Greece - Beginners Riding Course, Crete

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 DD of London on 13/04/2023

Day 1
Arrival, welcome and evening dinner in the Panorama Restaurant.

Day 2
Anyone's first experiences on horseback are very important. To really understand the horse's movements and what is going on beneath them, the first lesson will be bareback in the lunge ring (there will be a vaulting band to hold so first-timers feel more secure). This 30-minute private lesson concentrates on finding balance, the riding position, and how to ride at sitting trot. Depending on how comfortable the riders is, they may even try a few strides at a canter. The rest of the day is free to explore the island or just relax by the pool with a cold drink and a good book.

Day 3
Today the new riders will have another 30-minute private lesson on the lunge, this time with the saddle, learning the body's position with stirrups. Learn how to sit to the trot without holding the saddle, and also begin to learn rising trot (which is much more comfortable than sitting trot once you get the hang of it!). Today riders will also have a lesson at the stable on how to look after the horses; including how to handle them, groom them and tack them up. There is plenty of help at hand and questions are always welcome. It is especially nice, and also very important, to learn how to interact with the horse when you are not riding - and building up a bond with the horse that cannot be achieved by just jumping on board!

Day 4
Meet at the stables today to prepare the horse using the techniques and new skills learned in the horse management lesson. Help will be on hand for whoever needs it and once the horses are all groomed and tacked up, the group will have a 1hr lesson and, for the first time, will ride independently - an amazing feeling. Having learnt how to hold the reins, riders must now learn how to steer the horse in the arena, and also how to stop! After the lesson take the horses back to the stable, untack them and sponge them down. The sense of achievement felt far outweighs any sore and aching legs!

Day 5
Prepare the horses with more confidence before another 1hr group lesson to reconfirm what was already learned, and to practice the sitting and rising trot. There will be some game playing during this lesson, all geared to improve your skills and learn a great deal about directing the horse and controlling its speed.

Day 6
Today is an exciting day as the new riders take their first careful steps into the Cretan countryside for a 1.5hr hack, riding at both walk and trot, and sometimes even a short canter. The terrain is predominantly dirt track and easy going. Children under 12 will continue to ride in the arena, encouraging their new-found skills in a more contained environment, with either a 1hr group lesson or a 30 minute private lesson.

Day 7
Greet and prepare the horses for another hack out today, this time with some longer trots so as to concentrate on the rising trot and feel all the new knowledge coming together. Enjoy the dramatic, unspoilt landscape of rural Crete while looking down over the forests of olive trees with the birds soaring high overhead. Again, children under 12 will continue riding in the arena, perhaps having a group lesson with games, or a private lesson if they prefer. On the group's return it is time to say goodbye to the horses and reflect on the achievements of the week over a delicious farewell dinner.

Day 8
Departure after breakfast.

Fun Week for Children
Mounted games, vaulting, riding to music, grooming, bareback riding and water games. This programme is only for children aged 8-12 years of age. Children can join this riding without parents/guardian however, they must be accompanied overnight in the hotel. The progamme includes 6 days riding, each day has either half and hour private lunge lesson or an hour group lesson depending on experience and ability. Children can help with brushing and feeding the horses. Programme runs in the cool early morning hours.

Children over 12 years old can book on adult riding programmes.

Please be aware that taxi drivers are not willing to drive the dirt road up to our hotel, so may charge extra money for this.

Non-riders and other activities:
In the area are sandy beaches, water sports, an 18 hole golf course, para-gliding, shops and caving; all within 10 miles. From the hotel and stables, there is mountain biking and hiking.

Avdou is situated 9 miles from the sea and the lively holiday centre Chersonissos. Here you can find all the modern facilities you might need e.g. banks; a private medical centre, water sports and souvenir shops. In the Bay of Chersonissos there are several small sandy beaches. The wide sandy beach lies on the west side of Chersonissos reachable by bike, scooter or car. The beaches are child friendly and some have coast guards.

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 are horses suitable for complete beginners and novices - schoolmasters that will inspire trust. The stable has two Arabs, one Berber, two Thoroughbreds, four Dutch warm bloods, four Greek warm bloods, and one Hanoverian for the guide. Their sizes vary from 14hh to 16hh. The riding style is English and the horses are generally ridden with a relaxed, long rein. For the children there is a Welsh pony (section B). The warmbloods and thoroughbreds are ideal for long distance riding. All horses are well tempered, strong and in excellent conditions making them ideal for the mountains.

The pace of the riding is dictated by the terrain, steady on steep mountainous areas, faster on the flat. Due to the size of the stables, the ride can only accept a maximum of 10 riders a week. This means that the hosts are able to maintain close and personal contact with the guests.

The stables are built with natural stone, like the hotel, and are designed to cater to all the physical needs of the horses. The facilities include: - 14 stables with connected behind turnout paddocks giving the horses themselves the choice to go inside or outside. - Outdoor arena, 42 x 20m with an all-weather proof floor and a small tribune. - Outdoor arena, 15 x 12m, for lunging. - Tack room - A horse shower - Bathroom/changing-room and toilets for the guests. Space, outside air and contact with other horses helps to keep our horses happy. Most of the horses are stabled in pairs in 1 large stable of 6, 20 x 3, 20 m. The roof all around is open giving the horses a constant flow of fresh air.

