Comfort
Throughout the ride, you will be staying in gites, hotels or on a horse far, sometimes in dormitory-style accommodation. Limited internet and data coverage during the trail.
Meals
You meals will be made from quality local produce. Your midday picnics will consist of regional and home-grown fare and (transported in the support vehicle) and your evening meals will be hot.
For lunch : main - savoury 'cake' or quiche, mixed salad and cheese, dessert - cake and fruit, and to drink - still and sparkling water, wine.
Aperitif : Chouchen (a honey-based alcoholic drink) or rosé wine
For dinner : main - soup, family-style lasagne or chilli con carne, or a traditional Breton dish such as kig ha farz, dessert - local cheese or a choice of yoghurt, and to drink - still and sparkling water, wine.
Climate
The climate in Finistère, right at the westernmost point of Brittany, has an oceanic climate, cool summers and is subject to westerly winds.
In Winter, temperatures vary between 2 and 11°C.
In Spring, temperatures vary between 3 and 14°C.
In Summer, temperatures vary between 12 and 23°C.
In Autumn, temperatures vary between 7 and 20°C.
Guide and local team
Gery, your trip leader, has been a horse riding guide since 1994 and is also a farrier and is qualified in equine first-aid. Originally manager of a stable, Gery began leading rides in the forests in the Ile de France and through Orléanis before reaching the Cantal mountains. Always at home on the coast and by the sea, he created his own stables in Brittany in 2012 and has been leading tours from there ever since.
Tips
In France it is customary to tip - usually this is by rounding up the price when you are satisfied with the service in a restaurant. You may wish to leave a tip with the guide who can split it amongst all members of the team - this is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion.
Packing list
Head
- A riding helmet is compulsory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain
- Warm hat for cold evenings/days
Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Waterproof jacket (made from Goretex or equivalent) and/ or (depending on the season) a waterproof vest that covers you thighs. No ponchos!!
Legs
- 2 pairs of lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers (made from Goretex or equivalent), especially if you don't have a long waterproof coat
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- A swimming costume may be useful for impromptu dips in the lake
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding
Night
- Tracksuit or pyjamas to sleep in
- Sleeping bag level +2°. We recommend doubling up with a sleeping bag liner, for extra warmth
Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Other useful items
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Protein or cereal bars for the longer stretches of riding
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it after use
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for you rubbish
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- A pair of binoculars
Medical kit
Make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) and clearly stated in your medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhea medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Our Recommendations
- Take a second, smaller bag to pack things you may need during the day such as a book or suncream then you can easily access it during the long lunch break
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.
