Day 1: Check in at your inn in Mendocino. At 5 pm join us for wine and cheese happy hour. Overnight.  If you arrive early enough, we can also schedule the first 4 hr ride for you this afternoon from 2 to 6 pm- you would then depart after breakfast on Day 5.

Day 2: Breakfast at 9 am. Meet at the stables at 10 am in Cleone. After an introduction of the horses, tack etc. we saddle up and go on a 4 hour guided ride. It is your choice - to the beach or into the forest; or if you like we can do both. The afternoon is free for sightseeing, canoeing, or beachcombing. Meet for Happy Hour between 5 and 6 pm at the Whitegate Inn.

The cool California Current offshore, enhanced by upwelling of cold sub-surface waters, often creates summer fog near the coast, creating a moderate oceanic climate (Koppen climate classification Cfb) on the northern coast and a moderate Mediterranean climate (Koppen Csb) from about Cape Mendocino southward. Further inland, the climate becomes more continental, while remaining semi-arid (Koppen BSk), with colder winters and markedly hotter summers. Low-lying inland valleys, especially the Central Valley, have a hot Mediterranean climate (Koppen Csa), with subtropical temperatures but a well-defined summer dry season.

The temperature gradient between immediate coast and low-lying inland valleys in the south is about 7 °F (4 °C) in winter (the coast being warmer) and in summer roughly 25 °F (14 °C) (the interior being warmer). The temperature difference is most dramatic nearer the coast
For example, the average daily high in San Francisco in July and August is 68 °F (20° C), and in Walnut Creek, some 20 miles (32 km) inland, the average daily high in July and August is 87 °F (31° C); a temperature gain of approximately one degree (Fahrenheit) per mile.^[1] In the south, the figures are approximately 4 °F and 23 °F (2 °C and 13 °C), respectively.

PROTECTIVE RIDING HELMETS MANDATORY FOR ALL RIDERS (can be rented locally)!!!

The weather on the Mendocino Coast is generally mild, rarely rising above 80 degrees F., even in the summer. When the fog rolls in, it can be chilly enough for winter weight jackets and riding gloves. Although rain is rare during summer months, anything is possible. Sunglasses are advised to shield the eyes from both glare and dust. Winter rarely sees snow, and non-rainy days are usually sunny and lovely. The trails remain safe.

It is best to dress in layers, as it might be chilly first thing in the morning and hot at lunchtime. For the dinner the evening in Mendocino you might want to bring something a bit dressier.

The most common rider problem on long rides is always LEGS RUBBED RAW. Unless you wear English riding breeches, please consider doing as most experienced endurance riders do - WEAR PANTY HOSE UNDER YOUR LEVIS. At the very least, bring some in your saddle bag to use as necessary. (World renowned endurance rider Dr. Kerry Ridgway highly recommends "Big Mamma's" for men!)

The package includes deluxe accommodations at a first class Mendocino Inn. Depending on availability you will be staying at the Whitegate Inn or in one of the premium rooms at the Abigail Bed and Breakfast. You will need your rental /own car during the week to get from/to accommodation/stables each day (about 20 minute drive).

Whitegate Inn: An Old World atmosphere of charm, elegance and grace. Everywhere you look, attention to detail is evident. Decor is elegant, set off by striking antiques and fresh flowers. The rooms offer comfort in classic style - generously appointed with TV's, fireplaces and boasting irresistibly comfy European feather beds and immaculate private baths. Our gourmet breakfasts and afternoon wine and cheese event are not to be missed. Help yourself to an evening treat of fine chocolates and sherry.

Abigail's B&B: Built in 1906 as a private home, Abigail's boasts 3 suites and 3 private rooms, all with luxurious linens, private baths and knockout views. It's high ceilings and large windows provide a feeling of luxury light, openness, comfort and spaciousness. Expect exemplary service and friendliness. Abigail's is in the heart of historic Mendocino and is virtually next door to the Whitegate Inn and two of Mendocino's finest restaurants. It is located within easy walking distance to all Mendocino's unique shops, restaurants and other amenities.

Other Activities:
Biking, Canoeing, Whale watching, ocean fishing are available locally.

Canter along deserted ocean beaches, ride the bluffs while the Pacific crashes against rocks far below, and meander on mossy trails through the magnificent Redwood forest on this distinctive vacation on Northern California's rugged Mendocino Coast. This is an area of great beauty, rich in wildlife, where time flows at it's own pace; the ghosts of Russian, Spanish and English adventurers tenaciously cling to this isolated part of the world. Lari Shea, winner of dozens of endurance events, including the prestigious Tevis Cup 100 Mile Endurance race, breeds Akhal-Teke, Russian Orlov crosses, and Arabians, many of whom have excelled in dressage and jumping, as well as on competitive trails. Her Appy and Quarter horses round out the stable of wonderfully well-trained horses, for both English and Western style enthusiasts. You won't believe the quality of the horses!

Rides: 4 riding days with 4 full hours of riding. One riding day can be substituted for a full day guided wine tour (if available).

4 hour rides:
Begin at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm ONLY. Beach rides can begin at Noon as well.
Please let us know when you reserve a ride at which time the client will prefer.
NOTE: clients should plan to arrive about 15 minutes prior to their start time for 4 hours, so that the ride can depart on time.

Tack:		English, Western some Australian
Horses:		Russian Orloff, Arab, Quarter Horse and Arabian, Appaloosa
Pace:		Moderate with long trots and nice canters groups will be split in 2 groups dep on experience level. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    All riding levels
Age:		Min 6
Weight:		Max 300 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

Canter along deserted ocean beaches, ride the bluffs while the Pacific crashes against rocks far below, and meander on mossy trails through the magnificent Redwood forest on this distinctive vacation on Northern California's rugged Mendocino Coast. This is an area of great beauty, rich in wildlife, where time flows at it's own pace; the ghosts of Russian, Spanish and English adventurers tenaciously cling to this isolated part of the world. Lari Shea, winner of dozens of endurance events, including the prestigious Tevis Cup 100 Mile Endurance race, breeds Akhal-Teke, Russian Orlov crosses, and Arabians, many of whom have excelled in dressage and jumping, as well as on competitive trails. Her Appy and Quarter horses round out the stable of wonderfully well-trained horses, for both English and Western style enthusiasts. You won't believe the quality of the horses!

Rides: 4 riding days with 4 full hours of riding. One riding day can be substituted for a full day guided wine tour (if available).

4 hour rides:
Begin at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm ONLY. Beach rides can begin at Noon as well.
Please let us know when you reserve a ride at which time the client will prefer.
NOTE: clients should plan to arrive about 15 minutes prior to their start time for 4 hours, so that the ride can depart on time.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.