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	<title>High Pointe Equestrian Vacations and Tours</title>
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	<link>http://www.highpointetours.com</link>
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	<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:32:49 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>MEXICO - Special Event - New Year’s Eve Ride</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1263</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1263#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:45:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Special Event]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tour Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.highpointetours.com/?p=1263</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“I was most impressed with the horses. The accommodations are superb.  The food was very well prepared.  Five star treatment for a fraction of the price.” Laura]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><img title="mexicomap3" src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mexicomap3-300x208.jpg" alt="mexicomap3" width="300" height="208" align="right" />Ring in the New Year and enjoy a first class ride in Mexico! For twenty five years, your guides have been leading riders to the one of the most exhilarating places in Mexico, the Sierra Madre Mountains. This Ride is rated number one in National Geographic “Ten Best of Everything.” The views are spectacular, your meals are fresh traditional Mexican…even the guacamole is made from scratch and your horses are well suited to the diverse Mexican terrain that you will encounter</em>.</p>
<p><strong>ITINERARY:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Day 1:</strong> <strong>December 27</strong> Transfer from the Mexico City or Toluca Airport to your hotel in the respective cities.</p>
<p><strong>Day 2: December 28</strong>  At 8:00 AM, you will be transferred from your hotels to the Hacienda he hotel to Transfer from airport or pre-ride hotel to Marriott lobby meeting place. You will then be transferred to the Hacienda. After lunch, you will ride to Monte Alto.</p>
<p><strong>Day 3: December 29</strong>  After a delicious Mexican breakfast, you will enjoy the scent of fresh pine needles and the faint smell of wood smoke rising from the local village in the warm dry Mexican air as you ride under sun glinted canopies of Motezuma pine and scrub oak to Los Saucos with quaint houses and crop fields nestled in a valley.<br />
In the afternoon, you can choose to relax with a Marguerita next to the pool or experience the local culture with a visit to the picturesque 400 year old village of Valle de Bravo.</p>
<p><strong>Day 4:</strong> <strong>December 30</strong>  Your horse ascends 10,000 feet through pungent pine and stoic oak forests to Rancho la Compania. This is one of the most beautiful ranches in the area and home to racing horses, fighting cocks and other wild animals.</p>
<p><strong>Day 5: December 31 </strong>The ride will journey past El Peñón, a magnificent rock over 9,000 feet high and the fascinating El Nevado volcano. After lunch, the El Coloso flat rock arises under the horses&#8217; feet. A drumming sound erupts from the hooves meeting the hollow ground. The Tres Reyes, three huge rocks each located on the top of a hill, emerge from the valley below. The ride finishes at Cerro Gordo.You and your fellow riders will “ring in the New Year” with traditional Mexican New Year’s Eve dinner and festivities served in a fine historical restaurant in Valle de Bravo</p>
<p><strong>Day 6: January 1 </strong>Sleep until 9:00 AM when breakfast will be served. The ride will go to Atezcapan. In the afternoon, you will be taken for a breezy hay truck ride to the lake to enjoy a boat ride across the water. exhilarating canter along a wide trail will bring you to a narrow mountain path. The spectacular view of endless mountains unfolds before you as your ride to Atezcapan. After lunch of typical Mexican fare - tortas or tacos, sodas and hilled beer which has been carried by a mule- the ride will descend to a lake. A boat awaits to take you on a relaxing ride across the water.</p>
<p><strong>Day 7: January 2 </strong>You will take the boat across the lake to return to the horses for a ride through the &#8220;hotland.&#8221; Lofty green trees have been replaced with mesquite shrubs and cactus. The trail runs along a cascading river to an ascending path. An opportunity for another canter will bring the ride to the cool shade of pine trees. The ride concludes at Ixtla.</p>
<p><strong>Day 8: January 3 </strong>You will gallop across a wide meadow as you return to the Hacienda. Your delicious farewell dinner will be served in a fine historical restaurant in Valle de Bravo.</p>
<p><strong>Day 9: January 4 </strong>Transfer to Mexico City Airport for arrival at noon.</p>
<p><strong>Details:</strong><br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> December 28 – January 4<br />
<strong>Airports:</strong> Mexico City International Airport or Toluca International Airport<br />
<strong>Meeting Place: </strong>Hotel Marriott Reforma, Mexico City or Hotel Courtyard Marriot , Toluca Airport.<br />
<strong>Riding days:</strong><br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 1-12<br />
<strong>Riding ability:</strong> Intermediate/Advanced<br />
<strong>Saddles:</strong> English, Western, Mexican Charro<br />
<strong>Horses:</strong> Quarter horses, Mexican Criollo, Trakheners<br />
<strong>Non-riding activities:</strong> golf, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, mountain biking, tennis, paragliding, shopping<br />
<strong>Hotel/s:</strong> *****Hacienda<br />
