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Perigord Noir Trails
Dordogne
France
Enjoy our new horseback trips which take you through the beautiful Périgord region!
The Périgord, which corresponds roughly to the current Dordogne département, is for many people the picture-perfect image of the French countryside, a gentle landscape of patchwork fields, hilltop towns, turreted mansions and jade green woods. It is also the spiritual home to two of the country's enduring culinary passions - foie gras and the black truffle! The Périgord region is famous for its stunning cave paintings, as well as for its many fortified chateaux and bastide towns - reminders of the bloody battles waged here during the Middle Ages and the Hundred Years' War.
There are four different
geographic Perigord designations: the White Perigord, the Purple
Perigord, the Green Perigord and the Black Perigord. This riding tours
will take you in the Black Perigord, an area that overlooks the valleys
of the Vezere and the Dordogne. This limestone plateau, delimited to the
West by the valley of the Vezere and to the South, by the valley of the
Dordogne, is covered by forests of chestnut trees, pines and holm oaks,
which give it a dark colour and its name "Black Perigord".
The 8-day Perigord Noir Trails starts at the border of the Agen region and finish in the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat, in the heart of the Black Perigord. During our trip we will discover the bastides of Monflanquin, Monpazier and Domme, which played an important role during the Hundred Years' War between France and England. We will also visit the ruins of the Château de Gavaudun, which was built furing the 12th and the 13th centuries, on the main road between Périgord and Agenais. Our horseback trip will lead us to the Château de Bonaguil, which was the last of the fortified castles built in France, and also to the well preserved Château Biron. We will also have the opportunity to visit a traditional goose and duck breeding farm, La Perruche. Our journey will end in Sarlat, one of the best restored and most attractive medieval towns in France.
6-day Historic Perigord Option:
Join us on a trip through the Vézère Valley and visit famous prehistoric sites, which were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979! First we will visit the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies, then the Rouffignac cave, which contains over 250 engravings and cave paintings dating back to the Upper Paleolithic. During this ride we will also have the opportunity to visit the Lascaux II cave, which ranks first in European prehistoric sites! Then our journey leads us to La Roque Saint Christophe, the largest troglodyte site in Europe, was occupied for more than 20 000 years. Finally we will visit the Commarque Castle, which was founded in the 12th century before heading back to Campagne, our starting point of the tour.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Villeneuve sur Lot / Campagne
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Airport:
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Bordeaux
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Transfer:
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Agen / Buisson de Cadouin
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
9 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations, meals, wine and coffee with dinner, 6 riding days
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP Perigord Noir Ride | 8d / 7n | €1460 | $1900 |
| Single supplement | €237 | $310 |
| B | 2013 | 6 day trip, AP Historic Perigord Ride | 6d / 5n | €1000 | $1300 |
| C | 2013 | 5 day trip, AP Historic Perigord Ride | 5d / 4n | €1000 | $1300 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Agen train station included at 6pm
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2013
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Transfer from Buisson de Cadouin train station included - afternoon TBA
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The 8-day ride starts at the train station of Agen (6 pm) and ends at the train station of Sarlat (after breakfast).
The 6-day ride starts (early afternoon) and ends (9:30 am) at the train station in Buisson de Cadouin near Campagne.
If you are not arriving by train .. We can also meet you at the hotel of the first night.
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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04/13
- 04/20
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Perigord Noir...
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2
/9
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Expired
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| B |
2013
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04/21
- 04/26
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP Historic Peri...
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2
/9
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Expired
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| A |
2013
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06/08
- 06/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Perigord Noir...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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09/09
- 09/13
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP Historic Peri...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/19
- 10/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Perigord Noir...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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10/26
- 10/31
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP Historic Peri...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Drinks during dinner except table wine and coffee. Gratuities.
8-day Perigord Noir
Day 1: We welcome the riders at 6 pm at the Agen train station and transfer our guests to the Hotel Des Platanes in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. After settling in, enjoy a quick visit of the bastide town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot.
Day 2: Breakfast at 8 am, transfer from the hotel to the riding stables at 9 am. At the stables we will get to know our horses and equipment before heading out at approx. 10 am on our first ride through hilly and partly wooded landscape. During the ride we will see the bastides of St. Pastour and Castelnaud (13th century). After a nice Picnic, we will visit the charming bastide town of Monflanquin, which was founded in 1256. In the afternoon we continue our journey on horseback, passing through wooded landscape until we reach our B&B in Gavaudun at around 6 pm. Before dinner we will have time to visit the Castle of Gavaudun, which was built in the 12th century. Dinner and Overnight at the B&B.
