Rates Note:

Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary (subject to changes)

Day 1: Riders arrive after 5pm at the riding center, settle in, meet the horses and get to know one another over dinner. 
 
Day 2: Riders are matched to their horses and get to put them through their paces on a local ride of about 12 miles around the valley, over a variety of terrain including some open mountain riding in the afternoon. We stop for lunch in a local pub, and afterwards head up onto the mountain where the hill-riding really begins, and we earn spectacular view of Llangorse lake and the Brecon Beacons.  We had back to the farm for dinner, a visit to the local pub, or perhaps an early night!

Day 3:  We set off in the direction of the coast; 8 miles of rolling farming countryside is followed by 12 miles of fast, open moors – without doubt, a horseman's paradise. We stop at two inns along the way for refreshments before arriving at the comfortable 16th century Caer Beris Manor Country Hotel in Builth Wells on the River Wye for the night. 
 
Day 4: Staying west of the river Wye, we stop for lunch at a 13th Century inn, the oldest inn in Powys. The night is spent in a comfortable hotel in Rhayader, where one can normally do some souvenir hunting!

Day 5: Today we cross the 'Lakeland of Wales', a fast ride following the scenic Elan Valley for 15 miles, with a picnic lunch, and a final 5 miles through a pine forest. We stop at the friendly Blue Bell Inn for the night, where we can relax with a drink, hot bath and a good dinner.
 
Day 6:  Marathon day! 26 miles to the sea but first there is a mountain to cross with no trail to follow!  Luckily your guide has been riding this route for over 20 years and knows his way!  After a refreshing paddle in the waves and a gallop on the firm sand, you and the horses will be glad of the 90 miles lift home, stopping en-route for dinner at the Blue Bell Inn.

Day 7: Bid farewell to your horse and fellow riders.  Guests leave after breakfast.
 
The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.

A note about skill level:  This is a rigorous trail suitable only for fit and experienced adult riders, and includes long periods of strenuous trotting and cantering. On occasions, riders must be prepared to dismount and lead their horses up steep hill paths. Please enquire for further details if you are unsure whether this ride is suitable for you! 

--------------------------

Optional: weekend extension
Includes accommodations for 2 more nights and riding on Friday and Saturday, with departure on Sunday after breakfast.

Talgarth area

Seasons
Wales has a moderate climate, very similar to the rest of the UK, but it can also be slightly unpredictable!
The mountainous nature of our landscape and the shape of our coast mean that the weather can differ quite dramatically within a very short distance. Weather also changes quite quickly here- it could be raining in the morning and gloriously sunny by the afternoon.

Most of our rain tends to fall in the autumn and early winter months (October – January) so be sure to bring a raincoat. Our days in winter are shorter and we tend to experience snow, which provides us with some spectacular scenery.

Although it’s not all rain and clouds in Wales - the summer months of June to August are the hottest here and a great time to take advantage of some of our beautiful outdoor sports and activities. April, May and September also offer some warm days to explore our landscape. Our long summer days also help as it often doesn’t get dark until 10pm/22:00 in midsummer thanks to our northerly latitude.

The temperature in winter months averages around 6°C with summer months climbing up to 24°C. However, conditions in the upland areas can be changeable throughout the entire year.

The starting point is a lovely farmhouse that dates back to the 17^th century. Rooms are partially equipped with private washrooms, some have to share. Dining room with open fire place.

Meals at the base are Welsh, Bavarian and East African (where our host spent some time) cuisine. They have a superb reputation for some of the finest food to be found anywhere on a horse riding holiday in the UK.   Please notify us when booking if you are Vegetarian or Allergic to any food.  Meals along the way are abit more basic, but tasty.
Along the trail you will be accommodated in small country inns or farmhouses.  The lodgings are basic, but comfortable.

Single riders:  There is no single supplement if you are willing to share. If you prefer a room to yourself, a Single room can be requested and if available, a single supplement applies.

** Drinks are not included in the tour package!

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Endurance saddles with saddle bags
Horses:		Welsh Cobs
Pace:		5-7 hours moderate with canters, some steep trails | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate+
Age:		Min 13
Weight:		Max 180
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 12 riders

Horses: There is a herd of about 65 Welsh cobs and crosses, the majority of which have been bred here on the farm. Horses are selected for temperament and character. Size ranges from 14 to 16 hands. We breed and break our own replacement stock, and every year several youngsters join the riding stock. The horses are very reliable, friendly and sure-footed, guaranteed to give you an excellent ride.

Tack: Saddles are the very comfortable endurance type.

RIDING HELMETS ARE MANDATORY!

Skill level required: this is a rigorous trail suitable only for fit and experienced adult riders, and includes long periods of strenuous trotting and cantering. On occasions, riders must be prepared to dismount and lead their horses up steep hill paths.
All riders are encourage to build a relationship with their horse, and you get to catch, groom and tack up at the beginning of the day. The horses are beautiful, fine and fit Welsh Cobs who will surprise you with their sureness of foot and superb balance out on the trails. Compact, intelligent and strong, they are ideally suited to the hills and mountains that surround us.

Your hosts:
Paul practically grew up on a horse, was leading rides from an early age, and took the business over from his dad, Michael, several years ago. He takes the majority of the rides throughout the summer on his darling, Blondie. Paul lives year round for the Team Chasing season, and is always on the lookout for a speedy Thoroughbred. When not trail riding you may find him breaking in young-stock, driving tractors, fixing fences or cleaning numnahs
Emily was a television producer in London before she met Paul, fell in love and moved to Wales. She is now kept busy looking after their two kids Nye and Nesta, and helping out at the farm in the office and around the house. Oh, and she met Paul while there on a weekend's riding break back in April 2007... So horses and love can co-exist!

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
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. 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
(a) A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (b) Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to six months.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements