Horseback Riding Tours in France

Europe

Horseback Riding in France

Domaine de Garennes:

This is our only stationary ride in France and it is an exceptionally good value. This is a family farm set in an attractive region of oak forests and cultivated fields with many well known historical sites nearby. The cuisine is outstanding, even for France.

The Domaine des Garennes makes a fine central location to explore a charming region, and is the base for the Tour de Quercy ride. A wonderful family or individual riding holiday option with comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, excellent food, squash and tennis courts and a swimming pool. Alternate full and half day rides go to such destinations as goose and trout farms.

2002 Itinerary, Pricing and Dates

THE DOMAINE DES GARENNES RIDE
The Domaine des Garennes makes a fine central location to explore a charming region, and is the base for the Tour de Quercy ride. A wonderful family or individual riding holiday option with comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, excellent food, squash and tennis courts and a swimming pool. Alternate full and half day rides go to such destinations as goose and trout farms.
Day 1: Transfer from Souillac railway station to the riding center for dinner and overnight. Meet your hosts, Jean-Paul and Annabella, and the staff.
Day 2: Breakfast at 9 o'clock. Then spend a half hour getting acquainted with your horse, including feeding, grooming, picking hooves and tacking up. Ride for approximately 2 ½ hours in the surrounding area. Lunch back at the center, a typical meal of the Perigord, then relax in the afternoon with a swim, tennis or nap.
Day 3: A full days ride to Ladornac. There you will eat in a 'auberge de campagne'. After lunch there is a choice between a nap or a visit to a very old church. Afterward ride back to les Garennes.
Day 4: Half day ride over the 'Causses de Gignac', with a short rest at the windmill of Gignac. Afternoon free.
Day 5: Whole days ride to Laval, where lunch will be taken with the farmer, his wife and son. The family specializes in breeding pigs, chickens and rabbits, and will be happy to have you inspect them.
Day 6: Half days ride to Ferriere and Chartrier, two little villages of the Limousin, with picturesque 16^th and 17^th century architecture.
Day 7: Full days ride to visit a goose farm. The Perigord and the Quercy are know worldwide for the marvellous meals of goose. Lunch is taken at the farm. Ride back to les Garennes for good-bye celebrations for riders staying only one week.
Day 8: After breakfast transfer to the Souillac train station.

2002 Departures: Saturday to Saturday, April 6-Oct 19
2002 Price: $785
Single Supplement: $35

Top of Page

HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR RIDING ABILITY

This is a critically important first step in choosing a riding holiday. For most of the trips you must have a good knowledge of the basics and some experience in riding cross-country. Some important factors to take into consideration are:

Do you ride in English or Western tack?
How much riding can you realistically do to prepare for the ride?
Will it be in the controlled conditions of an arena, or on trails with varied terrain?
What is your level of physical strength and stamina?

We have rated the rides according to the level of equitation skill and physical fitness required to participate, as well as the pace. There are always variables involved, so when in doubt about how your riding ability measures up to the rigors of a ride, call or send us an e-mail. One of our ride consultants will gladly discuss it with you. It is generally best to estimate on the conservative side, especially if you haven't ridden with us in the past. The trek guide has full authority to exclude a rider from a trip for inability to ride or behavior which endangers the other riders or the horses. No refunds will be made under these circumstances.
Almost anyone can learn to ride well enough, but one must be prepared to make the effort. If you have a particular ride in mind, but do not meet the riding criteria, consider joining an instructional program where you can gain the necessary skills and confidence.
Unless otherwise stated, a weight limit of 200 pounds (90 kg) applies. English-style saddles are used on the majority of the overseas rides. However, there are numerous exceptions to these generalities.

E	Beginner: A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
D	Novice: A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
C	Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
B	Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
A	Advanced: All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handling a spirited horse in open country.