Equestrian Vacations

Fed up with the cold weather?

For those who have had enough of the cold we have a two special offers for you! The first in Southern Spain - designed to warm the cockles of your heart. Enjoy 3 nights in a top class golf resort hotel in Jerez on bed and breakfast basis plus a 3 day riding programme with our top trainer riding his wonderful homebred Andalucian horses. The cost per person in a shared twin/double for a rider is £350 and a non-rider (with unlimited green fees) £150. Transfers are available from Gibraltar airport and the offer is available for bookings to the end of March 2011.

Our second is a little closer to home. You can enjoy 2 days of riding at our beautiful centre in Berkshire, and make the most of 2 FREE lunches or evening meals during your stay. This short break is usually £315pp on a bed and breakfast basis but until the end of February ’11 we are offering it to you for just £275 INCLUDING 2 free lunches or evening meals. This is just the holiday that our equestrian enthusiasts need after a stressful and expensive Christmas! For more information on this offer please call us on 01829 781123. This offer lasts for all booking made by 28 February 2011.

Stuck for Christmas present ideas?

Looking for something original, unique and guaranteed to make someone very happy?

We have the solution! Did you know that Equestrian Escapes can provide a voucher redeemable against any of our holidays?
How about providing your friends or loved ones with a horse-riding weekend of a lifetime (or at least contributing to it if that suits you better!).

Simply select a destination, contact us on 01829 781123 with the name of the person you are buying for and we will provide you with an itinerary which will make someone very happy this Christmas. Don’t worry about the dates – that can be arranged later.

On the first day of Christmas….
We have a great choice of UK destinations. Experience the delights of the English countryside in Yorkshire, Cheshire, Dartmoor and anywhere inbetween! Choose between an award winning farmhouse B&B, luxury spa hotel, log cabin or country house hotel and unwind in style. We cater for all levels of riding experience and put together riding itineraries that are fun, exciting and challenging (for those that want to be challenged!).

Mistletoe and wine?
We might not be able to organise the mistletoe but the wine we certainly can!

We can combine a riding holiday with wine tours in the Loire valley vineyards; the charming Purbeck vineyard in Dorset; Ribatejo vineyards of Lisbon or Jerez’s famous vineyards for a cultural experience you will never forget.

Magic moments….
Maybe it will be the lure of the Mediterranean coastline with its sandy beaches and hours of sun that appeals. With riding holidays in mainland Spain, Portugal, Italy and Mallorca we can cater for all levels of experience. Choose from a self catering apartment, B&B, luxury hotel or even a tipi! Match this with trail rides in the mountains, dressage lessons or that beach riding you’ve always wanted to do and you may just have your dream holiday.

Whilst trawling the web for today’s horse article, I came across this tongue-in-cheek list of lessons that a horse can give…. (author unknown)

• When you’re tense, let me teach you that there are lions in the woods, and we need to leave. NOW!!

• When you’re short tempered, let me teach you how to slog around the pasture for an hour before you catch me.
• When you’re short-sighted, let me teach you to figure out where, exactly, in 40 acres I’m hiding.
• When you’re quick to react, let me teach you that herbivores kick much faster than omnivores. 

• When you’re worried, let me entertain you with my mystery lameness.
• When you feel superior, let me teach you that mostly, you’re the maid service.
• When you’re self-absorbed, let me teach you to pay attention!! (I told you about those lions in the woods…)
• When you’re arrogant, let me teach you what 1,200 pounds of yahoo-let’s-go! speed event horse can do when suitably inspired.
• When you’re lonely, let me be your companion. Let’s do lunch. Also breakfast, dinner, and snacks.

• When you’re tired, don’t forget the 600 pounds of grain that need to be unloaded.
• When you’re feeling financially secure, let me teach you the meaning of “veterinary services, additional.”

For a bespoke horse riding holiday in the UK, Europe or Peru check out www.equestrian-escapes.com or contact us on 01829 781123.

Some pictures just don’t need captions!

There is nothing like Mom’s lap no matter who you
are.

This is a newborn offspring of Taskin, a

Gypsy Stallion owned by Villa Vanners of Oregon .

These pictures were taken immediately after his birth on April 6 2010.

The mare laid down, and then he trotted around and crawled right up into her lap.

Take a moment out of your busy day to enjoy these pictures, lovely!

http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/

Enjoy the beautiful Alentejo Region in Portugal from no other than on horseback

On this fantastic horse riding holiday, Equestrian Escapes are giving you the chance to ride Lusitano horses through some of the most beautiful parts of Portugal.  Accommodation here is a wonderful and old XVI Century convent that still stands in all its glory today.  This horse riding holiday allows you to combine excellence in equestrian instruction, with historical and cultural extravagance.

