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nederlandse
Kids/Teens Holidays
Children/Teenagers Holiday Camp
NB Programme may be adapted, according to ability of riders.
All holidays include programme for late afternoon/evenings, including 3 excursions, (for week-long holidays), all included in price
Duration of holiday: 7 nights (6 days activities)
OR 5 nights (4 days activities)
Minimum number of clients required to confirm holiday: 4
Adventure in the Umbrian hills.
Young riders who sign up for this action-packed holiday in Umbria will have a chance to improve their riding with expert tuition, experience some of the glorious unspoilt countryside and even go white-water rafting. They will also be given a rare glimpse of life with a big Italian family. The friendly Bevilacquas, who own the stables, span three generations, and although this is not officially a language holiday it will be virtually impossible to go home without having picked up a bit of Italian! Mealtimes are a colourful affair, with delicious home-made pasta and pizza, and guests are made to feel part of the family.
Day 1
Arrive at Rome airport (Ciampino or Fiumicino). Transfer by train to Spoleto. Pick up and short drive to stables. Introduction and discussion of programme. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2
Morning
1 hour lesson in the manege with English-speaking FISE (BHS equivalent) instructor. Depending on experience, riders will be given instruction in basic schooling, trotting, cantering and jumping.
1 hour lesson in stable management. Grooming and tacking up.
Afternoon
A 2-hour trek out into the beautiful countryside. This ride has some spectacular scenery, taking in the picturesque village of Acqualacastagna, a mediaeval village where time seems to have stood still. From there, a series of trails winds gently through chestnut woods and back to the stables.
Day 3
Morning
1 hour lesson in the manege.
1 hour lesson in stable management. How to dismantle and reassemble bridles, saddles, martingales etc for cleaning.
Afternoon
A half-day ride (3-hours)
This trek takes us through the grounds of a magnificent 600-hectare private estate called La Tenuta dello Schioppo, but known locally as Il Parco delle Farfalle, the Butterfly Park. There are wide avenues perfect for trotting or cantering, for those who are able, and splendid views of mountains, valleys and hill villages in all directions.
Day 4
Morning
1 hour lesson in the manege.
Leave mid-morning for rafting expedition, down the River Nera, with expert English-speaking guides. Wetsuits, life jackets and helmets provided. This is a safe but memorable experience, with a chance to float down the icy waters of the Nera, jump off the bank into the water, and drink from a crystal clear stream tumbling out of the cliffside. Packed lunch en route.
Day 5
A full-day ride of 5-6 hours (35 kms) through the gloriously peaceful Umbrian hills and valleys. To get to our destination, we ride through woods and trails till we reach the shady meadow where we will have lunch, tying the horses to a post and rails and sitting on wooden tables and benches. After lunch, the riders head back through woodland trails to the stables.
Day 6 
Morning
1 hour lesson in the manege.
1 hour lesson in stable management. Plaiting manes and tails.
Afternoon
A half-day ride up into the mountains which you can see from your chalets. The pace is mixed, according to terrain and abilities, but there is plenty of scope for a canter for those who want to. Up on top of the mountain there are splendid views of Spoleto, with its 13th century viaduct and ancient castle.
Day 7
Today is the big day and a chance to put all you have learned into practice.
In the morning there will be a 1 hour lesson in the manege, to get in some last-minute tips and practice.
After lunch, there will be a gymkhana, with events including pony games and showjumping, depending on abilities. There will also be a contest for the best turned out horse. At the end of the day, there will be a prize-giving, with medals for all participants and prizes for the winners. Celebration dinner in the clubhouse.
Day 8
After breakfast transfer to Spoleto for train to Rome airport.
NB Accommodation is in spacious 2-roomed chalets, with same sex young riders sharing a twin-bedded room.
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