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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Germany
Intro to Germany
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Extensions:
Munich to Venice
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Black Forest Castle Ride
Black Forest
Germany
The peaceful rural landscape surround the castle in Wuerttemberg offers endless opportunities for both exhilarating and relaxing trail rides across the high plateau of the "Obere Gaeu" with endless views towards the "Schwabish Alps", through the "Heckengaeu" and along the Nagold Valley, crossing over into the beautiful Black Forest of Germany. Enjoy long relaxed canters on the quality riding horses available, journey across the lush, green countryside of Germany along the way stopping for tasty lunches at traditional inns and refreshing picnics about the trail side.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Short Getaway
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Herrenberg
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Airport:
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Stuttgart/ Frankfurt
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Transfer:
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A transfer is available from Herrenberg train station or take a taxi on your own
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
15 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Black Forest Trail: Accommodation, Most meals, Transfers & 4 riding days
Hacking Week: Accommodation, All meals, Transfers & 5 riding days
Hacking Week - Easter: Accommodation, All meals, Transfers & 3 riding days
| A | 2023 | 7 day, AP- Hacking Week (5.5 riding days) | 7d / 6n | €1075 | $1110 |
| B | 2023 | 6 day, AP- Black Forest Trail (4 riding days) | 6d / 5n | €1075 | $1110 |
| C | 2023 | 5 day, AP - Hacking Week, Easter (3.5 riding days) | 5d / 4n | €695 | $715 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2023
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Transfer from Herrenberg train station can be arranged
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You can arrive any time you want on Day 1 but check in only starts from 5pm. We can provide you a transfer from the Herrenberg train station at no extra cost.
Additional trip dates are available with 2+ riders.
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Rates do not include:
Black Forest Trail: Lunch and dinner on Days 3 and 4 + lunch on Day 5, Drinks & Gratuities
Hacking Week: Drinks & Gratuities
Hacking Week - Easter: Drinks & Gratuities
We offer different dates each year for people that want to join us for some exciting and exhilarating trail riding. The spring week is usually not as heavily-booked as the autumn week.
Sample Itinerary: Black Forest Weeks - subject to changes
This is a progressive ride including 4 riding days.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in the afternoon, get settled in and take a look around the castle manor, dinner together and overnight at the castle.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 2: Introductory Ride
After breakfast it's time for our first ride to get to know the horses. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the castle! In the afternoon we will go on a longer ride through extensive forests, meadows and fields.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 3: Ride to Besenfeld
Welcome to the Black Forest! Today you will enjoy a long (6-7 hours) and brisk rider over the heights of the Black Forest until we reach the village of Besenfeld, which is located at almost 1.000 meters above sea level and close to the town Freudenstadt. Here the world is still in order and the village and its surroundings radiates peace and tranquility. We will stay in a quaint and cozy inn for the next tow night. (luggage will be transported by vehicle)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Country Inn in Besenfeld
Day 4: Murgtal Valley Ride
Today we continue our journey on a somewhat shorter ride west to the slopes of the "Murgtal" valley. For lunch we will stop at a nice hut above the village of Schwarzenberg. From here we will enjoy wonderful panoramic views over the "Murgtal" and the heights of the Black Forest. After the break we ride back to the village of Besenfeld where we enjoy a cold drink and relax for the rest of the day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Country Inn in Besenfeld
Day 5: Ride to Enztal Valley
After breakfast we ride along the old wine road at an altitude of approx. 1.000 meters with excellent views. The scenery here is very beautiful - true undisturbed nature that is untouched by civilization. For lunch we stop at the quaint "Grünhütte" (green hut) which is located in a clearing in the woods, above the village of Wildbad. Enjoy a hearty lunch and don't miss out on the specialty - homemade German "Pfannkuchen" (pancakes) with local berries! Back in the saddle, we ride towards the "Enztal" valley and enjoy a nice last gallop. Later we will be transferred back to Castle Sindlingen, where we enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 6: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Sample Itinerary: Hacking Week - subject to changes
This is a center-based ride with 5.5 riding days.
This week has a lot of flexibility for riders. You can participate daily in morning and afternoon hacks (trail rides) and a couple all day rides into the pretty and peaceful surroundings of the castle.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in the afternoon, get settled in and take a look around the castle manor, dinner together and overnight at the castle.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 2: Introductory Ride
Morning and afternoon trail rides along trails on and nearby the castle to get to know your horses today first.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 3: All Day Ride
All day ride with a tasty picnic lunch across the high plateau of the Gaeu or into the "Schoenbuch"
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 4: Half Day Rides
Morning and afternoon short hacks (2 hrs. each )
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 5: Gasthof Ride
All day ride with lunch at a "Gasthof".
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 6: High Plateau Ride
Separate morning and afternoon rides across exploring more of the high plateau.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 7: Departure
One final hack and departure at lunchtime.
Meals included: Breakfast
Sample Itinerary: Easter Hacking Week - subject to changes
This is a center-based ride with 3.5 riding days.
