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

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

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

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

• Travel documents and Voucher
• Flight tickets
• Passport

RIDING GEAR

• Riding Breeches or Jeans with half chaps
• Riding boots with  heels or riding sneakers with heels
• Riding helmet (you may borrow a non-approved helmet form the ranch)
• Riding gloves
• Light wind jacket (this is to keep you dry incase it is foggy on the beach!)

PERSONAL CLOTHING

• Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
• Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Underwear and socks
• Pyjama
• Bag for dirty clothes
• Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
• Swimsuit for the hot tub
• Bandana

PROTECTIVE RIDING HELMETS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL RIDERS (can be rented locally)!!!

Please note that when you do not wear a helmet our partner will take extra precautions and slow down the ride in respect for the risk you are taking. 

All Riders will sign a detailed release of liability waiver before riding

The package includes deluxe accommodations at a first class Mendocino Inn. Depending on availability you will be staying at the Whitegate Inn or similar B&B. You will need your rental /own car during the week to get from/to accommodation/stables each day (about 20 minute drive).

Whitegate Inn: An Old World atmosphere of charm, elegance and grace. Everywhere you look, attention to detail is evident. Decor is elegant, set off by striking antiques and fresh flowers. The rooms offer comfort in classic style - generously appointed with TV's, fireplaces and boasting irresistibly comfy European feather beds and immaculate private baths. Our gourmet breakfasts and afternoon wine and cheese event are not to be missed. Help yourself to an evening treat of fine chocolates and sherry.
Most rooms have 1 Queen size bed only - best suited for couple traveling together.  If this does not work for you - we would arrange lodging at a different inn.

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

Mendocino

Discover Mendocino County, where Pacific coastal villages, the great redwood forest and America’s Greenest Wine Region™ beckon you to escape to a slower pace. Come sit by the fire, savor a delicious Mendocino vintage, stare up into a mighty Redwood tree or watch migrating whales from the porch of one of our unique inns. Mendocino County is just a couple hours north of San Francisco where you’ll feel so far away from it all.
Mendocino County embodies the very best that California and Mother Nature has to offer. Come sit by the fire, savor a delicious Mendocino vintage, stare up into a mighty redwood tree or watch migrating whales from the porch of your inn. Serenity and wilderness plus indulgence and enjoyment – all await you.
Mendocino County knows how to celebrate. Our festivals include celebrations of our signature local foods such as crab, salmon, abalone and mushrooms and many wonderful events that feature our wines and locally brewed beers.
The winter holidays are a magical time in Mendocino County, with annual traditions that stretch back generations and delight young and old alike. Other annual events celebrate whales, music, art, film, vintage locomotives and California’s oldest continuous rodeo.
No matter the time of year, there is always a unique, fun and unforgettable experience to be had in Mendocino County!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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