The Alentejo Region in Portugal is well known for its beauty and is something that is not to be missed.  Being rich in ancient legends and traditions, this area is dripping with magic!  From the light early morning air, to the deep sundowns, with the rolling hills and ever reaching countryside, this holiday will most certainly make an impression on you.

The equestrian centre is only a short walk from the luxurious hotel.  Lessons can start on the day of arrival if there is time, otherwise the next morning.  You will have a combination of lessons and hacks out in the beautiful countryside, though you may choose your riding schedule, ensuring you get the most out of your horse riding holiday.

Take some time to check out the local town Evora – a UNESCO World Heritage site that is incredibly breath-taking as it is one of the finest examples of the Golden Age of Portugal.  This site takes you back almost 2000 years, with its wall paintings and labyrinth-style setting.

This horse riding holiday from Equestrian Escapes allows you to explore Portugal like no other holiday.  This offers a tranquil break away where you can immerse yourself in equestrianism, beauty and culture.  For more information please go to our website, or give us a call to discuss your perfect horse riding holiday.

Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims 24th October 2010!

This unique trail ride will take you high up into the stunning Tramuntana Mountains that run for about 90 kilometres from the South West to the North East of Mallorca; the range runs close to the sea and offers breathtaking views of the coastline from many of the higher peaks – what better way to absorb this amazing scenery than by horseback!

You will take the ancient pilgrim’s path, the Cami Vell de Lluc, to the Monastery at Lluc. Passing along gravel and earth tracks, through the river bed and beyond the ancient holm oak forests.

After spending the night in this beautiful old Monastery you will tack up once again and prepare for the downward journey home.
At first you will take a different route through what looks like an enchanted wood, eventually returning to a familiar landscape, down the steeper paths to the shallower inclines of the Tramuntana.

Sadly this brings you to the end of your journey but what better way to end than with a traditional Mallorcan supper of paella and a crisp chilled glass of white wine, then head back to your charming Andalucian hotel for one final night.

Please note we do have other dates available for this ride.

Get in contact with Equestrian Escapes now on 01829 781 123.

Yet again, a dazzling and fantastic horse riding holiday in Cheshire, brought to you by Equestrian Escapes!  Equestrian Escapes are based in Cheshire and thereby have many equestrian opportunities for you here!  Cheshire Horse Riding Holidays are of high standard, and come under our recommendation.

With this horse riding break, Equestrian Escapes are offering free treatment at the hotel spa – what more could anyone want after a day of riding?  On that note, you are able to pick and choose how much riding you do, and which of it will be lessons or hacking out. This horse riding break allows you to choose your itinerary, and Cheshire has so much to offer when you have time off!  The local towns are very inviting, and the pretty town of Tarporley (roughly ten minutes drive) is host to some lovely shops, and great pub food if you wish to dine away for the night…  Yet, you will find the food at the hotel simply divine!  Using local produce, you will be delighted by the delicious menu and extensive wine list.  The hotel’s facilities are equally as good, with beautiful gardens, swimming pool and tennis court and of course a selection of wonderful spa treatments…

When it comes to riding, you may wish to start off with a lesson, so that we can properly allocate your horse to you, and so we can gauge what level of riding you are at.  You will be able to enjoy the surrounding areas of the hotel, and will hack out down some quiet country lanes and scenic bridlepaths.  Delamere Forest is Cheshire’s most expansive woodland, and dog-walkers and horse-riders alike come from miles around to dive into it’s magical depths…

If you are a non-rider, and wish to explore Cheshire on anything other than horseback, then the historic City of Chester awaits you with it’s black and white tudor-style shopping rows, and there is always Beeston Castle with wonderful views of five counties and miles around!  You may hire a bicycle to get around on, and there are many fantastic walks that you can go on, and lots of country pubs with roaring fires that are wonderful to sit beside with a book!

This holiday offer lasts until October 31st, so get in contact with Equestrian Escapes now to book your luxury horse riding holiday in Cheshire!

Equestrian Escapes proudly present to you a luxury UK horse riding break with an offer that you cannot refuse.  Two nights in a 4* Spa Hotel in the beautiful East Devon and get a third absolutely free!  We are happy to  announce that in this offer you will enjoy a wonderful combination of lessons and hacks out in the scenic surrounding areas, making it an unforgettable weekend!

