Pattaya Equestrian Retreat Thailand Thailand If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy horseback riding, relax amidst beautiful natural surroundings, and immerse in creative activities with your family, then this hideaway 80 miles southeast of Bangkok is the right place for you. for both children and adults. The trail rides from the resort will take you to terrains of sandy flats, man-made ponds and lakes, hillside, and various plantations. Depending on the trail and availability, you may cross pineapple fields, rubber plantations, a small village, a golf course, an eventing course and a polo field. We can even prepare an itinerary of activities that are tailored to your specific needs.This equestrian retreat was created with the international horse riding enthusiasts and future horse lovers in mind, making it a one of its kind in Southeast Asia. Its equipped facilities cater to the different needs of your family members. Located on 1,500 acres of nature friendly environment, the colorful Mediterranean-style resort was established in 1999 with a vision to become a wholesome destination that features one of the best of equestrian lifestyle, equestrian sports, and a wealth of recreational activities Meeting: Pataya Airport: Bangkok Transfer: Bangkok Riders: Min 1 riders Max 8 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 30 Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Rates Note:

Number of days and the included riding sessions can be customized. Rates beyond September 2009 to be confirmed.

Transfer Option:

A transfer from Bangkok International Airport to the resort can be arranged. Please keep us informed of your flight arrival information well in advance.
Check in: 2 PM and Check Out: 12 noon

Your week has a combination of private instructions and trail rides.

The Lessons
The riding school is the equestrian sport training facility registered with the Ministry of Education. They offer a full array of courses for all levels, ranging from leisure and experimental riding classes to the basic riding skills and the highly developed classics in small group or in private lessons.  Lessons generally include not only mounted instructions, but also horse training theories – “every time you ride or handle a horse, you are training and controlling it – correctly or not”.   

The riding school is the only one in South East Asia, and maybe Asia, that offers the Art of Classical Riding lessons for advance riders. Here, We also offer Dressage, and Show Jumping lessons up to elementary level.

Dressage
The object of dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen; thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.

Jumping
After all of the basics are learned, qualified instructors will teach you how to jump the horse over various obstacles. Jumping is a huge thrill that comes along with a great sense of achievment. Riders wishing to learn to jump will start riding over poles and cavalettis as soon as they are able to keep their balance in two point position and go back to rising trot without losing their balance or the rhythm of the trot. A course of riding trot and canter poles will be followed by learning to ride over cross rails and then to small verticals. Once the student has learned to ride the individual fences, the instructor will put them together and teach them how to ride the jumping course.

Classical Riding
The basic movements of classical riding are steps, trot and canter. In steps, the horse places his legs diagonally in front of each other onto the ground so that all four hooves are heard. In trot, the diagonal pair of legs push off from the ground and touch the ground simultaneously again ­ there is a second of floating and two hoof beats can be heard. In the canter, there is a row of jumps in which three hoof beats can be heard. More advanced movements include the piaffe, passage, side stepping and backward steps.

After initial assessment and recommendation by the instructor, more advanced riders may take classical riding lessons on purebred Lusitano stallions (extra charge). The Lusitano is an ancient Portuguese breed of horse that until the 1960s shared its registration with the Spanish horse, the Andalusian. Both are sometimes called Iberian horses, as their land of origin is the Iberian peninsula. These Iberian horses were developed for use in war, dressage and bull fighting. Lusitanos make excellent riding horses due to their levelheaded temperament and tendency to bond strongly with humans. They are intelligent, sensible, and have great balance.

Trail Rides
Trail riding at the International Riding School is a wonderful way to enjoy some time on horseback while discovering the natural surroundings over a wide variety of terrain.

We have numerous trails of various length and difficulty. Beginner riders will ride at a walk with a leading groom. More advanced riders will be in a separate group and can enjoy trot and canter.
Our scenic trail rides pass by sandy flats, man-made mini-lakes, hills, pineapple fields, rubber plantations, a golf course and small villages. Every trail features a different aspect of the surrounding valley and will make for a unique and memorable experience!

