Expedition high above Abergwesyn
Pack Ponies & Leading Ponies
Introduction
This year we are offering Pack Ponies - for both riders, walkers & back packers. Throughout the world pack animals - donkeys, mules, llamas, camels - are important forms of transportation and are often used by expeditions to carry gear. We have imported pack frames, rigging, panniers etc from America - where they are still widely in use in the mountains - and (as pictured above & previous page) have spent a couple of weeks wandering across Wales and back learning how to use them - at the same time training ponies to act as pack animals. Some take to it better than others.!
Adjusting the saddle bags
Wilderness Camping Trails
Riders provide their own lightweight camping equipment. Tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipemnt and food can all be comfortably carried on the pack ponies and in the expedition saddle bags on the saddle horses. Basic instruction in pack pony management will be offered before you set out into the hills. These trails are only suitable for riders able to sign the FreeRein Declaration of Horsemanship.
Out in the hills there are camp sites with basic facitilies overnight camps. We provide detailed maps, route descriptions and back up as required.
Charges for Pack Ponies, with pack frame, panniers, & Saddle Horses with pack saddles - each £130 per. day (incl. overnight camp/grazing fees whilst out on trail).
Trails on a Leading Rein
For the young rider to be . . .
Parents lead/accompany their mounted child(ren) on foot along these trails. The writer (Will) introduced his son to riding in the hills in this way. There is an option to stay at farms or inns. These trails are organised as for all FreeRein Trails - with route descriptions, prebooked accommodation, baggage delivered to the farms/inns along your trail, with Helpline & back up as needed.
Pack Ponies for Back Packers
For self sufficient back packers . . .
Those seeking a wilderness experience on foot but with a Pack Pony to carry the heavier stuff. Back packers provide their own camping gear and food and will probably carry the lightweight bulky items - spare clothes/sleeping bags on their backs. Charges incl..of Pack Pony with pack frame, panniers & rigging, maps, routes descriptions, back-up as requested and pre arranged basic camp sites. ............£125 per day per pack pony + £35 per. back packer per day.
Sample Charges
Lead Rein Pony and child rider plus 2 adults:
Two Days 1 night at inn - £410
Two Days 1 night at hill farm - £428
Three Days 1 inn, 1 farm - £715
Lots of possible variations! please do not hesitate to contact us.