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Horseback riding tours
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also:
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Atlantic Coast Ride - Southern Andalusia
Southern Spain
Spain
A fabulous horseback trail which allows its riders to see all of what beautiful Andalusia has to offer. On a special departure in May we have even included some exciting days at the annual and renowned Feria del Caballo in Jerez. With or without the addition of the Feria, you will be enchanted by the breathtaking Spanish landscape, the magnificent Atlantic coast and the stunning mountain scenery Southern Andalusia. Our safe, experienced and easy to handle horses, the warm and seasoned guides which have lived for many years in the region of Andalusia, and the varied horseback riding trails make this an unforgettable experience for horse loving travelers. The highlight for most are the extensive beach canters on our glorious wide sandy beaches. For those of you who have already ridden on a beach we need to say no more. For those that haven't, prepare to make your dreams come true! We ride along the edges of the forest and down onto the long sandy beaches of Cape Trafalgar and El Palmar. These beaches stretch for 10 km, giving plenty of room to let your horse show you what he can really do. The pace of the beach is fast and exhilarating and something you will never forget.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Los Canos de Meca
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Airport:
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Jerez de la Frontera
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Transfer:
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Jerez airport
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
7 nights accommodation in hotels and country inns along the trail, with breakfast, lunch and 4 dinners, 6 riding days
| | 2019 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | €85 | $0 |
| A | 2019 | 8 day trip - Peak season | 8d / 7n | €1080 | $1295 |
| B | 2019 | 8 day trip - Low season | 8d / 7n | €980 | $1175 |
| C | 2019 | 8 day trip - Jerez Horse Fair | 8d / 7n | €1370 | $1645 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
If you book as 'willing to share' single supplement is still applicable until we find another rider of the same gender that can share with you.
Transfer and Other Charges:
|
2019
|
Transfer from Jerez de la Frontera (airport or train station) - return, per person (rate based on minimum of 2)
- to be paid locally
|
€
70
|
$85
|
|
2019
|
Transfer from Malaga - return, per person (rate based on minimum of 2)
- to be paid locally
|
€
90
|
$110
|
|
2019
|
Single supplement
|
€
175
|
$210
|
|
2019
|
Small group supplement, pp
|
€
500
|
$600
|
Transfers possible from Jerez/ La Parra Airport (XRY), Málaga Airport (AGP), and Jerez de la Frontera train station. Please do not arrive after 18:00h on the first day and have departing flight before 12:00 on the last day.
Tour Dates for 2019
Check here for details and availability
|
| B |
2019
|
02/16
- 02/23
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Low season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| B |
2019
|
02/23
- 03/02
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Low season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| B |
2019
|
03/02
- 03/09
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Low season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| B |
2019
|
03/09
- 03/16
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Low season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2019
|
03/16
- 03/23
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2019
|
03/23
- 03/30
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2019
|
03/30
- 04/06
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2019
|
04/06
- 04/13
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2019
|
04/13
- 04/20
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2019
|
04/20
- 04/27
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2019
|
04/27
- 05/04
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2019
|
05/04
- 05/11
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Sold Out
|
| C |
2019
|
05/11
- 05/18
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Jerez Horse Fai...
|
3
/10
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2019
|
05/18
- 05/25
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2019
|
05/25
- 06/01
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
06/01
- 06/08
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2019
|
06/08
- 06/15
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
06/15
- 06/22
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
06/22
- 06/29
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
08/31
- 09/07
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
09/07
- 09/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
09/14
- 09/21
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
09/21
- 09/28
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
09/28
- 10/05
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
10/05
- 10/12
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
10/12
- 10/19
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2019
|
10/19
- 10/26
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
10/26
- 11/02
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Peak season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2019
|
11/02
- 11/09
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Low season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2019
|
11/09
- 11/16
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Low season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2019
|
11/16
- 11/23
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Low season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2019
|
11/23
- 11/30
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Low season
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
|
|
Rates do not include:
3 dinners, beverages
Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes.
