Equestrian Vacations

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 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, I promise!  If you would prefer to see the sights and not only horse ride, this can be easily arranged, 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.  Equestrian Escapes – THANK YOU!

Many thanks to Equestrian Escapes for creating the most perfect horse riding holiday for my husband and I. Many thanks!

Many thanks,

Barbara Church

Choose a Horse Riding Holiday of a Lifetime!

Equestrian Escapes is proud to say that a series of brand NEW horse riding holidays in Mallorca are to shortly be revealed!  This exclusive holiday destination is not one to be missed, and makes a horse riding holiday of a lifetime!  You could stay in the beautiful town of Alcudia, and explore the surrounding attractions.  These horse riding holidays will vary in length, and are possible for all riders of all different standards.  As ever, the facilities are exceptional, with wonderfully healthy horses.  Riding tuition is of very high standard, and we can assure you that you will be in safe hands!

Look Forward To Mallorca With Equestrian Escapes - WATCH THIS SPACE!

Discover Tuscany, and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it!  The breath-taking scenery is even more glorious when experienced on horseback and no true horse lover should deprive themselves from such a thing.  Joie de vivre – INDEED!  Equestrian Escapes offers a range of Italian holidays for all standards of rider.

All holidays on offer are castle based with wonderful trail ride opportunities.  Riding attractions are all very varied and very exciting, including riding on the stunning beaches of Lake Bosena and cantering through the local vineyards.  opportunities to sample the local delights are also on offer, including tasting fresh olive oil and visiting the local dairy to watch the production of ricotta cheese and sample if you wish.  Our holidays range from top-class luxury to a more comfortable form of accommodation.  Swimming pools are available at each destination, and you can be assured that every comfort you will need will be available to you.  All riding tuition is of very high standard, as are the horses who are kept in fabulous condition.  So now your mind is set at ease, do you need much persuasion to click the link?…..  http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/

Italy has always been famously beautiful, and romantic.  With a wonderful selection of Italian horse riding breaks in store for you, I assure you that beautiful and romantic are the words that first spring to mind.

Lounge by the pool with a book in Italy....

To start with we have a wonderful Italian family horse riding holiday for you, nestled between Tuscany and Umbria this ongoing countryside works wonders with the kids.  You would stay in an enchanting castle so the adventures keep going on and on.  What is wonderful about this holiday package is that you are able to choose how much riding you would like to do.  Non-riders are most welcome and they will find plenty to amuse themselves with in this fabulous Italian countryside.

We offer a wonderful long weekend break in Italy that is only on offer when the children are back at school.

Exploring the beautiful countryside around the castle

Again you stay in the castle and on arrival you can meet your companion for the weekend, tack up and go for a hack in the countryside surrounding the  castle and even wading through the Stridolone River.  Whilst riding out the wildlife is very varied including deer, wild boar and various birds in the surrounding areas and especially from Lake Bolsena to Lake Mezzano.  All of the horses are very well looked after and excellent riding tuition is on hand in a variety of languages.  So, all that is left is to pack your jodhpurs, then you’ll be on your way!

The enchanting 17th Century castle that will be your home for your stay

Equestrian Escapes proudly offers you an Italian Castle & Trail horse riding holiday that was designed with the adventurous in mind.  If you like to don your riding attire and gallop off into the distance on an adventure then you should most definitely look at this horse riding holiday very carefully.   You will head out along the Brigands Trail and towards the stunning Lake Bolsena where the views are quite literally breath-taking.  Accommodation is half board and you will be staying in a stunning 17th Century castle perched atop a hill, and you will feel on top of the world with this horse riding holiday of a lifetime…

Stay in luxury accommodation in the form of three different castles!

If the idea of staying in beautiful medieval castles thrills you, then read on!  This wonderful Italian castle-based horse riding holiday is more than thrilling as you have the opportunity to stay in not one, not two, but three castles (two medieval, and one historic fortress)!  This holiday is only available to intermediate and advanced riders and you will thoroughly enjoy the luxurious castle accommodation, as well as the first-class horse riding tuition.  Riding out in this location could not be more luxurious either – cantering along the beaches of Lake Bolsena and through the surrounding vineyards of the area.  perhaps even try some of the local grape – luxurious for sure!

