Equestrian Vacations

The Jerez Feria is one of the most important annual events in the Andalucian equestrian calendar. From 02 – 09 May 2010 Gonzalez Hontoria Park opened its gates to the public to showcase what is described as a Spanish Spectacular.

Jerez is home to some of the grandest families in the region, originally their wealth came from the production of fine wines and sherries cultivated in the fertile lands that surround the city. This wealth enabled the landowners to invest in impressive studs and bull-breeding farms that can be seen dotted around this beautiful old city.Dating back to 1847, the Seville feria is one of the most important festivals in Andalucia. Some of the best horses in the region travel from miles around to parade and compete at this, the oldest feria in Andalucia.

Equestrian Escapes offer a fantastic 4 night stay in Jerez over this festive period, but if you cant make it for those specific dates dont worry.. you can pick from many more. Visit the enchanting town of Ronda where you can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the narrow winding sreets. Or, explore the wonderful and historic city of Serville where the riding centre nestles in gently undulating hills of olive, orange and almond trees.

If these dont take your fancy then why not look into Barcelona, Tuscany or even peru, the options are endless!

Many thanks to David and Kathryn Cartwright for leaving this lovely testimonial on our website

May ’10 Jerez Feria

“This was our first time with Equestrian Escapes, but it will not be our last! All arrangements were efficiently made and everything worked like clockwork. The structure of the week was expertly put together – we would never have been able to do this ourselves. The accommodation chosen for us was first class and well positioned in the city centre, within walking distance of most of the attractions, and the hotel staff  were so helpful, kind and courteous. The riding with Alphonso was an unbelievable experience, exciting, safe and pleasurable – not to be missed! It goes down as the best holiday ever!” David and Kathryn Cartwright

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

If you like Portugal, and fresh fish, then the Alentejo Region is the place for you.  Fresh sardines for breakfast, cork and olive trees covering the surroundings, and the most beautiful and healthy horses you have ever seen.  It is very tranquil, and the beaches go on for miles.  Views of the Atlantic Ocean are certainly not one to pass up, and it is not every day nature’s beauty is so clearly defined around you.

The beaches are truly breathtaking as you can see

The colours of the flowers, and the varied vegetation are everywhere; be sure not to overlook it because once you are home you’re little vegetable patch will look like nothing in contrast.  If you would prefer to see the sights and not only horse ride, we were able to change it easily, and the beaches are sensational for swimming and sunbathing.  The fishing villagers are fantastic for long lunches, and walking is also gorgeous.  Porto Covo is located in a magical setting, and it is impossible for its beauty to go unnoticed.  Such a region should most certainly be explored, and I intend to go back to see more of this enchanting landscape.

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

After much thought, designing and careful preperation Equestrian Escapes launched it’s new website on March the 31st 2010. Although there was nothing wrong with the old website, we had decided along with the views of our staff and PR team that it was very much so the time for change, and a little bit more spice. So the rustic old lime green Equestrian Escapes faded quietly into the night and a far more respectful, diligent Equestrian Escapes was born. Our new layout is founded on the corner stone of a lovely chestnut brown which has gently carried our horse theme, from page to page of the intricate network of web resources. We have more itineraries than ever before with a list of new holidays waiting patiently for their triumphant addition to our internet catalouge.

So what does this shiny new advertisement mean for the heart of Equestrian Escapes and the people working hard on a daily basis to keep it all running as smoothly as a busy tour operator can? More work. To place it into two simple words. With the easier to navigate web pages and clearer design our customers are finding exactly what they want much faster. No faffing around clicking on broken links or being led to irrelivant pages, just simple to the point information… with a horsey twist. We are afterall in this business for the horses! Sarah Caplan has been a horse lover all of her life and without a doubt wouldn’t be running the elaborate show behind the scenes here in the office headquarters of Equestrian Escapes if it had not been for her four legged pals. For further internet info

So without further adieu please click on the following link and be taken directly to the homepage of Equestrian Escapes. Horse Riding Holidays

If you have a question you would like us to answer but rather than phone us (on 01829 781 123) you think that others would also find the answer to your question useful, then please just leave a comment at the bottom of this post and we will give you a detailed answer as soon as we next log in.

Here are some questions that we frequently answer to customers enquiring about our horse riding holidays;

Q:“How experienced do I need to be to go on this ride?”
A: For the vast majority of our holidays, not at all. We deal with all levels of rider on a daily basis. All the way from riders who have never rode a horse, to members of Trooping the Colour and army riding instructors (aka the rather experienced!). All of our holidays will be tailored to suit your requirements and where ever possible we will alter the itineraries to fit your desires. For example, if you chose The Magic of Andalucia which contains a fair amount of riding (including some much longer hacks out) and then you rang one of our experts and told them you are a complete novice or had spent little time on a horse beforehand, or even that you used to ride but haven’t in years! Our experts will have a good chat with you, obtain an understanding of your abilities and then help work out the right riding plan for you, with the ideal amount of time on horseback.

Q:“What do you think I should bring with me?”
A: Bring with you the things you usually like to ride with. Wether this is general kit or just a comfortable outfit. There will be riding hats available from the various equestrian centres that will be managing your riding. Also take into consideration how necessary the item is when thinking about lugging it through a possibly hot and busy airport. Do bring some smart/causual wear for a nice meal out in the local village but for the rest of the holiday comfort is key.

The pool available for your lesiure

Q:“What time of year is best to travel?”
A: From an economical point of view you should aim to make your travel plans as early as possible. This is particularly necessary in terms of flights. The sooner your flights are booked, preferably months in advance, the less it will cost you. As for the seasons you should travel in, the same applies again (book in advance!). Between March and July chiefly, even into late August you will have a massive chance of good weather and in some of our destinations this is near guarenteed! Obviously Equestrian Escapes can take absolutely no responsibility for the outcome of the weather, we are a tour operator, not God. For instance Portugal and Spain will be very hot during this period. But as we all know, better weather means more demand, and more demand means a higher price. So there will be higher prices for our holidays (and everyone elses) during the peak months and key holidays.

Q:“Have you any riding experience?”
A: Our staff are all horse involved and have been for much of their lives. Sarah Caplan our managing director has been riding ever since her early childhood and can often be heard recounting her words upon her first sighting of a horse, “That’s for me, that’s what I want to do!” And it was. Sarah maintained her passion throughout her teenage years and even during uni (where many horse lovers can’t find time) in Manchester where she studied Zoology. Now the proud owner of six cherished horses, three of which are foals of varying maturity, Sarah has made the entrepreneurial leap on top of her stable duties (and giving her friends enough attention) to running her own quality riding holiday business. And with that the deal was sealed and it is now what Sarah “does”!

Riding in the water, Spain

Q:“ How do you test your holidays?”
A: Our BHS qualified director Sarah Caplan has personally been on each of the holidays that we offer. Now, that sounds like a luxurious job at first glance but the reality of going to over sixty destinations whilst running a fledgling company and playing mother to two growing teenagers is something different all together. But the starter years are over and Equestrian Escapes is no longer a fledgling business. Sarah also sees the horses when she is considering adding a new location to our ever growing list of itineraries and rides the available routes to establish whether it is worth paying your hard earned cash for.

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.