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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Oman
Intro to Oman
Ash Sharqiyah
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Wahiba Desert Ride
Ash Sharqiyah
Oman
Language:
The official language of Oman is Arabic and English is widely spoken. Hotel staff often are able to speak German and French as well!
Local Time:
GMT +4
Customs:
A predominantly Muslim country, visitors should respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of the body. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal in the country. Alcohol is available only at licensed hotels and restaurants and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are drastic. The legal blood alcohol level in the country is close to zero.
Electricity:
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz - Plugs with rectangular, 3-pin flat blades are used.
Communications:
The international dialing code for Oman is +968, and the outgoing international code 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for US and Canada / 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are not necessary.
Currency:
The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR) and it is divided into 1,000 Baisa. Notes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 rials, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 Baiza. Foreign currency and travelers cheques can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaux, hotels and at the airport.
Gratuities:
A service charge is usually added to your bill, however a "little extra" is very appreciated, as the service charge usually never makes it to the attendant!
For Oman visa information see the relative section of the airport website:
http://www.omanairports.com/visaonarivals.asp
Banned items from Oman:
* Weapons, arms and ammunitions.
* Fireworks.
* Drugs stuff and tolls which are banned by the international conference of Opium and Drugs.
* Leaves, flowers, seeds and stems of cannabis.
* Raw or prepared opium.
* Pornographic publication and material
Travelers on medication which come under banned "Narcotics Drugs" need to have a medical prescription from their doctor, which has been certified by the Ministry of Health in their respective countries and further attested by their Omani Embassy or consulate, before bringing the same into the country.
Oman Tourism Websites:
http://www.omantourism.gov.om/wps/portal/mot
http://www.destinationoman.com/
Camping Ride with vehicle support
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Meeting:
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Muscat International Airport
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Airport:
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Muscat International Airport
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Transfer:
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Muscat International Airport
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodation, Most meals with soft drinks, Group transfers & 5 riding days with English speaking guide
Helmets can be borrowed locally
A | 2023 | 8 day trip, AP - Standard | 8d / 7n | $2500 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2023
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Private transfers from/to Muscat International Airport, pp, one way
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$70
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2023
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Group airport transfers included at set times
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$0
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Airport group transfers included at set times (according to arrival and departute times of all riders). If you wish a private airport transfers, we can arrange one for an extra fee.
Best months for this trip are October to May
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Rates do not include:
Dinners on day 1 and 7, Alcoholic drinks, Gratuities & Private airport transfers
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival at Seeb international airport and transfer to your hotel located nearby Mutrah Souk and Old Muscat City. Afternoon city tour of Mutrah Souk, one of the most popular souks in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinths with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted Artifacts. A visit to this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat’s old quarter makes for a delightful experience. Then, transfer to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said the ruler of Oman. The palace is an architectural marvel for both its design and its location between the twin Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali.
Meals included: none
Overnight at Hotel in Mutrah
Day 2 (Sunday): Wadi Beni Khalid
After breakfast we will drive to Wadi Beni Khalid (3.5 hours from Muscat). It is the best-known wadi of the Sharqiyah region. Its stream maintains a constant flow of water throughout the year. Large pools of water and boulders are scattered along the course of the wadi. As a geographical area, Wadi Beni Khalid covers a large swathe of lowland and mountains. Late afternoon transfer to Bidiya. Meeting with our horse team and briefing for next few days.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at desert camp near Bidiya
Day 3 (Monday): Start of Desert Ride
Today you will meet your riding companion, and go on your first ride to discover sand dunes and desert.
Lovely evening under the stars, firecamps and bedouins stories will make this ride unforgettable!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at desert camp near Bidiya
Day 4 (Tuesday): Oryx Valley Ride
After a nice breakfast we will start our ride across the Oryx valley, passing through little Bedouin villages. We will find palm trees in each village (with water system called falaj), green grass for the animals,... The perfect place for our lunch break. This afternoon, we ride in a nice valley, with a lot of acacias trees, providing shade for animals and Bedouins.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Al Sarmadi Camp
Day 5 (Wednesday): Abdallah Valley Ride
We will be riding in a large valley, until we reach Abdallah Valley, with nice eucalyptus trees.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Al Sarmadi Camp
Day 6 (Thursday): Beit Al Ajuz Ride
The destination for today is Beit Al Ajuz, the old lady house. On today's route, sand is sometime very deep for our horses. We will likely meet camels’ cattle and goats on the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Thousand Nights Camp
Day 7 (Friday): Last Riding Day
Long ride until we reach al Awaouia village. Then, it is time to leave Wahiba Desert and transfer to Muscat.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat
Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
After an amazing tour, it’s time for departure. We will drop you off at Muscat International Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome on this ride. Please, inquire for rates and non-riding activities.
Meeting:
Muscat International Airport
Airport:
Muscat International Airport
Transfer:
Muscat International Airport
Airport group transfers included at set times (according to arrival and departute times of all riders). If you wish a private airport transfers, we can arrange one for an extra fee.
Tack:
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English synthetic wintec type or endurance saddle with saddle bags
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Horses:
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Arabians & Anglo-Arabs
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Pace:
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Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day - Paces varies depending on the terrain
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate to Advanced
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Age:
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Min
18
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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Muscat area
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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78
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80
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85
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94
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103
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103
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100
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97
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96
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94
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86
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80
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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62
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64
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68
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76
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84
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86
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86
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83
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80
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76
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69
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64
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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25
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26
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30
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35
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40
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40
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38
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36
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36
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35
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30
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27
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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17
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18
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20
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24
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29
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30
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30
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28
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27
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25
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21
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18
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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1
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1
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1
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1
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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1
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Oman's climate is typical of the Arabian Gulf with hot shoulder seasons (Sept-Nov Average high 30-36°C & Mar-May Average high 29-39°C), even hotter summers (June-Aug Average high 36-40°C) and mild winters (Dec-Feb Average high 25-27°C). It should be noted that the heat is dry most of the time, making it more bearable.
