Horseback Riding in Europe
Revival of Horseback Travel -The concept of the equestrian riding tour has had a glorious revival in Europe
since the end of World War II. Unlike the United States, countries such as
France, Ireland and England have kept open many rights-of-way for riders which
offer opportunities to ride for weeks away from traffic in beautiful areas of
great historic interest. In this part of the world it was only a few decades
before the war that people traveled on horseback from inn to inn and town to
town. In France many inns and restaurants are still called relais (relays) where
travelers could find food, lodging, a place to keep their horses and often fresh
mounts. Since one of the main attractions of a European visit is to see and feel
the rich history, it is entirely appropriate to travel and discover these
wonderful treasures on horseback as people did when these castles, walled towns
and cathedrals were being created.
Horses Break the Ice - Another advantage of visiting Europe on horseback is that horses greatly
facilitate local contact. People who ride up on a horse are considered special
and somehow more trustworthy than those who arrive in droves by bus. Riders
destroy the image many foreigners hold of ugly Americans driving up in big cars
and talking very loud in Basic English to make themselves understood. Horses
help break the international ice and there is always a common bond between horse
lovers around the world. On horseback one has the time to travel in depth
without rushing from place to place by car and airplane. The cultural value of a
trip is not determined by the number of attractions listed in the guide book one
manages to see by racing around.
Careful Planning - Horseback riding in Ireland, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal are usually
organized so that on moving days riders can go from inn to inn or castle to
castle each day and have their baggage transferred and waiting at the next
night’s stop. It enables guests to move out at all paces during the day
unencumbered by baggage. A delicious picnic lunch is usually served at midday
along the route and both riders and horses can take a rest before heading out
for the afternoon. Usually stops are made along the way to visit old castles,
walled towns and other points of interest. Groups are kept small and seldom have
more than a dozen riders. Standards for Ride Leaders - The rides are
well organized in much of Europe and ride leaders must take courses, pass
examinations and serve apprenticeships. This is in contrast to America where
ride leaders are often not well trained for the job and national standards are
lacking. Some American
dude ranches, for instance, have well qualified wranglers, but at other
places they have little training for the job
More information on the 41 rides in Europe, including prices, dates and itineraries:
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