Holidays on horseback

Celtic roots in Wales

Get a real taste of Wales riding through the beautiful, unspoilt countryside of Carmarthenshire. Experienced riders can enjoy day rides ranging from hacks along narrow country lanes, the hedgerows teeming with wild flowers, or more dramatic trips to the Brechfa Forest, the oldest and largest forest in Wales, or multi-day rides to Brechfa, Mynydd Mallean, the Black Mountain, the Brecon Beacons, or the beaches at Pembrey or Pendine. Sometimes horse boxes are used to get to a far away but unmissable destination. Rides are restricted to three guests, making the whole thing quite an intimate experience. Horses are all well-schooled Thoroughbred or Welsh Cob crosses.

Esgair Fach
Tel: 01558 685617

Coastal paradise in Portugal

Don't worry about bumping into hordes of English tourists. These trail rides work their way along the coastal Alentejo province, north of the Algarve, which forms part of the largest nature reserve in Portugal and is, amazingly, protected from the tourist development. Very few people live here, and the routes are picked from hundreds of miles of sandy trails that connect the villages. Expect the landscape to vary dramatically over short distances - long, deserted beaches which back on to sand dunes, and a coastal plain interrupted by headlands, cliffs and dramatic coves. The inland plain has oak, pine and eucalyptus forests set on rolling hills with lush green valleys fed by spring water, which makes for some impressive jungle-like vegetation. The Lusitano horses you will be riding are named after the Roman name for Portugal. This ancient breed is from the area, and is thought to be one of the first horses ever ridden. They make sure-footed and nice-natured mounts.

www.cdaportugal.com

The Italian stallion in Tuscany

Not the obvious destination for the horse-mad traveller, Tuscany is nonetheless well worth considering for your equine adventure. Canter amidst the hot springs and sulphur vapours that gush out of the ground of the Cecina valley, or along small alleys of medieval villages or through meadows with layers of gorgeous, earthy Tuscan colours. Choose between half-day or full-day rides - six day trails are for destinations further afield. Your base will be the Rifugio Prategiano. As for your trusty steeds, surviving the earlier wilderness conditions of the Maremma means that they have evolved into a strong, warm-blooded race and ideal trail horses; sure-footed, with a quiet, strong character. Perfect to act as your guide as you sample la dolce vita on horseback.

www.hotel-toscana-tuscany.com