ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: The horses are schooled in both English and Western style and can all be ridden on a loose rein and neck reined.

Type of Riding: Trail-Ride - The pace is dictated by the terrain. Apart from much walking and trotting, expect long canters over sandy terrain. The ride has been carefully chosen to provide a wide range of riding conditions and to visit places of special interest.

Type of Tack: The horses are ridden in English tack with colourful cotton martingales. Saddlebags and mineral water bottle cooler covers are provided.

Hours in the Saddle: 4 to 6 hours a day.

Riding Ability Required: Intermediate upwards. Good riding ability is important. Guests should be comfortable at all paces.

Maximum Weight: 90kgs (14st).

Number of Guides per Ride: 1 to every group of riders..

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 8/14. At times the ride may exceed 14 guests, in which case the ride will be divided into 2 and a distance will be kept between the 2 groups.

Looking after the horse: You are not expected to groom or tack up but you are welcome to assist.

ABOUT THE HORSES

The Marwari horse is descended from the splendid war horses that served the ruling families and warriors of feudal India. Their status was unparalleled, as they were declared divine and superior to all men, including those of Royal blood. Accordingly, only the Rajput families and the Kshatriyas - warrior caste were permitted to mount these exalted animals.

The average Marwari horse stands between 14hh and 16hh and comes in all colours including the boldly coloured ABLAKS - (Piebalds, or Skewbalds) which are particularly favoured in India. The body is powerfully proportioned, compact and elegant with round rumps and muscular thighs and shoulders, making the Marwari a good all round pleasure horse.

Some of the horses you might meet on the ride include:

• Sultan - 15hh, roan, 7 years. A forward going horse Sultan is full of energy. He can be strong at times but is very intelligent and has a soft mouth.

• Badal - 15.2hh, dark brown, 5 years. A very impressive horse with lots of stamina. Mostly well behaved but can become exited occasionally.

• Ablakh - 15.1hh piebald, 6 years. Can be a bit strong .

• Kesar - 14.3hh, bay horse, 7 years. Very soft with mouth. Looks after the rider. A nice easy ride.

• Kundan - 15.2hh, bay, 9years. A macho horse who likes to be ridden on a loose rein. He is very talkative and can dance as well. Looks after the rider.

• Chandan - 14.3hh, dark bay, 6 years. Well behaved with a soft mouth.

• Rana - 15.2hh, dark brown, 5 years. Young, energetic, strong and forward going but not a difficult ride.

• Victor -14.3hh chestnut 8 years. A really smooth ride with kind eyes and faith in his rider. He loves to splash water while drinking.

• Rajhans - 15.1hh black 9 years. Experienced horse with calm temperament, very understanding and responsive

• Raj - 15hh, brown, 8 years. Good fun loving horse who is just a bit cheeky.

• Mastana -15hh, bay, 10 years. Totally laid back, Mastana lives up to his name. He is very responsive and smooth to ride.