This ride is for complete beginners. Children are also welcome, the minimum riding age is 5 years. Max weight 90kgs.

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

The 3.5ha estate is located in the countryside of Avdou, in the province of Heraklion. Avdou is situated 9 miles from the sea and the lively holiday centre of Chersonissos. Here guests will find all the modern facilities needed e.g. banks, a private medical centre, water sports and souvenir shops. The Bay of Chersonissos has several small sandy beaches. accessible by bike, scooter or car. The beaches are child friendly and some have coast guards.

The base hotel is well suited to its surroundings as it is built in neo-classic style from the area's natural stone. The main building houses the reception and a cafe with a large balcony where you can enjoy a Greek coffee or Rakí. In the main building is the restaurant with its large terrace overlooking the valley. The restaurant serves fresh home cooked food with organically grown vegetables and fruit from its own gardens, including olive oil pressed from the farm's own olives. Local products from nearby farms is regularly used.

The 12 hotel rooms are grouped into 2 bungalows each housing 6 rooms. The bungalows are separate from the main building and the rooms are large and comfortable, with a tremendous view over the valley. Each room has a large bathroom with bathtub. The rooms have central heating and air conditioning (both included in the price), a fridge, a flat screen tv with international channels, a hairdryer, a large glass door of 2m and a private balcony or terrace. Most rooms are equipped with a wood stove (the wood is not included in the price). The large natural 100 m2 swimming pool is situated next to the main building (unheated and open all year), and also a separate children’s pool of 11m2 (40 cm deep). The sun beds are free to use. There is a free WIFI internet connection in the main building and on the terrace.

Check-in at the hotel is all day but please be aware that rooms will only be ready from 14h00. Guests are required to vacate their room by 10h30 on the last day, but are welcome to spend the day at the hotel until the transfer flight home. The price of the holiday includes all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8, however meals outside of this time can be purchased on-site from the restaurant.

Expect a continental breakfast with coffee, tea or hot chocolate, fresh bread, butter, jams, cheese, ham and orange juice. Picnic lunches are prepared by the hosts to take along in the saddle bags each day. It is recommended to bring a water bottle. Dinner includes a starter, main dish and a salad. Vegetarians can be catered for with advance notice, any other dietary requirements need to be checked before booking.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests.

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. There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information. 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/greece In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece

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

Crete has 300 days of sunshine a year and very mild winters and hot summers. Be prepared for cold and snow in the mountains in the winter time although this is unlikely.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.

There is a risk of West Nile virus in some parts of Greece. You should consider preventative measures to minimise exposure to mosquitoes.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Greece 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.

While pharmacies across the country stock a good supply of medicines, you should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance

No specific health requirements - just bring plenty of suncream!

In Greece 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.

Good quality film is widely available for purchase as well as batteries (normal, alkaline and lithium). WiFi is available thoughout the main building and there is a computer and printer available for guest use.

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:
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Swimwear
- insect repellent

Can be provided by hosts:
Riding Helmets

8d / 7n programme with 6 riding days. This ride takes place weekly throughout the year except when the Guided Lassithi Trail is running.

2025: Available year round (including July and Aug)
2025 High season: 15 Mar -02 Nov: 20 Dec - 7 Jan 2026
2025 Low Season: 3 - 23 Nov
2025 Hotel and Stables closed 8 Jan - 14 Mar and 23 Nov - 19 Dec

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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.

Winds of Crete - David MacNeill Doren

The Chania Town News - Douglas Bullis 

Last Temptation and Zorba The Greek - Nikos Kazantzakis

The King Must Die and The Bull From The Sea - Mary Renault

The moment you arrive on the hillside of the country hotel you immediately experience the serene quietness and the tremendous panoramic view. Under you stretches the Lagada Valley with the Apposelemis River crossing through, and above you the red coloured peaks rise out of the Dikti Mountains. Birds of prey, like the Griffon Vulture, glide along these peaks.

The estate is surrounded by a protected Kerm Oak forest and olive groves stretching down to the valley. Various wild life and many birds can be found on the estate along with protected trees, mushrooms and flowers such as the different types of beautiful orchids.

Greece is located in south-eastern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece shares borders to the east with Turkey and to the north with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Bulgaria and Albania. The climate is temperate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Modern Greece, as an independent national entity, came into being in 1829 after a protracted independence struggle against the Ottoman Empire. Greece has been fighting for territory with Turkey ever since, continuing in their battle over the split island of Cyprus.

Ancient Greece has given the world democracy, the Olympic Games, theatre and a high literary culture through great works by Homer and some of the greatest philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. However this was not just a world of sobriety and high academia. The Greek god of wine for example, Dionysus, was a hell raiser who encouraged the local townswomen to dance naked through the street in his honour. Hugely debauched festivals were held in his honour and some of that spirit has definitely been passed down through the generations and has found itself still celebrated in the tavernas across the country.

Greece is two hours 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 Greece is +30.