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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Belize
Intro to Belize
Coast & Interior Interior
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Dominican Republic
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Jungle Explorer Getaway
Interior
Belize
Nestled in a quiet jungle setting, in the midst of colourful singing birds and
tropical wildlife, this jungle resort ranch features delightful accommodations
that blend with the lush landscape and local culture. Situated on the Mighty Belize
River and central to all of
Belize, this ranch is a place where the horses roam free and huge iguanas
laze in the branches.
The lands here are surrounded by
evidence of both the ancient Maya and a historic logging tradition. You will find a variety of activities - daily horseback riding, a float trip on the mighty Belizy River
or visitijg tours to the nearby Mayan sites. Home to the finest Equestrian center in Belize, we will give you something different than the tired tourist horses you will find elsewhere and in a setting perfect for eco-exploration. If you've ridden
over mountains, prairies and parkland we know your expectations are
high. Can the tropics show you anything you haven't already seen? Every day you will awaken to the shimmering glow of dawn materializing through the tropical
haze. Horses grazing beneath the palms trees. The day is young and a sudden rush of excitement
fills the air. It's time to ride! The ranch is big, beautiful and
boisterous. Miles of jungle and riverside trails are awaiting you. There
are opportunities to experience horsemanship in a variety of ways, from
setting your own itinerary to participating in structured lessons.
The
well kept horses, quiet river, gentle tropical breezes, flocks of
parrots, saturated sunsets, delicious meals, friendly people, and exotic
surroundings will truly sooth your soul and quench your thirst for adventure!
This is a place far from the real world and near to the things
you've dreamed of. An exciting yet peaceful place. You will be taking
more than pictures home. You'll have memories to last a lifetime!
Family Vacation Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Belize City
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Airport:
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Belize City
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Transfer:
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Belize City
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2018
Rates include*:
3 or 2 nights accommodations in cabana or A/C standard room, all meals, activities, all road transfers, guides, and taxes
A | 2018 | 4 day trip, 2 riding days | 4d / 3n | $635 |
Single Supplement | $365 |
Child Discount (11 and younger) | ($385) |
Discount if 3 or more book | ($95) |
B | 2018 | 3 day trip, 1 riding day | 3d / 2n | $460 |
Single Supplement | $295 |
Child Discount (11 and younger) | ($310) |
Discount if 3 or more book | ($70) |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2018
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Transfer included from Belize City
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Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) or Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA) at any time on any day of the week. Check-out at 11:00am on the last day.
Tour Dates for 2018
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A |
2018
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01/01
- 12/31
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4d / 3n
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4 day trip, 2 riding days
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2
/12
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Reserve
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B |
2018
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01/01
- 12/31
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3d / 2n
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3 day trip, 1 riding day
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2
/12
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Reserve
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Daily departures available
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**PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE SAMPLE ITINERARIES AND YOU CAN RIDE AS OFTEN OR LITTLE AS YOU'D LIKE
Sample Itinerary - 4 days
Day 1- Arrival:
You'll be met at the Airport for your transfer to our lodge. After check-in, you can tour the grounds and get acquainted with our own local wildlife. Soon dinner will be served family style, providing perfect time and setting to meet your hosts and the other guests.
Day 2- Choose between crystal cave tubing, zip-lining & half-fay crystal cave tubing, Actun Tunichil Mucknal, or Barton Creek:
-Crystal Cave Tour: Tubing along underground waterways, cave walls glistening, showing off their stalactites, stalagmites crystal formations. The Mayans used these caves a thousand years ago and fascinating artifacts remain. You will be in awe at the very immensity of the cave itself. Full Day tour (4 to 5 hours in cave)
