Horseback Riding Tours in France

Europe

Horseback Riding in France

Jewels of the Loire:
This ride visits many of the most famous castles in the world like Chenonceau and Cheverny. In the centuries before the French Revolution this valley was the scene of an unprecedented flowering of culture when French kings and nobles vied with one another to build the most magnificent structures and to decorate them exquisitely. There are wonderful opportunities for gallops through some of the old hunting preserves of the French nobility.

2002 Itinerary, Pricing and Dates

Jewels of the Loire
Day 1: Riders will be met at the railway station in Blois at 7 p.m. and transferred to the hotel for dinner and overnight. There will be a briefing on handling the horses and procedures to be followed.
Day 2: Depart the hotel at 8:00 a.m. and transfer to the stable where you will be introduced to your horses and prepare them for the trail. Mount up and head toward the south across the wild region of forests and vineyards (famous for its wild game) known as the Sologne and the valley of the kings. Picnic lunch will be served in the forest. In the afternoon ride toward the banks of the Cher River and the Gallo/Roman ruins of Thesee where the horses will spend the night. Overnight at a hotel in Montrichard
Day 3: In the morning join the horses at Thesee and follow the banks of the Cher to Angé, where you cross the river to reach the vineyards on the hillsides where the grapes are grown to produce the famous wines of Tourraine. Picnic near the ancient abbey of Aiguevives. In the afternoon visit the Chateau of Montpoupon, then proceed to Boudinières where the horses will stay for the night. Overnight at Montrichard.
Day 4: Return to the horses. Mount up and head northwest through forests and vineyards to the fabulous Chateau of Chenonceau, built across the river, which is justly considered one of the finest examples of 16^thcentury architecture. Visit the castle and have lunch on the grounds. In the afternoon, cross the forest of Amboise and leave the horses at farm of Lereau. Overnight at hotel in Amboise.
Day 5: In the morning transfer to Vallières les Grandes, leaving farm of Lereau to ride toward the northwest through forests and countryside to the Chateau of Amboise where you will have lunch. After lunch, visit the chateau and return to farm of Lereau to leave the horses for the night. Overnight again in the town of Amboise.
Day 6: After breakfast, rejoin the horses and make your way again across the countryside and through the forests to the magnificent Chateau of Chaumont on the Loire, which you will approach on horseback for wonderful photos. Lunch at the Club Hippique les Frileuses. In the afternoon visit the chateau, then continue along the Loire to Candé. Spend the night in Candé or Chitenay.
Day 7: Mount up at Candé and ride southwest through vineyards, forests and countryside to reach the Chateau of Fougerès for lunch and a visit. In the afternoon head off to visit the Chateau of Troussay, and then go on to nearby Cheverny, one of the finest jewels of the Loire, on the final leg of the ride.
Day 8: After breakfast transfer to the Blois railway station, or a visit by car to the Chateau of Chambord can be arranged at an additional cost.

**ITINERARY MAY VARY DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORSEEABLE CIRCUMSTANCES**

Meeting Point	Blois
Riding Ability Level	B
Trip Length	8 days - 7 nights - 6 days riding
Departure Dates	May 11-18, June 22-29, July 27-Aug 3, Aug 17-24, Sept 1-8, Sept 21-28: 4 nights of upgraded accomodations in castles ($400 additional)
Price	4-7 riders, $1,635 8-11 riders, $1,415
Single Supplement	$200
Riders	Minimum 4, Maximum 11
Riding Per Day	4-5 hours
Pace	moderate/fast
Tack	French Trekking
Horses	Mixed breeds

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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.