<strong>Prices: </strong>$2,630 per person, double occupancy</p>
<p><strong>Includes:</strong> transfer to and from airport, 7 nights lodging, all meals except 1 dinner, horse, tack, guide, lake boat trip<br />
<strong>Not included:</strong> pre or post ride lodging in Mexico City or Toluca, New Year’s Eve dinner</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>MEXICO - Stationary - Sierra Madre Ride</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1256</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1256#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:33:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Stationary]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tour Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.highpointetours.com/?p=1256</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“For those who think Mexico as a country of desert and cactus, think again; the back country of the Sierra Madre is breathtaking in its arboreal splendor, and much of the  riding is through towering pine forests interrupted by alpine meadows and spring-fed creeks… our vacation exceeded our expectations in all respects.” RM. Oregon ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img title="mexicomap1" src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mexicomap1-300x208.jpg" alt="mexicomap1" width="300" height="208" align="right" />Enjoy a first class ride in Mexico! For twenty five years, your guides have been leading riders along the camino reales to the exhilarating Sierra Madre Mountains. This Ride is rated number one in National Geographic “Ten Best of Everything.” The views are spectacular, your meals are fresh traditional Mexican…even the guacamole is made from scratch and the hospitality is true Mexican which makes the old saying &#8220;Mi casa es tu casa&#8221;&#8216; hold true.</p>
<p><strong>ITINERARY:</strong><br />
<img title="classic" src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/classic-300x225.jpg" alt="classic" width="300" height="225" align="right" /><strong>Day 1: </strong>Saturday <em>Pre-ride, if required</em> - Transfer from the Mexico City or Toluca Airport to your hotel in the respective cities.</p>
<p><strong>Day 2:</strong> Sunday  At 8:00 AM, you will transfer from pre-ride Marriott Reforma, or 9:15 AM, Couryard Marriott lobby to the Hacienda. After lunch, you will ride to Monte Alto.</p>
<p><strong>Day 3: </strong>Monday After a delicious Mexican breakfast, you will enjoy the scent of fresh pine needles and the faint smell of wood smoke rising from the local village in the warm dry Mexican air as you ride under sun glinted canopies of Motezuma pine and scrub oak to Los Saucos with quaint houses and crop fields nestled in a valley. In the afternoon, you can choose to relax with a Marguerita next to the pool or experience the local culture with a visit to the picturesque 400 year old village of Valle de Bravo.</p>
<p><strong>Day 4: </strong>Tuesday Your horse ascends 10,000 feet through pungent pine and stoic oak forests to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary where  in season, you will mingle with billions of beautiful butterflies hanging in the fir trees. The ride will then continue along a road surrounded by lovely ponds to Rancho la Compania. This is one of the most beautiful ranches in the area and home to racing horses, fighting cocks and other wild animals.</p>
<p><strong>Day 5: </strong>Wednesday The ride will journey past El Peñón, a magnificent rock over 9,000 feet high and the fascinating El Nevado volcano. After lunch, the El Coloso flat rock arises under the horses&#8217; feet. A drumming sound erupts from the hooves meeting the hollow ground. The Tres Reyes, three huge rocks each located on the top of a hill, emerge from the valley below. The ride finishes at Cerro Gordo.</p>
<p><strong>Day 6: </strong>Thursday An exhilarating canter along a wide trail will bring you to a narrow mountain path. The spectacular view of endless mountains unfolds before you as your ride to Atezcapan. After lunch of typical Mexican fare - tortas or tacos, sodas and hilled beer which has been carried by a mule- the ride will descend to a lake. A boat awaits to take you on a relaxing ride across the water.<br />
<strong><br />
Day 7:</strong> Friday You will take the boat across the lake to return to the horses for a ride through the &#8220;hotland.&#8221; Lofty green trees have been replaced with mesquite shrubs and cactus. The trail runs along a cascading river to an ascending path. An opportunity for another canter will bring the ride to the cool shade of pine trees. The ride concludes at Ixtla.</p>
<p><strong>Day 8: </strong>Saturday You will gallop across a wide meadow as you return to the Hacienda. Your delicious farewell dinner will be served in a fine historical restaurant in Valle de Bravo.</p>
<p><strong>Day 9: </strong>Sunday: Transfer to Mexico City Airport for arrival at noon.</p>
<p><strong>Details:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> October 24 – 31, November 7 – 14, November 21 – 28, December 5 - 12, 2011 – January 9 – 16, January 23 – 30, February 6 – 13, February 20 – 27,March 6 – 13, March 20 – 27, *April 3 – 10, *April 17 – 24, *May 1 – 8, May 15 – 22, October 30 – November 6, November 13 – 20, November 27 – December 4, December 11 - 18<br />
<strong>Airports: </strong>Mexico City International Airport or Toluca International Airport<br />
<strong>Meeting Place:</strong> Hotel Marriott Reforma, Mexico City or Hotel Courtyard Marriot, Toluca Airport.<br />
<strong>Riding days:</strong> 6<br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 2 - 12<br />
<strong>Riding ability:</strong> Strong Intermediate - Advanced<br />
<strong>Saddles:</strong> English, Western, Mexican Charro<br />
