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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Greece
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Add ons:
Hiking
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Crete Coastal Riding Holiday
Crete West Coast
Greece
Discover luscious green hills, goat-trodden tracks, olive groves, herbs and wild flowers, unique oases like the lake of Kournas and Argiroupoli's waterfalls, small and friendly villages and beautiful beaches a plenty. These are all just simple elements that combine to make a recipe for an excellent relaxing riding holiday!
Based in Georgioupolis in Western Crete, this area is well known for its combination of long sandy beach and mighty mountain range. Beaches in Western Crete are strung along the north and south coasts, with the mountain range jutting majestically in between. These mountains are so dominant that if rain falls on the north beach, the south can enjoy peaceful skies and bright sunshine. The abundance of beaches makes this vacation great for riders and non riders alike.
This riding vacation offers plenty of riding and ample time to relax and explore. Rides are available for novice and advanced riders alike; this is made possible by splitting the groups into different riding levels. Relax on the beach, take a dip in the sea, and prepare yourself for the exciting canters along the Cretan Sea - a horseback riding holiday suited for the whole family!
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Family Vacation
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Georgioupoli
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Airport:
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Chania
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Transfer:
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Chania airport
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Six nights at 4 star beach hotel, breakfast, dinner and lunches at local taverns during the 5 riding days (about 23 riding hours).
| A | 2013 | 7 day ride, MAP | 7d / 6n | €1149 | $1450 |
| B | 2013 | 7 day ride, MAP | 7d / 6n | €1230 | $1600 |
| C | 2013 | 7 day ride, MAP | 7d / 6n | €1307 | $1700 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer is included from Chania airport or harbor
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Transfer from the airport, harbor to and from the hotel is included
Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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04/01
- 05/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day ride, MAP
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1
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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06/01
- 06/30
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7d / 6n
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7 day ride, MAP
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1
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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07/01
- 08/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day ride, MAP
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1
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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09/01
- 09/30
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7d / 6n
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7 day ride, MAP
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1
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/01
- 10/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day ride, MAP
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1
/12
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Reserve
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Available any time during the season.
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This ride is all about options! Choose from the options below to create a vacation experience specifically tailored to your interests!
The riding holiday includes beach hotel (4*) accommodations and 5 riding days with a total of about 23 riding hours:
- 2 relaxing day trips (of about 7 hours riding each plus breaks)
The first of these day trips is a well mixed cocktail of beach, wooded country side, traditional villages and an escape in ancient times. It will lead us to the evergreen spring-village of Argiroupolis. Lunch for the unsaddled horses is served under the trees and for you in a tavern near the little waterfalls. Enough free time for a stroll in this remarkably green village, well known for its springs, ancient mills, avocados and associated products.
Also the second daytrip stands guarantee for an unforgettable day! (5 riding hours + breaks). A fantastic beach ride of 16 kilometers! Riding on dirt tracks along the sea and then the opportunity to swim with the horses! For those who cannot get enough of Crete's outstanding natural beauty, there is also a short visit to the Gorge of Petres where we walk through the riverbed to a private waterfall spa. Lunch at a traditional tavern in Petres is included. Plenty of time left for sunbathing and swimming, whilst horses have their siesta in the shade.
- 2 beautiful mini-safaris (of about 4.5 hours riding each plus breaks)
One mini-safari is a combined ride. It starts off along the long sandy beach of Georgioupoli and continues over country roads to the blue-green Lake of Kournas. Simply wonderful!
The other mini-safari heading through the Apokoronas countryside (moderate up- and downhill), passing traditional villages to the abandoned Monastery of Karidi - a trip full of contrasts.
- 1 exciting beach ride (about 2 hours riding)
On a long sandy beach intoxicated by the smell of freedom, you will enjoy a dreamlike harmony. Who said you need wings to fly? You can either go on an early morning ride or enjoy a sun set ride.
Short Beach Ride
Either a morning beach ride from 7:30 - 9:30 or a sunset ride.
We start at the stables located in the hills of Georgioupoli. We walk for about 25 minutes down country roads and through the village outskirts to the beach. This gives the rider the chance to get to know the horse and the horse the chance to warm up. On the beach there is walking, trotting and slow galloping. If the riders are good, there are also some fast gallops!
