If the rooms are not fully booked it might be possible to have a room of your own for a €65 cleaning charge, please enquire for more details. All rooms have air conditioning and there is a swimming pool on site available to guests. The food is varied, plentiful and freshly homecooked with some meals cooked outside over an open fire (depending on the menu and availability). A swimming pool is available for guests - towels not provided.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The climate here is mild, and generally warm and temperate. The hottest months are July and August.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in France and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.
The emergency phone number in France is 112. If you need to contact other emergency services, call 15 (medical), 17 (police) or 18 (fire).
No special health precautions are required for visits to France, for further details please see your local doctor. We do advise taking plenty of sunscreen!
In France the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Once on the ranch there is no opportunity to purchase film or batteries unless you go to a nearby town on your leisure day. There is electricity available to charge cameras and batteries.
It is recommended that you bring clothes that air-dry quickly.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking
- Riding gloves
- Chaps
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
- Long sleeved shirts
- Lightweight waterproof
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone
Ride specific:
- Plastic bags for wet clothing
- Towels for bathroom and for swimming
- Swimsuit
- Lip balm with sunscreen
CAn be provided by hosts:
The ranch provides small saddle bags for packed lunches/ water bottles and such like.
8d / 7n with 5 riding days. Programmes available every Friday from May to October
2025: Friday arrivals between 2 May - 3 Oct
If available single rooms can be booked with a €65 cleaning charge
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,085 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | non-rider | 679 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,265 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | non-rider | 789 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,505 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | non-rider | 945 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | per person sharing | 14,325 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | non-rider | 8,955 |
The Road from the Past: Traveling through History in France - Ina Caro
Theodore Zeldin ‘The French’,
Francoise Sagan ‘Bonjour Tristesse’,
Peter Mayle ‘A Year in Provence’ and ‘Toujours Provence’,
Louis Stevensons ‘Travels with a Donkey’ and
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback, visit www.thelongridersguild.com. An excellent source of equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
Either by walking or by car rental exploring the local towns and villages. There is always plenty to do at the ranch.
The French wrote the book on la vie en rose and gave the world champagne and camembert, de Beauvoir and Debussy, the Tour de France and the Eiffel Tower. It is a country steeped in history. Staggering monasteries and castles dotted all over the country are a reminder of a turbulent and often violent past, especially in the Carcasonne region where the Gnostic Christian organisation the Cathars, held fast against a crusade launched in the 11th century by an angry and vengeful Catholic church for over twenty years. Despite their vow of non-violence they had a strong support base, including the Knights Templar, and their name often pops up in the legend of the Holy Grail. The French character has undoubtedly been influenced by their past, today they are a proud and patriotic people famed for enjoying the finer things in life and displaying a great generosity in their willingness to share their country with the millions of visitors they receive each year. Food is very important in French culture, almost a passion. Families eat dinner together late in the evening and their diet is usually very healthy, packed with home grown fruit and vegetables. You will hardly ever see anyone eating on the street; if you do chances are they're not French! France is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for France is +33.