-Zip-lining & half-day crystal cave tour: Aerial Trek Canopy Tour offers the adventurous spirit an exhilarating opportunity to soar through the jungle, high above the broadleaf forest floor. The canopy tour involves traversing from one platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 80 feet above the ground. Then head on over to the crystal caves to tube under gleaming stalactites and stalagmites. This is a fun-packed day and great way to experience the jungle and caves if your time is short on the mainland.
-Actun Tunichil Mucknal: The cave of the Stone Sepulchre, displays some of the most spectacular limestone solution dripstone formations. We will walk for 45 minutes through the jungle before reaching the cave. At the entrance of the cave there’s a short swim. (life jackets are available).
Barton Creek: The trip starts with a drive through the picturesque Mennonite farm community to the Caves. Board a canoe and your guide will row you deep inside Barton -Creek Cave. Sit back, relax and direct your candle lamp at the amazing formations inside the huge cave believed by the Maya to be the Underworld. Great Swimming spot. Lunch and then on to Green Hills Butterfly Ranch
Day 3- Jungle Horseback & Blue Hole Combo:
Horseback Ride through the 4000 acres of Banana Bank (2 hours). We are experts at matching horses & rider. Trails suitable for all levels of riders. Then head on a beautiful jungle walk to St. Herman’s cave. Flash/head light provided. Great trip for Birders and Naturalists. Finish the tour with a swim in the pristine limestone aqua Blue Hole.
Day 4: Departure Transfer (optional stop at Belize Zoo- entry fee not included)
In case you didn't get enough riding in, you may choose to do a short aloha ride (we hate to say goodbye). If there's time you can stop for a tour on the way back to the airport or wherever you wish to go within our transfer range. If your flight is later, you can choose to attend the Belize Zoo. See Kinkajous, Monkeys, Ocelots, Peccary, Tapirs, Birds including the Jabiru Stork, and many other exotic native animals of Belize. Half day - $50.00 pp.
Sample Itinerary - 3 days
Day 1- Arrival:
You'll be met at the Airport for your transfer to our lodge. After check-in, you can tour the grounds and get acquainted with our own local wildlife. Soon dinner will be served family style, providing perfect time and setting to meet your hosts and the other guests.
Day 2- Xunantunich, Horseback Riding, Zip-lining, or Cave Tubing:
Go for a horseback ride or go zip-lining or cave tubing, or visit to Xunantunich Mayan ruin
Day 4: Departure Transfer (optional stop at Belize Zoo- entry fee not included)
In case you didn't get enough riding in, you may choose to do a short aloha ride (we hate to say goodbye). If there's time you can stop for a tour on the way back to the airport or wherever you wish to go within our transfer range. If your flight is later, you can choose to attend the Belize Zoo. See Kinkajous, Monkeys, Ocelots, Peccary, Tapirs, Birds including the Jabiru Stork, and many other exotic native animals of Belize. Half day - $50.00 pp.
--Subject to changes--
Meeting:
Belize City
Airport:
Belize City
Transfer:
Belize City
Distance:
47 miles
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) or Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA) at any time on any day of the week. Check-out at 11:00am on the last day.
Tack:
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Western Wintec
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Horses:
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Spanish quarterhorse local breed mix
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Pace:
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moderate with canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
4
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Max
90
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Weight:
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Max
300 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
12 riders
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In addition to the day to day riding tours, we offer you an opportunity
to participate in a hands on experience of interacting with horses. In
the arena and round pen, communication between horse and rider begins to
meld. Making it easy to do the right thing and difficult to do the
wrong thing. These concepts, as presented by John Lyons and Pat Parelli,
two of the most popular horse clinicians in the United States, are the
basis for horsemanship at this location. Key words are communication,
trust and discipline.
A variety of activities include barrel racing, gymkhana events,
overnight rides, Saturday to Saturday itineraries that may be flexible.
While we mostly ride western, we also have two sets of English saddles
and tack for your use. There are miles of jungle trails often times
under the forest canopy.

