Lot Valley, France
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Mixture of breeds and types - Thoroughbreds, Lusitano x, Anglo, Spanish, Paint, Trotter, Merens and other French regional types.
Nature of horses:
Strong and sure-footed, loyal.
Number of horses:
22 including 1 stallion & 2 foals - 19 horses to choose from.
Height of horses:
Up to 16.2 HH
Weight limit:
100 kg.
Tack type:
English tack which is maintained to a high standard
Pricing
Holidays are all inclusive - accommodation, all food, all drink (including soft drinks, beers & wines) and all riding. Should the group ride to a restaurant for lunch, the cost will be covered. As a reduction for non-riders is offered, the cost of entry fees to visitor attractions etc is not included.
Adults £115.00 per night.
Children £95.00 per night.
Non-riding partners and guests £90.00 per night.
Transfers from Toulouse or Rodez airport are available. Toulouse is £100.00 return up to a party of four. Rodez is £25 return for a party of up to four.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Take the opportunity to relax and unwind in the charming environment of Asprieres, a small village in the Aveyron. Not only the perfect setting for a chance to unwind but a time to experience the fun and excitement of riding in such a beautiful setting.
The countryside here allows the rider to trek through beautiful and unspoilt woodlands, with an abundance of fascinating wildlife, to follow the rivers and gorges down into the valleys and to canter over rolling landscapes. There are enchanting villages to be explored and much to be experienced here. The local wildlife, often seen, includes deer, wild boar, red squirrel, hares, buzzards and kites.
The hosts, Derek and Anne, are English but have lived in France for many years. Their knowledge of the area allows them to provide a wonderful experience for both riders and non-riders alike and they can provide excellent communication in both English and French. Derek is a farrier and has vast experience with horses - his family are known on the show-jumping and horse-ball circuit in the South of France.
The horses here live an enjoyable and natural life. They live out all year round on good, sheltered grazing and all have hard feed and as much hay as they need. They are let loose in temporarily taped off areas during lunchtime stops so that they may enjoy a well earned rest. All horses are inspected annually by the Jeunesse des Sport for their health and suitability.
This holiday is comfortable and enjoyable with the hosts adding a real personal touch to everything. Food and drinks are included and to the highest standards and both riders and non-riders are catered for wonderfully. Time spent riding is lead by the desires of the guests and they are welcome to ride for the whole day which is usually about five hours all in all. Those who wish to ride less are welcome and ride lengths can be tailored to suit the individual members of parties, though all try to meet for the enjoyable lunchtime picnics. The horses are handpicked by Derek for their abilities and character so that all riders may enjoy the comfort of a well trained and good spirited companion.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Two gîtes are available here - the first of these features a communal kitchen and dining area, a twin bedroom with shower room, a double bedroom with shower room and another twin room leading from it. There are a total of six bed-spaces here. The second gîte again has a communal kitchen and dining area (which is used to cook and serve meals to guests), a double room with shower room and a twin room, also with it's own shower room. This provides a total of four bed-spaces in the second gîte.
The accommodation here is light and airy to match the renowned calming ambience of Asprieres. All towels and bed linen are provided and the gîtes are cleaned daily. There is a beautiful pool surrounded by a tiled terrance with sun loungers and patio furniture. There is also an outdoor shower, toilet, utility area and barbecue.
All food and drink is provided and being that food is a big part of the French way of life, nothing is different here. All tastes and requirements are catered for, including vegetarian and vegan diets, to the best standard. Breakfast is delivered to the gîte so it maybe enjoyed in your own time, either around the big family table in the kitchen or out on the terrace.
Lunch is taken at a leisurely pace to allow time for a rest and some relaxation for both you and your horse before the afternoon ride. It may be served on the terrace or, should you be out riding at lunchtime, it is provided 'en route' in the style of a delicious picnic featuring local foods and wines. The horses also enjoy their own picnic as the sites are chosen so that they may be temporarily fenced off - this allows the horses to have a roll and be fed and watered at their own leisure. Lunch is delivered to the sites by a 4x4 and trailer and chairs, a table and cloth etc are all brought along. Should the group ride to a restaurant for lunch to enjoy a change, the cost will be covered.
When you return from your day of riding, you are provided with cold drinks and snacks. In the evening, a sumptuous four course dinner with wine is served to bring your day to the perfect end.
Activities
For the non-riders or those who want a break from the saddle, there are several available activities. These include mountain biking, fishing, golf, walking and visits to the beautiful surrounding villages. The pool allows for a gentle swim and those interested may also enjoy watching the variety of local wildlife such as deer, wild boar, red squirrel, hares, buzzards and kites.
Further Details
Languages: English, French.
Health requirements: General good health and fitness.
Age limit: None.
Tuition: No
Included: Accommodation, all food and drink (inc. soft drinks, wines and beers) and all riding.
Not included: Entry fees to visitor attractions etc for non-riders.
Travel Information
Frequent flights available to both Rodez and Toulouse. The hosts can meet you at the airport or you are welcome to hire your own vehicle should you prefer (off-road parking is available).
Airport: Rodez
Alternative Airport: Toulouse
Programme
Tailor Made Programme
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The time spent riding here can be catered to suit the guests but a typical day is as follows: The group may ride for between two or three hours in the morning, exploring the stunning Aveyronese countryside and wandering through the forests and perhaps down into the river valley. There are opportunities for the more adventurous to have a canter along the paths or open fields before it is time for the gourmet picnic lunch, consisting of home cooked food using fresh local produce and regional wines. When the horses and riders are feeling rested and refreshed, the ride continues with enthusiasm on into the afternoon. You will enjoy seeing a lot of the countryside and local culture on horseback but should you prefer sightseeing, visiting local places of interest or just a change one day, this is offered as well. Please Note: They now offer instruction with a qualified English instructor by prior arrangement. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | All abilities are provided for. |
| Type of ride: | Trail. |
| Total riding time: | Up to 5 hours per day. |
| Departure dates: | Dates to suit. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |