Desert Trail Riding AdventuresMitzpe Ramon, Israel

LocationThe Alpaca farm riding center is situated in a secluded valley, in the heart of the Negev desert heights, (approx. 900 meters above sea level) close to the spectacular cliffs of the Ramon Crater. This ideal location and altitude makes trail riding possible throughout the year – summer is dry and relatively cool, winter days are sunny and mild with very little rain so the ground remains dry. The Alpaca Farm is about two hours’ drive from Ben Gurion air-port (close to Tel Aviv) and approximately an hour and a half from the leisure town of Eilat, situated on the Red Sea.

Unique LandscapeThe Farm’s close proximity to the Ramon Crater provides an opportunity to

experience a wide variety of scenic trails: high mountain terrain, ancient volcanic landscape and multi colored sand dunes in the crater depths. Some tracks follow

the ancient spice route where perfumes and spices were brought from the Far East through the Nabatean capital of Petra to the Mediterranean Sea ports.

Athletic trail rides (at trot and canter, speeds varying from 10-20 km/h) allow us to cover long distances and experience vast and varied landscapes each day.

Horses and TrackOur horses are trained specifically for long distance sports riding and are well adapted to the desert terrain. Some of them are Israeli Endurance winners having achieved leading positions in competitions both locally and abroad. Our horses are local breeds with a high proportion of Arabian in their bloodlines – producing ex¬cellent endurance horses with high stamina and capable of working long dis-tances over time (up to 160 km per day). We use mainly western style tack but have special endurance saddles for competitive events.

RidersWe welcome athletic riders who love the outdoors and who will keep smiling after spending hours in the saddle, surrounded by breathtaking landscape.

Recommended riding ability:

1. Experienced riders, familiar with endurance paces – riders who can comfortably complete 10 km at trot and canter without stopping.

2. Riders with experience in other riding styles who wish to learn more about endurance and trail riding. Basic requirements: the ability to ride for 10 minutes at a working trot, confidence riding for stretches at canter and gallop.

Riding styleWe adopt a relaxed riding style which combines elements from both English and Western styles, and follow the principles of Centered Riding which places great emphasis on having the rider seated in the most effective posi¬tion for optimum comfort and health of both horse and rider over extended periods of time. This affords the horse maximum freedom to work while reins are kept very loose.

The Negev Experience - Ramon Crater and Surrounding Landscape Day Activity Distance Description

Sunday Arrival and introduction to the horses, first trail ride

20 km View of the Ramon Crater and surrounding area

Monday Ramon Crater trail 30 km Descent to the Crater‘s basin and back up to the farmTuesday Day in the Crater 50 km A full day‘s riding covering a variety of different terrain and

scenery in the heart of the Ramon CraterWednesday Eilat - Fun and Relaxation Diving, snorkeling and swimming with dolphins, beach etc.Thursday Local „Everest“ trail -

Horseball in the evening30 km Negev mountain vistas

Friday Arod ascent / Nahal Yeter 30 km Volcanic mountain terrainSaturday Relaxed day of riding - riders‘

choice30 km Landscape surrounding of the Alpaca Farm

PriceEUR1165/ USD 1560 (per Person, group prices vary according to the size of the group), including B&B accommodation.Does not include leisure expenses, or travel to and from Eilat.

The cabins are fully equipped for self-catering or alternately we can recommend a number of local restaurants for lunch and dinner. On the last evening we’ll have a special vegetarian meal together around a campfire.

ContactEmail: alpaca4@gmail.comTel.: +972 52 8977011Web: www.facebook.com/DesertTrailRidingAdventures