Greece

Riding: 5-7 hours a day; 3-5 hours on the Katigiorgis Ride.

Horses: local mountain TB cross, Thessaly horse, Anglo Arabs

Pace: slow due to the terrain (there are places where the horses need to be lead)

Riding ability: intermediate and above

Weight limit: 82kg (12st 12lbs)

Accommodation: small village hotels and local guesthouses

Group size: max 6

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The horses are local cross breeds, many of which have been bred by your guide and are a mixture of local mountain breeds crossed with Thoroughbred, Arab and Thessaly horse. They are between 14hh and 16hh. English saddles are used and the horses are generally ridden in hackamores or snaffles. Rides are limited to a maximum of 6 guests.

Hours: The Pelion Coast Ride includes 6 days riding and there is generally between 4 and 7 hours riding each day, with breaks to rest and for lunch. The itinerary for the Katigiorgis Ride is quite flexible. There is usually riding on 6 days and about 18 hours riding in all, but this can be adjusted to suit.

Pace and experience required: The pace overall is quite slow and there are often places where you need to dismount to lead the horses. On one day in particular you will need to get off and lead several times, once walking for up to half an hour. Although the pace is slow you need to be at least an intermediate rider to take part in the rides as, although they are well-schooled, the horses are quite young and fairly spirited. You should also be fairly fit to cope with the hours of riding and the walking required and should be able to mount up unassisted. You are also encouraged to groom, tack up and untack your own horse.

Accommodation is in a selection of guesthouses and small village hotels, each with its own charm. The first two nights and the last night on the Pelion Coast Ride and every night (except one) on the Katigiorgis Ride is spent in a small hotel close to the village of Katigiorgis. The hotel has a swimming pool, a lovely view, is close to the harbour and 10 minutes walk from a sandy cove. Some of the guesthouses are several centuries old and have been sympathetically restored and converted for guests. Most rooms have their own private bathrooms but this cannot always be guaranteed.

The meeting point for the rides is Skiathos airport and you will be met here and taken by car and boat to Katigiorgis on the Pelion peninsula (about half an hour in all). Several charter companies fly direct from the UK to Skiathos, with services on Fridays to fit with the set ride dates. Alternatively you can fly to Athens and from here take the Olympic Airways flights to Skiathos. Transfers from Athens to the Pelion can also be arranged by car, usually for an extra charge (depends on the groups travel plans). The drive takes 5 ½ to 6 hours.

Itinerary in Brief, Pelion Coast Ride (please enquire for Katigiorgis Ride itinerary)