<strong>Horses:</strong> Quarter horses, Mexican Criollo, Trakheners<br />
<strong>Non-riding activities:</strong> golf, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, mountain biking, tennis, paragliding, shopping<br />
<strong>Hotel/s: </strong>*****Hacienda<br />
<strong>Prices: </strong>$2,440 per person, double occupancy, high season, $2,200 per person, double occupancy, low season, $405 single supplement</p>
<p><strong>Includes: </strong>transfer to and from airport, 7 nights lodging, all meals except 1 dinner, horse, tack, guide, in-season visit to Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Lake boat trip.<br />
<strong>Not included:</strong> pre or post ride lodging in Mexico City or Toluca, farewell dinner</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>MEXICO - Special Event - Mexican Cooking Lessons and Ride The Sierra Madre Mountains</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1253</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1253#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:23:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Special Event]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tour Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.highpointetours.com/?p=1253</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img title="mexicomap2" src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mexicomap2-300x208.jpg" alt="mexicomap2" width="300" height="208" align="right" /><em>Learn the secrets of great traditional Mexican cooking&#8230;even guacamole from scratch&#8230; and ride through the exhilarating Sierra Madre Mountains. The rides are rated number one in the National Geographic “Ten Best of Everything.” </em></p>
<p><strong>ITINERARY:</strong><br />
<strong><br />
Day 1: </strong><em>Saturday</em> <em>Pre-ride, if required</em> - <em>Transfer from the Mexico City or Toluca Airport to your hotel in the respective cities.<br />
</em><strong><br />
Day 1 or 2: </strong>Sunday Transfer from airport or pre-ride hotel to Marriott lobby meeting place. You will then be transferred to the Hacienda</p>
<p><strong>Day 3:</strong> Monday After a delicious Mexican breakfast, you will enjoy the scent of fresh pine needles and the faint smell of wood smoke rising from the local villages in the warm dry Mexican air as you ride under sun glinted canopies of Motezuma pine and scrub oak. In the afternoon, Lucia,  who has mastered the cooking techniques of  renowned chefs,  will begin to share with you the secrets of great Mexican cooking.</p>
<p><strong>Day 4: </strong>Tuesday After a morning ride through the forests, your cooking lessons will continue.</p>
<p><strong>Day 5: </strong>Wednesday The ride will travel through pine and oak forests and cross crystal clear streams to peaceful meadows blanketed with colorful flowers. In the afternoon, your cooking lessons continue.</p>
<p><strong>Day 6: </strong>Thursday The morning is filled with another enjoyable ride through the countryside. In the afternoon, your cooking lessons continue.</p>
<p><strong>Day 7: </strong>Friday Your horse will carry you to an overlook for a spectacular view of the lake and town below. In the afternoon, you can visit the village, stroll through the gardens or relax at the pool. <br />
<strong><br />
Day 8 Saturday: </strong>Transfer to Mexico City Airport for arrival at noon.</p>
<p><strong>Details:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> October 31- November 6 2011, March 27 - April 2, May 22 - 28, October 23 -29<br />
<strong>Airports:</strong> Mexico City International Airport or Toluca International Airport<br />
<strong>Meeting Place: </strong>Hotel Marriott Reforma, Mexico City or Hotel Courtyard Marriott, Toluca Airport.<br />
<strong>Riding days:</strong> 5 morning rides, 3 hours each day<br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 1-12<br />
<strong>Riding ability:</strong> Novice, Intermediate and Advanced<br />
<strong>Saddles:</strong> English, Western, Mexican Charro<br />
<strong>Horses:</strong> Quarter horses, Mexican Criollo, Trakheners<br />
<strong>Non-riding activities: </strong>golf, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, mountain biking, tennis, paragliding, shopping<br />
<strong>Hotel/s:</strong> *****Hacienda<br />
<strong>Prices:</strong> $2,300 per person, double occupancy, $375 single supplement</p>
<p><strong>Includes:</strong> transfer to and from airport, 6 nights lodging, all meals except 1 dinner, horse, tack, guide, cooking lessons<br />
<strong>Not included: </strong>pre or post ride lodging in Mexico City or Toluca, farewell dinner</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>MEXICO – Stationary - The Siesta Calvacade Ride</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1246</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1246#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:10:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Stationary]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tour Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.highpointetours.com/?p=1246</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“Simply put, for the rider desiring a relaxing and gracious riding vacation on excellent horses, it doesn’t get an better than this.” R.M. Oregon]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img title="mexicomap" src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mexicomap-300x208.jpg" alt="mexicomap" width="300" height="208" align="right" />Enjoy a first class ride in Mexico! For twenty five years, your guides have been leading riders to the most exhilarating places in Mexico. Your meals are fresh traditional Mexican…even the guacamole is made from scratch and the hospitality true Mexican! If you want to limit your riding to the mornings and desire your afternoons free to enjoy non-riding and cultural activities, this is the ride for you!</p>
