TEL +44 (0) ; FAX +44 (0) STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK

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1 RIDE WORLD WIDE Greece 2016 Ride Information Sheet These rides explore the Pelion peninsula, an unspoilt corner of Greece that juts out into the Aegean Sea on the east coast. In mythology, perhaps because of its lush vegetation and thick, impenetrable forests, the area was home to the Centaur and with its tiny secluded bays, winding cobbled tracks that lead to remote whitewashed cottages, groves of gnarled olive trees and shady forests of pine and chestnut, it is picturesque, forgotten riding country. Village squares shaded by huge plane trees harbour hospitable little tavernas and nights are spent in comfortable guesthouses and village hotels. Your guide, Eric, is French but has been based in Greece for many years. He speaks fluent English (and Greek), is charming, professional and very knowledgeable about the local area. There are two 7 night itineraries, both of which are ideal for those looking for a relaxing holiday in an authentic and unspoilt area. The Pelion Coast Ride follows a route across the peninsula, taking you from one coast to the other, high into the hills and through sleepy, traditional villages with wonderful views of the rocky coastline and startlingly blue Aegean Sea. The Katigiorgis Ride is a relaxed combination of riding and bathing excursions with each night at the same comfortable hotel in Katigiorgis. The rides are based from Hippocampus Farm, home of the Company of the Horse of Thessaly, a cosmopolitan handful of professionals gathered by Eric Le Fort. Eric is French but has been based in Greece for many years. Eric guides some of the Katigoirgis Rides and is always on hand at the base; Pelion Coast Rides are guided by Hattie Thomas who is British but living in Pelion and has a strong background in riding and stable management. Dates Rides are for 7 nights and the Pelion Coast Ride is run late April to June and September, October - see set dates listed overleaf - other dates can be arranged on request for private groups. The Katigiorgis Ride is available on request any week from April to early July and from late August to October, except during weeks set for the Pelion Coast Ride. Please call us to discuss dates and check availability.

2 [2] The Horses The horses used are all bred on the farm. They are pure bred Thessalian, and some crossbred with a lineage of large Arab horses. They range from around 15 to 16 hands, are forward going and fun to ride, sturdy and sure footed. There are currently 12 horses at the farm including brood mares, stallions and a gelding. Saddles are English style and hackamore bridles are usually used. Riding The 7 night Pelion Coast Ride includes 6 days riding with between about 4 and 7 hours riding each day. The itinerary for the Katigiorgis Ride is quite flexible. There is usually riding on 6 days and about 20 hours riding in all, but this can be adjusted to suit. On both rides, as the going is often rough and sometimes steep, riders must be prepared to dismount and lead the horses from time to time. There is usually no more than about 10 minutes walking at a time on the Katigiorgis Ride but on the Pelion Coast Ride, as you head towards the north of the peninsula, the terrain gets steeper and you may have to walk leading your horse downhill for up to half an hour. It is however all at a leisurely pace and provides wonderful opportunities to admire the tremendous views! Rides are usually limited to a maximum of 6 guests, Pelion Coast Rides are run for 4 or more, and are generally run for a minimum of 2 for the Katigiorgis Ride. There is a weight limit of 14 stone 2lbs (90 kgs) - please call to discuss if you are close to this. Riders are welcome to help groom and to tack up and untack their own horse each day although there is always assistance if required. Some saddle bags are provided, shared amongst the group, for carrying personal items, sun cream etc on the longer day rides. Pace The overall pace of the riding is quite slow, mostly at a walk and trot, with a few places to canter. The terrain is quite rough and rugged, sometimes on ancient cobbled paths, so there are only a few opportunities to ride fast. Riding Experience To join the Pelion Coast Ride you should be an intermediate rider. Some of the horses are young and quite spirited though well schooled and sensible. And though the pace is quite slow riding hours are fairly long over varied terrain. You should also be fairly fit - both riding fit and fit enough to walk for periods of up to 30 minutes leading your horse when the route becomes too rough or steep (nearly all of the leading is down, rather than up, hill) and should be comfortable mounting and dismounting several times a day. If you do not ride regularly at home we recommend you accustom yourself to the hours spent in the saddle with regular training before you go. The Katigiorgis Ride is more flexible and there is always time to get used to your horse in the arena before riding out. The riding can be adapted to suit, so the Katigiorgis itinerary works very well for families and groups of mixed abilities.