Regular Coastal Weeks (6 riding days)
Day 1: Arrival . Staying at the hotel near the beach in Zahora . Dinner at 9pm, and get to know the rest of your group .
Day 2: After breakfast we meet our horses. We ride through splendidly scented pine forests into the natural park Breña de Barbate, where we can admire an incredible plant variety. Lunch in the restaurant of a mountain hotel. Return to the hotel in Zahora.
Day 3: Today we ride along the beach towards Conil. Splendid expansive beach gallops make our rider heart beat faster. We take our lunch in a beach restaurant, in good weather we can use the lunch break for a refreshing bath in the sea. In the afternoon we continue to El Colorado, where our horses stay in the pine forest. We drive to the hotel in Benalup.
Day 4: Today we pack our bags because we will stay in a country hotel in the village of Benalup . Through a pine forest and varied scenery we ride towards Naveros - on old Cañadas (cattle drive way) and over vast meadows where we often encounter the “ toros bravos” (fighting bulls) Continue over mountain ranges and lonely paths to where our horses rest for the night near Medina Sidona , then back to our hotel in Benalup .
Day 5: On an old roman road we ride into the back country approaching Benalup . Today we go through a beautiful hilly landscape past big bull farms. Lunch in our country hotel, with typical Andalucian dishes. Afternoon is a short ride to the horse's quarters. Transfer back to Zahora.
Day 6: It's time again to pack our bags because today we are riding to the sea. With extensive canters/gallops beside huge rice fields, we head back to the coast which is home to rare birds such as storks, ibises , herons and egrets. In the afternoon we ride to Almarchal, tonight's accommodation for the horses. Hotel in Zahora.
Day 7: After a short ride we reach the beach in Zahora and gallop/canter at a relaxed pace along the beach. Then we climb the steep coast of Barbate and enjoy the view of the azure sea and the other side on the lush green of the pines. Along the way we see gorse bushes and wild orchids. On clear days you can see the African coast. We stop for a rest at a historic watchtower with wonderful views out to sea, and continue at a canter through the pine forest. Our ride is almost over as we ride past Cape Trafalger and back to the stable. Hotel in Zahora.
Day 8: Departure to the airport .
The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.
Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes.
Feria del Caballo Week in Jerez (5 riding days + Feria day in May)
Day 1 to 4: same as the regular trail weeks
Day 5: Rest day for the horses. Riders transfer to the Feria in Jerez. At the feria we see impressive performances and experience first hand the hustle and bustle of the traditional horse festival. We then visit a demonstration of the Spanish Riding School (dependent on the allocation of tickets, as no advance sales). Afterward we have the opportunity to dance and taste the odd sherry before we go to the hotel in Zahora.
Day 6: Our horses are brought to Jerez. Here they are decorated by us for the "big" appearance at the parade of the Feria . Properly dressed for the Feria we take part of the parade with pride and good humor among the festive bustle. In the evening the horses return, while we rush into the festivities of the feria.
Day 7: Return to the finca in Los Canos de Meca at the beach. A nice ride through the Brena de Barbate concludes the riding week. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Departure after breakfast.
The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.
For participation in one of the largest Spanish Ferias, it is necessary that we dress ourselves proud and authentic as the Spanish. A "traje" (short bolero jacket and striped trousers in standard sizes are made available). All you need to bring is a white shirt or blouse, black or brown boots or riding shoes with Chaps. A Spanish hat, a scarf and braces you can buy locally for about Euros 60. -- Lunches, dinner and drinks in Jerez are not included
Meeting:
Los Canos de Meca
Airport:
Jerez de la Frontera
Transfer:
Jerez airport
Transfers possible from Jerez/ La Parra Airport (XRY), Málaga Airport (AGP), and Jerez de la Frontera train station. Please do not arrive after 18:00h on the first day and have departing flight before 12:00 on the last day.
