Horseback riding
Formerly a war and work animal, for ploughing, transport, packing goods and carriage-pulling (among other tasks), horses are now used widely not only for horse racing and horse shows, but also by the kinds of tourists (though 'riders' might be the better word) who prefer to ride into forests, gorges, mountains, and wild terrain of all kinds, rather than hang out on beaches or at seaside cafes.
Unlike so many other adventure sports that have been altered by, and which utilize, modern technology, horse riding depends, as it has for millennia, on the rapport between rider and horse.
Time should be taken to establish such rapport, which can done via such simple gestures as feeding, watering, and grooming, as well as simply touching and talking with this very sensitive and responsive animal, and by paying attention to its responses.
Beginning riders should seek counseling from an experienced trainer or coach, who will explain how to mount, distribution of one's weight, necessary signals for setting the horse in motion smoothly (rather than with a jolt), how to ride in a way comfortable for both rider and horse, how to stop the horse, and how to dismount.
It must always be kept in mind that a horse is a very large animal, and that falls can result in serious injury or fatality. Greece offers many beautiful landscapes suitable for horseback riding, with many horseback outings organized by equestrian groups, ranches, agencies, and adventure tourism companies, though such excursions are still something fairly recently in this country.
The Greek Equestrian Federation can provide contact information for riding schools, where lessons can be taken before embarking on such excursions.
A popular Greek destination to explore on horseback is the beautiful Pilio peninsula to the east of the city of Volos in central Greece, a peninsula with beautiful old kalderimia (cobbled paths) between mountain villages, and beautiful beaches far below. The Pilio peninsula is known for its fruit and nut orchards, its verdant nature, and its traditional stone villages. Leaving Volos, a road climbs the foothills of Mt. Pilio.
A lovely place to visit in Pilio in fall is the large village of Argalasti, which sits on a green plateau, and consists of six separate districts, with orchards, vineyards, chesnut forests and gardens surrounding each. An important cultural and economic center during Ottoman times, the town was burnt to the ground by the Ottoman army during the Greek War of Independence (1823) but was later rebuilt on the same plan and with the same stone-a town that rose anew from its own ashes!! Every Saturday in modern days sees a farmers' market, and there are many historic places to visit here. The old harbor for Argalasti, a few kilometers to the southwest, is occupied by the modern town of Milina, which has a fine sandy beach, with others in the same area, and offshore islets along its gulf. An old shipyard is found nearby;a kalderimi leads from Milina to Lafkos (usually spelled Laucos in English). Argalasti is 39 kilometers (24 miles) from Volos. There is a campground at Milina and also at Horto; accommodation is available in many Pilio villages in traditional hostels or huge old mansions.
We have many resources to help you arrange any of the above activities so please contact us for more information.