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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Spain
Intro to Spain
Catalonia Central Spain Galicia Mallorca/Menorca Pyrenees Southern Spain
Riding in:
France
Spain
Portugal
Italy
Europe Overview
also:
Hiking in Spain
Cycling in Spain
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Ampurdan and Costa Brava Discovery Ride
Catalonia
Spain
Our riding program includes lovely and exciting rides around the Baix Empordà territory: a beautiful place with a temperate climate. You will have the opportunity to discover a land full of historic buildings, exciting civilizations, stunning landscapes, good food, and good wine. An unforgettable experience!
Our Spanish horses will make the experience even more authentic and will guide you through the 'Costa Brava'! A lot of canters and gallops through the unspoiled nature, idyllic beaches, green valleys, and beautiful medieval villages await! You will also have the opportunity to bathe with the horses in a river.
During this trip, you will be staying in our rural farmhouse every night, which means that you can fully relax and enjoy your time here.
Short Getaway Family Vacation Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Llabià
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Airport:
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Girona
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Transfer:
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Girona train station
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
48
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals with water and wine, riding days according to program, Luggage transport, Tourist tax & Group transfers to/from Girona
Non-riders: All breakfasts and dinners & Accommodations. Must bring own car!
Helmets can be provided
A | 2023 | 3 day trip, AP - 1 Half riding day | 3d / 2n | €490 | $505 |
B | 2023 | 4 day trip, AP - 2 Half riding days | 4d / 3n | €690 | $710 |
C | 2023 | 5 day trip, AP - 3 Half riding days | 5d / 4n | €890 | $920 |
D | 2023 | 6 day trip, AP - 4 Half riding days | 6d / 5n | €1090 | $1125 |
E | 2023 | 7 day trip, AP - 5 Half riding days | 7d / 6n | €1290 | $1330 |
F | 2023 | 8 day trip, AP - 6 Half riding days | 8d / 7n | €1490 | $1535 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
For single person willing to share: if we are unable to find another person to share the room with you within 15 days of trip departure, you must pay the single supplement fee (to be paid locally).
Transfer and Other Charges:
2023
|
Transfer included from Girona train station at set times
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€
0
|
$0
|
2023
|
Private transfer from Barcelona airport, per car (up to 4 pax), one way
This is a "Group Rate"
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€
295
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$305
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2023
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Private transfer from Girona airport, per car (up to 4 pax), one way
This is a "Group Rate"
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€
105
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$110
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2023
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Discount for children from ages 12-17 years- please inquire
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€
0
|
$0
|
2023
|
Discounts for groups from 7 to 12 pax - please inquire
|
€
0
|
$0
|
2023
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Extra cost for private group of less than 5 pax - please inquire
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€
0
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$0
|
2023
|
Inquire for extra nights (with or without riding)
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€
0
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$0
|
2023
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Single supplement, per night
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€
35
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$35
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2023
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Non-rider rate pp, per night (half board - sharing room with rider)
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€
95
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$100
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2023
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Trip possible with just 1 rider for small group supplement fee - inquire
- to be paid locally
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€
0
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$0
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Pick-up/ drop-off is included from Girona train station at set times.
Pick-up from Girona train station at 7:30pm on Day 1.
Departure from accommodation at 9:30 am on the last day of the trip.
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A |
2023
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02/01
- 04/16
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3d / 2n
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3 day trip, AP - 1 Half ridi...
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4
/8
|
Reserve
|
B |
2023
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02/01
- 04/16
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4d / 3n
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4 day trip, AP - 2 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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C |
2023
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02/01
- 04/16
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP - 3 Half ridi...
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4
/8
|
Reserve
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D |
2023
|
02/01
- 04/16
|
6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 4 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
|
Reserve
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E |
2023
|
02/01
- 04/16
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP - 5 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
|
Reserve
|
F |
2023
|
02/01
- 04/16
|
8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP - 6 Half ridi...
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4
/8
|
Reserve
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F |
2023
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05/14
- 05/24
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP - 6 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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E |
2023
|
05/14
- 05/24
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP - 5 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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D |
2023
|
05/14
- 05/24
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 4 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
|
Reserve
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C |
2023
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05/14
- 05/24
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5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP - 3 Half ridi...
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4
/8
|
Reserve
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B |
2023
|
05/14
- 05/24
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4d / 3n
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4 day trip, AP - 2 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2023
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05/14
- 05/24
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3d / 2n
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3 day trip, AP - 1 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2023
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09/03
- 09/10
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3d / 2n
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3 day trip, AP - 1 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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B |
2023
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09/03
- 09/10
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4d / 3n
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4 day trip, AP - 2 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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C |
2023
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09/03
- 09/10
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP - 3 Half ridi...
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4
/8
|
Reserve
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D |
2023
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09/03
- 09/10
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 4 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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E |
2023
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09/03
- 09/10
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP - 5 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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F |
2023
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09/03
- 09/10
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP - 6 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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F |
2023
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10/01
- 10/06
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP - 6 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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E |
2023
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10/01
- 10/06
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP - 5 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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D |
2023
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10/01
- 10/06
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 4 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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C |
2023
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10/01
- 10/06
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP - 3 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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B |
2023
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10/01
- 10/06
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4d / 3n
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4 day trip, AP - 2 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2023
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10/01
- 10/06
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3d / 2n
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3 day trip, AP - 1 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2023
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10/29
- 11/05
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3d / 2n
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3 day trip, AP - 1 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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B |
2023
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10/29
- 11/05
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4d / 3n
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4 day trip, AP - 2 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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C |
2023
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10/29
- 11/05
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP - 3 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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D |
2023
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10/29
- 11/05
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 4 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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E |
2023
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10/29
- 11/05
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP - 5 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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F |
2023
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10/29
- 11/05
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP - 6 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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F |
2023
|
11/26
- 12/22
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP - 6 Half ridi...
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4
/8
|
Reserve
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E |
2023
|
11/26
- 12/22
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP - 5 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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D |
2023
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11/26
- 12/22
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP - 4 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
|
C |
2023
|
11/26
- 12/22
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP - 3 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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B |
2023
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11/26
- 12/22
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4d / 3n
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4 day trip, AP - 2 Half ridi...
|
4
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2023
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11/26
- 12/22
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3d / 2n
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3 day trip, AP - 1 Half ridi...
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4
/8
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Reserve
|
|
Please, inquire for custom dates!
Preferred start day on Sundays There is the possibility of expanding your stay before or after the program - inquire for price (to be paid locally)
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Rates do not include:
Private transfers, Extra drinks & Gratuities
Non-riders: Lunches
NOTE: Beach rides are not possible during the high season (July to September). However, we can always enjoy ocean views on our horse, and we can walk on the beach without the horses.
No riding on Sundays!
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
In the afternoon, arrival at our rural farmhouse. It is located in the heart of Baix Empordà, in the middle of nature. Before enjoying dinner, we will review the program of the week. We will talk about our horses and have the opportunity to talk one by one to find the perfect horse for each rider (this individual conversation can also take place on the next day in the morning). Then, you can relax and enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner!
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 2
It is time to meet our equine companion and to get acquainted with him or
her. Today our route takes us to the sea, we will have an active morning and
afternoon, with many trots and gallops.
We will start crossing cultivated fields, until we find the Ter river, the longest
river in Catalonia that starts in the Pyrenees, we will ride in the last section
until its mouth in the Mediterranean Sea, a very flat area, which will allow us
to enjoy good gallops until you reach the fine sandy beach, where just 2
kilometers inland, are the famous Medes Islands, 7 islands, one of the best
Marine Reserves in the Mediterranean.