<p><strong>ITINERARY:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Day 1:</strong> Saturday Pre-ride, if required - Transfer from the Mexico City or Toluca Airport to your hotel in the respective cities.</p>
<p><strong>Day 2:</strong> Sunday Transfer from airport or pre-ride hotel to Marriott lobby meeting place. You will then be transferred to the Hacienda</p>
<p><strong>Day 3:</strong> Monday After a delicious Mexican breakfast, you will enjoy the scent of fresh pine needles and the faint smell of wood smoke rising from the local villages in the warm dry Mexican air as you ride under sun glinted canopies of Motezuma pine and scrub oak. In the afternoon, you can choose to continue to ride or experience the local culture with visit to the village of Valle de Bravo.</p>
<p><strong>Day 4:</strong> Tuesday Your horse will carry you to Rancho Santa Rosa, the area’s largest horse breeding and training facility. In the afternoon, you will visit the incredible monarch Butterfly Sanctuary where billions of beautiful butterflies hang in the fir trees (season for butterflies is November - March).</p>
<p><strong>Day 5: </strong>Wednesday The ride will travel through pine and oak forests and cross crystal clear streams to peaceful meadows blanketed with colorful flowers. In the afternoon, you can choose to continue the ride, relax in a hammock next to the pool with a Marguerita or visit the colonial town of Valle de Bravo.</p>
<p><strong>Day 6: </strong>Thursday The morning is filled with another enjoyable ride through the countryside.<br />
In the afternoon, you will relax on a boat which will take you to “La Pena”, a historical rock where the Aztecs performed human sacrifices.</p>
<p><strong>Day 7: </strong>Friday Your horse will carry you to an overlook for a spectacular view of the lake and town below. Your afternoon is free for a hand glider adventure or a siesta in the spa. Your delicious farewell dinner will be served in a fine historical restaurant in Valle de Bravo.</p>
<p><strong>Day 8:</strong> Saturday: Transfer to Mexico City Airport for arrival at noon.</p>
<p><strong>Details:</strong><br />
Dates: November 14 – 20, November 28 – December 4, December 12 – 18<br />
2011 January 16 – 22, February 13 – 19, March 13 – 19, *April 10 – 16, *May 8 – 14, November 6 – 12, November 20 – 26, December 4 - 10<br />
<strong>Airports:</strong> Mexico City International Airport or Toluca International Airport<br />
<strong>Meeting Place:</strong> Hotel Marriott Reforma, Mexico City or Hotel Courtyard Marriott, Toluca Airport.<br />
<strong>Riding days:</strong> 5 morning rides, 3 hours each day<br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 1-12</p>
<p><strong>Riding ability:</strong> Novice, Intermediate Moderate with some trots and canters<br />
<strong>Saddles: </strong>English, Western, Mexican Charro<br />
<strong>Horses: </strong>Quarter horses, Mexican Criollo, Trakheners<br />
<strong>Non-riding activities: </strong>golf, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, mountain biking, tennis, paragliding, shopping<br />
<strong>Hotel/s: </strong>*****Hacienda<br />
Prices: $2,150 per person, double occupancy, high season*; $1,950 per person, double occupancy, low season; $405 single supplement</p>
<p><strong>Includes:</strong> transfer to and from airport, 6 nights lodging, all meals except 1 dinner, horse, tack, guide, visit to Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary March - November, Lake boat trip.<br />
<strong>Not included:</strong> pre or post ride lodging in Mexico City or Toluca, farewell dinner</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tips On When To Book Your Flights</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1244</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1244#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:47:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Catherine Zieman</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.highpointetours.com/?p=1244</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here’s some tips on when to book your flights:
Best time of day to fly:  noon
Best day of the week to fly:  Saturday
Best month for fewer flight delays:  August
Best day of the week to shop for airline tickets:  Monday or Tuesday
Best day of the week to rent a car:  Tuesday or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here’s some tips on when to book your flights:</p>
<p>Best time of day to fly:  noon<br />
Best day of the week to fly:  Saturday<br />
Best month for fewer flight delays:  August<br />
Best day of the week to shop for airline tickets:  Monday or Tuesday<br />
Best day of the week to rent a car:  Tuesday or Wednesday </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>IRELAND - Special Event - Ballinasloe Horse Fair Ride</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1207</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1207#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:15:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Ireland]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Special Event]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tour Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.highpointetours.com/?p=1207</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img title="map1" src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/map1.jpg" alt="map1" width="220" height="273" align="right" /><em>You will attend the Ballinasloe Horse Fair, one of the oldest fairs in Ireland and once renowned as the largest and greatest in all of Europe. In addition to the equine events, there will be music on the streets, street entertainers and Singing Pubs. In addition, you will ride for 3 days in the lush Irish countryside bound by stone walls. Wild swan and grazing sheep will grace your journey. A ferry will take you to the Holy Island known for the well-preserved round tower, the ruins of six churches, a holy well, a 8th century graveyard, intriguing cell like structures called Bullaun Stones, and a ‘bargaining’ stone where many a marriage was brokered. You will also visit impressive 17th Century Portumna Castle and Williamstad Manor. </em></p>
<p><img title="ball1" src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ball1.jpg" alt="ball1" width="150" height="107" /> <img title="ball2" src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ball2.jpg" alt="ball2" width="150" height="97" /></p>
<p><strong>ITINERARY </strong></p>
<p><strong>Day 1: Saturday </strong>Transfer from the Shannon Airport to your Irish Riding Lodge. You can take a relaxing stroll on the nearby East Clare Walking Trail or a guided boat tour to the historical 9th century Holy Island monastic settlement. In the evening, you meet your fellow riders during a candlelight and open turf dinner in the restored An Sibin farmhouse.</p>
<p><strong>Day 2: Sunday</strong> After you become acquainted with your horse, the ride meanders across the idyllic Irish countryside - old stone walls surrounding verdant green fields dotted with peacefully grazing sheep and cattle. In the afternoon, your horse carries you along  Celtic trails steeped in history. A visit to the village pub follows a traditional candlelight dinner.</p>
<p><strong>Day 3: Monday </strong>You will spend the day at the famous Ballinasloe Horse Fair. This traditional event includes a pony and cob fair, over 100 vendor booths offering everything from a needle to an anchor and a Funderland Fun Fair.</p>
<p><strong>Day 4: Tuesday </strong>After a full Irish breakfast you will ride through dense forests to the impressive Williamstad house, a manor home that hosts a wonderful garden and is perfect for lunch and a stroll after your meal.</p>
<p><strong>Day 5: Wednesday </strong>You will ride through the mountain pass of the Slieve Aughty to enjoy the scenic views of the Shannon River. Your afternoon is spent at the Portumna Castle considered without equal in its time for style and grandeur. It boasts a unique inner courtyard, the Grianan, the ladies pleasure ground, with shrubs, seats, pathways and lawns for the ladies of the castle to congregate.</p>
<p><strong>Day 6: Thursday </strong>After your last home cooked Irish breakfast it will be time to say “slan abhaile” to your Irish mounts and transfer back to Shannon airport.</p>
<p><strong>DETAILS: </strong></p>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> October 2nd-7th, 2010 <br />
<strong>Riding Days:</strong> 3 <br />
<strong>Meeting Point:</strong> Shannon Airport<br />
<strong> Riding Ability: </strong>Walk, trot, canter <br />
<strong>Horses:</strong> Irish Draught, Connemara, Piebald <br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 4 – 10 <br />
<strong>Saddles:</strong> English <br />
<strong>Non-riding activities:</strong> Golf, hiking <br />
<strong>*Price: </strong>$1,253 per person, double occupancy. $124 single supplement.</p>
<p><em> *Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in euros. The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.</em><br />
<strong><br />
Includes:</strong> 5 nights B &amp; B, 3 days guided trail rides, 2 days special events, most meals, horse, tack, guide luggage transfers and tax, transfer to and from airport</p>
<p><strong>Not included:</strong> Air fare, lunch on Monday</p>
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		<title>IRELAND - Special Event - Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna and Celtic Trails</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1187</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1187#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:53:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Ireland]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Special Event]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tour Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.highpointetours.com/?p=1187</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/map.jpg" alt="map" title="map" width="220" height="273" align="right" />For five days you will be discovering Ireland’s beautiful nature and colorful history on<br />
horseback. Your horse will be carrying you around 120 miles from County Galway which is situated in the Midwest of Ireland westwards through the rural areas of County Clare into the unique Burren region. On the sixth day you will be taking part in the world famous “Matchmaking Festival” in Lisdoonvarna and visiting the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. </p>
<p><strong>ITINERARY</strong></p>
<p><strong>Day 1 - Saturday</strong> - Transfer from the Shannon Airport to your Irish Riding Lodge.  You can take a relaxing stroll on the nearby East Clare Walking Trail or a guided boat tour to the historical 9th century Holy Island monastic settlement.  In the evening, you meet your fellow riders during a candlelight and open turf dinner in the restored An Sibin farmhouse.  </p>
<p><strong>Day 2 - Sunday</strong> - After you become acquainted with your horse, the ride meanders through the peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains. In the afternoon, your horse carries you along a historical trail used by the Irish hero, Sarsfield, during his daring attack on the Williamite siege train.  You then ride across the lush Irish countryside to abundant purple and red heather fields and sandy bogs.  </p>
