July 27th, 2010 | 
Author: Horse riding is a great way of exploring the Dordogne, according to The Independent’s journalist Michael Kallenbach.
Armed with his riding hat, the journalist flew into the south-west of France, ready for his riding holiday. EU health and safety regulations mean riding hats are compulsory on all riding trips.
Kallenbach explained that the horses for the trips are not kept at the manor house at which he stayed, but are actually brought in from a nearby stable.
Each person in the group is given a horse and on this particular trip, the group was split into two, based on those who wanted to ride at a faster pace and those that were happy to ride slower and do half days only.
The rides themselves take holiday makers around the countryside of the Bergerac. Kallenbach described the day trip as taking riders through ‘an idealised version of rural France- enchanting forests and rolling hills.
By being split into two groups, those who opt for a more leisurely pace are able to take the time to absorb everything the Bergerac has to offer. The trip meanders through nearby villages including Lamonzie-Montastruc, Saint Marcel du Perigord and Pressignac Vicq.
For the riding trips around the Dordogne, you do need a reasonable amount of previous riding experience and you should be comfortable in control of a horse at a walk, trot or canter, says Kallenbach. The minimum group size is 4 people, and you ride for between 3 and 6 hours a day.
Most riding holidays offer an all inclusive style package with meals, drinks, accommodation and transfers to and from the airport, with the price of riding included in the cost.
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