Georgia

Riding: 5-7 hours a day.

Horses: TB, Akhal Tekhi and Arab crosses.

Pace: moderate/sometimes slow due to terrain.

Riding ability: confident intermediate riders and above.

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

Accommodation: hotels, local guest houses and 2Δ camps.

Group size: max 8.

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The horses used for these rides are locally bred thoroughbreds, crossed with Arabs and Akhal Tekhi. They are generally between about 14.2 and 16hh, are responsive and forward going to ride but also adaptable and well suited to the terrain. Russian military saddles are used with some western saddles also available although tack is quite basic as little is readily available in Georgia. Saddle bags are provided. The horses are mostly ridden in snaffle bits.

Hours: The 10 night trips include 8 days riding and there is generally between 5 and 7 hours in the saddle each day, with breaks to rest and for lunch, although riding time does vary, particularly as the routes are fairly new and little used.

Pace and experience required: The rides are at a moderate pace overall with good opportunities for trots and canters most days although this is limited by the terrain. They are aimed at reasonably experienced and confident riders. The horses are sensible and well schooled but they have a generally lively temperament, so they suit capable, confident, relaxed and sensitive riders.

Accommodation for the first two and last nights is in a comfortable hotel or guest house in the capital Tblisi. On other nights accommodation is in camps which are quite basic although they are often set up in quite stunning settings. Small two man dome tents are used and you sleep on mats with sleeping bags. There are no shower facilities and only minimal hot water when camping (some water can be heated for you on the fire). Loos are out in the open air! Some guesthouses are also used during the ride all of which tend to be traditional Georgian houses and fairly basic. Guesthouses usually have outside loos and shared showers which may be a short walk from the bedrooms.

The meeting point for the ride is Tbilisi airport. British Midlands (BMI), currently have direct flights from London to Tbilisi on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, departing London about 13.00, arriving Tbilisi between 23.00. On return they depart Tbilisi Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 06.50 and 09.45 (depends which day, arriving LHR between 12.00 and 15.00 (same day). For flights budget around £450 to £700 plus taxes depending on time of year and availability.