<p><strong>Day 3 - Monday</strong> - Your horse  ascends over the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains for a fascinating view of the majestic Lough Derg and River Shannon.  Along the road, you will see the ruins of old farm and miles of stonewalls,  Your guide will tell you about the effects Ireland’s significant famine on the local people. After a midday tasty lunch, you ride to the bog land to witness farmers cutting and drying the turf in the traditional way. You will see a Neolithic dolmen - with the legendary name “Oisin`s and Grainne`s Grave” which proves that this area was hallowed 5000 years ago. In the distance, the 9th century round tower on Holy Island can be spotted.  </p>
<p><strong>Day 4 - Tuesday</strong> - Leaving the sheltered pasture, you ride through thick forests to the sandy shores of Lough Graney. You ride across this beautiful lake to the idyllic Irish farmland - old stone walls surrounding  verdant green fields dotted with peacefully grazing sheep and cattle.  </p>
<p><strong>Day 5 - Wednesday</strong> - You ride across secluded forest trails to Glandaria (the Valley of the Kings), the wide fertile valley of the River Shannon cherished by ancient Irish kings.   After a picnic lunch along the river, your horse carries you across the boggy uplands for a breathtaking view of the Burren National Park.   On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Galway Bay. Your lodging is in the charming village of Corofin with numerous pubs for you to enjoy. </p>
<p><strong>Day 6 - Thursday</strong> - The moon-like landscape of the limestone Burren is your venue. From horseback, you will enjoy the colorful flora and fauna which is home to rare animal and bird species as well as a stunning variety of prehistoric settlements. Dolmens and wedge tombs surround Norman stone fort ruins and Celtic ring forts.  The next two nights you lodge in Lisdoonvarna, which is famous for traditional music in the pubs and town square during the Matchmaking Festival. </p>
<p><strong>Day 7 - Friday</strong> - Today you will visit the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher which overlook the Atlantic Ocean and Aran Islands, Afterwards you will  enjoy the lively atmosphere of the country wide Matchmaking Festival where singles from around the world gather for traditional music, dancing and shopping.  </p>
<p><strong>Day 8 - Saturday</strong> - After breakfast you will be transferred to the Shannon Airport.<br />
<img src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/cliffs_002.jpg" alt="cliffs_002" title="cliffs_002" width="430" height="323" align="center" /></p>
<p>The itinerary might change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control<br />
<strong>DETAILS:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> September 11-18th, 2010<br />
<strong>Length of ride:</strong> 5 days <br />
<strong>Meeting point:</strong> Shannon Airport Ability level: Walk, trot, canter <br />
<strong>Horse:</strong> Irish draught, Connemara, Piebald <br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 4 - 10<br />
<strong> Saddles:</strong> English<br />
<strong> Non-riding activity:</strong> Golfing, hiking <br />
<strong>Hotel/s:</strong> 3*** Irish Hunting Lodge <br />
<strong> Price per person:</strong> $1,544 per person, double occupancy  $179 single supplement </p>
<p><em>*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in euros. The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.</em></p>
<p><strong>Includes: </strong>7 nights B &#038; B, 5 days guided trail rides, some meals, horse, tack, guide luggage transfers and tax.</p>
<p><strong>Not included: </strong>Air fare, Cliffs of Moher lunch </p>
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		<title>ITALY - Stationary - The Hills of Tuscany Ride</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1129</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1129#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 17:39:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Stationary]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tour Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.highpointetours.com/?p=1129</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You won't see more beautiful fields” J.W. Von Goethe, Journey in Italy]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/tuscany_001.jpg" alt="tuscany_001" title="tuscany_001" width="220" height="322" align="right" />You will stay on a hill near the medieval town of Celle sul Rigo which is suspended in an atmosphere of rare Siena beauty and bucolic serenity. Surrounded by the magnificent settings in Val D’Orcia , Val di Chiana and the best Tuscan hospitality,  you will experience your dream of an unforgettable horseback riding vacation in Tuscany.  Your horse will carry you through the poetic countryside of Val d’Orcia and the fairy tale village of San Casciano dei Bagni. </p>
<p><strong>Itinerary:  </strong></p>
<p><strong>Day 1:  Saturday </strong><br />
Transfer from the Chiusi train station or the Rome or Florence airport to the lovely equestrian bed and breakfast in Siena. </p>
<p><strong>Day 2:  Sunday  </strong><br />
You will ride through scenic open fields of golden wheat and gray balze and clay hills.  The ride will pass extraordinary ridges covered with broom and fragrant herbs known as “calanchi” and meander along the winding Via Francigena.  This ancient Etruscan and Roman road led pilgrims to Rome and young artists to classical civilizations among the ruins.    </p>
<p><strong>Day 3: Monday  </strong><br />