Pony Club - option 
The Pony Club is an international youth organization for those interested in ponies and riding. It was founded in England in 1929 and is now represented in 15 countries and has a membership exceeding 100,000. It is the largest association of riders in the world and the majority of the most successful riders in all disciplines of British equestrian competition have been members of The Pony Club.

The Pony Club is open to children and young adults aged 5 to 21. The aim of the club is to provide quality riding tuition as well as a full program to teach horse care and the basics of stable management. 

Activities:

• Riding and safety (Beginners to Advanced)
• Horse care
• Gymkhanas
• Training in dressage and show jumping
• Competitions at home and elsewhere
• Lectures from visiting horse experts
• Camps held at the facility
• All Participants will be eligible for the Pony Club Efficiency examinations and certificates.

Climate Time
Three distinct seasons in Pattaya

Warm, Dry Season : (November to February)
- Short sharp showers (known as Mango rains). Humidity around 50% Temperature from 20-30 C. The best time to enjoy the nice weather. Recommend your prospective visitors to come in this season.

Hot, Dry Season : (February to May)
- Occasional rain. Humidity around 75%. Temperature from 30-40 C. Watch the spectacular thunder storms from a safe place, not the golf course!

Warm, Wet (Monsoon) Season : (June to October)
- Heavy prolonged rain. Humidity approximately 90%. Temperature from 25-35 C. The monsoon season need not keep you in, an umbrella is more useful than rainwear.
 

Dress and Equipment
Remember that you are in a subtropical climate so dress lightly. We recommend cotton clothing rather than synthetics.

Beware of the sun! Use a factor 15 or better sun block and a cap or hat and sunglasses. Don't forget a camera.

…  this list is only a guideline for you
	X = Necessary	Check List
Travel documents and Voucher	X
Flight tickets	X
Passport	X
Visa (check with your consulate)
PERSONAL ITEMS
Personal Toiletries	X
Insect protection	X
Personal medications	X
Hat for Sun protection	X
Camera and enough extra films and batteries	X
Sun glasses with strap	X
Sun tan lotion and lip balm	X

 

RIDING GEAR
Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)	X
Riding boots + Minichaps	X
Riding gloves	X

 

Average ratings from 4 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date tracy arnison 1/20/2008 julie urech 4/23/2003 julie urech 2/26/2003 sue eastbury 12/2/2002

The Resort
Within the sprawling grounds and resort facilities, there are a multitude of great indoor and outdoor activities that await individuals and families all day long- from biking trails, tennis, squash, swimming, water balloon, and horse-riding to organized outings. 

Besides our in-house activities, we also have partnerships with a beach club and golf club to cater to all your active needs.

You can balance your energy with as much or as little adventure as you like. All levels of fitness and skill are welcome!

Accommodations
The boutique Mediterranean-style rooms (136 units) offer a cozy atmosphere ideal for both individuals and families, relaxing after an exciting day outdoors. And while here, do not forget to sit back and enjoy the unrivalled service offered to you by our professionally-trained staff.

The main building of the resort has been developed around the covered Grand Riding Arena. Rooms range from standard to family suite, with mini-kitchenette facilities. The  open-air layout with  central hallway overlooking the Grand Arena and leading to the restaurant is designed to make guests feel at home.

Dining Options

JAY DEE 
Our main restaurant, Jay Dee, which means "Pagoda" in Thai, offers fine family dining with a lovely view of the swimming pool and the adjacent Three Kingdom's Park's Main Pagoda.

Open daily for Breakfast from 06:00 to 10:00
Monday - Thursday 06:00-14:00 Hrs.
Friday - Sunday 06:00-23:00 Hrs

AL FRESCO
The Al Fresco Cafe is the perfect place to relax outdoors, under tropical trees next to a natural waterfall. Enjoy an assortment of healthy, natural meals and snacks amidst a casual and friendly atmosphere. The soothing sounds of birds and the waterfall will enliven your tastebuds.  
Open daily from 14:00 to 23:00 Hrs.
 
LA QUINTA
The La Quinta Spanish Pub is the horse lover's preferred place to hang out. A cozy bar, uniquely decorated by the owner, it offers an immense variety of special drinks and fusion snacks that can only be found in this one-of-a-kind pub.
Open daily from 14:00 to 23:00 Hrs.
 