Equestrian Escapes are delighted to bring to all our horse lovers a large variety of different horse riding breaks!

Berkshire has much to offer, and this short riding break is set on a large rural estate so that your horse ridingholiday will be one of peace and tranquility.  With this holiday you have a choice of accommodation, from self-catered to staying in the farmhouse where wonderful home cooking will be provided.  Local pubs and restaurants are only a short drive away if you fancy the night off.  Lessons available can be in the form of either private lessons, semi-private lessons or group riding lessons – the choice is up to you!  After the morning lesson followed by a lovely lunch, the scenic hack will begin where you will get a taster of the beauty of Berkshire…

Exeter is full to the brim with beautiful scenery and equine excellence.  This short break riding holiday allows you to work on your skills, with particularly good equestrian tuition in dressage and show jumping.  Accommodation again ranges from a farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, self-catered cottages and a luxurious Golf & Spa hotel with access to tennis courts.  Whatever your accommodation though, be assured that the Equestrian Escapes Team aim to bring to you the best holiday that will suit your needs.

If you are looking for a more romantic horse riding break away, then perhaps you should explore Wales.  The Isle

of Anglesey is situated near the stunning Snowdonian Mountain Range so the standard of beauty is very high.  Here is an opportunity to lose yourself in the great outdoors and get closer to nature by riding along the expansive coastline shores.  The horses available are varied, from ponies to experienced horses so that the rider will have a companion they can feel at ease with.  High quality instruction is available to all ages and standards of horse riding, so that one is able to get the most out of their horse riding break.

If ‘variety is the spice of life’ is your motto, then perhaps you should try some Western riding in Bournemouth.  This spectacular horse riding break is of high standard and more popular than you would first think! Western riding evolved from the ranching and warfare traditions brought to America by the Spanish Conquistadors, and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the long hours in the saddle of the cowboy.  On this horse riding break you will sample some forest riding, trail riding and beach riding so that the scenery is varied and you and your horse will never tire of it!  

For any more information on any of our horse riding breaks or horse riding holidays, please contact Equestrian Escapes where we look forward to arranging your dream holiday….

The Alentejo Region is home to the beautiful and elegant Lusitano Horses, a wonder for all horse lovers.  On this horse riding holiday you have the option of exploring deeper into the culture and history of the Lusitano Horse, and can choose from lessons, hacks and carriage driving.  Where this holiday is really great is that your itinerary is entirely up to you!  This holiday is also available to non-riders and non-drivers alike, so that everyone is able to get involved.  Activities for non-riders include bicycle rides, archery lessons, canoeing and fishing in the natural lake, as well as expansive walking in the rural countryside.

Your accommodation is on an expansive farm in the Southern Alentejo region far from city life so that you can just sit back with nothing to worry about!  Riding atop a powerful Lusitano horse is truly a wonderful experience.  The olive and cork trees that splay out in front of you makes a most picturesque scene.  The many fragrances, colours and sounds that can be found in this region will surely leave a lasting imprint on your mind…

Nuno Baptista

Facilities are newly renovated and include an infinity pool with newly built spa facilities.  The food is excellent andyou will be able to get a real taste of the local cuisine in all its splendour!  Chief Equine Instructor Nuno Baptista will be working with you to design your itinerary and is happy to help you with anything you may need.  Nuno is a national judge in Portugal and is also a member of the national dressage team.

This horse riding holiday is one of a lifetime, and if you have a passion for horses then the privilege of riding a Lusitano will bring much pleasure to you.  For more information on this horse riding holiday, or any other holidays from Equestrian Escapes, please do not hesitate to contact us.

This fabulous horse riding holiday opportunity for beginners and intermediate riders allows you to see Spain in all its splendour, whilst taking in the charm of the Alpujarra Mountains.

The itinerary is set so that beginners can learn as much as possible with their horses whilst also enjoying the breath-taking scenery, so that when they return home the experience is far from lost on them!

You will be staying in the quaint village of Bubion where you will be most comfortable in the little quiet restaurants and bars; perfect to sit back and just relax.

