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Riding Clinic in Southwestern France
Landes
France
The objective of this clinic is to make horseback riding accessible to everybody and to introduce the basic skills needed to make any rider autonomous and confident. We also want to show that, with a few indispensable riding notions, trail riding is a beautiful way to discover surrounding natural environments in complete safety.
We teach people how to catch horses in their paddocks, as well as how to tack and take care of them. We also introduce our guests to the psychology and the basic behaviour of horses in different kind of situations. By the end of the week, riders should be able to walk, trot (rising), and canter independently.
Our Equestrian school has developed an accelerated learning method, allowing complete beginners to enjoy the pleasure of riding outdoors in just one week! This is also made possible thanks to our wonderful and well-trained horses.
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Riding Clinic
Family Vacation
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Meeting:
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Mimizan
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Airport:
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Bordeaux
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Transfer:
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Bordeaux airport
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
4 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2025
Rates include*:
Accommodation in shared rooms (3-4 riders per room), Half-board (including 1/4 litre of wine or soda and coffee is provided during dinners) & 6 riding days
The riding center provides helmet, sticks and chaps on request
| A | 2025 | 8 day trip - High season | 8d / 7n | €1345 | $1480 |
| Double/ twin bedroom supplement | €105 | $115 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €210 | $230 |
| Non-rider rate in shared room (half board) - please inquire | €0 | $0 |
| B | 2025 | 8 day trip - Mid season | 8d / 7n | €1200 | $1320 |
| Double/ twin bedroom supplement | €85 | $95 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €170 | $190 |
| Non-rider rate in shared room (half board) - please inquire | €0 | $0 |
| C | 2025 | 8 day trip - Low season | 8d / 7n | €1150 | $1265 |
| Double/ twin bedroom supplement - no extra fee | €0 | $0 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €105 | $115 |
| Non-rider rate in shared room (half board) - please inquire | €0 | $0 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2025
|
Transfer from Bordeaux airport or train station (return, pp)
- to be paid locally
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€
100
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$110
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|
2025
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Pick-from from Morcenx train station (1 pax only)
- to be paid locally
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€
40
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$45
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|
2025
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Pick-from from Morcenx train station (2+ pax), pp
- to be paid locally
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€
20
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$25
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2025
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Private lessons for the week
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€
200
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$220
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|
2025
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Full board supplement
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€
175
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$190
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2025
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5% group discount if 6+ pax booking together
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€
0
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$0
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|
2025
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Transfer from Bordeaux airport or train station, pp, each way
- to be paid locally
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€
50
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$55
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Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) or Bordeaux train station. Pick-up is scheduled for 4:00pm on Day 1 of the trip, and drop-off at the airport is around 11:00am on the last day. Please do not plan your departure flight until after 1:00pm on the last day.
For any riders not able to arrive on the Sunday, a pick-up from Morcenx train station is possible for an extra cost on Day 2 of the trip or late on Day 1 of the trip (price is doubled after 9pm).
Tour Dates for 2025
Check here for details and availability
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| C |
2025
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03/09
- 03/16
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Low season
|
1
/4
|
Expired
|
| C |
2025
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03/23
- 03/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Low season
|
1
/4
|
Expired
|
| B |
2025
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04/06
- 04/13
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Mid season
|
1
/4
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Expired
|
| B |
2025
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04/20
- 04/27
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Mid season
|
1
/4
|
Expired
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| B |
2025
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05/18
- 05/25
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Mid season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
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| B |
2025
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06/15
- 06/22
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Mid season
|
1
/4
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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07/13
- 07/20
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - High season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
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| A |
2025
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07/27
- 08/03
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - High season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2025
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08/10
- 08/17
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - High season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
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| B |
2025
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08/31
- 09/07
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Mid season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
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| B |
2025
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09/28
- 10/05
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Mid season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
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| B |
2025
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10/19
- 10/26
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Mid season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
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| C |
2025
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11/16
- 11/23
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Low season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
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| C |
2025
|
11/30
- 12/07
|
8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Low season
|
1
/4
|
Reserve
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| C |
2025
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12/07
- 12/14
|
8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Low season
|
1
/4
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Lunches, Extra drinks, Optional Yoga classes, Gratuities & Transfers from/to Bordeaux or Morcenx
This program runs all year round from Sunday to Sunday.
Our clinic mixes theory lessons and riding lessons:
- Theory lessons are designed to teach most common horse behaviors so that you can get a better understanding of your new four-legged partner.
- Riding lessons focus on teaching how to stay in control of the horse at any pace and individually (without following other riders from the group).
The clinic will also teach you how to take care of your horse (cleaning, brushing, taking, catching the horse in the paddock...) to reinforce the bond and be able to gain independence. You will be responsible for your horse before and after each riding session.
The program includes 5 days at the riding school or hacking in its close surroundings. Each day, you get two sessions of riding lessons (about 2 hour-long) and about 3 hours of theory lessons (including time to take care of your horse before and after riding lessons).
Your first riding lesson starts with the basics in the arena and ends by a short trail ride in the forest
Then, most lessons take place outdoors in order to help participants be prepared in any situation they may find while hacking.
During the week, we also give one basic jumping lesson: how to approach a jump (in the arena).
The last riding day, we go on a full day ride to discover the area surrounding the riding center.
By the end of the week, participants of this program are able to canter alone on the beach with a good control of their balance and their horse.
Please note that we do not cover the sitting trot or sitting canter during this week.
In case you want private lessons, the supplement needs to be paid in advance. Keep in mind that the lessons taken in the arena will be private but you will still join the group when going outdoors (different groups are created depending on rider level).