3 [3] Terrain The Pelion peninsula is well away from the tourist traps of the Greek islands and offers a good variety of unspoilt scenery. The craggy Aegean coast hides some lovely secluded beaches and coves and traditional villages with their narrow cobbled streets are perched on the hillsides above the rocky coastline. Away from the coast, narrow paths wind upwards through olive covered slopes and apple orchards and into forests of shady pine and chestnut, eventually reaching the isolated villages that cling to the wooded mountainsides. Often these winding donkey trails and narrow dirt or cobbled tracks are the quickest route between the villages and you are likely to meet local people who also use them, perhaps with donkeys loaded with wood or baskets of olives or fruit. Accommodation Accommodation on the ride is in a variety of guesthouses and small village hotels. They are small and simple but well chosen and each has its own charm and different character. The first and last nights on the Pelion Coast Ride and every night on the Katigiorgis Ride are spent at the Avra Studios. The hotel has a swimming pool and also a lovely view across the bay. It is close to the Katigiorgis harbour where there are a few tavernas and shops and only a 10 minute walk from a sandy cove. Bedrooms are twin bedded and most have a small balcony and private bathroom. Other nights on the Pelion Coast Ride are spent in typical village guesthouses and small village hotels. Again all have their own private bathroom with shower and loo (occasionally you might be asked to share a bathroom). Rates assume shared twin rooms and if you are travelling alone then a supplement is payable. Meals The food is typical of the area: hearty and simple, yet delicious. Breakfast, which is eaten in your hotel or at the café on the harbour front, will generally include eggs, Greek yogurt, bread, butter and jam with coffee, tea and fruit juices. Lunches are usually in a village taverna and may consist of vegeterian pies, perhaps meatballs, salads, various dips, cheeses, and also seafood such as octopus or squid. Occasionally you may stop in a shady place for a picnic of freshly baked bread and a selection of locally made cheeses, salami, ham, salad, delicious local olives. Dinner will be in one of the local tavernas or small local restaurants where there will be a selection of Greek hors d'oeuvres to choose from as well as a choice of local meat dishes, grilled fish, vegetables or Greek salads. Wine, beer and soft drinks are not included with meals but are readily available to purchase in the restaurants and bars. Weather Rides can be run from late spring to early autumn, excepting mid July to end of August. In April, May, early June, September and early October it is generally very pleasant with daytime temperatures varying from about 15 o C to 30 o C, and evening temperatures dropping to a cooler 7 o C to 13 o C (7 o C would be a cold night at the highest point on the Pelion Coast Ride for the first or last ride of the season). Summer months can be hot (mid July to end of August is not usually possible) but the flexible programme means the riding hours and timetable can be altered accordingly and there is often a cool sea breeze as well as opportunities to swim to cool off. As the Pelion Peninsula is bathed in a Mediterranean climate, there is very little rainfall during these months (less than 5mm/month) with winter rains generally arriving in late October.

