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Please read this page carefully.
It is important information and will save you time and possible
disappointments later on. Specific details are described for each
individual tour, but certain facts and aspects that are true for all
trips are presented on this page. Upon booking a ride you will receive a
detailed description of the tour.
The International Experience
You will be
experiencing new countries and new customs. Many things, from food and
horse care to riding style and accommodations, are different from at
home. With a cheerful disposition it is easy to get into the swing of
things. Riding internationally is fun and at the same time a cultural
experience.
The Riders
People of all ages and from different countries participate on these
rides. The age group between 25 and 60 predominates, and singles and
couples are about equally represented. Special tours for larger groups
can be organized. Many rides have individual weight limitations of 200
pound. All riders with special considerations, such as dietary
requirements or health problems, need to inform our office at the time
of booking.
The Horses
The horses are representative of the country: Arabs, Lusitanos,
Icelandic, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and many others. Often they are
mixed breeds as these have been found to be most suitable for the
country and terrain. The horses are well trained and not rental stable
stock. On some rides you will find truly spirited mounts which require
an advanced degree of riding proficiency, while on others you will find
they are very easily handled by a less experienced rider. English
saddles and tack (mostly endurance type saddles) are generally used
overseas but sometimes Western saddles are available. In several
countries, the indigenous type of saddle is used. On most rides you will
saddle and unsaddle your own horse, and sometimes help with the feeding
and grooming but help is always available.
Western and English
Riding
English trained riders have little problem converting to a Western
saddle. Riders used to Western riding only often have to adjust their
riding style. Learning to post to the trot is important and a two point
canter is often required. An accomplished Western rider will adjust
quickly, but those that have mainly been on a few slow trail rides
should take lessons first.
Beginner and Novice Riders
If you don’t feel confident enough about your riding ability, don’t let
this discourage you from having a wonderful riding holiday.
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We offer rides at training
centers, both in the USA and abroad, where you can polish up on your
riding. The most important ingredient for all rides is to be able to
relax in the saddle. Talk with us, so that we can recommend the best
suited ride for you. It will be no fun for you or the other riders if
you are on a ride that is too challenging for you. You will be happy if
the ride fits your riding level.
The Terrain
To ensure diversity every ride has been designed to traverse the most
scenic routes with good footing for the horses. On some mountain rides
you will encounter very steep climbs, descents, and high altitudes. In
most foreign countries you can ride through fields and forests as long
as one takes care not to do damage. One occasion, it may be required
that you lead your horse on foot over short distances.
The Group and its
Guide
A knowledgeable and experienced guide accompanies each ride. They are
always experienced horsemen, however, it is not their job to teach
riding. They may give you tips on horses, local riding techniques, and
the traversing of tricky terrain. Their responsibility is for the whole
group. Most of the time they speak adequate English to communicate with
you. Please always remember that they are “The Captain of the Ship” and
their word is law. Above all, they are responsible for the safety of the
group, the riders and the horses. It is absolutely mandatory that all
riders make sure that their riding level is adequate for their ride. Do
not overestimate your riding level; this can be an inconvenience for the
group and can possibly result in exclusion of the tour if it endangers
the horse, the other riders or yourself. The group sizes vary, usually
between 4 and 12 participants. All tours need a minimum number of people
in order to take place. If a tour is cancelled, you will be advised four
weeks prior to the ride.
Accommodations
On most rides, nights are spent in inns or hotels, generally small and
rustic, or in some cases on privately owned farms. Some hotels have
private bathrooms while in others they are shared.
Plan on carrying your own luggage, there are no bell hops! Where camping
is involved, this is noted in the ride description. Camping can vary
drastically - from rustic where everybody helps out to luxurious where
everything is taken care of for you and in some cases you will even have
your private toilet and shower attached to your tent. Prices are based
on double occupancy. On rare occasions triple rooms may be used and a
few rides feature bunkhouse type accommodations. Single rooms might be
available at an additional cost.
Please let us know at the time of booking if a single room is required.
For those of you who are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we
will do our best to find a roommate for you. All meals are usually
included in the tour price and those
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tours that do not include meals are
noted in the descriptions. Beverages are usually not included. Lunches
are either picnics along the way or full meals in restaurants.
Clothing and Equipment
Comfort is the key
word. Britches and high boots are worn most frequently, and western
dress is perfectly suitable on many rides. On most trips, your luggage
is brought by car every day to your night’s lodging, so you only need to
carry oComfort is the key word. Britches and high boots are worn most
frequently, and western dress is perfectly suitable on many rides. On
most trips, your luggage is brought by car every day to your night’s
lodging, so you only need to carry only items for the day on horseback.
The more remote wilderness trips often use packhorses to carry all
luggage and equipment and on these trips there is a strict weight
limitation. Although a hard hat is required only on some rides, we
recommend one for all rides. A clothing list suitable for each ride is
sent to you at the time of booking.
Travel Cancellation
Insurance
Health coverage and emergency transportation coverage is mandatory for
all trips. We strongly recommended the purchase of a trip cancellation
and supplemental health coverage insurance for all your travels. Should
the unexpected happen and you will need medical attention or emergency
evacuation during one of our trips and you do not have individual
insurance coverage - only you will be responsible and liable for cost
occurring from these situations. So please, make sure you have adequate
insurance coverage. If you are not sure if your insurances covers these
instances - make sure to call them and find out.
Trip cancellation, as unlikely it may seem, may be unavoidable at times.
You will not be able to recover your deposit and possibly not your final
trip payments. Travel cancellation insurance can reimburse you in these
unexpected circumstances.
Two of the best insurance packages available are described on our web
site with complete list of costing (it covers Trip Cancellation, Trip
Interruption, Travel Delay, Loss of Baggage and Travel Documents,
Baggage Delay, Medical Hospital and Emergency Dental Expenses, Emergency
Medical Transportation, Emergency Assistance, etc). We are happy to
order coverage for you, or you can do so directly online via our web
site at
www.hiddentrails.com/article/insurance.aspx
Even when Hidden Trails orders the insurance for you, the contract is
strictly between you and the insurance company.
Travel insurance coverage will provide with with "peace of mind" for
your trip with us.
Note:
All riding tour itineraries listed in this brochure and on the
internet are subject to changes.
All rates are quoted in US$ and are subject to local currency
fluctuations.
Hidden Trails Ltd.
659A Moberly Road Vancouver, BC
Canada V5Z 4B3
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