Rides are 20€ per person per hour (or 10€ for half an hour).
It is usually possible to organise riding once you arrive but if you have a particularly keen rider who would like to ride a lot it is a good idea to let us know beforehand.
Our usual weight limit is 12 stone but if you are a balanced rider then this could be increased a bit.
The lower limit is 5 years old. There is no upper limit!
The French Equestrian Federation has a super exam system that is recognised throughout the country. It starts with Galop 1; which involves walk, trot and basic canter; to Galop 9 which involves lateral work, cross country and show jumping. It also involves an understanding of practical horse care, stable management and work in hand. In order to compete in France you need these qualifications.
You need to have an FFE licence which costs 25€ for under 18s and 36€ for over 18s.
Yes, you can take Galop tests with us in English or French.
Ethology is the study of natural animal behaviour and the use of the findings in training.
The beds are as follows:
Upstairs: Room 1: Queen size bed Room 2: Double bed Room 3: 1 single bed and 2 full size bunk beds
Downstairs: Room 4: 3 single beds
Upstairs, there is a bathroom with toilet, shower and washbasin. Downstairs, there is another shower room (with shower and washbasin) and a separate toilet.
We have a travel cot, high chair and baby bath.
We do have a bed setee available to accomodate extra visitors, but do please ask first.
Yes, all bed linen and towels (except pool towels) are provided free of charge.
Yes, there are two solar heated showers in the pool area.
Yes, we have under cover parking for two cars.
Yes, there are two solar heated showers in the pool area.
The games barn is 18m x 6m and is floodlit.
The pool has a solar cover to keep it warm at night. If left on during the day it will help to warm the water.
Yes, we live next door but we have our own entrance and very much respect people's privacy. We are there if you need us (e.g. for booking restaurants, medical emergencies) but otherwise the only time we will come into your space is to service the pool each day.
Our arrival time is after 5pm and our departure time is before 10am.
Yes, we collect from Niort station for free. Please contact us for other locations.
Yes, we provide notes and will advise you as to your level.
Please contact us for a list of things to bring.
We strongly advise you take out personal accident insurance for riding.
Yes, most french autoroutes are toll roads but they are generally well maintained and very quiet.
Roads in France are much less congested than in the UK - beware, however, if you are travelling on the first weekend in August (which is the start of the national hoilday) as you may well find that the rest of the French population is travelling too!
All motorists must carry a red breakdown triangle, a hi-viz vest and a full set of spare bulbs. The car should have headlamp converters and a GB sticker. You could be fined if you do not comply with these regualtions. The law on breathalises has been postponed so there is no fine if you do not carry one.
It is worth knowing that if you break down on a motorway in France (as we did on the way here, but that's another story....) your breakdown recovery company cannot tow you off! You have to use the designated emergency telephones and the a vehicle will be sent out to you. It is worth knowing the term "Je suis en panne" (I've broken down) just in case! They will either perform a minor repair or tow you to a garage.
Another 'top tip' is that, when travelling in France, it is almost useless to know the road number that you need. You need to know the name of the town you are heading towards.
Motorways - 130/110kph
Dual Carriageways - 110/100kph
Other roads - 90/80kph
Towns - 50kph or as signposted
Note that the second speed limit applies if it is raining.
French