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887a6511Touringon horseback
Horse-riding: an ancestral form of locomotion ...so contemporary
887a6477In the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, you’ll find the Dore loop, designed specifically for horse riding. But all the many perfectly signposted hiking trails are accessible to horse riders. Taking them on horseback or pony is an extraordinary experience: because they allow you to get away from it all, to go into areas that are more difficult to access on foot, and to feel a bit adventurous.
It’s an age-old mode of transport, but it’s also as contemporary as it gets, and it doesn’t emit a single greenhouse gas! It’s a return to a very trendy practice, that of taking things slowly. When you’re riding a horse, you can gallop to feel alive under the effect of adrenalin, but that only lasts for a while. After that, you can walk peacefully, letting your eyes wander and your mind wander.
Never monotonous, the Livradois-Forez hiking trails are surprisingly rich in natural environments. Between alluvial and mountainforests, volcanic hillocks, the glacial valley of Le Fossat, peat bogs and the high moorland of the Hautes-Chaumes du Forez, you’re sure to be amazed.
The Billom plain, otherwise known as“the Tuscany of Auvergne“, is also a particularly good spot for horse riding.
On the Livradois-Forez Rando app, you can download the route and also find – step by step – all the points of interest.
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Dressing for riding
To get the most out of your horse-riding experience in the Livradois-Forez, it’s essential to choose the right clothing that will offer you comfort, safety and mobility. Here are a few tips on how to dress for horse riding:
1Suitable trousers :
Choose comfortable, hard-wearing trousers, preferably tight-fitting with no bulging seams, to avoid chafing and irritation when riding uphill. Riding trousers or leggings are often a good choice, as they offer optimum freedom of movement.
2Suitable footwear:
Wear boots or shoes with a small heel to prevent your foot from slipping too far into the stirrup and to ensure a better grip in the stirrup. Make sure your shoes are closed and offer good ankle support to reduce the risk of injury.
3Comfortable top :
Choose a breathable, snug-fitting top that allows you to move freely while remaining comfortable in the saddle. Technical shirts or polo shirts are often recommended as they absorb moisture and dry quickly.
4Protective equipment :
To ensure your safety, we recommend you wear an approved riding helmet, which offers protection against impact in the event of a fall. Depending on the weather and ground conditions, you may also consider wearing gloves to protect your hands and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
5Extras depending on conditions :
Depending on the weather conditions, don’t forget to bring extra clothing, such as a waterproof jacket or windbreaker in case of rain or wind, and a cap or hat to protect you from the sun.
Finding your mount
Horse riding is one of the activities available to families. It’s an alternative to hiking that’s sure to appeal to children in a completely different way: a whole new experience!
The horse is a powerful symbol. Because of its majestic nature and free spirit, the horse is often associated with freedom and independence. It embodies the desire to escape the constraints of everyday life and venture towards new horizons. It is also a symbol of strength and physical power, associated with vital energy and animal instinct. Riding is based on a relationship of partnership and trust between man and horse. As such, the horse also symbolises collaboration, loyalty and the deep connection between man and nature. Finally, in many cultures, the horse has spiritual and mythological significance. It is often associated with divinities or mythical figures, such as Pegasus in Greek mythology or the sacred white horse in many religious traditions.
Day tripAre you more of a?
Growing up with the joys of the pony
Riding is accessible from the age of 3, but the small size of the pony is better suited to learning. The Livradois-Forez riding schools offer introductory and advanced riding courses. Just for kids! The equestrian facilities and their professionals welcome both beginners and more experienced riders for a gentle learning experience. It’s a safe way to discover the equestrian world, and one in which children will gain confidence, from the riding school to outings in the countryside.
More than just a leisure activity or sport, discovering horse riding is also a great school for life! In contact with animals, children form bonds, gain self-confidence and take responsibility for themselves by looking after their mounts, as well as taking part in the collective life of the riding centre… All in all, a great life experience.
