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Tack The tack we use is all English and of good durable quality. The saddles are general purpose synthetics made by Thorowgood UK. We use leather & synthetic bridles mainly with snaffle bits and some pelhams. We do not use saddle bags, but we use saddle pads with a big pocket on each side suitable for water bottle, camera or other personal belongings. If you wish to bring your own tack please inform us in advance.
Riding The Discover Wadi Rum Ride, Petra to Wadi Rum Ride & New Year Ride all have 6 consecutive riding days. The Nomad ride has 8 riding days. We ride 5 to 6 hours a day, depending on itinerary, terrain, horse's condition and weather. We ride 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours in the morning. Break for lunch and a rest for 3 hours, and then ride 2 to 3 hours in the afternoon. We cover between 25 to 35 Km per day. There may be some walking each day leading the horses. At the same time we always start the ride & end the ride by walking for 5 to 10 minutes to warm the horses or cool them down.
Pace In general the pace of the ride is moderate, but changes according to terrain and time of the day. We always start and end the sessions by walking. The landscape and trails are generally open and flat, which provides good opportunities for long trots and fast canters. We usually have nice long gallops as well, but that depends on the riding ability of the group as a whole and the conditions of the horses. Safety of the riders and horses is our main concern. We always ensure that the horses are relaxed and that every rider feels in control. The desert is a big open environment with no fences to stop the horses.
Terrain The terrain of Wadi Rum is generally sandy, vast, & open. It provides a beautiful riding environment. The landscape & terrain varies day to day. We shall pass hard mudflats, nice hard sandy trails, soft sandy trails and sand dunes. We mainly ride over desert compacted sand tracks. The riding in the Petra area is quite different. In general it is rougher, a bit stony and follows narrow paths through the hills. On the Nomad ride the terrain varies all the time. Starting from the desert tracks, then to the harder tracks of Petra and to the agriculture tracks surrounded by wheat fields in Karak. We usually pass nomadic Bedouins living in traditional Bedouin tents on our tours. At the same time we pass cemeteries and various historical landmarks and sites.
Group Size The group size is usually 5 to 10 riders plus the guide. We reserve the right to run a ride with a number of participants less than five. We cannot guaranty a minimum number of riders. We also reserve the right to exceed the number of maximum riders by one or two.
Level of Riders Riders must be confident and fairly experienced. They must be comfortable in the saddle and in control of the horse at all gaits; walk, trot, canter & gallop.
Weight Limit The weight limit for riders is usually 85 Kg., 190 lbs. or 13 stone 5 lbs. However, we do have a few horses that can take heavier riders. If you are over the weight limit please contact us for availability of the bigger horses for the specific ride or tour that interests you.
Riders Responsibilities Riders are required to comply with all the instructions and regulations given to them by their guide. Respect the safety and welfare of the horses. Riders are required to groom and tack their horses once in the morning and once in the afternoon. If you require assistance please ask your guide. At the same time your help with feeding the horses is highly appreciated. Riding hats, or helmets are highly recommended on the tour, but it is up to the rider if he or she wants to wear one.
Guides All our guides are talented, caring & fun. They are certified (French & BHS certificates), very well experienced with horses & guiding, and have a great knowledge of Jordan and its deserts. They all speak English and French. They are all first aid and CPR trained and carry with them a first aid kit at all times.
Assistance & Staff All baggage, camping equipment, water, food and horse supplies are transported by 4X4 back up vehicles. Generally we have one to three vehicles on the tour depending on the number of participants. All staff including cook are local Jordanians and Bedouins.
Accommodation Accommodations in Amman, Petra & Aqaba are usually in hotels. Our normal packages use 3 & 4 star hotels depending on the city. For hotel upgrades, downgrades or single supplements, please contact us. Some tours use guest houses, small motels and camp grounds.
All nights on the tour will be spent camping. We choose the sites with perfection in mind. We stay at picturesque campsites that also offer top quality amenities and safety. Generally speaking the weather is pleasant most of the time for sleeping under the stars. At the same time we supply single & double dome tents that are fast and easy to erect. We also supply sleeping mattresses that can be used in the tents or outside. You are free to bring your own tent if you wish. For the fixed camps and mainly for the New Year Ride we have a big traditional Bedouin tent that is used for dinning, entertainment and sleeping. Please note that we do not provide any sleeping bags and that you are required to bring your own.
