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Colors of Provence Ride
Provence
France
Join this horseback riding tour in the Luberon, during spring or autumn, under the Provence sun.
The Luberon natural park, in the heart Provence, offers a myriad of colors and scents. You will ride in the oak and pine forests, into the scrubland (with the scents of herbs of Provence) as well as in valleys, at the foot of superb cliffs. You will also ride across the typical Provence perched villages of the Luberon and the old ocher quarries.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Short Getaway
Family Vacation
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Lauris
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Airport:
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Marseille
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Transfer:
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Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodation, All meals with wine for lunch and dinner & 4 riding days
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour - please inquire
No transfers provided for this trip. You can take a direct bus from Aix-en Provence to Lauris (La Roque d'Antheron bus stop)
Rates do not include:
Transfers, Beverages outside of mealtimes & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
We suggest to arrive on Sunday (Day 0) and spend one night in Aix en Provence. Visit this cute city loved by Cezanne, and take the bus to Lauris on Monday.
Day 1 (Monday): Lauris to Buoux
Meet in Lauris ( bus coming from Aix-en-Provence stops at 10:45 am) or directly at Mas de Recaute between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Free transfer possible on Monday morning from Marseille airport (10:30 am), Aix en Provence tgv station (11 am), Aix en Provence city center train station (11:15 am).
You will have an introduction to the trail ride and lunch. In the afternoon, you will be introduced to your horse and will start the trip through the Luberon rolling hills, towards the beautifull perched village of Bonnieux. The houses, all made with stones, form a striking harmony of earth-toned colours and shapes. After the picturesque village of Bonnieux, the trail goes down in the Valley of the Aiguebrun river. Overnight in a nice Auberge along the river.
Depending on the date, exceptionally, you may be transfered to Lauris for the night.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Buoux
Day 2 (Tuesday): Buoux to Rustrel
The trail follows the green valley of Aiguebrun. We head towards the very pretty perched village of Saignon, then descend into the Calavon valley along the orchards of cherry, peach, apricot trees ... the garden of Provence.
At noon, a copious buffet awaits us in the oak tree shade, where we can enjoy a very pleasant break. In the afternoon, we follow trails in the pine forests and scrubland, to reach the Provence Colorado*, for an access reserved for our riders (by special agreement), after closing to the public. These old ocher quarries have revealed red and ocher colors, reminiscent of the landscapes of the Far West. Take your cameras !
After installing the horses, you go to your accommodation for dinner in the heart of the village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Rustrel
*in 2023, access to the Provence Colorado might not be possible on horseback.
Day 3 (Wednesday): Rustrel to Buoux
In the morning, departure on horseback overlooking the Provence Colorado. We are heading towards the very beautiful village of Saint-Martin-de-Castillon, another perched village in the Luberon.
The picnic is taken out of the saddle bags at the edge of the Calavon river. We then leave along the lavender fields and truffle oak plantations at the foot of the Grand Luberon, to reach the Aiguebrun gorges: a pleasant shaded path by the stream.
We eventually reach the Auberge des Seguins, nestled at the foot of the impressive cliffs of Buoux. Dinner and overnight at the hostel. On certain dates, in case of unavailability, the horses stay at the inn and the riders are transferred to the guesthouse de Lauris.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Buoux
Day 4 (Thursday): Buoux to Lauris
We leave the Aiguebrun gorges to ride up to the ridges, from where we discover a superb point of view: from alpine peaks in the north, to the Mediterranean in the south, when the weather is clear !
We stop for picnic lunch near Lourmarin, a village where Albert Camus (French Writer) lived and is buried. The return to Lauris is done along the foot of the Luberon. The paths are pleasant, in the pine forests and along vineyards and orchards overlooking the Durance valley, with a beautiful view of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain.
End of the ride around 5pm and transfer to the bus stop in Lauris. If you wish to stay one extra night let us know.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.
Meeting:
Lauris
Airport:
Marseille
Train station:
Aix-en-Provence
Transfer:
Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station
Distance:
45 miles
No transfers provided for this trip. You can take a direct bus from Aix-en Provence to Lauris (La Roque d'Antheron bus stop)
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Tack:
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Western saddles with saddle bags
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Horses:
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Camargue horses
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Pace:
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Mainly walk and trot with some canters when terrain allows
5 hours a day on horseback on average
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
80
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs / 85 kg
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Riding Level
In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be comfortable at all 3 gaits (walk, trot and canter).