4 [4] What to bring We will send you a list of things we suggest you bring when you make your booking. Travel There are several travel options for this ride. The most regular flights are to Athens and we can arrange meeting here (usually at on the first day) and transfer by taxi to Volos. Here you will be met by your guide / one of the Hippocampus team and driven to Katigiorgis. The transfer from Athens to Volos is about 3 to 4 hours and there is an extra charge of 60 Euros each way per person for this service. There are direct flights to Athens with a number of different airlines from many different UK airports and if you book early there are some good deals on offer with low cost airlines such as Easy Jet ( as well as with British Airways ( and Olympic Airlines ( Meeting can also be arranged from Volos (usually at on the first day), about 1 ½ hour drive from Katigiorgis. Flights to Volos are usually charter flights, not scheduled. Another option is to fly to Skiathos - we can arrange for you to be met on arrival and taken by car and boat to Katigiorgis on the Pelion peninsula (about an hour in all). Several charter companies fly direct from the UK to Skiathos, with most services on Fridays (try Fares are from about 250 return and, depending on time of year, there are usually options from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester. Athens / Volos meetings are preferable earlier (April, May) and later (after mid September) in the season when the boat crossing from Skiathos is not always possible. If you plan to visit other areas then we suggest hiring a car in Athens and driving yourselves to Pelion. This gives you more flexibility during your stay - we can supply directions to Katigiorgis and can also book extra nights for you at the hotel in Katigiorgis if required. Please call us for more information or if you would like help booking flights. Itineraries The following are examples of the itineraries planned, although please note that they are only an example and the day to day arrangements are subject to change by your guide in his complete discretion if the weather or other local conditions require. Example itinerary Pelion Coast Ride This ride heads north from Katigirgis, first following the western coast of the peninsula with its characteristic winding trails and rocky slopes, then turns inland, climbing towards the unique oriental style village of Visitza. From here it crosses the dividing ridge and descends to the eastern coast, turning south back to Katigiorgis. Nights are spent in village hotels. Day 1 You will be met in Athens, Volos or Skiathos airport and transferred to the small town of Katigiorgis at the southern end of the Pelion peninsula. Dinner at a taverna on the beach at Katigiorgis and overnight in a hotel in Katigiorgis. (D) Day 2 Breakfast and then meet the horses and perhaps a short ride in the field or sand school to match horses and tack. There should then be time for a swim before lunch at a restaurant in the harbour. In the afternoon you will set off on a ride of about 2 ½ hours to Platania, another little harbour, where the night is at a hotel close to the beach. Dinner at a restaurant on the waterfront and the night in Platania. (B,L,D) Day 3 Breakfast at your hotel and then saddle up and set off riding, firstly along the coast and then heading west into the hills that stand between you and the Pagassetic gulf of Volos. Follow winding trails through the villages of Milina and Horto, stopping for lunch en-route, and in the mid afternoon, after 5 or 6 hours riding, arrive at the town of Lafkos. The night is spent here at the lovely Parissi guesthouse. Dinner under the plane trees in the square and night in Lafkos. (B,L,D)

5 [5] Day 4 Breakfast and mount up and ride through the cobbled streets of Lafkos and along dirt tracks and narrow paths towards the Bay of Volos. The route takes you along and above the shoreline, through typical Mediterranean vegetation of olive groves, pine forest and small cultivated fields. Ride through villages with narrow cobbled streets, past whitewashed houses where elderly women in traditional black sit in the doorways or continue with their daily chores. After about 4 hours you reach Lefokastro and your guesthouse for the night. Perhaps time for a swim and to enjoy the beach. Dinner at a small taverna on the sea front, underneath a great eucalyptus tree, where grilled fish is the speciality. Night in a guesthouse in Lefokastro. (B,L,D) Day 5 Breakfast and set off riding, leaving the coastline and climbing steeply to the artificial lake of Panayoticos. Here you stop for a picnic lunch before continuing through the thick Mediterranean forest, along cobbled tracks. Looking back there are wonderful views of the coastline and gulf behind you. The days ride ends close to the mountain town of Vizitsa which datesback to the 17th century, with cobbled streets that ascend steeply from the main square (about 6 hours riding). Dinner in the main square under giant plane trees. The night is spent in a typical oriental style mansion in Vizitsa (B,L,D) Day 6 After breakfast set off following ancient tracks high above Vizitsa, heading eastwards through forests of chestnut predominately, and eventually emerging at the crest of the ridge which divides the peninsula. There will be a lunch stop en-route and in the afternoon descend to the beach of Potistika, on the deep waters of the Aegean Sea. A small hotel offers a welcome dinner after the long day s ride, on the verandah under the grapevine, watching local fishermen drying their fishing nets (about 6 ½ hours riding). Night in Potistika (B,L,D) Day 7 Weather permitting, today might begin with a short swim with your horse (which they usually enjoy as much as you!) in the calm waters of the Aegean, which are often clear turquoise right through to the bottom. There may also be a bareback ride to or from the shore for those who wish. The morning relaxing at the beach and after lunch, tack up and the final ride, high above the coastline, with stunning views. Dinner and night back in Katigiorgis (about 3 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 8 An early breakfast and transfer to Athens, Volos or Skiathos. (B) Example itinerary Katigiorgis Ride This is a relaxed and flexible itinerary, with about 20 hours riding in all, combined with excursions around the peninsula. The riding is generally on 6 days (however it is flexible and full nonriding days can be included) and is a combination of rides out from the base and short lessons in the arena if required. It can be tailored to suit and each day s activity may be varied by your guide depending on the weather and other local conditions. Day 1 You will be met in Athens, Volos or Skiathos airport and transferred to the small town of Katigiorgis at the southern end of the Pelion peninsula. Dinner at a taverna on the beach at Katigiorgis and overnight in a hotel in Katigiorgis. (D)

