South America ~ Ecuador

Riding: 5-7 hours a day.

Horses: locally bred Criollo, Andalucian, Thoroughbred crosses.

Pace: moderate overall and varied; generally good chances to canter but some slower days.

Riding ability: suitable for intermediate to experienced riders.

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

Accommodation: colonial haciendas; local lodges & farms (2 options).

Group size: max 10 (min 4).

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The horses are mostly the local Criollo breed, crossed with Andalucian, Thoroughbred, Paso and other warm blood breeds. They are between 14.2hh and 16hh, are generally fairly narrow in build but strong and sure footed. They are well suited to the terrain and are calm but also responsive, forward going and fun to ride. The saddles are ex US Cavalry saddles, classed as western style but really half way between English & Western and covered with a comfortable sheepskin. Some English saddles are available on request. One or two horses are only ridden in English tack, English style, but most of the horses are trained western style so are used to neck reining. Groups are normally limited to a maximum of 10 guests.

Hours: There is usually 5 or 6 hours riding a day, riding from hacienda to hacienda, or between farms and lodges with breaks for rests, lunch and sightseeing.

Pace and experience required: To take part in these rides you need to be a reasonably experienced rider. You should be comfortable, secure and in control on a well schooled horse at a walk, trot and canter and used to riding in open country and over varied terrain. You should have a reasonably good level of general and riding fitness.

A variety of accommodation is used on the rides, depending on the itinerary. On the 'Colonial Hacienda' rides, nights are at a selection of Ecuador's old Haciendas (colonial manor farms), many of which date back to the 17th and 18th Century and some of which are now hotels, whilst some still house descendants of the country's noblest families. These Haciendas, with their antique filled rooms, hold an important position in the country's history and staying at them gives a wonderful insight into Spanish colonial life. On the Cotopaxi Ride nights are spent at more simple haciendas, local farms ('fincas') and guest houses which are simple and rustic but reasonably comfortable.

The meeting point for the rides is Quito, Ecuador's capital. There are flights to Quito from London with KLM via Amsterdam - usually overnight, arriving Quito early the next morning - and with several US airlines via the States - usually day flights, arriving Quito in the evening. For flights from London budget around £700 to £800.

Colonial Hacienda Ride