Non-Riding activities - inquire for extra cost
- Tennis
- Bicycle
- Swimming pool
- Numerous water sports
- Yoga
- Wellness (sauna & massage)
Meeting:
Mimizan
Airport:
Bordeaux
Train station:
Morcenx
Transfer:
Bordeaux airport
Distance:
110 km / 68 miles
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) or Bordeaux train station. Pick-up is scheduled for 4:00pm on Day 1 of the trip, and drop-off at the airport is around 11:00am on the last day. Please do not plan your departure flight until after 1:00pm on the last day.
For any riders not able to arrive on the Sunday, a pick-up from Morcenx train station is possible for an extra cost on Day 2 of the trip or late on Day 1 of the trip (price is doubled after 9pm).
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Tack:
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English saddle
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Horses:
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Anglo-Arab, Thoroughbred and Totters
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Pace:
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About 3 hours per day at a moderate pace
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(1
to
2.5
out of 5) Beginner to Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
13
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Max
81
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs / 90 kg
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
4 riders
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In order to take part in this program, no previous riding experience is required. However, participants need to be in good physical shape in order to make the most of their stay!
Horses
We have 30 horses (mostly Anglo-Arabs) and 5 ponies. Most of them are born in our family farm.
Beauty, blood, intelligence, frankness, kindness, and generosity are the essential qualities we seek in the choice of our horses. Our horses are safe, brave and easygoing; well trained and very well-balanced. They horses live in herds in the outdoors. We take great care in providing horses with a good quality of life.
Staff
Guidance is guaranteed by qualified /certified equestrian guide of tourism (French professional certification: A.T.E., CQP ASA or BPJEPS Tourisme Équestre) having good regional knowledge and willing to let you discover the beauty of this area.
Children
Participants as young as 10 years old can join the ride as long as they are accompanied by an adult. From 15 years old, participants are welcome to join the ride non-accompanied. There are no discounts for children.
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
Mont-de-Marsan 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
|
Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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11
|
13
|
16
|
18
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
28
|
25
|
20
|
14
|
11
|
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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1
|
2
|
4
|
6
|
10
|
13
|
15
|
15
|
11
|
8
|
4
|
2
|
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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51
|
55
|
61
|
65
|
71
|
78
|
82
|
82
|
77
|
68
|
58
|
52
|
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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34
|
35
|
39
|
42
|
49
|
55
|
59
|
58
|
52
|
47
|
40
|
36
|
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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11
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9
|
9
|
10
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10
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7
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6
|
6
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6
|
9
|
10
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10
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The Landes climate could be classified as oceanic-temperate, with moderate temperatures in both winter and summer. There are on average 2,000 hours of sunshine per annum. The nearby Atlantic Ocean has a major effect on the difference between day and night temperatures. You should be expecting cool nights, even in the summertime.
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. Winters tend to be wet and mild.
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Comfortable riding jeans or jodphurs
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Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Lightweight Rain coat
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjamas
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Sleeping bag (July and August only)
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for an emergency)
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Flashlight
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Sheets and towels are provided at the guesthouse. The riding center provides saddle bags.
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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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|
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Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so you will be staying at the same location every night.
Description
You will be staying at the guesthouse beside the riding center. We can accommodate up to 17 people total.
Our guesthouse is divided into 3 buildings:
- the main guesthouse building has 4 bedrooms with ensuite facilities.
- the guesthouse's annex building has a big dormitory (capacity of 4-7 people) and 2 shared bathrooms
- the family guesthouse has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom
The guesthouse has an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi access. Laundry can be done for an extra fee.
It is possible to add yoga classes, a relaxing massage or a sauna session for an extra fee, paid locally (please inquire).
If we do not have enough space, riders will stay in a hotel in Mimizan Beach or at another guesthouse close to the riding center.
Room Occupancy
We charge a single supplement fee for solo travelers not willing to share a room with another rider.
If you would like to guarantee a double/ twin/ single room, additional costs apply (this allows you to have a private bathroom).
Meals
This package includes half-board (breakfasts and dinners) from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day.
Breakfast is served at the guesthouse before we head out on our rides.
Dinners are served either at the guesthouse or at local restaurants. We try to offer as much variety to guests as possible.
You can choose to pay for lunches locally (about 26 euros) or you can upgrade to full board for an extra fee.
1/4 litre of wine or soda and coffee is provided during dinners. Other drinks need to be purchased locally.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Unfortunately, we cannot cater to vegan diets.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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|
English saddle
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Anglo-Arab, Thoroughbred and Totters
|
|
Pace:
|
|
About 3 hours per day at a moderate pace
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(1
to
2.5
out of 5) Beginner to Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
13
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Max
81
|
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Weight:
|
|
Max
190 lbs / 90 kg
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Riders:
|
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Min
1 riders
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Max
4 riders
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In order to take part in this program, no previous riding experience is required. However, participants need to be in good physical shape in order to make the most of their stay!
Horses
We have 30 horses (mostly Anglo-Arabs) and 5 ponies. Most of them are born in our family farm.
Beauty, blood, intelligence, frankness, kindness, and generosity are the essential qualities we seek in the choice of our horses. Our horses are safe, brave and easygoing; well trained and very well-balanced. They horses live in herds in the outdoors. We take great care in providing horses with a good quality of life.
Staff
Guidance is guaranteed by qualified /certified equestrian guide of tourism (French professional certification: A.T.E., CQP ASA or BPJEPS Tourisme Équestre) having good regional knowledge and willing to let you discover the beauty of this area.
Children
Participants as young as 10 years old can join the ride as long as they are accompanied by an adult. From 15 years old, participants are welcome to join the ride non-accompanied. There are no discounts for children.
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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Riding Clinic in Southwestern France
Tour Code:
IT-FRAN05
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
Year round
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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