Each day you will have a horse riding lesson in the morning, followed by a wonderful lunch of the local cuisine.  The afternoon will consist of a scenic hack into the entrancing Alpujarra Mountains, where there are beautiful ravines and valleys, lush pastures and streams.

You will then take a wonderful drive down to Granada, supposedly the most beautiful Andalucían city, where you can see the diverse yet historic culture for yourself, including the magnificent Alhambra Palace.  Here you could take a guided tour of the palace before your last night, and what better way is there to finish your horse riding holiday than in Granada?

At Equestrian Escapes we are happy to tailor-make a holiday that will suit you, ensuring that every holiday is a happy holiday.

Now that it is mid summer holidays, and the kids may be tiring of being at home, why not get them out on a horse riding adventure holiday?  At Equestrian Escapes we have a large range of horse riding holidays that are suitable for everyone, riders and non-riders alike.

Perhaps the kids want to learn to horse ride and learn to speak French whilst being around people of their own age group?  If this is the case, then Ireland is the one for you.

If you are looking to combine beauty and culture with equestrian excellence, then perhaps Barcelona and Catalonia may be the perfect family retreat.

If you are looking for a horse riding break for the family that is laid-back so that you can spend quality time with one another, as well as teaching new riders stable management and how to look after a horse, then Cheshire Forest Log Cabins could be the answer.  Situated among beautiful forests and great hacking areas, our Cheshire horse riding holidays are fun and a great way to explore the great outdoors.

For more information on any of our horse riding breaks, please get in contact with the Equestrian Escapes Team, where we will be happy to arrange your summer holiday.

Once you have decided which horse riding holiday you intend to go on, Equestrian Escapes has a few more tips for you, too…

When going away on a horse riding holiday, don’t take too much with you!  Especially if you are an inexperienced rider, do not spend a lot of money on equipment that you may never use, or that you may never use again.

In Spring, Autumn and especially in the summer months, it can get very hot, so to avoid feeling sweaty and sticky all the time, try to stick to natural fabrics, especially cotton. There are many fantastic new products on the market, including full cotton seamless underwear, which is a blessing for the trail rides. Don’t forget about fine cotton socks, too.

 Trousers
Of course, nothing beats the comfort and protection that proper cotton breeches or jodhpurs afford for riding, but if you don’t intend to ride much after your holiday, you can get by with cotton tracksuit bottoms or leggings.

Tops
Should be fairly fitted, and it is better to have at least half sleeves for protection to the shoulders against sunburn or low hanging branches on the trail riding holidays. Even in the summer, they are just as cool and for the ladies, are much more “supportive” and comfortable so you can concentrate on learning in your classes. If you come in winter, it’s good to bring tops you can wear in layers, T-shirts, sweatshirts and vests. Sometimes it is quite cold and suddenly it gets hot, so it’s good to be able to add or subtract quickly.

Whatever your experience, whatever the holiday, Equestrian Escapes are here to help make your dreams come true…..

With such a wide variety of holidays on offer from Equestrian Escapes, why not try out something a little bit different this summer?

Equestrian Escapes has hand-picked a wonderfully luxurious horse riding holiday, that is perfect for an indulgent break away!  Combine equestrian activities with sampling delicious chocolate at Tarporley’s Old Fire Station Chocolate Shop – what more could you ask for?

This horse riding holiday is set in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside which acts as the perfect setting for a romantic whirlwind of a holiday!  Delamere Forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and the peaceful feel to the forest attracts many visitors every year.  You may visit the Cotebrook Shirehorse Centre, where they have been breeding these fine horses for generations, and the result is prize-winning Shires.  These horses are of high quality and are a real pleasure to watch, and to be around. 

 If perhaps you have a passion for sweeping countryside views then perhaps you would like to climb up to the top of Beeston Castle, where you can even see all the way to Wales and the Pennines.

Indulge Yourself in Equestrian Escapes

We offer horse riding breaks for all the family and for every standard of horse rider from weekend riding breaks to one week riding adventures.

If you are interested in riding in the UK please look at the other holidays that we offer in the Horse Riding Holidays UK range.