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Horseback riding tours
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Central Highlands Explorer
Central Mexico
Mexico
Discover the beautiful region of the Central Highlands of Mexico from the saddle!
This program includes full day rides to off the beaten paths destinations in the Central Highlands. Learn about the way of life of local people while riding through beautiful landscapes, far away from the crowds!
Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Mexico City
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Airport:
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Mexico City or Queretaro
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Transfer:
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Mexico City or Queretaro
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
20 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include*:
Accommodation, All meals, Riding as described in itinerary & Group transfers at set times
A | 2024 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | $2485 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Tax:
16
%
Transfer and Other Charges:
2024
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Group transfer from Mexico City or Queretaro included at set times
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2024
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Single supplement - please inquire
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Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) or Queretaro International Airport (QRT).
Tour Dates for 2024
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A |
2024
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01/01
- 12/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip
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2
/10
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Lodging tax (about 2% - paid locally), Private transfers, Gratuities & Travel insurance (mandatory)
Sample itinerary - subject to changes
Please, note that riding activities offered depend on weather conditions as well as the water level of the dam and the river.
Day 1: Arrival
We will be waiting for you at the airport, so as soon as you arrive we will drive you to the rancho. Once you arrive, our staff will welcome you with a drink and take care of your luggage, while we give you a tour of the place.
Depending on the time of your arrival we will take you to meet the horses and you can start riding them or if you prefer, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in your room or the common area.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Rancho
Day 2: Ride to Nopala
After breakfast at the ranch, we go for our first full riding day. We ride across the extinct volcanic landscape of the region, with cliffs, hills and mountains. Our destination for the day is the city of Nopala. This small town features a colonial architecture, including a lovely central plaza, bordered by portals with pink quarry arches. Each Monday, there is a small market where you can get plenty of souvenirs.
Tonight, we sleep in a small hotel, just outside the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Nopala
Day 3: Cerro de Nopala & Hacienda El Astillero Valley
We start the day with breakfast at Casa de La Abuela, a small traditional restaurant one block away from the city center, while the horses are being prepared. Today, we will ride up to Cerro de Nopala, on our way to the beautiful valley of Hacienda El Astillero and Cerro Coatepec. We will enjoy some snacks and refreshment beverages before riding back to the Hotel near Nopala.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Nopala
Day 4: Back to Rancho
This morning, we start our ride back to the Rancho, exploring a different route.
On the way, we will stop to visit a blown glass craft workshop in the town of Maravillas. We will also ride across a hill covered with small oak trees. Finally, we follow a Porfirian railroad track that brings us back to the rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho
Day 5: La Joya Mountain Ride
Today's ride brings us to the top of La Joya mountain, with great views over surrounding valleys, lakes and mountains. At the top, we take a lunch break. Our ride back to the rancho leads us through forests and scarped cliffs.
Just before reaching the rancho, we will cross some open plains with endless trails to canter and gallop.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho
Day 6: Cerrito Pelón
We will ride for about 4 hours as you must be tired from the previous day. We first ride across a huge plain and go up and down a small cerrito, before arriving to San Sebastian de Juarez.
On the way back, we ride under a cliff up to the rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho
Day 7: Maravillas Ride
We ride near some cliffs on the way to Rancho San Isidro, before heading to the small town of San Bartolo and Rancho Nuevo´s dam. Today's destination is the town of Maravillas.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho
Day 8: Departure
If you have an early flight to catch – we will serve you breakfast before it’s time to go and one of our drivers will drive you to the airport upon request.
In case your flight leaves at night, you will have time to do one last trail near the Rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Mexico City
Airport:
Mexico City or Queretaro
Train station:
//
Transfer:
Mexico City or Queretaro
Distance:
100 miles or 30 miles
Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) or Queretaro International Airport (QRT).