In addition, Oman's varied geography means that temperatures vary depending on where you are in the country. When visiting the Hajar Mountains, south of Muscat, always make sure to bring a sweater, even during the summer months! You should also remember that desert nights get cooler no matter the season.
Oman remains usually quite dry throughout the year with the exception of the southwest (close to the border with Yemen) which benefits from the 'Khareef' (rainy season) monsoon during the summer months. Thanks to the 'Khareef', this region benefits from a cooler summer and green vegetation covers the landscape.
All luggage is transported for you by vehicle.
Clothing
- Riding equipment such as riding pants, helmet, boots, and half leg chaps
- Long sleeved shirts to protect against the sun
- Fleece/warm pullover for camp
- Broad rimmed hat
- Swimsuit
- Sandals for camp
- Light riding trousers
Equipment
- Sleeping bag (optional)
- Flash light with spare batteries
- Personal medications
- Sunglasses
- Small towel
- Soap and shampoo
- Sunblock
- Bum bags to protect items from sand
- Hat and light scarf
- Towels (for camp)
- Toilet paper (or just tissues) and a lighter
- Solar batteries for camp as there is no electricity
Nice to have extras
- Seat saver to put on the saddle
- Lightweight camera with spare batteries
- Riding gloves
- Face cloth
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.
** No trip reports found
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Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be a mixture of hotels and camping.
Description
Accommodations vary
Accommodation Itinerary for Standard Option - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Mutrah or Al Fajal Hotel in Muscat
Night 2 & 3: Desert Camp near Bidiya
Night 4 & 5: Al Sarmadi Camp
Night 6: Thousand Nights Camp
Night 7: Al Fajal Hotel
Hotel Mutrah in Muscat
This small hotel benefits from a great location, close to the Mutrah Souk and Sultan Qaboos Harbour. Each of the 43 rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Guests can enjoy a game of darts or pool. It is also possible to do some workout at the fitness centre. Laundry and ironing services are also available.
Desert Camp near Bidiya
You will be accommodated in a canvas tent with air conditioning and a private (attached) bathroom.
Al Sarmadi Camp
You are accommodated in spacious tents equipped with a double bed and a private bathroom.
Thousand Nights Camp
This beautiful camp in the middle of the desert offers traditional rooms and tents accommodations, for an authentic Bedouin experience. Each accommodation is equipped with a comfortable bed and private facilities.
There is also a small outdoor pool where guest can cool down.
Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat
This newly renovated hotel offers 152 modern bedrooms. Each room features a TV, a phone, a safe, free internet access and private facilities with hair dryer.
Accommodation Itinerary for Luxury Option - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Shangri La Resort in Muscat
Night 2 & 3: Desert Camp near Bidiya
Night 4 & 5: Al Sarmadi Camp
Night 6: Thousand Nights Camp
Night 7: Shangri La Resort in Muscat
Al Husn Shangri La Resort in Muscat
This beautiful hotel is located by the sea (private beach) and offers many amenities including swimming pools, a spa and health club (extra fee) and watersport activities (not included). It has a little over 100 rooms, each with a balcony or terrace. The rooms feature an Omani décor, private facilities, free Wi-Fi access and a coffee machine.
Desert Camp near Bidiya
You will be accommodated in a canvas tent with air conditioning and a private (attached) bathroom.
Al Sarmadi Camp
You are accommodated in spacious tents equipped with a double bed and a private bathroom.
Thousand Nights Camp
This beautiful camp in the middle of the desert offers traditional rooms and tents accommodations, for an authentic Bedouin experience. Each accommodation is equipped with a comfortable bed and private facilities.
There is also a small outdoor pool where guest can cool down.
Room Occupancy
If you attend as a single rider willing to share but we are unable to find another rider to share, the single supplement fee applies.
Meals
All meals are included except for meals on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7.
The majority of meals are served at your accommodations.
During the desert ride our cook will provide delicious Omani dinners.
Majbos also named Kabsa, is a dish that consists of rice mixed with saffron cooked with spicy red or white meat. Majboos translates as "to be engaged" in Oman and is almost always served at special occasions like weddings and engagements!
Mashuai is another delicious dish consisting of roasted king fish and savory lemon rice.
A popular street food in Oman is Mishkak, which is grilled pieces of marinated meat (usually chicken, mutton or beef on long wooden sticks) served hot with tamarind chutney.
Halwa is a sticky, sweet gelatinous snack, made from brown sugar, honey, eggs and various spices. It has a lot of flavors, such as rose water, nuts, chocolate, etc. Some halwas are also made from the Omani dates. Halwas are often accompanied with Kahwa (a very strong bitter coffee that is often served in tiny cups) as a sign of hospitality. Kahwa is made from freshly roasted ground coffee and flavored with some cardamom!
Alcoholic drinks are not included in the package but you can bring some during the tour.
Dietary Restrictions
We can accommodate vegetarians and some other special diets with prior notice.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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English synthetic wintec type or endurance saddle with saddle bags
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Horses:
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Arabians & Anglo-Arabs
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Pace:
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Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day - Paces varies depending on the terrain
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate to Advanced
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Age:
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Min
18
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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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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Wahiba Desert Ride
Tour Code:
IT-OMHT03
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,500.00
Dates :
Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec
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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