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Horseback riding tours
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Dordogne 5-day Getaway
Dordogne
France
This riding holiday is centered in and around the spectacular countryside of the Dordogne in south-western France, near the town of Bergerac. From the moment you turn into the tree-lined driveway that leads up to the house, you'll feel your body and mind relax as you realize your dream holiday has really and truly started. Your French riding guide is an expert horseman and, as well as welcoming you into her charming home, your English host will introduce you to owners of local vineyards and chateaux, making your stay delightfully personal. You will be riding through thousands of hectares of the region's most beautiful private estates.
Following trails which take you through a dynamic countryside of thick forests, hidden valleys, pretty vineyards and meadows, you will soon begin day-dreaming that you are indeed the 'duc' or 'duchesse' of all you survey as you'll come across no other horses or riders, and hardly will there be a gate to open all day long.
We have taken great care to plan the rides - very different each day - to ensure that experienced riders have the opportunity to enjoy long energetic trots and exciting canters, as well as the relaxing walks and conversation with new friends, when you'll have time to share your experiences with your guide and companions. On several nights the horses stay out and riders are transferred back for dinner and overnight - allowing for a wide variety of interesting trails across an ever changing countryside during the week.
Driving into the estate you will glimpse through the trees on the right the spacious tennis court and swimming pool, and to the left you will usually see one or two of our horses curiously looking out from their stables. Le Bourdil Blanc is a beautiful 18th century manor house, recently restored to its former glory and now a warm, friendly and elegant home decor, comfortably set in its own private grounds extending over 7 acres. On arrival, you will be met by Bernadette, who, with a welcoming glass of kir will make you feel instantly at home in the roomy, comfortable and warm interior. Although Le Bourdil Blanc is a private house, we encourage all our guests to treat it as his or her own. Guests quickly settle in to a 'house party' mode, relaxing around the log fire with a glass of wine and enjoying each others conversation.
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Short Getaway
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Railway station or the airport in Bergerac
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Airport:
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Bergerac
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Transfer:
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Bergerac airport or train station
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
26
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
Accommodation with private bathroom, meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, 3 (2) riding days, use of all facilities.
| A | 2019 | 5 day trip, AP | 5d / 4n | €1030 | $1235 |
| Non-Rider Discount (sharing room with rider) | (€660) | ($795) |
| Non-Rider Discount (single supplement) | (€590) | ($710) |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
No surcharge for Single rooms if available
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2019
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Transfer from Bergerac train station or airport is included.
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If driving in by rental car, arrival on day 1 around 17:00, departure last day is 10:00 AM.
The Bergerac-Roumanière Airport is served by low cost airlines RyanAir, Flybe and Transavia.com. Or take the train to Bergerac train station. If taking the included transfer, you will be met at the railway station or the airport in Bergerac.
Tour Dates for 2019
It's possible to book a custom tour date if you have 4 or more riders in your group.
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Rates do not include:
Transport by air, car or rail to Bergerac, lunch and dinner sightseeing day, additional private riding lessons, use of phone / fax.
Sample-Itinerary:
Day 1- Saturday: You will be met at the railway station or the airport in Bergerac and transferred to the manor house for dinner and to settle in for the week. Alternatively, people can arrive directly by car to the Bourdil around 17.00. (Dinner included)
Day 2- Sunday: After breakfast at the house, we head for the stables to meet the horses and try them in the paddock under the expert eye of your riding guide Antoine. Then set off by car at about 10.30 to visit the street market in Issigeac which is great fun and full of local color. Enjoy morning shopping in the market before returning to the house for an early lunch followed by some horseback riding for 2-3 hours. Return to the manor house in the late afternoon for drinks and dinner with your host Jane. Overnight at the manor house. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 3- Monday: After breakfast, a stroll from the dining room to the stable yard to mount up for your first day’s full riding. The route takes you through the Caudeau Valley visiting the villages of Montclard, Saint Georges, St Martin des Combes and Clermont Beauregard and passing the Chateau de la Gaubertie stopping at an idyllic picnic site. After lunch return to the manor house on horseback for drinks and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 4- Tuesday: Breakfast in the house, then mount up and set off riding. Today's route takes you through the village of Lamonzie Montastruc and across la Forêt de Liorac to the private Chateau Garraube with its formal gardens, then on to the pretty village of Saint Marcel du Perigord where you stop for a picnic lunch near a stream. After lunch ride on to Pressignac-Vicq where the horses will stay overnight. Return to 'Le Bourdil Blanc' by car and Bernadette will cook a delicious, typical local dish to be washed down with some great local wines! Dinner and overnight Le Bourdil. