Equestrian Vacations

Dear Equestrian Escapes,

I recently travelled to Slovenia and came across some horses that reminded me of a horse-riding holiday that I booked through you.  I went alone, to Barcelona and had the most wonderful time.  I remember especially that the horses were so healthy and well looked after, and Barcelona itself was so pretty.  I am currently travelling around Europe on business, but when I return I think I may just ring you to book a well-deserved horse-riding break!  Italy, perhaps this time!  Or perhaps I should try something entirely different?  Maybe the side-saddle?…….

I look forward to speaking to you on my return,

Many thanks,

Eduardo (Horse Expert)

Equestrian Escapes' Horse Riding Holidays

If you are looking for a holiday that is a bit different, and carries with it a sense of adventure, why not book a horse riding holiday?  Equestrian Escapes offers a wide variety of horse riding holidays, from Peru and Spain, Portugal and Italy, to the Uk and Ireland.  You can even take your horses with you on holiday, and learn new tricks together.  You can design your own riding plan to suit you from lessons, short hacks, half day rides to full day rides.

Riding in Berkshire

Accommodation is also varied, from pretty little B&Bs, to log cabin, quiet country hotels, to luxurious full board hotels and spas.

Here at Equestrian Escapes we are happy to discuss your perfect holiday.

We went with Equestrian Escapes to Dartmoor with our two girls, and had the most wonderful time!  Dartmoor National Park is so beautiful, and the horses are to die for!  We stayed in a lovely self catered cottage, and enjoyed a good pub meal in the evening.  Each day when we rode out the scenery was even more pretty every time, and saw a nice variety of wildlife, too – how lucky we were!  Dartmoor is really beautiful, and I suggest this holiday weekend to any family who needs a break away!

Explore Dartmoor with Equestrian Escapes

Many thanks,

Sophie and Paul

I have been on horse riding holidays before, and recently used Equestrian Escapes so I found this holiday.  I wanted to take my own horses riding and looked for the best options.  I was a competitive rider, but my husband wanted to come with me and had never ridden before.  This was not a problem, and my husband received wonderful lessons with a very patient teacher, perfect for beginners!  All of the facilities were top class and the horses clearly looked after very well.  For my own horse he was given a traditional stable not far away from the other horses.  Parking was clearly signposted, and easy to get to.  I was even able to try riding side-saddle; an experience altogether unfamiliar, but great fun nonetheless!

We were so well looked after that even the trainers were kind enough to look over my horse with me, and give me nutritional advice.  It really was a holiday packed full of fun and adventure!

My husband hates the idea of riding around on a horse, “the poor animal!” he would say as I saddled up my furry friend.  So, I decided to research horse riding holidays that would introduce him to it, and make him realise these are not “poor animals” at all.  I found Equestrian Escapes that tailor-made me a holiday that could cater for my husband’s lack of interest, and certainly his lack of talent on a horse, and we found ourselves in Bournemouth.

He was given lessons starting right from the beginning, and he loved it!  My next fear was that he was beginning to look like he had the potential to be a better rider than myself!  Problem easily solved – I booked myself a riding holiday with Equestrian Escapes, totally alone, so that I could ride horses somewhere breathtaking, and work on my technique all at once.  This time, my destination was Wales.

Equestrian Escapes cater for everyone, and the quality of the holidays are outstanding.  Through them, my husband and I found the Brooke horse, donkey and mule charity and now regularly donate to help improve the animals that live in such harsh conditions.  If you are an animal lover, and want to get more involved with animals and particularly horses, Equestrian Escapes will be perfect for you!

All I wanted was a bit of time, just my husband and myself, to re-connect and enjoy some fresh air, as well as beautiful scenery!  I have always liked horses, and have been on many horse riding holidays since I was a young girl.  I lead a busy life, and don’t have time to spend hours dipping into books and travel guides, having to sort out every detail of my holiday; I just like to get there!  So, my husband found this site, Equestrian Escapes who tailor-make holidays for people just like me.  The choice of places was remarkable, and we settled for Wales, the Brecon Beacons!

A symbol of honesty and quality

As soon as we arrived at the wonderful Georgian house, we were amazed at all the luxury!  Our room was enormous and so comfortable, and the stables were out of this world!  I was delighted, this was just what we needed.  I breathed a sigh of relief as I mounted my beautiful horse and followed our very friendly guide out for a ride in the countryside.

Once we retired back to the hotel, my husband wanted to swim, and I thought I might join him, and perhaps even check out the spa….  Woweee!  The facilities were endless, it seemed, and not over crowded so if there was ever a oproblem there were always friendly and willing staff on hand, really magical!

When it came to supper time, I was so hungry!  I opted for the ‘home grown meal’ that was simply divine; like nothing I could ever cook myself, and we enjoyed wonderful wine from an expansive selection.  And what a night we had!  All of the staff were friendly, the whole place immaculately clean and tidy, and the pool and spa were to die for as well!  In the morning, after riding out, we went to the farm where all of their homegrown produce is sourced, and again nothing could be faulted in such beautiful scenery.  Everything was immaculate and well maintained, and you could tell that a lot of love went into these, much like the horses they provided.

