One of the many activities to be found on a horse riding holiday, Cornwall

Cornwall is famous for its natural beauty, and in particular the beaches.  Equestrian Escapes has found two wonderful sandy beaches in Western Cornwall that are just perfect for a horse riding holiday.  This holiday is fantastic fun for everyone, and filled with activities, so there is no room for boredom!  This holiday can take you on all sorts of naughty adventures, including the chocolate factory, the local ice-cream farm and local, home-made organic Cornish Pasties that melt in the mouth.

And when it comes to riding, the adventure just doesn’t stop;  be it flat work, help with nervous riders, show jumping, cross-country or hacks including riding on the never-ending neighbouring beaches that are wonderful for a slow canter.

This holiday package is designed for those who like to be kept busy, but also like some spice in their life.  The Cornish beaches are entirely breathtaking, and the local activities are also to die for!  For more information about any of our horse riding holidays, please do not hesitate to contact Equestrian Escapes.

From a young age it has always been my dream to canter a beautiful horse down a perfect sandy beach; the breeze whipping at my hair, the salt in my eyes, but especially the idea of the utter strength and happiness I would feel always appealed to me.  Bournemouth offers just this.

Horse Riding Holidays, Bournemouth

The ideal place to get away, Equestrian Escapes are able to offer wonderful beach rides in Bournemouth.  A beginners holiday, is also available so that you may have the ideal horse riding holiday.  If you like to get out and socialise then the local pubs are always very welcoming if you wish to stop off for lunch on your riding trek.  If you are looking for something more extravagant, however, then there is a luxurious boutique hotel, equipped with it’s own vineyard, so that in the evenings you are able to sip fine wines and relax.  On the other hand, if you are more of the adventurous type, why not go on a Western horse riding holiday where you can learn to ride cowboy style!  Contact Equestrian Escapes about what else we have to offer you, for your perfect horse riding holiday.

"You Can Lead A Horse To Water But You Can't Make Him Drink...."

Meaning:

People, like horses, will only do what they have a mind to do.

Origin:

Proverbs give richness to language and, to some extent, define a culture. ‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink‘ might be thought to encapsulate the English-speaking people’s mindset better than any other saying, as it appears to be the oldest English proverb that is still in regular use today. It was recorded as early as 1175 in Old English Homilies:

Hwa is thet mei thet hors wettrien the him self nule drinken
[who can give water to the horse that will not drink of its own accord?]

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

The beautiful surroundings of Tarporley, in the heart of rural Cheshire, is very picturesque and in the local pub we were told that it won the Best Kept Village Award in 2007.  For my birthday, my sister gave me tickets to Portal Golf & Spa.  I’ve never been one for massages and stringy vegetable juices, and was rather dreading it, to be honest.  Whilst pulling up to this amazing place, I was surprised by how much I wasn’t aching to be in the pub, and maybe she wasn’t such a bad sister after all….

A perfect spa and golf retreat.

Everything was clean and fresh, and everyone so welcoming.  When we collapsed on the comfortable beds our bodies sank into feather pillows and a squashy supporting mattress.  The attention to detail was fabulous, and hugely enjoyable.  Every comfort needed is available to you, and such friendly members of staff who are willing to ensure the spa is catering to your needs.

Now, the best part!  The golf course meant that I got rid of my sister for two hours so she could get some lessons, and I retired to the steam room for some down time with Jilly Cooper.  Honestly, if I have to turn fifty every year, I’d want to do it at Portal Golf and Spa.  We had a wonderful time, and learned that turning fifty isn’t as bad as it may seem….!

Jen & Vickie Southport

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!

Do you suffer from volcano aversion? Then treat youself with our riding holiday offer.

An aerial photo shows smoke rising from the volcano under a glacier in the Eyjafjallajokull region of Iceland

As the vast majority of the world is all too aware… last Wednesday by the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier (a volcano 70miles east of Iceland’s capitol Reykjavik) erupted and tore a kilometre long fissure in the ice, spouting lava one hundred metres into the sky. This eruption caused over six hundred residents of Southern Iceland to be evacuated from their homes, but the knock on effects went on to be an extremely pricey affair.

This happend last Wednesday and today is the 20th of Apirl, Tuesday 2010. It is about to be one week since the blast that put Europe on hold first appeared on the global radar, but flights are still halted in England and a few other countries mainly residing on the continent. It is estimated that this eruption has cost the British economy alone £1.5 billion pounds. This will put a heafty strain on Gordon’s economic recovery plan during his final days as Prime Minister in addition to the minisucle chances he wouldn’t be further damaging the country in the first place.

So all in all we are not in tip-top shape. But the grass is always greener on the other side…

What can I do to help? I often ask myself the same question as I just put forward. The answer will set your eyes rolling but well, here we are… on the Official Blog of Equestrian Escapes. With flights indefinitly postponed and the economy sufferering every minute of the way the most positive solution would be to treat this period of time as a little time-out for England. Mother natures way of saying, you haven’t been behaving yourselves recently England. You’ve been a naughty country, so learn to get on and help each other out. So lets spend some money within the British Isles. Get out, go to the butcher, buy some fine meat. Go to the shops, buy some nice wine and have a good meal with the family. Rent a movie, better yet go to the cinema. Can’t make orange Wednesdays? Pay an extra three pounds for a standard ticket. No drama. And now to the crucible of the article… why not go on a Horse Riding Holiday?

Really though, why not? I take by the fact you’re reading this that you have an interest in a horse riding holiday, the news, or at the very least, horses. If you don’t have that much spare cash… fear not once more! We offer great little getaways throughout England, Wales and Ireland. Experience a riding holiday in UK. Wherever you are, you aren’t to far to go riding in the sun and kick back for a good meal and eighty pages of your latest novel. Treat yourself, better yet treat your wife and kids, or mum and daughter. Whoever, wherever a riding holiday is for someone you’re close to so get them on the case.

What is it about the English as soon as the sun comes out?  They slap on their factor fifty, roll up their sleeves to reveal pale and pasty bingo wings, and get all excited about the countryside!

Well, that was me, except I got REALLY excited.  On a whim I took my wife’s laptop into the garden and started surfing the internet for horse riding holidays.  The web pages were endless and I didn’t know where to begin!  Being almost computer illiterate I looked for something respectable, easy and accommodating – and there it was; Equestrian Escapes.  As I navigated my way through their clearly thought out website looking at the endless opportunities I could embark on, imagining myself in these beautiful pictures, I breathed a sigh of relief as my face began to spread into a grin.

There was Andalucía.  And Seville it would be!  The idea of a horse-drawn carriage showing off the city of Seville to me was the real clincher.  But, the Spanish country home, the inviting olive groves, the Spanish food as well as beautiful beaches needed little persuasion.

I am booked to go in a couple of weeks, and cannot wait!  Equestrian Escapes made a holiday made just for me, and I was able to choose from their many luxurious choices in order to make a holiday perfect for me.  I’ll let you know how the tapas tasted!

Ron Howarth

Yet another stunning day in Seville, Andalucia

Ron kindly gave us this article after becoming aware of our blog here at Equestrian Vacations for Equestrian Escapes. Soon after he wrote this and emailed it to our staff (know how you can find on our Contact Us page) he phoned up and arranged a holiday, within two weeks he was sat in Andalucia eating tapas for lunch after a great mornings riding. Now that is a good example of what we at Equestrian Escapes aim to achieve when delivering fantastic landscapes and scenery to our beloved customers. We’re here for 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