From here we will return, passing through the Empordà Wetlands, a coastal
natural reserve of marshes and dunes, with areas for bird watching, it is an
important refuge for migratory birds especially in spring and autumn.
We will continue our route through the agricultural flat where we will stop to
eat and rest; Along the way, we will cross some of the imposing fortified
“Masías” farmhouses, typical houses of this area that served to defend its
inhabitants from pirate attacks in the late Middle Ages.
Once back at our accommodation, we can relax on the terrace with a drink.
Day 2: Pirates & Fortified Farmhouses
It is time to meet our equine companion and to get acquainted with them. Today, our route takes us to the sea. We will have an active morning and afternoon, with many trot and canter opportunities.
We will start by crossing cultivated fields, until we reach the Ter river, the longest river in Catalonia. We will follow it until we reach its mouth, by the Mediterranean Sea, a very flat area, which will allow us to enjoy good canters before arriving at the fine sandy beach. From there, you can spot the Medes Islands, one of the best Marine Reserves in the Mediterranean.
From here, we will return to the stables, passing through the Empordà Wetlands, a coastal natural reserve of marshes and dunes, well known for bird watching. It is an important refuge for migratory birds, especially in spring and autumn. We will continue our route through the agricultural flat where we will stop to eat and rest. Along the way, we will cross some of the imposing fortified “Masías”, typical farmhouses of the area, that served to defend its inhabitants from pirate attacks in the late Middle Ages.
Once back at our accommodation, we can relax on the terrace with a drink.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 3: Discover the Montgrí
Today we will discover the town of Torroella de Montgrí, a town of medieval origin, which currently maintains a balance between modernity and traditional rural life. The pace of today's route will be calm, allowing to enjoy the great scenery. Throughout the day, we will be guarded by the Montgrí Castle (12th century), seating 315m high at the top of the mountain, a unique castle, which is the identity symbol of the Montgrí territory.
We will continue our way entering the Montgrí Natural Park and the lower Ter River. The bare limestone that characterizes the massif contrasts with the Continental Dune forest, a dune-shaped forest up to 30 meters deep. We will ride under the shade of the Mediterranean pine forest. To get closer to the sea, we will take the central path of Montgrí and we wil get closer to the cliffs. From this point, at the eastern end of the natural park, we will have an exceptional view of the sea and the Medes Islands. We will take advantage of this idyllic point to replenish energy with a delicious meal. Then, we will take a break and take the opportunity to walk down to the intimate Cala Pedrosa, where we can take a bath.
After the break, we continue along trails surrounded by scrub and limestone. We will pass by small dry stone buildings that used to shelter shepherds and their flocks. Our route then goes down to the cultivation fields and the river. Along the way, we will identify some “masías” farmhouses with watchtowers, previously used as protection against Pirates.
Riding approx. 40 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 4: Medieval Villages
Today's goal is to discover places with history and a lot of charm. We start the day by passing through Fontanilles and Palau-Sator, two small towns of ancient Roman origin and medieval history from the 9th century. We will also visit the village of Peratallada and enjoy some trots and canters between fields and olive groves. Peratallada is one of the most important and best preserved village of medieval Catalan architecture, from the 8th to the 13th centuries. It has beautiful streets carved in stones and the city is totally walled. Here, time seems to have stopped. We will have the possibility to stop for a drink and walk through the streets.
Once back in the saddle, we will continue to Els Clots de Sant Juliá, a truly mysterious place. It is a very emblematic and mysterious ancient quarry that dates back to the pre-Romanesque period. This place is off the beaten path and is the perfect setting for our lunch break. On the way back home, we will make a stop in the village of Canapost, to see the very well preserved necropolis.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 5: L'Empordanet
After a complete breakfast, it is time to prepare our horses and go out to explore the so-called "Empordanet". This is the name that the locals give to the area of small villages in the interior of the Costa Brava. Today, we will enjoy long trots and canters, with an active morning and a more relaxed afternoon. We will ride through flat agricultural areas and forests, giving us a great feeling of freedom.
