Get Mama in the Saddle for Mother’s Day Millbrook, NY—March 3, 2004—The perfect Mother’s Day gift for the mom who loves horses: A horseback riding trip with her daughter in Ireland, France or Italy. Cross Country International offers four different vacations for mothers and daughters to spend a special week together in four exciting locations. You’ll ride from a castle, estate or villa through fabulous countryside while creating unforgettable memories. “These four vacations are designed specifically to give mothers and daughters the opportunity to bond while they share their passion for riding and travel,” said Karen Lancaster, President of Cross Country International. “There are over 20 million riders in North America and 70% are women. There is a great family tradition of riding together, nearly half of those enjoy riding with a family member.”

Get Mama in the Saddle in Ireland

Whether you choose the Mt. Juliet vacation or the Kinnitty Castle package, you’ll enjoy the historic sights, and rich splendor of the Emerald Isle.

The Mt. Juliet Estate vacation, May 9-14, is ideal for mothers and daughters looking to perfect their riding skills. The Mt. Juliet vacation offers both riding instruction and vacation delights in County Kilkenny. Guests will enjoy four days of riding, with opportunities to train under British Horse Society certified instructors in their choice of cross county jumping, hunt seat equitation, show jumping, and dressage.

You’ll stay five nights at the Mt. Juliet country estate, now a luxurious 32-room hotel. Built over two hundred years ago, the Mount Juliet estate is home to the Ballylinch Stud breeding program. While at Mt. Juliet for Mother’s Day, both mother and daughter will be treated to a make-over or soothing massage. You’ll also enjoy a special Mother’s Day dinner at Kendal’s Restaurant and daily breakfast in a Club Room in the Hunters’ Yard.

On the Kinnitty Castle Mother’s Day vacation, May 9 – 15, you’ll spend six nights in the 11th century Kinnitty Castle, known for its medieval décor, four-poster beds, and roaring fireplaces, plus the luxuries of modern life. The vacation includes four days of riding spectacular Irish-bred horses through scenic Kinnitty Forest and the picturesque foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Riders will visit the ruins of the 9th century Saint Kieran’s Abbey, and tour Leap Castle, “the most haunted castle in Ireland.”

When not riding, mothers and daughters on The Kinnitty Castle vacation will both be treated to a luxurious spa treatment or massage and a Mother’s Day Luncheon. Tennis, hiking, biking, shopping, a modern health facility, and two comfortable pubs are also available on the Kinnitty Castle vacation.

Get Mama in the Saddle in Provence, France

The Mother’s Day Provence Inn-to-Inn Ride, May 16-22, takes mothers and daughters through Provence, France, an area famed for its friendly people, sun-drenched countryside, and culinary treasures. Through vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and ancient villages, riders will experience the quaint country and pure elegance that is France’s trademark.

This package offers an introduction to trail riding, perfect for mothers or daughters with limited riding experience. You’ll ride gentle Spanish/Arabian horses, well-trained to help novice equestrians ride confidently through the breathtaking landscapes of the Luberon Mountain Range and Regional Nature Park.

On the Provence Inn-to-Inn Ride, both mother and daughter will be treated to a Day of Beauty at the Thermes Sextius Spa, including a professional hydro-massaging bath, vapor shower and Zen massage. You’ll tour several of the lower French Alps’ most charming villages, while enjoying six nights hotel accommodations, exquisite French dinners, shopping, sightseeing, and wine tasting.

Get Mama in the Saddle in Tuscany, Italy

The Tuscany Trail Ride, May 30 – June 5, features the glorious pastoral countryside and rich equestrian culture of the Tuscan city of Siena where you’ll spend five nights at Il Poggio, a family-owned Italian villa. Three days of guided rides through idyllic landscapes and picturesque villages include the Monte Cetona area, site of one of Italy’s most prominent prehistoric settlements, and the 9th century castle of Radicofani. Tours of Siena’s famed Duomo cathedral, with its sculptural masterpieces by Nicola Pisano, Donatello, and Michaelangelo, add to the cultural experience.

The Mother’s Day Tuscany Trail Ride features a day of beauty and well-being at the spa including a thermal swimming pool and the most innovative hydro-massage technologies. Opportunities for hiking, swimming, shopping, and sightseeing abound.

Get Mama In The Saddle Vacation Pricing

Cross Country International’s four Mother’s Day packages are available for mothers and daughters of all ages for $1,595 per person. Hearty, delicious meals; castle, villa, or first-class accommodations; fabulous horses; and massages and spa treatments to pamper mothers and daughters after an exhilarating day in the saddle are all included.

For more information and complete itineraries on the Mother’s Day rides or any of Cross Country International’s numerous other vacation packages, please contact Cross Country International by calling (800) 828-8768, emailing info@xcintl.com or by visiting www.equestrianvacations.com.

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