Jordan

Riding: 4-6 hours a day.

Horses: pure Arab, Arab cross.

Pace: moderate.

Riding ability: confident intermediate to experienced riders.

Weight limit: 85kg (13st 5lbs).

Accommodation: 3* hotels, 3∆ camping (or upgrades to 5* hotels & 5∆ camps)

Group size: max 10

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The horses are mostly pure Arabs originating from Jordan, Iraq and Syria, with some Arab crosses. The majority are mares and all live outside in the desert year round so they are tough and strong. They average about 15hh to 15.2hh and are generally fairly narrow in build. They are responsive to ride with quite a lively, spirited temperament, though they are also very sensitive and sensible making them easy to handle. They are extremely well cared for and are looked after to european standards. Tack is good quality English style (leather and Wintec type saddles) with saddle blankets that have pockets for personal belongings, cameras etc. Riders are expected to groom and tack up their own horse. Rides are normally limited to a maximum of 10 guests.

Hours: There is usually between 4 and 6 hours riding a day, moving from camp to camp, although this may vary with the itinerary, weather and time of year.

Pace and experience required: These rides are for reasonably experienced riders who are secure, comfortable and able to control a fairly spirited horse at all paces in open country. The horses used on these rides are well mannered and sensible to handle but they are generally of quite a lively, spirited temperament, so are suitable for capable, experienced riders, who are relaxed and confident. Most rides include at least a few days riding in the Wadi Rum where the going is good and open and where there are places for long canters. On some rides, there are days in the more mountainous regions where the going means the pace has to be slow. Overall the pace is moderate but it varies and can be fairly slow depending on the terrain and also the weather, itinerary and overall ability of the group ability.

Accommodation on the standard rides is in a combination of hotels and camps. Hotels are used when staying in Amman and Wadi Mousa (Petra) and simple camps are used when riding. Hotels are 3* with twin / double rooms with private bathroom - but you can upgrade for instance to the wonderfully opulent Kempinski 5* Hotel - see below. Camping accommodation is quite basic. Camps are either semi-permanent, set up around a large central tent in the Bedouin style, or mobile, temporary camps set up as you go along by the back up team which includes a cook. Small two man dome tents are used for sleeping (individual tents are provided for those travelling alone), with comfortable 3'' foam pads / mattresses provided. Sleeping bags are required and you are expected to put up your own tent (very easy!) and carry your own luggage. A small wash tent is usually set up and some water may be heated on the fire for washing - though limited amounts. There is also usually a chemical loo. 

The Hashemite Kingdom rides use 5* hotels and 5∆ camps. 5∆ camps have big walk in tents, have showers and loos and have extra staff on hand to set up camp, groom horses etc.

The meeting point for the rides is Amman. British Midlands and Royal Jordanian have daily direct flights to Amman from Heathrow. For flights from London budget around £500 economy return (varies with the season and availability). Easy Jet fly from Gatwick to Amman 3 times a week and are usually a little cheaper.