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 5- Wednesday: Breakfast and drive back to Pressignac-Vicq to meet the horses. Today’s ride takes you down to the Dordogne river - a spectacular ride with wonderful views. Stop on the bank of the river for a drink and a picnic lunch and in the afternoon ride back to Pressignac-Vicq by a sharply contrasting route with the opportunity for a few good canters. Driven back to Le Bourdil for a well-earned drink before dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 6- Thursday: Breakfast before returning to the horses by car and riding them acroos the Dordogne river past Chateau de Lanquais to stay at a nearby riding stables near Faux . Return to the Bourdil for a late lunch The afternoon is free for sightseeing or to relax. Jane will discuss the options and will happily arrange group visits to local sites of interest, book restaurants and organise hire cars - or you can just relax at the house, using the heated swimming pool and tennis court or perhaps trying the boat on the lake - the choice is yours. Dinner is not included today and will be eaten out, either on the way back from the places you visit or you will be driven to a local restaurant, or even at the manor house if someone wants to cook! (Breakfast & lunch included)
Day 7- Friday: Set off in the car to the stables to meet the horses. Ride through the forests and vineyards Stop for a delicious picnic lunch along the way in Issigeac or in Monbazillac and return to your moniteur guide Antoine’s stables near Bouniagues . There may be a possibility for an informative wine tasting at Clos des Verdots nearby and then back to Le Bourdil in time to change and relax before enjoying a final delicious dinner. Overnight at Le Bourdil. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 8- Saturday: Departure after breakfast and transfer to the train station or airport in Bergerac. (Breakfast included)
Note: The itinerary may vary due to weather or other unforeseeable circumstance!
Meeting:
Railway station or the airport in Bergerac
Airport:
Bergerac
Train station:
Bergerac
Transfer:
Bergerac airport or train station
Distance:
6 miles
If driving in by rental car, arrival on day 1 around 17:00, departure last day is 10:00 AM.
The Bergerac-Roumanière Airport is served by low cost airlines RyanAir, Flybe and Transavia.com. Or take the train to Bergerac train station. If taking the included transfer, you will be met at the railway station or the airport in Bergerac.
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Tack:
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French trail saddles; snaffle.
Saddle bags are provided
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Horses:
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Anglo-Arab and Arab crosses
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Pace:
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3-6 hours / day; moderate pace with good distance canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
96 kgs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
26
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The Riding
This riding holiday is centered in and around the spectacular countryside of the Dordogne in south-western France, near the town of Bergerac. From the moment you leave the stables (on the same grounds as the beautiful manor where you will be staying) you will be riding through thousands of hectares of the region's most beautiful private estates. We have taken great care to plan the rides - different each day - to ensure that experienced riders have the opportunity to enjoy long energetic trots and exciting canters. Each ride allows for approximately 3 hours riding in the morning and 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon. With between 4 and 6 hours spent in the saddle each day, riding across varied terrain, riders need to be reasonably fit and competent, and confident at walk, trot and canter in open country. We try our best to match riders of similar ability, so please be honest in filling out the application form, as less experienced riders may hold others back and not get the most from their horse or the rides. We also regret that we cannot accept absolute beginners or any riders under 12 years old, and we normally impose a weight limit of around 96kg (210lbs or 15 stone).
Pace and experience required: To join these rides you should have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience and should be comfortable, confident and in control on a well schooled horse at a walk, trot and fast canter. Overall the pace of the rides is moderate with lots of chances for good long canters.
The Horses
We are convinced that if the horses could talk they would agree with us that they live a charmed life. Their home is a recently converted 18th century barn. There are 11 spacious loose -boxes, with deep straw beds and open bars in between so they can see and talk to each other. They also spend a great deal of time grazing in the paddocks behind the house and paddling in the lake. Although they can't tell you, we can assure you all our horses are happy, fit, and strong. They are well motivated, well schooled and well behaved, and extremely well loved. They are mainly a mixture of saddle horses and arab crosses, specialised in trekking, with pretty calm temperaments, very reliable and not easily spooked. We can assure you they are also definitely not 'nose-to-tail' trekking types. The saddles are specialised French trekking saddles ( Forestier, Gaston- Mercier etc) and are very comfortable. We can select your horses from a wide range, always according to the experience and ability of the riders, which is why it is important to complete the booking questionnaire as fully and honestly as possible. It is as important to us as it is to you that you and your horse are well suited and will get on well from the start. (On the first day we insist all riders must try out their horse in the paddock behind the house before setting off on the ride).
Hard hats: please wear one at all times when riding.