Horses
About 100 head (we had 8 colts this spring) of well-kept, mixed breeds,
predominately quarter horses. This combination provides sturdy but agile
mounts necessary to negotiate river terrain and jungle trails. We
whisper train our horse here at Banana Bank.
Training in process Stable
35' x 60' with classic clerestory roof design, 24 stalls, 12 on each
side of a central 10' tiled corridor that features cedar paneling, brass
lamps and other appointments making it truly distinctive.
Equipment
35 Western saddles with accessories to make the riding experience safe
and comfortable. Equipment is well cared for, clean and attractive. If
you feel comfortable riding your own saddle, bring it with you.
Round Pen
A four rail state of the art 60' diameter enclosure that not only gives
the rider a circular confined space to hone riding skills but commits
the horse to the will of the handler in a gentle but firm situation of
control. We welcome guests to use the round pen with our horses.
Time to tack up Arena
A beautiful two rail 200' x 100' enclosure to safely put the horse
through the paces of walking, trotting, cantering or galloping. This
arena is sufficiently large to allow action but keeps rider and
instructor in charge.

Passport and Visa Requirements:
PassportsPassport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in chart.Passport NoteAll travellers are required to show evidence of sufficient funds (. more
The overall climate of Belize can be described as
sub-tropical. The humidity while high, is seldom oppressive for long and
is most noticeable along the coast. The mean annual humidity is 83%,
but many days the humidity is masked by the cooling sea breezes. The
Belize coastal area is exposed to southeast trade winds averaging 10-13
knots and attain an uncanny consistency during the month of July.
Temperatures in Belize range from 50°F to 95°F
with an annual mean of 79°F. November to January are traditionally the
coolest months with a 75°F average and May to September are the warmest
at about a 81°F average. Location is a big factor for temperature as
Cayo to the west and up in the mountains can both be several degrees colder then along the coast and
during November at night temperatures can fall to a beautiful 46°F.
Remember that you are in a subtropical climate so dress lightly.
We recommend cotton clothing rather than synthetics.
A poncho, in case of rain, will be provided. For the ride, jeans (single
seamed)
and light boots or ankle high shoes are most suitable, preferably with a heel. You don't need electrical adapters or converters if you are coming
from North America.
Plenty of water will be provided to you. Bring a bottle or camel-back if
you
wish. Bring your lap top if you want - wireless is available at the front desk/reception area of the lodge and the Chateau Brio building!
This
list is
only a guideline for you |
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Travel
documents and
Voucher |
Flight
tickets |
Passport
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Visa (check
with your
consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
Riding
pants or
Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
Riding
boots +
Minichaps |
Riding
helmet
(recommended for all trips) |
Riding
gloves |
Hat (with
chin strip)
for sun protection |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
Jacket or
sweater for
cool evenings |
Comfortable
T-Shirts/Shirts |
Jeans |
Shorts |
Underwear
and socks |
Pyjama |
Bag for
dirty clothes |
Light
summer jacket |
Comfortable
shoes/sneakers |
Swimsuit |
Bandana |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
Personal
Toiletries |
Insect
protection |
Personal
medications |
Sore cream
(for an
emergency) |
Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs |
Camera and
enough extra
films |
Belt pack
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Address
book and pen
(for pictures postcards!) |
Sun glasses
with strap |
Sun tan
lotion and lip
balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips

The Lodge
Nestled near the river in a quiet jungle setting, in the midst of birds and other tropical wildlife! The tropical jungle resort features delightful accommodations that blend with the local landscape and culture. You will stay in standard rooms in the main lodge or in cabanas with roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatch and are uniquely designed. Built by local craftsmen with fine Belizean woods, they are, in themselves each works of art. Each cabana has a solarium bath, a sitting room and two bedrooms, each with queen and single bed. Four to six family members, friends or groups traveling together can be easily accommodated in each cabana. Carved doors, original oil paintings and jungle ambiance create a truly memorable surrounding.

The Rooms, Cabanas
Cabanas with roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatch are uniquely designed. Built by craftsmen with fine Belizean woods, they are, in themselves works of art. Each cabana has a solarium bath, a sitting room and two bedrooms. Native wood and skillful craftsmanship make each Cabana exceptional. Four to six family members, friends or groups traveling together can be easily accommodated in each cabana as each room has a queen size bed and a single bed. Carved doors, artwork by Carolyn Carr and jungle ambiance create a truly memorable surrounding.
Caracol Room - The soft rounded shape of this room with it's creamy rose color, stained glass windows, bamboo ceiling and solarium bathroom make this a delightful place to snuggle in. The unique use of sea shells in a stunning mirror is another feature that lets you know this is a designed room. It has the option of a ceiling fan or air conditioning. The room has a reading desk, a tea kettle for that hot cup of late night tea and a comfortable easy chair. This room has only a queen size bed.
Maya Room- This room is a tribute to the Maya heritage of Belize. There is a Maya fresco in the bath and a solarium tub with stained glass windows. Maya pottery, carvings and paintings decorate the room. There is a ceiling fan or optional air conditioning. A tea kettle is included. This room has a queen size and a single bed.
Creole Room- With dark burgundy lace curtains and bed spreads, the mood is set for the sensual mystery of the creole culture. Authentic accent pieces, a hand hewn paddle, a rice beater, and whisky crock take you back to the logging era. The beautiful hand carved mahogany headboard clearly expresses why so many struggled so hard to harvest this precious wood. The solarium bath with the stained glass windows and delicate curves is a work of art. A tea kettle is included. There is the option of ceiling fan or air conditioning. The room has a queen sized bed and a single bed.
Sunshine Room- The minute you enter this room you know you are in a special place. As the name implies, it is joyous. The large bath is a molded artistic expression of curves and stained glass . Rich fabric and carved furniture complete the feeling that all is right with the world. There is the option of ceiling fan or air conditioning. In this room is a queen sized and a single bed.
Chateau Brio - A 3 story building, houses our newest accommodations. These units will satisfy the guest that prefers to be above the jungle floor, in an environment less organic. Presently there are 3 rooms, more will follow in the next 6 months. Things are always changing and we invite your inquires to help us meet your specific needs.