After the beach ride we head back to the stables via the beach promenade, which affords a great view over the picturesque harbor of Georgioupoli, and ride through the famous Eucalyptus alley to make our way back to the hills and stables.
During the morning beach ride, the light is great and makes the sea really look blue. During the evening rides, the light is not as bright but a beautiful sunset makes up for that.
* For late sleepers, it is possible to do the evening beach ride.
* For early birds it is possible to do the morning ride.
* From the end of October to the end of March, the sun is much milder and there are no tourists on the beach, allowing us to ride later during the day.
Two Mini Safaris (4 hour rides)
a) The Trip to Kournas Lake
We start at the stables, that are located in the hills of Georgioupoli. We walk for about 25 minutes down country roads and through the village outskirts to the beach. This is gives the rider and horse a chance to warm up and get to know one another. On the beach there is walking, trotting and slow galloping. If the riders are good there are also some fast gallops! After, we ride mainly on dirt tracks, passing a lot of olive groves and making our way to the only freshwater lake on Crete. This turquoise lake is surrounded by flower bushes and mountains which are usually reflected in the lake. Around 9:45am we reach the lake, before the tourist rush, letting us believe this is an oasis of peace. Enjoying a drinking stop for horse and rider. After we head to the traditional village of Mathes on a shady asphalted road and before following a dirt track leading us through the hills back to the stables, where we shower the horses.
b) The Monastery of Karidi
Here is no beach ride! The accent is on riding through "fields" in the hills, trough olive groves and passing small traditional villages with their unique architecture and funny little gardens. We stop at Kalamitsi for a break in a traditional Cretan kafenion where you can get a taste of Greek coffee and Cretan hospitality. As the ride starts up again we are afforded amazing views as we pass through many hills. We have a short visit of the abandoned Monastery in Karidi before making our way back trough the hills.
* On request this ride can also be done about 4.5 hours before sunset but the light is more beautiful in the morning.
* From the end of October to the end of March, the sun is much milder and so allowing us to ride later during the day.
Two Full Day Trips
These trips start at 8:00am and we come back at sunset. The lunch breaks are ~ 3 - 4 hours.
a) The Evergreen Spring Village of Argiroupoli
We start at the stables located in the hills of Georgioupoli. We walk for about 25 minutes down country roads and through the village outskirts to the beach. This gives both horse and ride the chance to warm up and get to know one another. On the beach there is walking, trotting and slow galloping. If the riders are good there are also fast gallops! Travelling through country roads and dirt tracks we make our way to Kastelos and ride through the almost abandoned village of Patima, to reach the greenery of Argiroupoli village. The horses get showered and are put in a shady place where they can eat and rest. The village of Argiroupoli is well known for its springs, ancient mills, avocados and associated products. Amidst these delightful surroundings - green, even in the middle of the summer - we enjoy typical Cretan dishes, listening to the sound of the waterfalls. After lunch, there is plenty of time for a stroll to visit the water springs, the local Museum of Village Life and some tiny shops where you can find products derived from the local avocados and a beautiful embroidery shop. After our break we head back to Kavros where we go on the beach for a lovely sunset beach ride to Georgioupoli. After the beach ride we head back to the stables; passing the beach promenade, enjoying a great view over the picturesque harbor of Georgioupoli, riding through the famous Eucalyptus alley and making our way back to the hills and stables.
b) Extended Beach Ride and Swimming with the Horses
We start at the stables located in the hills of Georgioupoli. We walk for about 25 minutes down country roads and through the village outskirts to the beach. This gives both horse and rider a chance to warm up and get to know one another. On the beach there is walking, trotting and slow galloping. If the riders are good there are also some bits of fast gallops! This beach ride is about 8 kilometers. At lunch time in Petres, we unsaddle the horses and go for a lovely swim in the sea with them. This is really an amazing feeling, as some of our horses swim like ducks! After their refreshing swim, we put them in a shady place to eat and rest. This way the horse can dry before resaddling. The riders do not ride bareback on the beach, only swim without saddle. The place where we go swimming is not a touristy area. Lunch is provided at a local beach tavern and during the free time, the clients can go sunbathing, swimming or come with the guide to have a look at the outstanding beauty of the Petres Canyon. (Don't worry, this is break time; we don't walk the whole gorge!) After our break we go on the beach for a lovely sunset beach ride back to Georgioupoli. After the beach ride we head back to the stables; passing the beach promenade, enjoying a great view over the picturesque harbor of Georgioupoli, riding through the famous Eucalyptus alley and making our way back to the hills and stables.