Misc: A mounting block is available – Please ask for it. No smoking allowed in the stable yard. The fence and also the meadow behind the lake are electrified at night. Antoine is responsible for our safety and the well being of the horses. You will be given a prepared statement to read before getting on your horse.
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
Bergerac area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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50
|
54
|
61
|
65
|
73
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79
|
83
|
83
|
76
|
68
|
57
|
51
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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34
|
34
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38
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42
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48
|
55
|
57
|
57
|
51
|
46
|
39
|
35
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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10
|
12
|
16
|
18
|
23
|
26
|
28
|
28
|
24
|
20
|
14
|
11
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
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1
|
1
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3
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5
|
9
|
13
|
14
|
14
|
10
|
8
|
4
|
2
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The Dordogne is a region of many faces in its geographical features and climate. The temperate climate is evident throughout the Périgord with the gentle winters and moderate summer temperatures. The position of the valleys, the rolling hills, the profile and position of the forested hillsides, the clear felled land and the lakes all create a range of particular climatic zones. Summers are generally hot and dry.
The best time to visit is between April and October, excluding the months of July and August which can get very crowded and hot. June is a very good time to visit, while September and October are also good months to visit Dordogne. Winters tend to be wet and mild.
Please Note: It is wise to bring some cash to buy
things in local markets, for tips, for taxis and light meals when traveling. It is
possible to do laundry if need be.
This list is only a guideline for you
- Travel documents and Voucher
- Flight tickets
- Passport
- Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING GEAR
- Comfortable Riding pants or Jodhpurs
- Long riding boots or ankle length with half chaps
- Hard hats – mandatory. Please wear one at all times when riding.
- Riding gloves
- Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection
- Lightweight Rain coat
PERSONAL CLOTHING
- Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
- Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Underwear and socks
- Pyjamas
- Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
- Swimsuit
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
- Personal Toiletries and personal medications/first aid kit
- Insect protection
- Adapter for electric appliances
- Camera and extra batteries
- 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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
A large entrance hall/study with a double sofa bed, leads onto the main living room, with open fireplace, satellite TV and two double sofa beds. A dining room that seats 14 with ease. The staircase leads from the living room to the upstairs landing. There are 4 large double bedrooms: with 4 double and 2 single beds, numerous cots and a crib and 4 en-suite bathrooms. There are three double bedrooms and a shower room and WC on the third floor. The occupants can also use another bathroom on the ground floor.
The Wing comprises a large living room with open fireplace and 2 double sofa beds. There is a double bedroom (with double bed). A second fully fitted and equipped kitchen. A bathroom and a private walled garden.
The Pigeonnier (converted dovecote) has a vaulted living room with 2 double sofa beds, an open fireplace and a fully fitted and equipped kitchen. There are 2 double bedrooms (1 double and 2 single beds), a bathroom and a private garden. There is a heated outdoor pool and tennis court.
There is a TV (both French and UK satellite) video, DVD and music centre in the living room. Please help yourself, but be conscious of other people’s choices. Ask for instruction to use the Satellite TV.
Meal Times:
Breakfast @ 8h30
Lunch – picnics or at le Bourdil between 12h00 and 14h00
Apertifs/drinks - 19h30
Dinner between 20h00 and 20h30. 8 p.m approximately
Cuisine: One of the highlights of your stay will be relaxing in the lounge with a drink after the day's exertions, discussing the day's events, before enjoying a delicious dinner based on regional cuisine such as duck, foie gras, truffles, asparagus and strawberries served with a variety of excellent local wines. All this prepared by our local cook. You will also be invited to have one meal out in a pre selected restaurant which is included in your holiday price. Vegetarians and special diets can be well catered for at the house as long as we receive sufficient prior warning, so please make sure that these are included on the booking form if this is important to you.
Note: Continental Breakfasts are served with croissants, bread, butter and a selection of jams, muesli, yoghurts, fruit, juices and coffee and tea (Les petits déjeuners sont servis avec les croissants, pain, beurre, une sélection de confitures, muesli, yaourts, fruits, jus de fruits, café et thé)
Note: Wednesday is the non riding day when guests can go out for lunch and dinner (Le mercredi c'est le jour de repos des clients et des chevaux où vous mangez à l'exterieur).
Note: All dinners are served with the finest local Bergerac wines, red, rose and white, beer and soft drinks in unlimited quantities (Tous les dîners sont accompagnés du vin local de Bergerac rouge, rosé et blanc, bière et des boissons non alcoolisées en quantités ilimités).
Sample Menu
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Day
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Breakfasts
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Picnic lunch
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Dinner
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Samedi
Saturday
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Yes
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Arrive after lunch
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Salade de crevettes et pamplemousse.