Toilet & Shower There are many private places around the desert for toilet use. Toilet paper has to be burnt. The group will agree on a toilet area upon arrival at camp site
We will provide you with a sufficient amount for water for showering everyday. Warm water as well for the winter time or upon request. And there are various protected private areas suitable for showering around the camp sites.
Portable chemical toilets and portable shower shelters are supplied for upgraded packages or on request.
Transportation All our transportation is by cars, taxis, minivans and busses, depending on the number of participants. For private transportation , excursions or limo service please contact us.
Food All of the meals on the tour are prepared by our cook & staff. It is local food and it is always fresh, balanced and plentiful. Local and continental breakfast. Lunches are usually light, consisting of salads, sandwiches, and other local dishes. Main meals for dinner, mainly rice, chicken, vegetables, lamb and other delicious local dishes. Fruits available after most meals. Mineral water, juices, coffee & tea at all times. All dietary requests will be met to the best of our ability. There are no tables & chairs, so basically we eat on a carpet on the floor with mats around, the traditional Bedouin way. Alcoholic drinks supplied on request and are extra. Please notify us upon arrival in Jordan so that we can arrange it.
Seasons Our riding tours run from the 1st week of September to the 2nd week of June. One & two day rides are available all throughout the year.
What Is Included - All riding. - Hotel accommodations in twin room occupancy. - Airport pickups, drop offs and all other local transportation, provided that you arrive and leave on the scheduled dates of the tour. - All meals on the tour except for lunches in Amman, Petra & Aqaba. - All meals on the ride. - Camping Equipment; tents, mattresses…etc. - Entrance fees and guides for Petra and other tourist sites are included.
What Is No Included - Personal Equipment. - Flights to Jordan and return. - Soft drinks & alcoholic drinks in hotels and on the ride. - Entry visa fees and departure tax to Jordan and any other airport taxes. - Personal medical insurance. - Personal expenses. - Tip.
What to Bring - Bags - A medium size strong bag preferably a duffle type made of strong quality material to withstand the desert, sand and loading & unloading. - A small back-pack (20L) which is quite useful for the flight and when going down to Petra or to town. This bag is also needed for the items that you use at the lunch break, so we do not have to unload the entire luggage at mid day. You can leave the bag in the 4X4 vehicles.
Clothing T-shirts Long sleeve shirts Sweatshirt Fleece pullover Light cotton pants Shorts Swimsuit Pullover wool or warm sweater (Nov. to Mar.) Windbreaker (Nov. to Mar.) Rain coat (Nov. to Mar.) Warm winter jacket (Dec. to Feb.) Soft shoes or sandals for after riding Socks
For Riding Riding hat or helmet (recommended). Breeches or jodhpurs. Riding boots, preferably half boots or any other strong light shoes suitable for riding. Half chaps or full chaps. Riding gloves. Saddle seat saver.
For sleeping Sleeping bag suitable and warm enough for the cool desert nights. Sleeping bag liners are warm for the winter time (Nov. to Mar) Small pillow if you wish.
Accessories Hat or cap Scarf Sunglasses Sunscreen Lip balm Water bottle (1L) Flash light Pocket knife Lighter or matches Personal toiletries Personal medications.
For Photographers U.V. filter Bag to protect camera from dust and heat Nylon bag to protect films from dust
IMPORTANT NOTES - Clients arriving or departing before and/or after the scheduled days of the tour will be charged for airport pickups, drop offs or other transfers (if applicable). Please see section on extra transfer. - Lunches in Petra & in Aqaba are not included and are at clients’ leisure. - Itineraries and rides may slightly change according to weather, condition of the horses, and level of the riders. The tour can be reversed as well, and camp sites and lunch spots can be altered. The guide reserves the right for these changes. - Please note that rates are calculated on sharing hotel rooms and if a sharer cannot befound, the single supplement will be charged. - We do not offer any kind of refund to clients for having less hotel nights or less riding days.
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