This really is a wonderful opportunity to bring your skills up to that higher level.  Our Devon Horse Riding Break provides expert tuition in dressage and show jumping and the facilities are excellent.  

If you are a beginner, then where better to start?  We provide a range of horses for all sizes and abilities, so I am sure you will find a friend to get along with!  On the morning of your arrival you will be matched with your furry companion and then will have a lesson as a small assessment.  You may then return to your accommodationfor a long lunch, perhaps followed by a book by the pool, a stroll on the beach or even some afternoon tennis?

If this, for you, may be more of a laid back holiday, you may choose how much riding you do, and whether you would like to ride out more, or receive more tuition.

Equestrian Escapes can tailor-make the holiday to suit you.  This luxury spa and ride horse riding holiday is located close to the coast so as you can imagine, the riding is simply unbelievable, yet I’ve heard the spa is good too..  On this holiday you can enjoy yourself, as everything you could possibly need is at your fingertips…

(Offer expires on the 31st October, 2010)

For any queries regarding this holiday, or for any information on any of our horse riding holidays, please do not hesitate to contact Equestrian Escapes.

Equestrian Escapes have been receiving wonderful customer feedback from our horse riding holiday-goers, and we are delighted with the response!  Here is a little taster, but I assure you there is plenty more to come…

Laura took a French horse riding holiday to Saumur in the Loire Valley and

Laura - many thanks!

 had a wonderful time – “exciting place close to the Loire River … great experience visiting Le Cadre Noir!”  Laura said she would happily suggest a horse riding holiday with Equestrian Escapes to friends and family, and said she would definitely go again! 

Jim went on one of our Portugal horse riding holidays to Obidos Lagoon.

Thank you, Jim, for such fantastic feedback!

 Jim was very happy with our service – “Excellent.  Especially at such late notice: thank you!” and that the facilities and riding were “outstanding”.  When asked about his overall experience with us, he said: “[t]he experience [that the staff had] with and knowledge of the horses transmits confidence. The horses themselves were, I thought (not having ridden before), wonderful animals. I wished I’d had more time there!”

Kyrrias kindly gave us feedback on her horse riding holiday to Cornwall. 

Thank you kyrrias - we look forward to booking your next horse riding holiday with us!

 Kyrrias assured Equestrian Escapes that they chose us because of our quick and positive handling of her booking over other tour operators.  When asked about the quality of riding that was available to her, Kyrrias boasted: “”Excellent, we liked all our instructors and I was successful in a dressage test I took on my return, I’m sure the extra practice helped!”

Martin used Equestrian Escapes for a wonderful horse riding holiday in

Martin - thank you for such valuable feedback!

Pembrokeshire.  He commented about the quality of riding and his overall experience – “As  total novices, we have nothing but praise for the patience of  ALL of the staff – especially the girls!” and even said he would “…start saving & planning for next year!”  Thank you Martin for such lovely feedback.

Equestrian Escapes look forward to hearing from our customers who have travelled with us, and value their feedback!  Equestrian Escapes would like to thank our customers for their loyalty and insight into our horse riding holidays, and would also like to thank the staff on hand who make the magic happen!

If you have any questions about any of our horse riding holidays, or wish to give your own feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. 

Many thanks!

Pony Trekking In The Yorkshire Dales

The vast stretches of countryside that make up the beautiful and ever-reaching Yorkshire Dales will envelop you and take you on a whirlwind adventure, that is a Pony Trekking Weekend!  For all up-and-coming equestrian enthusiasts, this is not one to be missed!  The Yorkshire Dales acts as a wonderful set to play your part on a pony trekking adventure holiday.  40 acres of grounds and 26 acres of woodland means that you are spoiled in the Yorkshire Dales.  Although this holiday is for children who are eager to ride, lessons and hacks can be arranged for adults, and non-riders are most welcome too!  The staff on site are there to educate, encourage and evaluate your child’s progress so that they take the steps to become a successful pony rider – the sky is the limit!

The Beautiful Yorkshire Dales

Accommodation is in the form of a self-catered cottage situated right next to the stables so that you are never too far from your horsey friend, and so that you can make yourselves comfortable and properly settle in during your horse riding holiday.  Facilities include both an indoor and outdoor riding arena and all levers of rider are most welcome.  If you are a more confident rider and there is something in particular you may wish to grasp the technique of, just tell our staff and they will be more than happy to work on it with you throughout your stay.  Stable management courses are also available for beginners, where children will also learn safety around their pony, how to tack up, etc.

This pony trekking holiday can be invaluable to those who are willing to take it seriously and are keen on horses, and I would recommend it to anyone!