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Tack:
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|
Spanish - Very comfortable Spanish saddles give you a firm seat - a simpler version of the western riding.
|
|
Horses:
|
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Andalusian Cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate at all paces.4-6 hours per riding day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
You will ride on 6 days for an average of 5-6 hours each day. Each day will be varied and different. We will take lunch in nice typical Spanish bars on every day of the trail. And after a relaxing siesta, carry on with our ride. You will ride in small friendly groups of no more than ten. You will be accompanied at all times by one of us personally. We are famous for our friendliness, professionalism and local knowledge. With many years on these trails behind us, we are able to show you places that will simply take your breath away.
This is a trail ride for riders who are both confident and experienced at all paces. You should be fit enough to ride 5 to 6 hours a day. The pace will be at the walk with several long canters of 5 to 6 km duration. During the week you will ride 230 to 240 km over varying terrain through the heart of Andalucia with spectacular views throughout. We have many horses to suit all our different guests and we are very experienced at selecting the perfect partnership between horse and rider. By the end of the week you and your horse will be the best of friends.
Our aim is to match each of our guests with a horse that will suit their ability and taste. All our horses are sure-footed, forward-going and very fit. We have 26 Andalucian horses as well as Anglo-Arabs and Hispanos, many of which we bred ourselves. The herd is comprised of geldings, mares and four stallions. They are calm, with kind temperaments and good manners, but are still very forward-going, even in the climate found in Southern Spain.
For those of you who have already ridden on a beach we need say no more. For those that haven't prepare to make your dreams come true. We ride along the edge of the forest down onto the long sandy beaches of Cape Trafalgar and El Palmar. These beaches stretch for 10Km, giving plenty of room to let your horse show you what he can really do. The pace of the beach is fast and exhilarating and something you will never forget. People and horses leave the beach with big grins and lots of sand on their faces.
The tack is Spanish working and dressage saddles. All saddles are well prepared to get things tight, so almost every type of saddlebag can be fixed to them. The working saddles are prepared with sheepskins.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
Vejer de la Frontera area
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Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
59
|
60
|
63
|
66
|
70
|
75
|
80
|
80
|
77
|
72
|
65
|
60
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
48
|
49
|
52
|
55
|
59
|
64
|
68
|
69
|
66
|
61
|
54
|
49
|
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
15
|
15
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
27
|
25
|
22
|
18
|
16
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
13
|
15
|
18
|
20
|
21
|
19
|
16
|
12
|
10
|
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain)
|
7
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
3
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
The overall climate of Andalusia is similar to Southern California: hot in the summer, pleasant and moderate in the spring and fall, and cool in the winter. Rain is possible at anytime of the year, but most rare in summer. The main rainy season is from the end of October to the beginning of May. The Atlantic Ocean is warm and pleasant to swim in from May to October. The region receives about 300 days and 3200 hours of sunshine per year.
English
or Western riding attire is fine for the ride. Water bottles will be
provided during the ride- however they will be shared so bring your own
bottle if you prefer to fill up.
For the months of
January to April, and starting mid-October, we recommend rain gear.
Good
sun protection (gloves, sunscreen, hat with a chin strap), sunglasses
with straps, swimsuit, towel, shorts, and a windbreaker should also be
taken.
A hard hat is not required, but recommended for safety. A belt pack
in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride
is handy.
A jacket or sweater for the cool evenings is recommended. Attire is
strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other
cities on your own later you may wish to bring a jacket and tie. Regular
film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be
available-bring plenty. It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since
not all hotels supply it. There will be no opportunity to have laundry
done while on the ride.
In
general the hotels only heat the rooms during the winter months. Even
newer buildings are seldom insulated. Therefore when the weather turns
cool you can an impression of dampness. In case your rooms is too cool
during your stay, you should find an extra wool blanket in the closet,
or ask at the reception.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
|
|
| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
|
| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
|
|
| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
| |
| 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 |
| Belt pack |
| Water Bottle |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations. You will be staying at 2 different hotels.
