Hungary

Riding: 4-6 hours a day.

Horses: Pure Kisberis.

Pace: moderate/fast (if weather & terrain allow).

Riding ability: experienced riders only.

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

Accommodation: hotels, private guest houses.

Group size: max 12 (minimum 6).

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The horses used are pure Kisberi, bred at the stud belonging to Janos Loskas who leads the rides. A noble elegant horse bred for the cavalry officers (Hussars) during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, the Kisberi breed achieves excellent results in all fields of equestrian sports (show jumping, dressage, cross country and endurance) and almost all the horses ridden are trained to event with several having qualified at an international level. Most are between about 16hh and 17hh and all an intelligent, responsive, forward going and thoroughly enjoyable ride.

Hours: The rides include an average of 4 to 6 hours riding a day and are lead by Janos. You are expected to ride English style and to keep up and together with the group, both stopping and moving on when requested. You also need to be quite fit as the riding is quite strenuous, often in an endurance style.

Pace and experience required: The pace is moderate to fast with good opportunities for long canters and during the 4 to 6 hours riding each day you are likely to cover 40 to 50 kilometres (about 30 miles). The rides are aimed at the experienced English style rider and you should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. Riders are encouraged to use a ''forward seat'' position at the canter with little lower leg contact. This means that a good independent seat and balance are very important.

The first and last nights are sent at the club house of the stud farm - all bedrooms have their own bathroom with shower and loo. Other nights are in a variety of accommodation, mostly in modern hotels but sometimes in private guesthouses. Generally the rooms have en-suite facilities, though sometimes bathrooms are shared between two rooms and you do need to be prepared for this on some nights.

The meeting point for the rides is Budapest and transfers from / to Budapest at set times on the first and last days are included in the ride rate. British Airways and the Hungarian Airlines Malev both fly direct to Budapest from London. There are also low cost airlines such as Easy Jet and Wizz who fly from regional UK airports to Budapest. Airfares vary depending on the airline and season but expect to pay between £140 to £220 for an economy return.