Gigot d'agneau , tomates provencales, haricots verts
Tarte aux citrons mereingues
Café, tisane
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Dimanche
Sunday
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Yes
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Pate
Quiche
Salade
Fromage
Fruits Café,thé
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Salade nicoise
Poulet basilic, carottes vichy, pommes vapeur
Mousse au chocolat
Café, tisane
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Lundi
Monday
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Yes
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Encheaud
Salade de pommes de terre
Fromage
Fruits
Café, thé
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Salade de dinde et marrons
Grillades de porc gratinees, epinard ratatouille
Gateau de l'ananas , glace
Café, tisane
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Mardi
Tuesday
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Yes
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Melon
Jambon de pays
Salade nicoise
Fromage
Fruits
Café, thé
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Salade composee
Confit de canard, petit pois aux lardons,pommes sarladaises
Salade de fruits
Café, tisane
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Mercredi
Wednesday
|
Yes
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Non riding day
Lunch is not provided
On ne monte pas
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Non riding day.
Opportunity to try the local restaurants
Essayez les restaurants
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Jeudi
Thursday
|
Yes
|
Tortilla
Tomates, avocats
Salade
Fromage
Fruits
Café, thé
|
Tomates farcis
Darnes de poisson a la crème
Riz
Tian de legumes
Gateau chocolat , crème anglaise
Café, tisane
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Vendredi
Friday
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Yes
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Pique-nique
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Bouches a la reine
Boeuf bourguignon, gratin dauphinoise
Tarte aux pommes, glace
Café,tisane
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Samedi
Saturday
|
Yes
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Depart
|
|
Washing:
Washers and dryers in both kitchens. Please help yourself and please clean up as necessary.
· Smoking:
Please
do not smoke in the bedrooms and bathrooms! Otherwise, in the communal
areas please feel free to do so, but please first ask your fellow guests - especially at meal time!
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
French trail saddles; snaffle.
Saddle bags are provided
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Anglo-Arab and Arab crosses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
3-6 hours / day; moderate pace with good distance canters
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
96 kgs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
10 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
26
|
The Riding
This riding holiday is centered in and around the spectacular countryside of the Dordogne in south-western France, near the town of Bergerac. From the moment you leave the stables (on the same grounds as the beautiful manor where you will be staying) you will be riding through thousands of hectares of the region's most beautiful private estates. We have taken great care to plan the rides - different each day - to ensure that experienced riders have the opportunity to enjoy long energetic trots and exciting canters. Each ride allows for approximately 3 hours riding in the morning and 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon. With between 4 and 6 hours spent in the saddle each day, riding across varied terrain, riders need to be reasonably fit and competent, and confident at walk, trot and canter in open country. We try our best to match riders of similar ability, so please be honest in filling out the application form, as less experienced riders may hold others back and not get the most from their horse or the rides. We also regret that we cannot accept absolute beginners or any riders under 12 years old, and we normally impose a weight limit of around 96kg (210lbs or 15 stone).
Pace and experience required: To join these rides you should have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience and should be comfortable, confident and in control on a well schooled horse at a walk, trot and fast canter. Overall the pace of the rides is moderate with lots of chances for good long canters.
The Horses
We are convinced that if the horses could talk they would agree with us that they live a charmed life. Their home is a recently converted 18th century barn. There are 11 spacious loose -boxes, with deep straw beds and open bars in between so they can see and talk to each other. They also spend a great deal of time grazing in the paddocks behind the house and paddling in the lake. Although they can't tell you, we can assure you all our horses are happy, fit, and strong. They are well motivated, well schooled and well behaved, and extremely well loved. They are mainly a mixture of saddle horses and arab crosses, specialised in trekking, with pretty calm temperaments, very reliable and not easily spooked. We can assure you they are also definitely not 'nose-to-tail' trekking types. The saddles are specialised French trekking saddles ( Forestier, Gaston- Mercier etc) and are very comfortable. We can select your horses from a wide range, always according to the experience and ability of the riders, which is why it is important to complete the booking questionnaire as fully and honestly as possible. It is as important to us as it is to you that you and your horse are well suited and will get on well from the start. (On the first day we insist all riders must try out their horse in the paddock behind the house before setting off on the ride).
Hard hats: please wear one at all times when riding.
Misc: A mounting block is available – Please ask for it. No smoking allowed in the stable yard. The fence and also the meadow behind the lake are electrified at night. Antoine is responsible for our safety and the well being of the horses. You will be given a prepared statement to read before getting on your horse.
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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Dordogne 5-day Getaway
Tour Code:
IT-FR-DOR01-5
5 days /
4 nights
~$1,235.00
Dates :
April to Nov
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. |
|