Description
Night 1, 2, 5, 6, & 7: Hotel in Zahora
The family hostal was recently renovated and offers clients a cozy atmosphere. The accommodations are in nice guest rooms with private bathroom facilities, hairdryer, air conditioning, tv, fridge, desk, free wifi, and daily cleaning service. . Enjoy our magnificent recreational salt water swimming pool complete with a hydro massage water feature, or, relax in the Jacuzzi. In addition you can refresh yourselves with a Mojito from the bar in the pool area whilst you sunbathe and relax on one of our sun beds in the pool area. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk to two beaches.
Night 3 & 4: Hotel in Benalup
This hotel is modern but has all the atmosphere of a friendly family hotel with showers and TV in every room. From the balcony your room overlooks a traditional Spanish courtyard where you can sit and enjoy your favourite drink from a well-stocked bar surrounded by blooms of bougainvillea in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves traditional Spanish dishes in an area famous for its cuisine. Benalup is one of the “white villages” on the Costa de la Luz. It is a small town of approximately 6000 inhabitants. This old attractive town has an historic center where you can shop or just sit in a bar and soak up the real atmosphere of Spain. Rooms have air conditioning and heating, a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, and a minibar. The private bathrooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries. Rooms also have a balcony. This hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout.
**Accommodations subject to change at the tour operator's discretion**
Meals
We adapt to the Spanish lifestyle: food lunch from 2 pm and evening from 9 pm. Full board, 3 days half board, other meals at your own expense, e.g. In nearby restaurants.
|
Tack:
|
|
Spanish - Very comfortable Spanish saddles give you a firm seat - a simpler version of the western riding.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Andalusian Cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate at all paces.4-6 hours per riding day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
You will ride on 6 days for an average of 5-6 hours each day. Each day will be varied and different. We will take lunch in nice typical Spanish bars on every day of the trail. And after a relaxing siesta, carry on with our ride. You will ride in small friendly groups of no more than ten. You will be accompanied at all times by one of us personally. We are famous for our friendliness, professionalism and local knowledge. With many years on these trails behind us, we are able to show you places that will simply take your breath away.
This is a trail ride for riders who are both confident and experienced at all paces. You should be fit enough to ride 5 to 6 hours a day. The pace will be at the walk with several long canters of 5 to 6 km duration. During the week you will ride 230 to 240 km over varying terrain through the heart of Andalucia with spectacular views throughout. We have many horses to suit all our different guests and we are very experienced at selecting the perfect partnership between horse and rider. By the end of the week you and your horse will be the best of friends.
Our aim is to match each of our guests with a horse that will suit their ability and taste. All our horses are sure-footed, forward-going and very fit. We have 26 Andalucian horses as well as Anglo-Arabs and Hispanos, many of which we bred ourselves. The herd is comprised of geldings, mares and four stallions. They are calm, with kind temperaments and good manners, but are still very forward-going, even in the climate found in Southern Spain.
For those of you who have already ridden on a beach we need say no more. For those that haven't prepare to make your dreams come true. We ride along the edge of the forest down onto the long sandy beaches of Cape Trafalgar and El Palmar. These beaches stretch for 10Km, giving plenty of room to let your horse show you what he can really do. The pace of the beach is fast and exhilarating and something you will never forget. People and horses leave the beach with big grins and lots of sand on their faces.
The tack is Spanish working and dressage saddles. All saddles are well prepared to get things tight, so almost every type of saddlebag can be fixed to them. The working saddles are prepared with sheepskins.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
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 |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| 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.
|
|
|
|
Atlantic Coast Ride - Southern Andalusia
Tour Code:
IT-SPRT11
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,295.00
Dates :
Feb-Jun, Sept-Nov
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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