We will stop somewhere in the countryside to enjoy our lunch.
We will eventually reach Monells, a small town very well preserved, with a lot of charm, well preserved castle walls and a spectacular square. We will have time to stroll through the quiet cobbled streets.
Them, we get back in the saddle and pass by the Castell d’Empordà, a small nucleus where an impressive 13th century castle-palace is preserved (today converted into a luxurious hotel).
On our way back home, we will find the pearl of the region: the Iberian ruins of Ullastret, the most important and biggest ruins in all of Catalonia (from the 6th century B.C.). The Iberian civilization remains a mystery since no writings are preserved.
Riding approx. 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 6: River & Beach Ride
Today the route takes us to the beach. This is a very long ride, so we will start early. We will have an active morning enjoying long canters, followed by a more relaxed afternoon.
We will ride along the entire bank of the River Ter until we reach the sea at a place called "La Gola del Ter", a beautiful beach of fine sand. The combination of fresh and salt water and the small marshes and wetlands offer a very rich environment for fauna and flora. We will have time to enjoy and feel this privileged natural setting. From there, our route continues along agricultural pathways to Les Bases d'en Coll, a protected area formed by the mouth of another smaller river, the Daró River, with wetlands creating rice paddies that make up an area of great natural interest.
We will make a stop to eat and rest, before continuing our way through pine forests. We will then go inland, leaving the coast and changing landscape, passing through the foot of the Quermany mountain, until we reach the impressive village of Pals, This is one of the jewels of the area. Located on top of a hill, it was built around to a fortress and has managed to preserve its splendid medieval spirit.
On our way back, we ride through orchards and we might stop in some apple fields where the Mooma cider house is located (we can taste a cider or apple juice). Shortly after we will arrive at our accommodation, where we can rest until dinner time served by our hosts.
This route can also be reversed.
Riding approx. 26 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 7: River Ter
On today's ride, we will discover the area on the left and right banks of the Ter River along agricultural roads. The landscape is dotted by small towns, such as Gualta and its medieval bridge from the XVI-XVII century, and Torroella de Montgrí, where we will cross the river, by one of the few bridges in the region.
We will then head west, towards Canet de la Tallada, where we will find a republican anti-aircraft bunker from the Spanish civil war. A little further, along the river, we will find Canet Island, a lock where the water accumulates. It has become a protected reserve for wildlife, especially seabirds.
We will continue until we reach the village of Verges, famous for the Catalan singer-songwriter Lluis Llach and for the procession of "The Dance of Death" for Easter Week. From here, we will ride a wide path to Colomers, a small town surrounded by forest. At this point, we will stop for lunch under the shade of the poplars. Another bridge will allow us to cross the river again; gifting us with one of the best
view of the Ter.
On the other side of the river, we will continue discovering small charming villages such as Sant Romá de Sidilla, an abandoned medieval village where there are remains of a Church and some houses. We will also come across Sant Iscle d'Empordá, a great example of how the inhabitants of past times built the settlements in high areas to avoid flooding caused by the Ter river.
Once back at the farmhouse, we enjoy a farewell dinner with local products.
Riding approx. 39 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 8: Departure day
Breakfast and departure.... We hope to see you soon again! (Or why not continue with another week trail in the mountains?)
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Llabià
Airport:
Girona
Train station:
Girona
Transfer:
Girona train station
Distance:
45 km / 28 miles
Pick-up/ drop-off is included from Girona train station at set times.
Pick-up from Girona train station at 7:30pm on Day 1.
Departure from accommodation at 9:30 am on the last day of the trip.
Tack:
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|
English with saddlebags.
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Horses:
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Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds.
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Pace:
|
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Pace adapted to the riders.
5-6 hours per day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
Age:
|
|
Min
9
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
48
|
|
|
Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
|
Riding Experience
You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain. All the rides are aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also fairly fit and riding regularly.
Participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle. There are also places on the rides where you will need to dismount and lead your horse - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day.
Riders are expected to tack up their own horses. Our guides will show you how if you are unfamiliar and will double check that tack is properly placed every day before you ride.
Horses
We currently have 21 horses, mainly Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds. They are all kept together as a herd so they have developed a close bond. All our horses live together in semi-freedom, in an area of more than 60,000 m2, featuring different environments (holm oak forest and fields with forage).
They are well-trained and cared for. We work with them daily by techniques of natural dressage and Parelli to improve horse-rider communication and thus ensure a good development of the trail.
The horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water. A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders.
Pace
We spend on average 4-6 hours on horseback per day. The pace is moderate with plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop.
Weight Limit
Max 90 kg (~200lbs). We reserve the right to exceptionally check on riders weigh. Riders far over this weigh will not be able to ride. Experienced riders over this weight might be able to ride (please inquire).
Guides
We have 4 guides (1 per every 8 riders) who have the necessary qualifications and experience guiding groups and horses. Guides are first aid trained and always carry a first aid kit with them. Our guides are all fluent in English. If you are interested in another language, do not hesitate to ask. We may have a German or French speaking guide available.
Guides always carry a mobile phone while riding and coverage is available throughout the route.
Note: A travel insurance is required to take part in this trip!
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
Girona area
Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
57
|
59
|
63
|
67
|
73
|
81
|
87
|
87
|
80
|
72
|
63
|
58
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
35
|
36
|
40
|
44
|
51
|
59
|
63
|
64
|
58
|
51
|
42
|
37
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
14
|
15
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
27
|
30
|
30
|
27
|
22
|
17
|
14
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
2
|
2
|
5
|
7
|
11
|
15
|
17
|
18
|
15
|
11
|
6
|
3
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain)
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
5
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
The overall climate of Catalonia is similar to Southern California. It enjoys a balmy, year-round climate; not too steamy in summer and with a few cold days in winter. July and August are the warmest months and December, January and February are the coldest months.
*Send us a copy your travel insurance policy - with your reservation (or shortly after). All non-insured riders will not be allowed on the trail -- bring along a copy as well
- Helmets are mandatory and available to borrow but we highly recommend bringing your own if possible; there is no guarantee otherwise for your fit and comfort!
- We recommend wearing jodhpurs, as these protect your legs from soreness of jean seams, and you will find a light-weight, cotton pair the most comfortable during the summer months. You may want to bring two pairs.
- Your riding boots should have a sole with a safe tread and be comfortable for walking, as you are certain to lead your horse on some occasions. Paddock boots and half-chaps are the most flexible combination for comfort and leg protection than tall riding boots.
- A long-sleeved shirt for protection against the sun and against scratches when riding through undergrowth.
- A light cotton scarf can help to avoid breathing in too much dust in dry areas.
- Bring sunglasses, also to protect your eyes from dust.
- We strongly recommend bringing a water-bottle which can be refilled en-route; these can be carried in the saddle-bags provided.
- Rain gear suitable for riding should be carried along, particularly during the months from November through April. It is essential that you bring good wet weather gear. Although it rains very little, when it does it is normally a heavy downpour, consequently a jacket or cape and waterproof trousers are a good idea.
- Good sun protection - gloves, sunscreen, and hat with a chin strap, sunglasses with straps!
- A swimsuit, towel, shorts, and a windbreaker should also be taken.
- A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.
- Attire on the ride daytime and evening, is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring dressier evening clothing.
- Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available - bring plenty. And make sure you have plentiful batteries.
- It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all the hotels supply it.
Don’t forget your Passport!