Pace
On the first day you ride for about 2-3 hours. The next 3 days you spend 5 hours on horseback per day on average: 2-3 hours in the morning, 2-3 hours in the afternoon.
Pace is mostly at a walk & trot, with possible canters when the terrain allows it.
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
Lourmarin 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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50
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52
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59
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64
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72
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80
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85
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83
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77
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68
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57
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51
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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32
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33
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37
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42
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49
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56
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61
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60
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54
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48
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39
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33
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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10
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11
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15
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18
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22
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26
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29
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29
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25
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20
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14
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11
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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0
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0
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3
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6
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10
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13
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16
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16
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12
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9
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4
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1
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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5
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4
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4
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5
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4
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2
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1
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2
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4
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5
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5
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4
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Thanks to its position in the South of France, the Provence region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The region benefits from warm summers and mild winters.
Summer
The hot summer days are broken up by the evening sea breezes which provide a cooling break from heat and create an ideal atmosphere to enjoy what this alluring picturesque area has to offer. Along the coast, summers are hot, with scarce rain for a 3 month period in the midst of summer. However, when it rains – it pours and often the rain is associated with thunder. Sunshine is plentiful - up to 11/12 hours a day in summer and around 5 in midwinter.
Winter
Winters in the region are generally mild and sunny but this pleasant weather is often interrupted by very unsettled cold and squally weather brought in by the famous northerly ‘mistral’ wind. The mistral blows with particular strength through around Marseille and through the Rhône Valley.
| 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 |
| Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots and mini chaps |
| Riding helmet |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Waterproof |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Jacket |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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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 extra batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Luggage is limited to 1 piece per person. It can be a regular suitcase or a bag but dimensions should not exceed 70cm x 40cm x 40cm and 15kg!
If you wish to bring an extra luggage, please advise us, as we may need an extra vehicle, and a supplement may be asked.
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.
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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.
Description
Accommodations during the trail will be in guesthouses and country inns. They are basic, but clean. We select our accommodation according to its beautiful setting and friendly atmosphere, for riders to enjoy a pleasant stay. There are no laundry facilities while on trail. Most accommodations have WIFI.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
Night 2: Auberge du Rustreou or Le Chateau in Rustrel
Night 3: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
This 16th-century stone house building offers a total of 27 rooms plus a dormitory that can host up to 20 people. The rooms are simple but comfortable and all come equipped with heating and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms can be private or shared depending on the room. There is a garden and an outdoor pool where guests can relax and enjoy the view. There is no cellphone coverage here.
Auberge de Rustreou in Rustrel
This old relay station dating back to the 18th century now offers 7 bedrooms equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Guests can also relax on the outdoor patio.
Gite Le Chateau in Rustrel
This beautiful 17th-century castle has recently been renovated to offer dormitory style bedrooms (2, 5 and 6 beds in each dormitory) with shared bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi access in some parts of the Gite.
Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available at most accommodations.
If you book in shared bedrooms and if there is no other rider to share bedrooms with you, the single supplement will be applied.
Meals
All meals are included in your package from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on the last day.
Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations we stay in.
At lunch, you will enjoy hearty picnics (mixed salads, local charcuterie, cheese, fruit, etc.) carried in saddlebags.
In the evening everyone meets around the table, to discover local food - or should we say "cuisine" - don't count on losing any weight.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western saddles with saddle bags
|
|
Horses:
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Camargue horses
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|
Pace:
|
|
Mainly walk and trot with some canters when terrain allows
5 hours a day on horseback on average
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
80
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs / 85 kg
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Riding Level
In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be comfortable at all 3 gaits (walk, trot and canter).
Pace
On the first day you ride for about 2-3 hours. The next 3 days you spend 5 hours on horseback per day on average: 2-3 hours in the morning, 2-3 hours in the afternoon.
Pace is mostly at a walk & trot, with possible canters when the terrain allows it.
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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Colors of Provence Ride
Tour Code:
IT-FRPV09
4 days /
3 nights
Dates :
May to Oct
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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