Day 3: Breakfast at 8 am; departure on horseback at 9:30 am. We will ride mainly through forests, passing the the village of Cuzorn in order to reach the Chateau de Bonaguil. After a picnic and a visit of the Chateau de Bonaguil (13th century), we will continue our tour on horseback until we reach our final destination of the day, the holiday village of Mélis. Dinner (traditional cooking) and Overnight in bungalows.
Day 4: Breakfast at 8 am; departure on horseback at 10 am. We will ride through forest towards the village of Lacapelle Biron. We will enjoy lunch before visiting the Castle of Biron, which was built in the 12th century. In the afternoon, we continue our journey on horseback until we reach the bastide town of Monpazier, which was founded and built in the 13th century by King Edward I of England,who was also Duke of Gascony. You will have time to discover beautiful town of Monpazier on your own, before enjoying a typical Perigord dinner. Dinner and Overninght in a B&B.
Day 5: Breakfast at 8:30 am; departure at 10:30 am. As the Perigord region is famous for its products related to ducks and geese, we will meet a goose and duck farmer in order to learn more about this ancient tradition and the famous Perigord cuisine. We enjoy a delicious lunch at the "La Perruche" farm, before continuing our ride towards the picturesque town of Belves (13th century). Overnight at a hotel
Day 6: Breakfast at 8 am; departure on horseback at 9:30 am. We will start with a long ride through wooded and hilly landscape. We will enjoy a Picnic at the beautiful riverside of the Dordogne river. After the lunch break we will visit the Chateau des Milandes, which was built around 1489. This castle has become famous through its former owner Joséphine Baker. In the afternoon we will ride along the river Dordogne, passing by the Castle of Castelnaud (13th century) until we reach the medieval town of Domme at around 7 pm. Before dinner we will have time to stroll around this charming bastide town, which is a proud member of the association “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Breakfast at 8 am, departure on horseback at 10 am. We will ride along the Dordogne river, passing pass through La Roque Gageac, a former fishing port and secondary residence of the bishops of Sarlat. We will enjoy our lunch at the Vitrac Ranch before being transferred in the afternoon to a hotel in Sarlat. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the city of Sarlat and doing some shopping.
Day 8: Transfer to the Sarlat train station after breakfast.
6-day Historic Perigord
Day 1 : We welcome the participants at the SNCF railway station of Buisson de Cadouin early in the afternoon. Transfer to a hotel in Campagne.
Day 2 : Breakfast at 8 am, departure at 9.30 am. We will ride along the beautiful Vézère valley towards the village of Les Eyzies. After a picnic, we will visit the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies. In the afternoon we continue our ride through forests until we reach Rouffignac. Night at the Renaissance Hotel.
Day 3 : Breakfast at 8 am, departure at 9.30 am. An hour and a half ride will take us to the prehistoric cave of Rouffignac. After enjoying lunch and visiting the prehistoric site, we will ride through rolling wooded hills, dotted with beautiful castles until we reach Montignac. Night at a bed and breakfast.
Day 4 : Breakfast at 8 am, departure at 9 am. Shortly after departure we will visit the world famous Lascaux II cave. The caves contain some of the best known Upper Paleolithic art and the cave paintings are estimated to be 17,300 years old! After the visit we will ride towards the village of Valojoux. We will get to the largest troglodytic site of Europe, La Roque Saint Christophe. We will have picnic there and visit the site. Afterwards we will leave through the forest, heading south, in order to reach Sireuil, where we’ll spend the evening and night at a bed and breakfast.
Day 5 : Breakfast at 8 am, departure at 9.30 am. After an hour ride, we will get to the Château de Commarque, a strange and forbidding place. After visiting, we continue our ride through open countryside, until we will reach our picnic spot in Pech Boutier. After the picnic we ride through forest towards our final destination, the town of Campagne. On the way we’ll stop at a cave dwelling (prehistoric habitat). Night at the hotel in Campagne.
Day 6 : Breakfast at 8 and transfer to the SNCF train station at 9.30 am.
-- Itineraries are subject to changes --
Meeting:
Villeneuve sur Lot / Campagne
Airport:
Bordeaux
Train station:
Agen / Buisson de Cadouin
Transfer:
Agen / Buisson de Cadouin
The 8-day ride starts at the train station of Agen (6 pm) and ends at the train station of Sarlat (after breakfast).
The 6-day ride starts (early afternoon) and ends (9:30 am) at the train station in Buisson de Cadouin near Campagne.
If you are not arriving by train .. We can also meet you at the hotel of the first night.
