Sample Itinerary
Day One
Fly into Tours and discover the magnificent Loire valley on horseback! The Loire is famous for it's breath taking castles, fine wines, vineyards and beautiful scenery. It is here where you'll find our superb riding centre where we offer lessons and hacks out for all levels of rider - adults and children from the age of 5. You have a choice of accommodation, a renovated farmhouse B&B 6km from the stables or a self catering Gite 1.5km from the stables.
Day Two
After a good breakfast, you will begin your day with a private riding followed by a 2hr hack out. Our knowledgeable guide and rider will take you along off road tracks and through the apple orchards that introduce you to this region.
On this horse riding holiday you will be enjoying great riding through the Loire and surrounding areas amongst numerous species of wildlife. This riding holiday is suitable for beginners to intermediate or experienced riders who want to enjoy a cultural and unique horse riding experience.
Day Three
After breakfast this morning you will have the chance to enjoy more riding through the Loire Valley. You will be taken on a two hour hack where you will ride into the national park of Loire Anjou Touraine, in heart of the Loire Valley.
Day Four
Today you will have your second private lesson. The stables have a great variety of horses suitable for all ages, experiences and size, so finding your perfect match won't be a problem for us. Please note the riding programme is totally flexible and if you want more lessons or longer hacks out just ask, we can write something tailor made just for you.
For experienced riders we can offer a full day riding along side rivers and forests, apple orchards and vineyards. We can offer a picnic lunch near the pakc of "Chateau de Villandry", a beautiful castle famous for his French gardens. After lunch visit the gardens, alone or with your guide. During the afternoon you will continue with your horse through the Loire Valley and back to the stables. There is a supplement for this ride.
Day Five
Today you are free to explore the local area. You might want to take a trip into Saumur. Transfers to and from Langeais train station can be arranged free of charge and it's from here where you'll get the direct train to Saumur. The historic town of Saumur is located between the Loire and Thouet rivers. This stunning landscape is surrounded by the vineyards of Saumur itself, Chinon, Bourgueil, Coteaux du Layon are to name just a few which produce some of France's finest wines. Such was the success of this wine production and appreciation over the decades, that wealth poured from all over France and the elegant Chateau de Saumur changed hands between kings on many occasions.
For non-riders Saumur is just a 40 minute train journey/drive away and offers a host of alternative activities; a boat ride along the River Loire, cycling, visiting wineries for tastings, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, hot air balloon rides, golfing or you can tour the other exquisite castles of the area. The choice is yours!
Day Six
Today you will have a 2hr hack out through the Loire Valley, following a different route.
Day Seven
Today is your final day of riding in the Loire Valley and you will be experiencing a longer three hour hack out which will take you into the heart of this magnificent countryside. You will ride through the forests and vineyards capturing the very essence that has made this region so popular with visitors.
Day Eight
After a wonderful trip, you will no doubt be ready to head home, but the memories of the beautiful Loire will stay with you forever. Bon voyage!
Prices:
7 nights self catering in 4 person gite accommodation plus riding of 9 hours, 2 lessons and hacking from £575pp (based on 4)
7 nights B&B accommodation in a shared double room plus riding of 9 hours, 2 lessons and hacking from £795pp
Transfers:
Transfers to and from Tours airport can be arranged and paid for directly.
Transfers to Langeais train station can be arranged and paid for directly. From here you can get the train to Saumur.
Transfers to and from Tours or St Pierre des Corps train station can be arranged and paid for directly.
Your Instructor:
The instructor that we use is trained by the Cadre Noir of Saumur and she is a qualified teacher. All lessons given at the riding school will be tailor made to suit the experience of the individual. Whatever level of skills you are you will benefit from the wide knowledge on offer. Whether its to improve your basic work method to school your horse, or to learn high school movements - your lessons will be tailored to your specific requirements.
Extra Information:
The local town is 4km from the B&B, stables and Gite. You need to get a taxi into town for evening meals. The cost is approximately €10.
This riding programme is completely flexible and we will tailor the riding itinerary to suit each individuals riding level. For complete beginners or nervous riders we can replace any of the hacks with lessons. For those travelling with small children their first riding session/lesson will consist of a 15 minute 'getting to know your pony' session - brushing and helping to tack up. This will be followed by a 45 minute lesson. If hacking is not suitable for your child they will have lessons instead.
The stables are closed on a Monday.
The Cadre Noir:
You can't visit this region without taking a trip to the world renowned Cadre Noir (the National Riding School) which is prided for the quality and high standards of the horses. This prestigious academy has been passing on knowledge through its elite masters of riding for centuries, and it is this that you will be able to experience first hand. The Cadre Noir, currently numbering around forty three expert men and women, are the tutors who have dedicated their careers to horses, and mastering the art of riding, and their skill is world renowned.
The Cadre Noir is open all year round to the public and here you will witness the trainers riding and working with these marvellous horses. Their vast knowledge and carefully refined skills are world class. Afterwards you will have a guided tour of the excellent facilities which have long provided an integral base to these equestrian connoisseurs. This tour will also delve into the rich history belonging to both the Cadre Noir and their headquarters. The Cadre Noir also perform a spectacular show several times a month; these demonstrations include the famous aerial jumps, piaffe, passage and pirouettes. If you are lucky enough to be staying over this period then we can arrange for you to see this performance.
If you would prefer a short stay in the Loire Valley please click here.
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We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality horse riding holiday for you.
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.