POOL BAR
The Pool Bar is the social center of our unique beach-style swimming pool. Ideal for lunch or snacks, a variety of beverages and pastries are served all day.  You can even organize your own private "party in the pool" and enjoy your pool-side stay while relaxing with your companions.
Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 Hrs.

Spa Facilities
ALIVA stands for "Being Alive and Well" 

The Aliva Spa provides the essential relaxation and rejuvenation for active people (extra charges).  With the help of ancient healing arts, rejuvenation methods and the best massage techniques, Aliva Spa will soothe away your stress and bring you back to life. 

Choose from a variety of after-sports programs ranging from reflexology and deep tissue massage to basic body and facial  treatments. You can design your own spa experience with our flexible programs for men and women or a family experience where the entire family can enjoy a massage together.  And there's even a mini-spa for children. 

Amenities and Services
All the facilities necessary to make your visit comfortable are available:
Cable television, internet wi-fi, IDD telephone, mini fridge, mini bar, safety-deposit box, individual air-conditioned controls, deluxe bathroom with hairdryer.

Guest Services
    * 24-hr room service
    * 24-hr security
    * Activities & Tour Counter (for in and around the resort)
    * On-Call doctor / First Aid
    * Limousine Services
    * Free Parking
    * Laundry & Dry Cleaning
    * Gift shop / Riding equipment shop
    * Business Center (equipped with reading books, magazine, computer, and printer)

 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

The Horses 
There are more than 100 horses of different breeds including Lusitano, Lipizzaner, Arab, Appaloosa, Australian Stock Horse, Royal Alter Real, Thoroughbred, DutchWarmblood, Trakehner, Falabella as well as the sturdy Thai Pony. Many of these animals have been imported from Europe, the USA and Australia over the last 25 years by the owning family. 

The famous ones are:
LUSITANOS: The Lusitano is the Portuguese version of the Spanish Andalucian. It is a very cooperative, intelligent and responsive breed. Its action is also quick and balanced. As a result, it is growing in demand for use as a dressage horse. 

FALABELLA: The Falabella is the smallest breed of horse in the world. Descended from the Andalusian breed; developed in the pampas of Patagonia. It is known as a horse-type rather than a pony-type because of its proportions and character. Although downsizing has caused a few weaknesses in the physical characteristics, the horse is quite attractive and developed great stamina. 

LIPIZZANER: The Lipizzaner horse is usually associated with the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna. It is agile and athletic and its quiet temperament makes it especially suitable for the School disciplines. The colour is uniformly white, although foals are born black or brown.

Stable 
The center has 200 individual stalls, each with a fan to pamper the horses. We also have 7 paddocks and 3 lunging rings for exercising and training horses.  

Riding Arenas
The center has 5 riding arenas (four of which are covered). The Classical/Hotel arena is 60x25 meters, our Traditional/Main House arena is 40x25 meters, our Olympic arena is 125x25 meters, our Outdoor arena is 75x55 meters and our Warm-Up arena is 40x20 meters. We also have a trimmed grass field for polo, jumping or leisure riding.

Riding School Shows 
Periodically, our equestrian center offers unique and entertaining performances in "the art of Classical Riding". Our riders are highly skilled and have been trained by the Masters in Portugal. Their mounts are magnificent purebred Lusitano stallions.

The performance consists of all the steps and movements of Classical Riding, on the short hand rein, on the long rein, pas de duex, lessons above the ground and carousel.

All performances are conducted in our Classical Indoor Arena to music and special lighting. This is the only show of its kind in Thailand.

Polo
Since the resort's inception, founder Mr.Chaikiri Srifuengfung invited Mr.Harald Link and Mrs. Nunthinee Tanner, friends with a strong passion for horses, to help develop Polo activities in the area. As a result of this shared effort, there are 2 polo clubs, Thai Polo Club and Siam Polo Club, adjacent to the resort where most major Polo tournaments and activities in Thailand take place. 

Located 4kms from the resort, Thai Polo Club is situated in a cozy valley between low tropical hills. Developed and managed by Mr. Harald Link and Mrs. Nunthinee Tanner, the club is recognized as one of the most charming polo clubs in the world.

Located 1km from the resort, the Siam Polo Park features a boutique club house,  competition field and backdrop of breath-taking scenery.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Appaloosa, Australian Stock Horse, Thai pony and Lusitanos
Pace:		any
Level:		(2 to 2 out of 5)    All riding levels
Weight:		Max 200
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 30

The Horses 
There are more than 100 horses of different breeds including Lusitano, Lipizzaner, Arab, Appaloosa, Australian Stock Horse, Royal Alter Real, Thoroughbred, DutchWarmblood, Trakehner, Falabella as well as the sturdy Thai Pony. Many of these animals have been imported from Europe, the USA and Australia over the last 25 years by the owning family. 

The famous ones are:
LUSITANOS: The Lusitano is the Portuguese version of the Spanish Andalucian. It is a very cooperative, intelligent and responsive breed. Its action is also quick and balanced. As a result, it is growing in demand for use as a dressage horse. 

FALABELLA: The Falabella is the smallest breed of horse in the world. Descended from the Andalusian breed; developed in the pampas of Patagonia. It is known as a horse-type rather than a pony-type because of its proportions and character. Although downsizing has caused a few weaknesses in the physical characteristics, the horse is quite attractive and developed great stamina. 

LIPIZZANER: The Lipizzaner horse is usually associated with the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna. It is agile and athletic and its quiet temperament makes it especially suitable for the School disciplines. The colour is uniformly white, although foals are born black or brown.

Stable 
The center has 200 individual stalls, each with a fan to pamper the horses. We also have 7 paddocks and 3 lunging rings for exercising and training horses.  

Riding Arenas
The center has 5 riding arenas (four of which are covered). The Classical/Hotel arena is 60x25 meters, our Traditional/Main House arena is 40x25 meters, our Olympic arena is 125x25 meters, our Outdoor arena is 75x55 meters and our Warm-Up arena is 40x20 meters. We also have a trimmed grass field for polo, jumping or leisure riding.

Riding School Shows 
Periodically, our equestrian center offers unique and entertaining performances in "the art of Classical Riding". Our riders are highly skilled and have been trained by the Masters in Portugal. Their mounts are magnificent purebred Lusitano stallions.

The performance consists of all the steps and movements of Classical Riding, on the short hand rein, on the long rein, pas de duex, lessons above the ground and carousel.

All performances are conducted in our Classical Indoor Arena to music and special lighting. This is the only show of its kind in Thailand.

Polo
Since the resort's inception, founder Mr.Chaikiri Srifuengfung invited Mr.Harald Link and Mrs. Nunthinee Tanner, friends with a strong passion for horses, to help develop Polo activities in the area. As a result of this shared effort, there are 2 polo clubs, Thai Polo Club and Siam Polo Club, adjacent to the resort where most major Polo tournaments and activities in Thailand take place. 

Located 4kms from the resort, Thai Polo Club is situated in a cozy valley between low tropical hills. Developed and managed by Mr. Harald Link and Mrs. Nunthinee Tanner, the club is recognized as one of the most charming polo clubs in the world.

Located 1km from the resort, the Siam Polo Park features a boutique club house,  competition field and backdrop of breath-taking scenery.

Passports
Passport valid for six months on date of application required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 30 days, provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds and confirmed tickets to leave Thailand, except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Romania and Malta who do need to obtain a visa before travelling to Thailand;
2. nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who may apply for visas on arrival for stays of up to 15 days.
Visa Note
(a) The total duration of stay in Thailand for persons who enter Thailand without a visa cannot exceed 90 days during any six month period, counting from the date of first entry. (b) If you intend on staying or working in Thailand for longer than 30 days you must obtain an extension of stay or a valid visa. (c) Nationals 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
Single-entry tourist visa: £28; double-entry tourist visa: £56.
Validity
Single-entry: three months. Multiple-entry: six months.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Two. Postal applications are usually being processed within 24 hours. Applications made in person take 30 minutes.

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	1/2
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.