Equestrian Escapes, THANK YOU!!

These four words are absolutely vital to our philosophy here at Equestrian Escapes. When we consider a new package, or putting a new destination onto our list of “To be scouted…” we ask ourselves a few questions to help determine whether it is suitable for our style. Our style of course being linked closely into our desired impact on the customer and the overall quality and delivery of the Equestrian Escapes product range.

Question number one.

Is is fit to be an Equestrian Escapes Horse Riding Holiday? Now by fit I mean does it tick those oh so necessary boxes that we know our customers need. Have we got those vital three C’s? Comfort, Culture and Climate. I heard you laugh! I’ll admit, we let our various England, Wales and Ireland venues slip under the bar with the weather reviews but this is for two very good reasons. One; we know our own land. Two; we have seen living testament over the past few decades to the amount of dedicated riders and horse lovers who are completely willing to brave gale force 27 winds and an icey bout of rain in England. And do you know why they do it? Simple. These people love their animals and these conditions only make you enjoy the good weather more. So needless to say, we launched our domestic range and it still is a smash hit. People love a good UK riding holiday. That’s the kind of holiday they want more often than not, given the current economical climate.

Question two.

When are we getting out to this new possible destination to have a thorough look at the available accommodation, riding centers and restaurants? We refuse to reccommed something to our customers unless we know it’s good. First hand sampling of all you will encounter, bar the unpredictable… for instance, no we did not test the air for possible traces of volcanic ash. Within reason, but with dedicated dilligance. That is how we always aim to operate when considering new destinations for your next horse riding holiday.

Question three. If we have aquired good answers to our first two questions then…

How soon can it be up on the website and available to you? How soon can it be ready? We want it sooner. The way we see this near final stage of the riding holiday process is that you could be going on your single holiday of the year in three weeks time. That’s right you, the customer. So what if you’d like to go to Madrid with your family of four this year on a riding holiday, you have already seen the standard we work at and would rather find yourself a new location than a different tour operator. That is customer loyalty, and that is what we strive to achieve. We want our relationships to strengthen over time with our customers. You should feel both confident and excited about your trip just knowing that Equestrian Escapes are the people who have been with you each step of the way. It is an Equestrian Escapes horse riding holiday and you should expect no less.

In the future, this will be further recognised as a symbol of honesty

The Brooke horse and donkey charity works to save hardworking animals, and the communities that depend on them.  First launched in Cairo, the Brooke charity has grown, and now prevents the suffering of over 700,000 animals a year.  Such a charity needs all the support available, and relies on people like you to give generously to this very special cause. 

Why is this charity so special?

Their commitment.  Brooke charity realise the relevance of these animals to those who cannot afford other modes of transport, and need these animals to support their own families.  They are used in the transportation of water and building materials, much of which is done over harsh terrain.  These communities clearly love these animals and rely on them entirely, but simply cannot afford them the care that they need.  With very little money for their families, the horses come a close second on their list of priorities.  At Brooke, the horses come first, to provide them with the care that these communities cannot give them. 

What extent of care is given to the animals, AND the communities?

Through the charity, communities are educated in general care of their horses.  For example, in remote areas people believe in painful myths to cure the animals, which do more damage than good.  The Brooke charity work to stop these ‘cures’, and teach simple methods of avoiding lameness and other everyday problems such as exhaustion, malnutrition and dehydration.  Taking care of the horse means taking care of the community.  Extensive training is given to the animal’s owners, for example farriers, saddlers and feed sellers.  What the Brooke charity have also taken into consideration is that through helping these animals, and teaching people about them, one can bring communities together through their work.

Where will my money end up?

The money goes where it is needed, and it shows.  Today, the Brooke charity reaches communities in Egypt, Kenya, Nepal, Israel and the West Bank, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Jordan and Guatemala. Indirectly, the money goes to these poor communities who rely on these donkeys, horses and mules for their living.  A healthy animal results in a healthy income, whereby the community can then take care of both the people and the animals. 

Who are the people working for Brooke?

These people recognise the importance of these animals for communities.  They also strongly believe in the animal’s rights, and its value.  These people are well trained vets, ambulance teams, blacksmiths, community workers, but most importantly animal lovers!  Each horse, mule or donkey is treated with individual care to meet its needs.  These people then help to raise awareness and the level of welfare within communities, but we need your help too.

How do I donate?

You can visit The Brooke via the Equestrian Charity link below.  The Brooke charity is a prestigious and valuable society that has been recognised for its dedication.  That is why, at Equestrian Escapes we ask you to donate one pound to the Brooke charity, and for every pound we will match it.  Like many animal lovers out there, we value these animals and feel that they are entitled to a better way of life, and for the communities that rely on them, a better standard of living.  Go to Equestrian Charity to donate now, alternatively just contact us.  Thank you!