The ride will ascend on winding roads to the Cetona Mountain,  one of the most important prehistoric settlings of central Italy.  You will visit natural caves occupied by humans 50,000 years ago.  Your horse will then carry you through beautiful Palazzuolo, the setting for the movie “The English Patient” and across Poggio Bianco region famous for  Brunello and Chianti wines.    </p>
<p><strong>Day 4: Tuesday  </strong><br />
Your horse will carry you amongst chestnut and beech trees to the foot of the 9th century castle of Radicofani.  During the Middle Ages, the ‘gentleman bandit’, Ghino di Tacco, a Robin Hood of sort mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy and by Boccaccio in the Decamerone, resided there. </p>
<p><strong>Day 5: Wednesday  </strong><br />
Your horse will carry you through the olive groves of the Rigo Valley  to Crete Senesi where roads are lined with Cypress trees and secluded old farmhouses.  Your destiination is San Casciano Bagni which surrounded by 46 thermal springs. Both Etrusian and Roman Kings bathed in the hot waters.  Transfer to your train station or airport after 1:00 PM.   </p>
<p><strong>DETAILS:</strong><br />
<strong>Dates: </strong>  June 19 - 26, August 28 - September 4, September 11 - 18, September 27 - October 2<br />
<strong>Riding days: </strong>4<br />
<strong>Airport:</strong>  Rome or Florence/Perugia<br />
<strong>Train Station:</strong> Chiusi<br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 4 - 8<br />
<strong>Saddle:</strong> English<br />
<strong>Horses:</strong>  Italian saddle, Maremmano, Arab<br />
<strong>Hotel/s: </strong> 5***** Bed and Breakfast<br />
<strong>Non-riding activities: </strong> Hiking, swimming and sight seeing.<br />
<strong>Price:</strong> $1,625 per person, apartment, double occupancy; $293 single supplement; $1,775 per person, suite, double occupancy; $318 single supplement</p>
<p>*Price is subject to change based on the dollar/euro currency and will be fixed at your final payment. </p>
<p><strong>Includes: </strong> 5 nights lodging, 4 days riding, all meals<br />
<strong>Not Included: </strong> airfare, train fare , transfer to and from train station (80 euro round trip)  </p>
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		<title>AUSTRALIA - Special Event - 150th Melbourne Cup Race and Snowy River Ride</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1059</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1059#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:20:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Australia]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Special Event]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tour Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/?p=1059</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/snowymap.jpg" alt="snowymap" title="snowymap" width="198" height="174" align="right" />You will ride along the Snowy River in south-eastern Australia  made famous by the poem &#8220;The Man from Snowy River&#8221;  and site of four major waterfalls and deep gorges. Then your  ride will ascend into the Victoria high country where wallaby, long footed potoroo, spot tail quol and giant burrowing frogs reside in the snow gum woodland, ancient ash forests and  native grasslands.  Your return to civilization will be marked by your attendance at the Melbourne Cup, which is dubbed “the horse race that stops the nation.”</p>
<p><strong>ITINERARY:</strong><br />
<strong>Day 1:  </strong><br />
Transfer from Melbourne Airport to Victoria<br />
<img src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/image017.jpg" alt="image017" title="image017" width="361" height="239" align="center" /></p>
<p><strong>Day 2 - Day 5:  </strong><br />
Ride along the Snowy River and across the Victoria high country</p>
<p><strong>Day 6:  </strong><br />
Transfer to Melbourne</p>
<p><strong>Day 7:  </strong><br />
Enjoy a free day in Melbourne</p>
<p><strong>Day 8:   </strong><br />
Attend a welcome reception.  Watch the Melbourne Cup from reserved lawn stand seat.<br />
<img src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/image019.jpg" alt="image019" title="image019" width="355" height="240" align="center" /></p>
<p><strong>Day 9:  </strong><br />
Celebrate with the winning jockey at breakfast.  Transfer to the Melbourne Airport   </p>
<p><strong>DETAILS: </strong><br />
<strong>Dates:</strong>  Tuesday, October 26 – Wednesday, November 3 or Sunday, October 31 – Monday,   November 8<br />
<strong>Riding days:</strong> 4<br />
<strong>Meeting point:</strong> Melbourne Airport<br />
<strong>Riding Ability:</strong> Walk, trot and canter<br />
<strong>Horses: </strong>Australian Stock horse<br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 4 - 10<br />
<strong>Saddles:</strong> Australian Stock or English<br />
<strong>Non-riding activities:</strong> Visit to Melbourne, attendthe Melbourne Cup<br />
<strong>Hotel/s: </strong> 4.5**** hotel and Bed and Breakfasts<br />
<strong>*Price:</strong> $5,098 per person twin accommodation</p>
<p>*Price is quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in Aussie dollars.  The price will fluctuate with the U.S./Aussie exchange and will be fixed at your final payment.  </p>
<p><strong>Included: </strong> Transfers to and from Melbourne Airport, 8 nights stay, all breakfasts, transfer to and from Snowy River, 5 days riding, Melbourne Cup lawn seat, horses, tack, guides, all meals during the ride.<br />
<strong><br />
Not Included:</strong>  Air fare, lunches and dinners in Melbourne</p>
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		<title>AFRICA – Adventure – Masai Mara Blossom Ride</title>
		<link>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1041</link>
