Germany, upper Rhine Valley
Our stud and riding center is located in southern Germany. Set in beautiful surroundings, it is easy to get to and there are several airports within easy distance, including Stuttgart, Strasbourg, Basel and Frankfurt.
The beautiful German sport horses are born on the farm and the focus is on dressage. The whole family is involved with the studfarm and ridingschool. Claudia will meet you in the stables and it is Claudia or one of the other instructors that will train you during your stay. She is also responsible for the stud and for matching stallions and mares. She is also an active competitor on several of the horses up to Intermediaire.
Her mother, Brigette, is the founder of the farm, which includes a main building with a pool and a number of apartments for guests as well as two indoor schools and two outdoor arenas.
In total there are about 50 horses of which around 10 are used for lessons as well as a number of ponies.
The focus is on quality rather than quantity. You will stay in modern, well-appointed apartments. Dressage lessons are with two riders and jumping lessons with a maximum of four riders. Dressage lessons are up to Advanced Medium level and jumping up to around one meter.
There is a small and picturesque village within walking distance that has half-timbered houses and seven restaurants and a fully-stocked grocery store. You can choose yourself whether to eat out or eat at home.
The atmosphere on the farm is welcoming and warm and you will feel at home at once.
You have the opportunity to get intensive lessons on beautiful horses from a very committed and skilled trainer. Welcome!
Accommodation & food
The farm has a main building with a heated pool and a number of apartments for guests. You will stay in clean, modern and fully-equipped apartments.
There is a small and picturesque village within walking distance that has half-timbered houses and seven restaurants and a fully-stocked grocery store. You can choose yourself whether to eat out or eat at home.
You can also buy a breakfast package (booked 24 hours in advance and paid on location). It costs approx. EUR 13 /person (2 slices of bread, cheese, sausage, butter, jam, honey, Nutella, 1 glass of orange juice and a pot of coffee). You can also book a massage and there are cycles that can be borrowed.
Apartment 1: approx. 38 m² studio apartment, combined living room/bedroom/kitchen. Open plan with kitchen and dining area, shower/toilet and outdoor area. For those travelling on their own, single room supplement if there is no one to share the room with.
Apartment 2: approx. 50 m², open plan with kitchen, dining table and living room, 1 bedroom and a terrace or balcony. For two people.
Apartment 3: approx. 90 m², open plan with kitchen, dining table and living room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 balconies. For 4 people travelling together.
All apartments have a TV, music player and WiFi.
Horses
The beautiful German sport horses are born on the farm and the focus is on dressage. In total there are about 50 horses of which around 10 are used for lessons as well as a number of ponies.
The horses are very well cared for and each horse is able to go outside every day. The farm is very well organized and each horse has its own cart with saddle, bridle and grooming equipment.
Riding
Claudia will meet you in the stables and it is Claudia or one of the other instructors that will train you during your stay. She is also responsible for the stud and for matching stallions and mares. She is also an active competitor on several of the horses up to Intermediaire.
The riding philosophy is to bring the horse along with the training. The horse needs to be relaxed in order to do the exercises correctly. It is a positive atmosphere while at the same time being very serious where every detail is important.
Dressage lessons are with two riders and jumping lessons with a maximum of four riders. Dressage lessons are up to Advanced Medium level and jumping up to around one meter.
You can choose between the following programs.
Weekly program
Dressage basic: includes one dressage lesson per day and one hack out. A total of 6 lessons and one hack out over one week.
Dressage intensive: Two lessons per day and one hack out. A total of 9 lessons and one hack out over one week.
Allround: Includes a total of 7 dressage lessons, two jumping lessons and one hack out over one week.
Weekend program
Dressage basic: Includes one dressage lesson per day. A total of 3 lessons over a weekend.
Dressage intensive: Two lessons per day and one day with one lesson. A total of 5 lessons over a weekend.
All-round: Includes a total of 3 dressage lessons, one jumping lesson and one hack out over a weekend.
The first lesson is on Thursday afternoon after which you will have two lessons per day on Friday and Saturday (other than the basic program). Departure on Sunday morning. If you have a late arrival on Thursday, you can have your last ride on Sunday morning instead.
Travel Information
Ability description: Dressage level 2-3, jumping level 1-5
Included in the price: Week: 7 nights, 5 days riding. Weekend: 3 nights, 3 days riding.
Not included: travel to and from the riding center, food, transfers
Travel: There are five airports to choose from:
Karlsruhe-Baden-Baden – 40 min
Stuttgart 1.5 hours
Frankfurt 2 hours
Basel 1.5 hours
Strasbourg 45 min
Flights and rental cars can be booked via our online booking service.
Train: You can take the train to Legelhurst
Transfer: You can be met at the following stations:
Legelshurst train station: Free
Offenburg station: EUR 25/one-way
Stuttgart airport: EUR 110/ one-way
Frankfurt airport: EUR 150/ one-way
Strasbourg airport: EUR 90/ one-way
Arrival and departure days:
Week-day program: Arrival at the riding center afternoon, check in 2.00pm - 3.30pm, no riding on arrival and departure day, departure latest 11.00am
Weekend: Arrival Thursday afternoon for the first lesson, check in 2.00pm - 3.30pm, departure Sunday latest 11.00am
Arrival day: Optional. If you would prefer to arrive on another day, simply email info@horsexplore.com
Single room: If travelling on your own, you can book the studio apartment.
Pool: There is a heated pool that is open for guests between 10.00am-5.00pm. The cost is EUR 5/day and apartment.
Number of riders: Dressage lessons are with two riders and jumping lessons with a maximum of four riders.
Season: Open all year-round
Rental car: If you would like to explore the surrounding area, we recommend a rental car.
Other: Free WiFi, credit cards accepted, 18-hole golf course (8km, 5 miles), swimming (10km, 6 miles)