Join us for an enchanted time of living in a 16th century castle and riding fine horses in the lush, rolling French countryside. Upon your arrival at the historic and magnificent Chateau de la Boulaye you’ll be swept back in time to a bygone era of quiet beauty and graceful living. After settling in to your spacious quarters in the Chateau, a stroll around the manicured grounds reveals the elegant ambiance of this beautiful property. You’ll discover a number of centuries old, stone out-buildings including the private chapel of Gothic Revival architecture, the cider brewery and, of course, the traditionally designed stone and timber stable complex with high walls and buildings enclosing the riding courtyard. Past the stable you’ll find a dressage arena and a wonderful cross country jumping course complete with natural log and water jumps. As you amble along the grass lanes lined with ancient hardwoods, you’ll come upon a beautiful lake which reflects the back view of the Chateau. Beyond the lake are large rolling pastures which are home to the Chateau’s forty well bred horses.

During the week a number of optional activities will be offered at no extra charge including daily group lessons in horsemanship and classical riding instructed by Ed Dabney. Ed will also guide group rides around the property and in the adjoining 5,000 acre wooded equestrian park. Other activities may include a tour of the Abbaye St. Vigor which is still an operating abbey built in 1088. The abbey features unique architecture and a very interesting museum. You may enjoy touring the French countryside which is dotted with quaint villages, chateaus and historical sites. You may choose to participate in the many cultural events and festivals which are so often held in this area of Normandy. A casual picnic on the beach, only a half hour drive away, is also a possibility.

Chateau de la Boulaye’s location near Omaha Beach, site of the US troops landing on D Day during World War II, placed it in the center of activity for the days following D Day. In fact, General Eisenhower lived at Chateau de la Boulaye and made it his headquarters for a time during the liberation of France. The Chateau was also General Bradley’s headquarters. Because of the historical significance of this area, a full day battlefield tour will be offered for those interested in participating. The tour will be guided by a retired British General who now lives in the area and knows all the details of the history of the battle.

You are welcome to spend time on your own riding horseback on the property, relaxing, reading, walking, bicycling or riding horseback into the nearby quaint village of Cerisy-la-Foret. While in the village be sure to visit the bakery. I highly recommend their chocolate éclairs. They’re wonderful!

Chateau de la Boulaye, built prior to 1550, was renovated in 1789 and again completely renovated in 1995 to add modern plumbing and electrical standards while still preserving the Chateau’s historical integrity. Your living quarters in the Chateau will be a private area including your own spacious bedroom, complete kitchen, comfortably appointed sitting room and modern bathroom with large tub. Breakfast will be on your own, prepared from your fully stocked private kitchen. Lunch and dinner of delicious French cuisine prepared by a master chef will be served in the elegant grand dining room.

Private riding lessons may be scheduled with Ed Dabney during the week at his normal hourly lesson fee. Ed and his daughter, Madeline, will be spending a month at the Chateau prior to your arrival working with a number of the horses taking them through his entire training program and riding them on the forest trails so you will be assured of having a good riding horse.

We are offering this wonderful riding holiday September 14-20, 2008 to a maximum of six participants per week (based on double occupancy). The price of $2,550 per person includes six nights, six days at the Chateau, all meals, horseback rides, activities and transportation to and from the nearest train station. This price does not include air and train transportation or gratuities to Chateau staff.

You would fly into the Paris airport. Ground transportation would be from the Paris airport to the train station, St.Lazare. Take the train to Cherbourg and get off in Bayeux. We will pick you at the train station in Bayeux.

Reservations will be accepted on a first come first serve basis when we receive your reservation form and full trip payment. For European clients please contact Madeleine Forsgren at HMS@stenbro.com (www.stenbro.com) to submit your reservation and trip fee.

Chateau de la Boulaye is a privately owned estate and has never been open to the public. This is truly a unique opportunity to enjoy the experience of living and riding at this beautiful and historic Chateau.

We look forward to you joining us for this exciting and elegant riding vacation.

- ED DABNEY Gentle Horsemanship