Tack:
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Mexican & English
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Horses:
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American Quarter Horse & Criollos
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Pace:
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2-4 hours in the saddle per riding day - All paces according to level
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate and above
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
60
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
20 riders
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Horses
We believe that the best way a horse could live is in great open spaces and that is why when they are not at work, they can live as a herd in different fields around the ranch.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least six months after date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart .Passport Note(a) Applicants for Blue Tourist Cards should have a valid passport, return/o. more
Tula 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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73
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76
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80
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83
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83
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80
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76
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77
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75
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75
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74
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74
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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40
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42
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46
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49
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53
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54
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54
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54
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53
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49
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45
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42
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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23
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24
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27
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28
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28
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26
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25
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25
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24
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24
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24
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23
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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4
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6
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8
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10
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11
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12
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12
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12
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12
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9
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7
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5
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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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3
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6
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7
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8
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6
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7
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4
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1
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1
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The ranch is situated in a valley at an altitude of 7,500 feet (2,300 m) above sea level and protected by high mountains. This means that the weather conditions are very tempered and the sun shines almost every day (333 days of sunshine per year). The average daily temperature all year round is approximately 22ºC (or 75ºF). However, it is a good idea to bring some long-sleeved shirts or sweaters for the mornings and evenings, as it does get a bit cool before the sun rises and as it sets.
The ranch is open and operating year round. Guests often ask, "Which is the best time of the year to visit?" The answer is simple. Every season has its highlights.
Spring (March – May)
Changes take place. Imagine passing by farmers working the fields in the way they have done for generations. See local farmers start to prepare their fields for the corn crops using ploughs drawn by oxen or horses.
Summer (June – August)
Known as the 'rainy season', but is (unfortunately for the farmers here) not really the case. The ranch is located in a valley at an altitude of 7500 feet, which means the clouds can't gather as much as in other regions of Mexico. But there is an occasional shower (downpour) that lasts only an hour or two in the evenings/night . This is just enough to allow all of the usually dormant plants to bloom, creating spectacular vistas of vibrant color with cosmos flowers everywhere. The nights are cool and in the morning a bright sunny blue sky awaits you for another perfect ride..
Autumn (September – November)
Until the dry season begins at the end of October there are still flowers everywhere. As harvest arrives, the local farmers usually let the corn dry until the end of November and then take it in. They use the corn primarily to feed their animals during winter, and they grind part of the crop to make the meal used in the famous Mexican tortillas.
Winter (December – February)
The driest season with practically no rain at all. This means that the fields are very dry, painted a golden color against a brilliant blue sky, and spotted with green cactus and mesquite bushes.
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 mostly stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location each night, except for 2 nights spent at a different location.
Description
Most nights are spent in a traditional rancho/hacienda. The property has been in the hands of the same family for the past 140 years. It offers a nice view over the surrounding landscape.
The rooms are simple but comfortable and all feature a private bathroom with hair dryer. there is no Wi-Fi available at the ranch.
During this tour, you will also spend 2 nights in a small hotel close to the city of Nopala. The rooms all come equipped with a private bathroom and a TV. There is also a small outdoor pool (not heated) where guests can relax in the evening.
Room Occupancy
The single supplement does not apply if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex, unless we are unable to find you a room companion.
Meals
All meals are included in your package from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.
Dietary Restrictions
We know that most people do not eat as much chili as we do in Mexico, so do not worry, we will adapt to your taste.
If you are allergic to any food or have dietary restrictions, let us know and we will do our best to cater to you.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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Mexican & English
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Horses:
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American Quarter Horse & Criollos
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Pace:
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2-4 hours in the saddle per riding day - All paces according to level
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate and above
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
60
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
20 riders
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Horses
We believe that the best way a horse could live is in great open spaces and that is why when they are not at work, they can live as a herd in different fields around the ranch.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months after date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart .
Passport Note
(a) Applicants for Blue Tourist Cards should have a valid passport, return/onward ticket and proof of financial means. (b) Tourist Cards must be kept by the visitor during the entire length of stay as they will have to be presented and stamped on leaving.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above, who can obtain a Blue Tourist Card for touristic purposes from their airline on direct flights, at port of entry, or from the Mexican Consulate before travelling, for 180 days, except nationals of Australia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who can stay for up to 90 days.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals seeking to visit Mexico on business are advised to check with the consulate regarding visa requirements as they may need to apply for a Non Immigrant Business Visitor carnet (FM3). (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes |
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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Central Highlands Explorer
Tour Code:
IT-MXRC04
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,485.00
Dates :
Available all Year
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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