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Tack:
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Trail saddles
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Horses:
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Anglo-Arab, French saddlebred and French trotters
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Pace:
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Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Around 5 hours riding each day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
9 riders
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Anglo-Arab horses, French saddlebred, and French trotters. They are robust and solid, their size varies between 15 an 17 hands. They all form a harmonious herd and range between 5 and 19 years of age. They are kind and well-educated horses that respect the riders, with horses for all types of riders and riding levels (certain minimum of experience is required).
These locally bred horses have been chosen for their mental qualities and endurance. Young horses are led by older horses which gives them the desire to move forward, calm and confident.
We will stop every two hours (approximately) for a break. Our team is organising picnics and evening stops, sometimes a bit of help is welcome! Riders should brush and saddle their horse.
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Minimum age of 16.
We have a minibus to transport luggage and riders. It is possible for a non rider (or for a rider who cannot ride for one reason or another) to follow in the minibus.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport NoteFranc. more
The Greater Bergarac Area (Dordogne/Perigord), under oceanic influence, enjoys a temperate climate and sunshine, which makes it possible to sojourn there pleasantly all year, to take advantage of open-air activities and to discover its natural and cultural riches.
In the springtime, the rise in temperature and the beneficial rain showers awaken the sleeping nature to reveal glistening flora and protected wildlife.
In the summer, the 30-degree C average maximum temperature is ideal to take advantage of the region’s tourist assets, stroll along the edge of the Dordogne’s beaches, visit historic sites...
The very mild evenings are the ideal moment to savour the generous gastronomy outdoors.
Some evenings, thunderstorms bring a bit of well-appreciated coolness.
Autumn, mild and damp, is a fairyland of colours, the trees adorn themselves with yellow and orange-tinted foliage.
It is also the season of numerous flavours and smells, with mushroom gathering in the undergrowth, and the harvest of sun-filled grapes.
Winter, with a few episodes of intense cold, freezes the landscape for awhile under a thin layer of ice or snow, and makes the frost-covered trees into ephemeral sculptures.
… this list is only a guideline for you
Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.)
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING GEAR
Riding pants or Jodhpurs
Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Lightweight Rain coat
A riding helmet is not provided by us, but is is recommended for adults and mandatory for minors during the horse ride.
PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjamas
Bag for dirty clothes
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
Swimsuit
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
Personal Toiletries
Insect protection
Personal medications
Sore cream (for an emergency)
Sewing kit
Torch/ Flashlight
Adapter for electric appliances
Camera and extra film or batteries
Belt pack
Address book and pen (for postcards!)
Sun glasses with strap
Sun protection 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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
All meals are included and we serve wine and coffee with your dinner.
Lunch is provided by the support vehicle driver. Picnics are country meals, meats and various mixed salads - .
Lodgings are usually at the following hotels (changes are possible due to full occupancy)
8-day Tour
Day 1: Hotel des Platanes in Villeneuve/Lot.
Day 2: Domaine de Majoulassie Bed and Breakfast in Gavaudun
Day 3: Les de Loges Mélis.
Day 4: Ferme de Tandou Breakfast just outside of Monpazir.
Day 5: Le Nouvel Hotel in Belves
Day 6: Hotel in Domme
Day 7: La Cou Leuvrine Hotel in Sarlat.
6-day Getaway
Day 1 : Hotel du Chateau in Campagne
Day 2 : Hotel la Renaissance in Rouffignac
Day 3 : Hotel de la Grotte B&B in Montignac
Day 4 : B&B in Sireuil
Day 5 : Hotel du Chateau in Campagne
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Trail saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Anglo-Arab, French saddlebred and French trotters
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Around 5 hours riding each day.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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|
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Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
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Max
9 riders
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Anglo-Arab horses, French saddlebred, and French trotters. They are robust and solid, their size varies between 15 an 17 hands. They all form a harmonious herd and range between 5 and 19 years of age. They are kind and well-educated horses that respect the riders, with horses for all types of riders and riding levels (certain minimum of experience is required).
These locally bred horses have been chosen for their mental qualities and endurance. Young horses are led by older horses which gives them the desire to move forward, calm and confident.
We will stop every two hours (approximately) for a break. Our team is organising picnics and evening stops, sometimes a bit of help is welcome! Riders should brush and saddle their horse.
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Minimum age of 16.
We have a minibus to transport luggage and riders. It is possible for a non rider (or for a rider who cannot ride for one reason or another) to follow in the minibus.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
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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Perigord Noir Trails
Tour Code:
IT-FRABR04
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,900.00
Dates :
March/April & Sept/Oct
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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