		<comments>http://www.highpointetours.com/post/1041#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:16:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/?p=1041</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This ride will epitomize your idea of Africa!  An extension of the Serengeti, the Masai Mara is one of the most wildlife-rich conservation areas in Africa.  You will ride across an endless savanna streaked by dark green veins of riverine woodland on the banks of the Mara and Talak Rivers. The most popular African species – lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, wildebeest, gazelles and exotic birds - will cross your path.  Daily opportunities to interact with the local Masai people will be yours.   </p>
<p><strong>ITINERARY:</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://www.equestrian-vacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/africa4-300x199.jpg" alt="africa4" title="africa4" width="300" height="199" align="right"/><strong>Day 1     </strong><br />
Transfer from Nairobi airport to the fertile Kikuyu highlands at the edge of the Great Rift Valley.  The grassland, studded with volcanic mountains, is the unrivaled animal kingdom of Africa.  You will travel through the Masia trading village of Narok to the foothills of the Loita Mountain range where your campsite awaits beneath giant yellow fever acacia trees, habitat to monkeys and baboons.</p>
<p><strong>Day 2     </strong><br />
The ride will travel through acacia thickets and the open plains of the Loita Hills in search of Burchell’s zebra, East African eland, warthogs, Cape buffalo, Gazelle and Masia giraffes.  In the sky, you may see Africa Scops owls, starlings, secretary birds and white-backed vultures. </p>
<p><strong>Day 3   </strong><br />
Your day in the saddle will take you across the Loita Plains onto the Shangalara lugga (dry river bed) for a picnic lunch.  As you ride across the scrublands, herds of impala, white-bearded wildebeest, Coke’s hartebeest and topi may cross your path. Your camp will be within the Olare Lamun Valley near a spring used by the Masai to water their cattle and a favored haunt for lions and leopards.  Your evening may bring a spotlight safari vehicle adventure to search for elusive nocturnal animals.  </p>
<p><strong>Day 4   </strong><br />
Your trek across the vast savanna dotted with acacia, wait-a-bit bush and leleshwa (wild sage) woodland. The ride will continue through the manyattas villages of the Masai at the base of the Oloiburmut Hill where the Masai chief will share stories of Masai tradition and lore with you. </p>
<p><strong>Day 5    </strong><br />
An early call will beckon you to your venture through the rolling plains which skirt the Bardamat Hills. An invigorating canter across the Koiyaki Plains will lead you to your picnic site on an escarpment overlooking your destination for the day, the Masai Mara Game Reserve.  You will camp in a glade of the riverine forest along the Olare Orok River.</p>
<p><strong>Day 6    </strong><br />
Prepare your camera for a day of close-up wildlife photographing.  Spotted hyenas, cheetahs and elephants will fill you lens with memorable pictures. A walk with the Masai morran (warriors) is also an option.</p>
<p><strong>Day 7    </strong><br />
After you ride through a spectacular secret valley which boasts a huge concentration of game, the trail will wind along the Mara River bank as you search for hippos and crocodiles.  You will behold rare birds like the Ross’s turaco in the riverine forest.</p>
<p><strong>Day 8    </strong><br />
You will continue to explore the Masai Mara in search of lions, leopards, silver-backed jackals, African wild dogs and possibly black rhinos.  If the weather permits, the ride may cross the Mara River to rider beneath the spectacular Siria Escarpment.</p>
<p><strong>Day 9   </strong><br />
Transfer back to Nairobi for late day or next day air flight departure. </p>
<p><strong>Details:</strong><br />
<strong>Dates: </strong> Available year round: December - March:  African summer. short rains, warm temperatures, excellent game viewing; April - June: low season, long rains run from early April to mid-June, less crowded; July - November:  comfortable temperatures, popular time due to summer holidays, high season ; August - September:  wildebeest migrate through the Masi Mari<br />
<strong>Meeting Place:</strong>  Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya<br />
<strong>Riding days:</strong>  6 1/2<br />
<strong>Group size:</strong> 2- 12<br />
<strong>Riding ability: </strong>Walk, long trots and canters, Intermediate ability<br />
<strong>Saddles:</strong>  English trekking<br />
<strong>Hotel/s: </strong> Luxury Campsites<br />
<strong>Horses:</strong>  Thoroughbred, Somali Ethiopian Cross<br />
<strong>Non-riding activities:</strong>  game drives, hiking<br />
<strong>Hotel/s: </strong> private canvas mobile tents<br />
<strong>Prices:</strong> Based on the number of riders, per person, double</p>
<ul>
<li>12  - $4,655    </li>
<li>11  - $4,795 </li>
<li>10  - $4,995</li>
<li>9 - $5,195</li>
<li>8 - $5,495</li>
<li>7 - $5,875</li>
<li>6 - $5,570</li>
<li>5 - $5,995</li>
<li> 4 - $6,880</li>
<li>3 - $8,190</li>
<li>2 - $10,810 </li>
</ul>
<p>$900  - single supplement<br />
$795 – game reserve and wilderness concession fee<br />
$15 – Flying Doctors’ membership</p>
<p><strong>Includes: </strong> 8 night’s campsite lodging, drinks including bottled water ,all meals and drinks, guides, horses, 4&#215;4 game viewing vehicles, game drives, cultural visits, Nairobi hotel day rooms<br />
<strong>Not included:</strong>  air fare, pre and post tour lodging, transfer to and from hotel if you arrive early or depart after ride ($50 roundtrip)  </p>
<p><strong>Optional: </strong> Flight to/from Mara  - $330, Balloon Safari - $450, Lake Victoria Safari (minimum 3) - $485</p>
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