6 [5] Day 2 Breakfast then enjoy the beach and meet the horses. After lunch a short ride or lesson in the arena to get used to your horse, then an afternoon hack into the hills, returning to Katigiorgis for dinner in a small taverna on the harbour wall and the night. (B,L,D) Day 3 Ride to the beach and (weather allowing) a chance to swim with your horse (which they love) in the calm waters of the Aegean which are often clear turquoise right through to the bottom. In the afternoon an optional lesson in the arena and perhaps a short ride back to the pasture. Dinner and the night in Katigiorgis. (B,L,D) Day 4 An excursion on horseback to Platania, a small town to the south or to Paltsi which is to the north. Lunch at a taverna returning to Katigiorgis for dinner and the night. (B,L,D) Day 5 Breakfast and either a lesson in the arena, or a hack out. The afternoon is free to relax on the beach or perhaps an excursion by car to visit one of the neighbouring villages. Dinner and night in Katigiorgis. (B,L,D) Day 6 Breakfast and the morning free. Lunch and in the afternoon a ride out heading to the village of Promiri. Weather and moon permitting you will stop here for dinner at a taverna and then ride back in the moonlight (if it is cloudy, or there is no moon, ride back to Katigiorgis for dinner). (B,L,D) Day 7 Perhaps ride to the beach with a chance for a swim and then a simple picnic lunch. In the afternoon return to Katigiorgis for a farewell dinner at a taverna on the beach and the night. (B,L,D) Day 8 An early breakfast and transfer to Athens, Volos or Skiathos. (B) 2016 Dates Pelion Coast Ride 23rd to 30th April 21st to 28th May 10th to 17th September 7th to 14th May 4th to 11th June 24th September to 1st October 8th to 15th October Katigiorgis Rides 30th April to 7th May 20th to 27th August 17th to 24 September 14th to 21st May 27th August to 3rd September 1st to 8th October 28th May to 4th June 3rd to 10th September 15th to 22nd October

7 [6] 2016 Rates Please note that due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, ride rates are now quoted in euros. The sterling price will be the equivalent sterling rate using the euro/sterling exchange rate in force when you book/pay. Pelion Coast Ride, 7 night - Euros 1375 per person (single supplement - Euro 160) Katigiorgis Ride, 7 night - Euros 1050 per person (single supplement - Euro 120) Non-riders - Euros 750 per person NB Prices for shorter stays on request. Rates INCLUDE all riding, guiding and equipment, 7 nights twin hotel / guesthouse accommodation (single room if paying supplement), meals (dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 8) and also transfers from / to Skiathos airport or Volos at set times on Day 1 / Day 8. Rates EXCLUDE flights / travel to Skiathos / Volos, transfers outside the set times, personal medical / travel insurance (which you must have), any visa fees, all drinks, personal extras such as telephone calls etc and any tips you wish to leave. Note: Add 130 euros per person for return transfers from / to Athens airport, payable in cash locally. Rates quoted are based on a minimum of 4 participants for Pelion Coast and 2 for Katigiorgis and assume twin bedded rooms. If you are travelling alone the supplement will be payable to book a single room. General Visa and Health information (NB this is a brief outline - further information will be sent to you if you make a confirmed booking) Visas Holders of full UK passports do not need visas for visits to Greece whatever the length of stay, although for visits of over 90 days residence permits are required. Visa information is available on the Greek Embassy website: Health No vaccinations are needed by EEC residents to enter Greece (according to the Greek and World Health Organisations), however it is always advisable to ensure your tetanus inoculation is up to date. If you have a particular condition requiring special medical treatment, in case of emergencies you should carry a letter from your own doctor translated into Greek describing your condition and the medicine / treatment required. You should in any case consult a health professional for further and more detailed advice. (draft 17/09/15)