The 2008 Red Hills Three Day Event course has been accused of being “too tough” which may have been the reason for a large number of falls and injuries at the event. Does the responsibility fall on the organizers or on the participants? “Ride at your own risk” is something that has been ingrained in me since I started visiting trail riding facilities as a child. I take responsibility for my actions. In saying this, I have never had a serious injury riding?due to negligence?of an operator.?I may have a different view if I had a negative experience. How do you all feel about this issue?

Sarah

Our first place prize winner was Mr. James Payne who joined Equitours ‘Ride Across the Andes’ Trip . James won a $2,500 credit towards a ride in 2008 and has booked himself on our Wyoming Pack Trip- Washakie Wilderness.

James had a wonderful time on his Argentinean ride and had the following to report back to Equitours.

“Very seldom does the average person get the opportunity to travel abroad to a country that he has fantasized about since boyhood. My ride in Argentina and Chile has been one of my best life experiences. As a boy, I had read Tschiffley’s Ride and watched TV travel documentaries, which only fueled my desire to go to South America and ride like a gaucho.

Equitours provided the catalyst for me to be able to achieve this life long desire. Their connections with South American guides and ranches provided a unique opportunity to see the landscape and lifestyle of both countries. The horses provided on the trip were exceptional compared to other trips I have taken abroad.

The geography, flora, and fauna which one sees is only enhanced by the experience that horseback riding gives you. The services provided to us as riders made our crosscountry ride even more unique. I would urge anyone to not put off taking this wonderful trip. The memories
will last you a lifetime.”

James Payne, Oregon

Equitours looks forward to continuing this contest and sending our valued clients on horse riding vacations around the world.

Another danger to safety is lagging behind either purposely or inadvertently and then coming ahead fast to catch up. His theories come from over seventy years of riding and from working as an expert witness for equine accident cases. We would be glad to have your thoughts and comments about riding safety.

Roz has worked for Equitours for many years and been on numerous rides for the company so she is familiar with rides that are best suited to our clients and ones that represent who we are. Roz’s husband Craig also joined her on this ride and was equally impressed by this new ride Equitours now offers - Horseback Riding in Bulgaria called the Balkan Heritage Ride.

The new ride I scouted in Australia turned out to be a great success and Equitours are happy to add it to our list of offerings. We call this ride the Boomerang Trail as it is a stationary ride, returning each evening to a newly refurbished homestead in Lorne, near Port Macquarie, New South Wales. I am very excited about this new ride in my home country and hope to be able to show guests a truly picturesque and unique part of the world.

The 2008 brochure has been well received with bookings rolling in. It is encouraging that despite the uncertain US economy we still have clients willing to enjoy traveling and spending time immersing themselves in other cultures while enjoying the great outdoors.

Sarah

 A four day weekend calls for some sort of celebration but with gas prices the way they are, we will be staying close to home. A nice late brunch of pancakes, French toast (multicultural as I am!) and fruit followed by a long horse ride with our dogs tagging along. Dinner will be the traditional roast turkey fare but I am personalizing it by having Pavlova for dessert, an Australian treat.

What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Are you one of the millions bitting the bullet and traveling by car despite the gas prices or has this had an impact on your vacation plans?

Sarah

Tourism into the United States is at an all time high as visitors make the most of their vacationing dollar. This is not a good sign for American travelers though as they are even more inclined than ever to stay at home.  I found this article in the Daily Kos, very interesting and worth a read. 

Lets hope the Fed’s can come to the party and quit decreasing interest rates so we can all get back on the planes!

Sarah

Equitours is also focusing on some specialty rides in the 2008 brochure, such as family specific destinations such as Estancia Los Potreros, cooking focused rides such as the Toscana Cucina Ride or rides suited for ladies such as the Rainforest Adventure in Costa Rica.

If you would like to be put on our mailing list to receive a 2008 Equitours brochure please call 800 545 0019. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sarah

As we in the office work steadily on our new 2008 Equitours brochure we are forced to reflect on yet another year that is passing by. Maybe I am in denial but it feels way too early to be thinking about Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then bam -  its 2008 and it starts all over again!

For others in denial wishing to savor the rest of 2007, Equitours have some amazing rides for the rest of the US fall and start of winter. Our South American neighbors are just gearing up for their busy time and a trip to warm Argentina, Chile or Ecuador may just put the sparkle back in your year end. Also on offer are Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, New Zealand and Mexico. A perfect time to plan your escape from the US.

Sarah

Debra says:

I quote from a paper ‘Nation Management Group: Equine Influenza Communique 13.9.07′
 
“Equine Influenza is an endemic in virtually all countries with significant equine industries, and vaccination is used to control the disease in those countries.  Australia (until recently) and New Zealand are the only countries with large equine populations free of the disease and therefore do not vaccinate.”
 
EI (Equine Influenza) was brought into Australia by a Japanese Thoroughbred Stallion.  It has spread to some areas of New South Wales and Queensland.
 
A zoning system for affected areas on the east coast has very recently been announced and horse movement is allowed within the Green Zones but still no movement across State borders.
 
We are very fortunate that we live in a green zone, however, every horse enthusiast is affected and virtually no horse events are being held at the moment on the east coast of Australia.
 
Some reliable sites for information are:
 NSW Department of Primary Industries
 
Australian Horse Industry Council

Thanks for your contribution Debra. Perhaps this is the price Australia pays for globalisation and opening its doors to the international racing/horse industry.  Or I wonder if something was missed in the quarantine of the horse? Have the authorities gotten slack?

Sarah