Club House...
The pool was designed by Carolyn Carr with the idea of giving a person a sense of oneness with a natural setting, a truly relaxing environment that has a sense of nature or nurturing, something like being enveloped in a peaceful lagoon. We have one such place here in Belize to use as a model, the Inland Blue Hole. The shape and color were the inspiration for the pool. The shape of the pool is also in respect to the divine porportion. There is a relationship that can be proven with numbers that gives rise to a series of shapes and dynamics that appear throughout nature and which can be directly translated into rules of proportion to be used by designers. This principle of harmony has been acknowledged as a fundamental spiritual truth for centuries and its relationship as relates to our daily lives is seen in the proportion of our very own bodies. It is expressed numerically in an equation that is called Phi. The numbers prove the proportions are in harmony with proportions that are used over and over in our world, in nature, the Parthenon, the Great Pyramids and the chambered nautilus just to name a few. Roses, hurricanes and the Ark of the Covenant were designed using the Divine Porportion.
Bird Sanctuary

Dining Room...
There is an exotic feel to it. The tone is set by the soaring thatched roof. Carved banisters, pink gypsum stonewalls, and rich local hard wood paneling make this a beautiful place to enjoy. Our meals are served family style and are widely reported to be some of the best in Belize. The family atmosphere provides a setting for lively discussion between guests from different parts of the world and diverse interest. Menus vary but center around the kind of home cooking we call "grandma's food" although our girls put on some of the best cuisine found in Belize.
Pool

**There is a 14" Meade telescope for star gazing at night!
INTERNET - wireless is available at the front desk/reception area of the lodge and the Chateau Brio building!
Tack:
|
|
Western Wintec
|
Horses:
|
|
Spanish quarterhorse local breed mix
|
Pace:
|
|
moderate with canters
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
Age:
|
|
Min
4
|
Max
90
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
300 lbs
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
In addition to the day to day riding tours, we offer you an opportunity
to participate in a hands on experience of interacting with horses. In
the arena and round pen, communication between horse and rider begins to
meld. Making it easy to do the right thing and difficult to do the
wrong thing. These concepts, as presented by John Lyons and Pat Parelli,
two of the most popular horse clinicians in the United States, are the
basis for horsemanship at this location. Key words are communication,
trust and discipline.
A variety of activities include barrel racing, gymkhana events,
overnight rides, Saturday to Saturday itineraries that may be flexible.
While we mostly ride western, we also have two sets of English saddles
and tack for your use. There are miles of jungle trails often times
under the forest canopy.

Horses
About 100 head (we had 8 colts this spring) of well-kept, mixed breeds,
predominately quarter horses. This combination provides sturdy but agile
mounts necessary to negotiate river terrain and jungle trails. We
whisper train our horse here at Banana Bank.
Training in process Stable
35' x 60' with classic clerestory roof design, 24 stalls, 12 on each
side of a central 10' tiled corridor that features cedar paneling, brass
lamps and other appointments making it truly distinctive.
Equipment
35 Western saddles with accessories to make the riding experience safe
and comfortable. Equipment is well cared for, clean and attractive. If
you feel comfortable riding your own saddle, bring it with you.
Round Pen
A four rail state of the art 60' diameter enclosure that not only gives
the rider a circular confined space to hone riding skills but commits
the horse to the will of the handler in a gentle but firm situation of
control. We welcome guests to use the round pen with our horses.
Time to tack up Arena
A beautiful two rail 200' x 100' enclosure to safely put the horse
through the paces of walking, trotting, cantering or galloping. This
arena is sufficiently large to allow action but keeps rider and
instructor in charge.

Passports
Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in chart.
Passport Note
All travellers are required to show evidence of sufficient funds (minimum £50 per day) and proof of return or onward ticket at the point of entry.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above and nationals of their overseas territories for stays of up to 30 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Single-entry: £60; Multiple-entry: £110. Handling fee of £5 for all applications.
Working Days Required
Most visas are issued the next working day. Some applications may require authorisation from the Director of Immigration and the Nationality Service in Belize; this will take up to four weeks.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No/1 |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Jungle Explorer Getaway
Tour Code:
IT-BEMS01-3
4 days /
3 nights
~$635.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | 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
 | 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. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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