Meeting:
Georgioupoli
Airport:
Chania
Train station:
Chania Harbor
Transfer:
Chania airport
Distance:
45 km
Transfer from the airport, harbor to and from the hotel is included
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Tack:
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English and Western
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Horses:
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Cretan Horses (TILT),
Mix Cretan horses with Arabs, Mix Cretan horses with cold bloods
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Pace:
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Pace according to riding level. Trots and short canters. Extended canters on the beach ride. Different riding levels are accommodated by splitting into different groups.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Good Novice to Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport required by all except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passports must be valid for the following durations:(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republi. more
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*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.
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Hotel overnights are at the 4* Corissa Princess Hotel. Meals during the riding days are at local tavernas.
The Corissia Princess is a modern and functionally advanced 4 star hotel. It is set 10 meters from the flawless sandy beach of Georgioupoli. This hotel complex has been operating since June 2006, but has already become one of the most popular hotels in the area!
Once entering the focal building the reception with the stylish waiting room prevails, furthermore a veranda with panoramic view to the sea and a swimming-pool circled with lawn in addition with an abundance of selective local flowers are provided. Once setting your eyes on the hotel you will be captivated by the dominant outdoor elevator, constructed entirely with glass.
The standard rooms: Double, Single and Three-Bed rooms
The hotel offers double and triple bedrooms as well as double rooms for single use. All of the rooms feature a balcony or a terrace with direct view to the sea. The eclectic wooden furniture the warm pastel colors but also the eye-catching figures framed on the walls give a unique tone to the atmosphere and provide an outstanding haven of rest. Each room contains:
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An air conditioner operating 24hours/day (individually regulated)
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A satellite television (flat screen TFT, receiving music channels)
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A telephone for internal and external calls
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Internet access (DSL over Ethernet) *
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A refrigerator
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A large wardrobe
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Furniture with mirror befitting toiletries
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A hair dryer
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A safety deposit box, spacious enough to store a laptop (extra charged)
- An electronic key card (chip card) for greater security
* For the internet access you will need a computer (notebook) with a network card and a network cable. The usage is free! (No liability for network failure)
The restaurant
The buffet takes place in the restaurant in the Corissia Park, just a
few meters from the sea and includes both cold and warm dishes
alternating daily.
The Panorama Bar
A wonderful bar can be found on the roof terrace of the Corissia Princess Hotel. Enjoy the unique panoramic view to the sea and the nearby landscape.
The area "Aegean Senses Wellness & Spa"
Enjoy unique moments of relaxation in the new wellness area "Aegean Senses" of the Corissia Princess Hotel. In the "Aegean Senses" our guests will find an indoor heated pool, a steam sauna, a Jacuzzi, a special designed beauty area for massage, aromatherapy, thalasso...
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English and Western
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Horses:
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Cretan Horses (TILT),
Mix Cretan horses with Arabs, Mix Cretan horses with cold bloods
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Pace:
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Pace according to riding level. Trots and short canters. Extended canters on the beach ride. Different riding levels are accommodated by splitting into different groups.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Good Novice to Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Passports
Passport required by all except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passports must be valid for the following durations:
(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) passports must be valid for length of intended stay.
(b) Australian, Canadian, USA and excluded EU passports must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Greece 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, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
(a) 2. EU nationals staying more than 90 days or for employment (including establishing a business, trade, profession or commercial activity) have to apply in person to the consulate general of Greece for a national visa; (b) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of travel documents issued by the area of Cyprus not controlled by the Government of Cyprus, and holders of UN laissez-passers; (c) Some nationals may have to register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. Contact the nearest embassy/consulate to determine whether this is necessary prior to travel.
Types of Visa and Cost
National visa: £30.
Working Days Required
Three to 14, dependent upon nationality.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No/2 |
| 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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Crete Coastal Riding Holiday
Tour Code:
IT-GR-CRH
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,450.00
Dates :
Available all Year
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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