This list is only a guideline for you |
|
Travel documents and Voucher |
Flight tickets |
Passport |
Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
RIDING GEAR |
Normal riding gear, no rubber boots, please |
Light pants without any strong seams |
Ankle-high solid shoes with flat heels |
Long sleeved cotton shirts (sun protection) |
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
Light gloves, if wanted |
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
|
PERSONAL CLOTHING |
Lightweight jacket or vest |
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 the emergency) |
Sewing kit |
Handkerchiefs |
Adapter for electric appliances |
Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
Sun glasses with strap |
Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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*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
During the stationary ride, all nights are spent at the same location: a beautiful farmhouse near Llabià.
Description
Our property is a corner of peace in the heart of the Empordà, on the Costa Brava. From here discover its medieval villages between fields of sunflowers and the beautiful beaches and coves of crystalline waters only 9 kilometers away. Our property is a set of two farmhouses (dating back to the 18th century) with a lot of family history - over 6 generations cultivating the land.
Enjoy your time on the terrace, in one of the two swimming pools, at the gym, or visiting our beloved farm. You will always have free WiFi, tourist information in the area, and most importantly, a friendly and close service. There is full cell overage along the routes. Laundry is available for an additional cost.
Each of the 5 rooms are decorated in rural and charming style with a private bathroom with bathtub and hair dryer, TV, air conditioning, heating, and comfortable beds. Extra beds are possible for children with an extra charge. Rooms are cleaned daily. The rooms have common spaces with books and magazines.
We also have apartments that can accommodate up to 4 people. On the ground floor you will find the well-equipped kitchen-dining room with a hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, coffee maker and all the necessary storage. Living room with TV, sofa, wood stove, plus the entire apartment has heating and air conditioning. On the top floor a practical bathroom with shower and hair dryer, two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two single beds, ideal for traveling with children. At the back and with a view to the field there is a private terrace with barbecue, table and chairs.
Room Occupancy
We only charge a single supplement fee for solo riders who wish to have their own private room.
Meals
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day are included.
Breakfast is enjoyed at the farm.
For lunch, we will usually eat at a local restaurant. During our ride in the Montgri mountains, we will enjoy a beautiful picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
As for dinners, they will be at the farmhouse and always include a Catalan or Spanish home-made food including water and wine, with ecological products, celebrating our farmers and their dedicated work.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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English with saddlebags.
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Horses:
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Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds.
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Pace:
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Pace adapted to the riders.
5-6 hours per day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
Age:
|
|
Min
9
|
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Weight:
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|
Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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|
Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
48
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Riding Experience
You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain. All the rides are aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also fairly fit and riding regularly.
Participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle. There are also places on the rides where you will need to dismount and lead your horse - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day.
Riders are expected to tack up their own horses. Our guides will show you how if you are unfamiliar and will double check that tack is properly placed every day before you ride.
Horses
We currently have 21 horses, mainly Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds. They are all kept together as a herd so they have developed a close bond. All our horses live together in semi-freedom, in an area of more than 60,000 m2, featuring different environments (holm oak forest and fields with forage).
They are well-trained and cared for. We work with them daily by techniques of natural dressage and Parelli to improve horse-rider communication and thus ensure a good development of the trail.
The horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water. A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders.
Pace
We spend on average 4-6 hours on horseback per day. The pace is moderate with plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop.
Weight Limit
Max 90 kg (~200lbs). We reserve the right to exceptionally check on riders weigh. Riders far over this weigh will not be able to ride. Experienced riders over this weight might be able to ride (please inquire).
Guides
We have 4 guides (1 per every 8 riders) who have the necessary qualifications and experience guiding groups and horses. Guides are first aid trained and always carry a first aid kit with them. Our guides are all fluent in English. If you are interested in another language, do not hesitate to ask. We may have a German or French speaking guide available.
Guides always carry a mobile phone while riding and coverage is available throughout the route.
Note: A travel insurance is required to take part in this trip!
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.
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Ampurdan and Costa Brava Discovery Ride
Tour Code:
IT-SPCA07
8 days /
7 nights
~$0.00
Dates :
Feb-May & Sep-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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