Exploring By Horse

Before taking a horse-riding holiday, you should aim to get a bit fitter than usual to get the most out of the rides. Old loose cotton t-shirts are best for riding. Pack your jodhpurs if you have them - it's worth it to feel really comfortable as you may spend up to six hours in the saddle. Remember the insect repellent and facial sun block, both a must.

There are two riding schools in Kefalonia providing an all year round programme of riding trips, from one to five hours a day. Or if you prefer you can spend a whole week of your holiday on a 7-day trail.

Based outside of Sami on the road to Poros, between the villages of Zervata and Koulourata, the stables are run by a German horse teacher, qualified in countryside, dressage and jumping. Everyone can ride their horses, whether a beginner or an experienced rider, young or old. The horses are sturdy, sure-footed, well-trained horses, Haflingers and Bavarian warm bloods. Apart from the riding and trekking trips, the stables offer competitive riding and horse training and lessons in dressage, jumping and voltigieren.

Bavarian Horse Riding Stables,
Koulourata, 28080 Sami, Kefalonia, Greece
Telephone Cornelia Schimfky on 6977 533203
e-mail cornelia@kef.forthnet.gr

British Horse Society
www.bhs.org.uk

The Hellenic Equestrian Federation
www.equstrian.org.gr
Details of clubs, riders and competitions in Greece

Equiworld
www.equiworld.net
Newsletters and links to other equine-related websites

A completely different way of exploring Kefalonia, you can plan your trip to include visiting some of the famous sights of the island such as the caves of Melissani and Drogarati, the monasteries of Agrilllia and Fanentes and follow the old donkey trails with wonderful views of the neighbouring islands of Lefkas and Ithaca. Cross olive groves, trot through fruit orchards and visit the slopes of Mount Ainos. You can even go to a beach and swim with your horse in the sea!