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival in the afternoon/ early evening, get settled in and take a look around the castle manor, dinner together and overnight at the castle.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 2 (Monday): Introduction
This morning you go on a short ride to get to know your horse. We are back to the Castle for lunch. In the afternoon, we go for a longer trail ride.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 3 (Tuesday): Day Ride
Today we go on a long day-hack with a lunch break.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 4 (Wednesday): Two Trail
We go on two 2-hour hacks: one in the morning and another one in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle Sindlingen
Day 5 (Thursday): Departure
One final hack and departure at lunchtime.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Herrenberg
Airport:
Stuttgart/ Frankfurt
Train station:
Herrenberg
Transfer:
A transfer is available from Herrenberg train station or take a taxi on your own
You can arrive any time you want on Day 1 but check in only starts from 5pm. We can provide you a transfer from the Herrenberg train station at no extra cost.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Warmbloods, Irish Hunters
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Pace:
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Moderate with fast paced stretches, 4-5 hours
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
15 riders
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Black Forest Castle Ride: moderate pace with 4-7 hours in the saddle per riding day.
Horses
There are about 80 horses in the stables. The core of these comprises our own school-horses. The horses are at home in the dressage ring just as much as in the jumping arena. All our horses are reliable for hacking, especially the many horses from Ireland, which we regularly buy on our visits to the Emerald Isle.
There is a whole range of very good ponies available for the training of children. If you wish to bring your own horse to a course or on holiday, we have extra stabling to accommodate them.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport NoteGermany is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen A. more
Jettingen 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
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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38
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40
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46
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54
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62
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68
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72
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72
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65
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56
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45
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40
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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29
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29
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34
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39
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46
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52
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56
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56
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50
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44
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36
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31
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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3
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4
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8
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12
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17
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20
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22
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22
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18
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13
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8
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4
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-2
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-1
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1
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4
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8
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11
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13
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13
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10
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6
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2
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0
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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14
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11
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12
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11
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13
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13
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12
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11
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9
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11
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12
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14
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The climate in this area of Germany is most pleasant. The mild climate allows us to organize trip all year-round. However, the best time to visit is probably from May to mid-October as this time of the year is known for warm days and mild evenings. Rains can occur anytime throughout the year, but in summer they are usually of short duration.
Some recommendations: English riding attire of breeches and boots is correct, and a hard hat is recommended. Be sure to bring sun protection, as well as a sweater or jacket for the evenings. Rain is possible anytime, so you will need rain gear suitable for riding (NOT a billowing poncho!). Dress at dinner at the castle is always casual, although you may wish to bring dressier attire for the larger cities if you are doing other touring before or after your ride. We suggest that you bring a belt pack for carrying your camera, sunscreen, etc. while riding, and some leather thongs for tying your rain gear to the saddle when not in use. Some of our riders like to bring along a "seat saver." Since many hotels in Europe do not provide soap in the rooms we suggest you bring your own!
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Comfortable riding breeches |
| High riding boots or short boots with half chaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)- Some Helmets are available, however fit cannot be guaranteed. Best to bring your own. |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Rain coat/Wax jacket |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Light summer jacket |
| Comfortable shoes/sneakers |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra film or batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*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.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation
The Black Forest Ride is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.
The Castle Hacking Week & Hacking Getaway are stationary rides where all nights are spent at the same location.
Description
Nights are spent at Castle Sindlingen and in a country inn in Besenfeld.
Black Forest Ride Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Castle Sindlingen
Nights 3 & 4: Country Inn in Besenfeld
Night 5: Castle Sindlingen
Castle Sindlingen
The castle is not one with turrets and towers, but rather a large and dignified rural manor house that is approximately 500 years old. It is surrounded by a (now dry) moat and lined with very old trees forming a part of the park which opens to the south and continues on to include the spacious riding arena. The castle in Wuerttemberg is situated on a ridge between the Schönbuch and the Black Forest. With its open and hilly terrain at almost 600 meters above sea-level, the view is superb and extends to the Swabian Alb to the south and the Black Forest to the west. This castle was once an agricultural manor house belonging to the Württemberg Royal Family. The impressive character of this place - designated as an authentic place of historical importance - has been retained nicely to the present day for you to enjoy and experience. You will be accommodated in the comfortable rooms and enjoy good home-cooking. The spacious rooms are all equipped with private baths.
There is no wireless internet in the rooms, but there are public areas where access is possible!
Room Occupancy
You can request a single room at no extra charge if it is available.
Meals
All meals are included while staying at the castle. The 2 dinners and 3 lunches while staying in Besenfeld (Black Forest Weeks only) need to be paid extra. Drinks are not included in this package.
Please note that the main meal of the day is lunch while dinner is lighter.
While staying at the castle:
Breakfast is served at 8:00 am.
Lunch is served at 12:30pm .
Dinner is at 6:30 pm unless you are taking a lesson in which case arrangements can be made for a later dinner.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Unfortunately, we cannot cater to vegans.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Warmbloods, Irish Hunters
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Pace:
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|
Moderate with fast paced stretches, 4-5 hours
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs
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Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
15 riders
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Black Forest Castle Ride: moderate pace with 4-7 hours in the saddle per riding day.
Horses
There are about 80 horses in the stables. The core of these comprises our own school-horses. The horses are at home in the dressage ring just as much as in the jumping arena. All our horses are reliable for hacking, especially the many horses from Ireland, which we regularly buy on our visits to the Emerald Isle.
There is a whole range of very good ponies available for the training of children. If you wish to bring your own horse to a course or on holiday, we have extra stabling to accommodate them.
Passports
Passport valid for length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
Germany 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 not exceeding 90 days in a six-month period; stay begins when nationals enter any of the Schengen countries.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. Nationals of EU countries intending to stay for three months or more must register with the German authorities within seven days of arrival.
| 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 |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| 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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Black Forest Castle Ride
Tour Code:
PG-SIA1
6 days /
5 nights
~$0.00
Dates :
March to September
Trip Rating :
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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