 “Working to help horses, donkeys and mules – and the poor families who depend on them”

The girls hear how this donkey was involved in a road accident but is now making a full recovery thanks to the Brooke

Two thousand and ten brings nothing but positive thoughts for the hard workers here at Equestrian Escapes. Behind the scenes we have been chipping away at a long list of tasks all working towards bringing new holidays to the table. Whilst at the same time, balancing our efforts to keep the customer service high and managing the business as it rapidly expands. The last of these points being the most crucial.

Equestrian Escapes started providing quality, tailor made horse riding holidays only three and a half short years ago and is now the proud partner of a significant portion of the wide market share of horse riding holidays in Europe. This proves Equestrian Escapes is here to stay as a healthy competitor doing its vital part to help drive down holiday prices and keep the bigger horse holiday businesses on their tippy toes.

With the UK finally completing that long climb out of the recession we are all so eager to forget about, it definitely is time to enjoy our compliments and rewards made possible by you, the customer. Not in the sense of a massive profit margin (because our holidays are designed to compete with the best) but rather, our horsey experts are in this business because of one thing – they love riding. If our Managing Director Sarah Caplan had not followed her unfaltering passion for riding and continued to sustain her excellent skills and knowledge up to this point then there really is no doubt that Equestrian Escapes would not be standing this tall.

Our success in this business comes down to one of our main key points of practise. That is taking the sweet time and effort to scout these holidays and scrutinise their every detail for you. Now that sounds like a luxurious job doesn’t it? Not as much as you would think. These horse riding holidays all have various options and can be tweaked and tailored to suit your party at any point. So if there are many variables then that means one thing… we have been there and tested them. So when Sarah goes for instance to Barcelona or Madrid, she visits the hotels, goes on all of the rides and meets the people who will be dealing directly with you. Whilst all the time assessing the quality of what she is seeing and how it is going to help you make the best of your holiday.

But despite the hard work it pays off. Every day we get more testimonials from happy customers just wanting to drop a line, or little note to say thank you or a full account of their holiday and how truly great it was. Usually ending with how they don’t want to wait until next year to travel with us again.

It certainly is a positive time at the moment, everything is coming together and the hard work is paying off. So not for the last time, thank you.

Welsh Beach Riding

 Thursday. Arrive onto the Welsh coastline and settle into you lovely 4 star cottage for your long weekend riding holiday. This Bed and Breakfast has been carefully restored and redecorated to once again relive its former glory. Inside are medieval vaulted cielings and original details preserved from the past. It has its own walled gardens holding a view to the ancient church of Saint Madoc. The bedrooms have great views, good beds, digital radios, a vareity of books and ensuite bathrooms. Once you have settled in you may have time for a ride, if not then riding will commence tommorrow.  Tonight you can choose to eat out from one of the local pubs.

A canter in the shallow water

 Friday. After a hearty breakfast it will be stable time! Head to the stables and they will quickly assess your ability and allocate you an appropriate steed. They have a large selection of good horses ranging in suitability for all levels. Ponies or horses. These fine animals can cater from those who have ridden for decades to children who are trying riding for the first time. This morning you will enjoy a hack out after having a horse allocated to you. This is a great chance to improve your riding. After lunch, you have the oppourtunity to go riding in the woodlands. This ride will take you through some of the private thirtyfive acres of private valley owned by the stables. In the woodland you may spot any number of foxes, badgers, pheasants, rabbits and other freely roaming wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled! The woodland is peaceful and you will walk and trot down paths following the natural flow of the valley. There are many different routes to take. From advanced small cross-country jump routes, all the way to relaxed walking routes. It is very much so your choice. You will be accommpanied by an experienced, friendly guide available to give you tips on your riding and show you the area.

Riding in Wales

 Saturday holds longer rides in this particular area of the British countryside, to Druidstone Haven. You’ll be hacking through more woodland valleys and also along stunning coastal tracks and lush pasture land. The coastal tracks and pastureland overlook the inlets of Nolton and Druidston. They give an excelent bird’s eye view over St.Bride’s Bay. You will be able to ride on the beaches of Newgale and Broad Haven out of high season, so it’s important that if you would like to ride the beaches you give us a ring on 01829 781123 and consult our staff on suitable dates and oppourtunities. These awe inspiring beaches offer up to 2 miles of sand when the tide is at is lowest. This afternoon you will be riding on the beach to Druidstone Haven this peaceful, stunning and dramatic beach is situated just over a mile from the stables. Druidstone is nationally renowned for the ‘Telly Tubby House’ and the area’s natural geography.

Sunday. After breakfast, head to the fully certified stables, a Visit Wales Certified Activity Center and member of  the Wales Trekking and Riding Association. This morning is another chance to head to the beach and split up into smaller groups based on ability for maximum enjoyment of the breathtaking views and scenery at your own pace may that be walk, trot or canter. After your ride you will have the opportunity to say goodbye to your new found friends and horses before you depart.

This three night holiday includes accommodation as stated on B&B basis with five riding opportunities for £395 see Horse Riding Holidays Wales

Or for a complete change of scene for British folk weary of English weather, check out Horse Riding Adventure Holidays Spain