Turkey

Riding: 4-6 hours a day.

Horses: Arab cross.

Pace: moderate; slow in places due to rugged, hilly terrain but chances to canter most days

Riding ability: confident novice to experienced riders.

Weight limit: about 100kg (15 st 4lbs) but please contact us to discuss if you are 90kgs (14st 2lbs) or over

Accommodation: different options - comfortable guesthouses / simple 2∆ camps / 3* hotels, boutique hotels.

Group size: max 8 (max 10 on camping rides).

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The horses used for these rides are mixed breeds, locally bred, mainly Arab and Arab crosses. They are generally between 14.2 and 15.2hh, are forward going but also adaptable and well suited to the terrain. Maclellan saddles are used, similar to a western style saddle and comfortable for long hours, and these are fitted with cruppers and breastplates. Saddle bags are provided on each saddle. The horses are all ridden in hackamores and are used to light contact. There is a weight limit on the rides of 100kg / 15st 4lbs.

Hours: There is usually between 4 and 6 hours riding a day with breaks for rests and lunch. On one day you ride only in the morning with the afternoon free to visit the fascinating towns of Goreme and Urchisar.

Pace and experience required: The rides are at a slow to moderate pace overall due to the terrain but there are some lovely canters along valley floors between towering rock formations, and along paths between wheat fields - so you need to be an intermediate rider or above. There are some quite steep mountain tracks, which dictates a slow pace, and there is also a bit of road work through towns and villages.

Accommodation is either in local guesthouse or simple camps (with some nights in guesthouses). On the Ottoman Ride nights are in more 'boutique' style guesthouses, one a former Greek-Ottoman mansion, the other a Troglodytic villa. On the Pasha Rides more luxurious boutique hotels are used. Guesthouses are carefully chosen for their character, some are very traditional family run Turkish guesthouses. Rooms usually have private bathrooms and ride rates are based on twin / double occupancy. If you want a single room then these can be arranged subject to availability for a small supplement. Camping accommodation is simple - 2 man 'teepee' sleeping tents with a waterproof groundsheets, rugs and 2" thick mattresses are supplied. You are expected to put up / take down your tent. There is a central 'mess' tent which is again in traditional nomadic style with kilims and rugs on the floor and low Turkish 'chai' tables. A 'shower' tent, is set up for the group. Loos are open air!

The meeting point for the rides is Kayseri airport. You need to fly to Istanbul, and then take an internal flight to Kayseri. Connections do not always work well and we recommend a night or two in Istanbul before the ride. For flights from London budget around £400 to £500 economy return (varies with season and availability).