Equestrian Vacations

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!

Equestrian Escapes Friesian Horse

Friesian horses must be among the most beautiful breed of horses.  The arch of their necks and the elegance in the way they pick up their feet are among the most enchanting features of horses.  None are like it; dramatic black, a noble attitude, and the size alone is impressive.  The thick, swishing tails, and the sheen in the sunlight give a magical quality to their dignified presence, and they are commonly used at funerals due to their colour and gracious stance.

In the summer, the sun changes the jet black to a more chestnut brown that ripples as they move.  The long lashes frame their gleaming eyes, and whiskers sit around the mouth.  Although they are strong and powerful, they have a very quiet way about them.  The most magnificent breed, and the perfect companion!

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

A horse riding holiday in the spring in the UK is a great way to start the year and to try to keep up new year resolutions to enjoy more fresh air and to take regular exercise. We are please to report record numbers of riders joining us for our Eater riding vacations and having received back most of the comment forms we are delighted to report that everyone had a great time. In fact one lady has already booked a repeat trip on her riding holiday in Berkshire! We thought we would like to share some of our customers comments with you:

As a lone traveller I was apprehensive.  I was made to feel welcome and put at ease both at the guest house and at the riding centre.  The riding was amazing.  They know their horses well and match them perfectly to your requirements.  I had an amazing time and I am sure I will be back!

This was our second visit to Berkshire and it was just as good as the first time.  My daughter found the riding excellent and the opportunity to help round the stables was much appreciated.  I don’t ride but enjoyed a relaxing time and the lovely country walks.  We will definitely be back!

Many thanks. We had a lovely time, now we appreciate how beautiful Cheshire is, there really are miles of riding oportunities!

If you are interest in joining us in May or June now is the time to book please contact us on 01829 781123

The following three testimonials were all recieved within shorst distance of each other and prompted me to write a quick article featuring their words of praise.

Horse Riding Weekend, Cheshire

“The accommodation was excellent. The whole place was spotless, the riding was also excellent. We both enjoyed all of the riding experience. We didn’t want to come home and we have reccomended it to our friends.

Thankyou, Joan“

Epona Trail and Train Riding Holiday Spain

 “The service was excellent as all questions were answered promptly and in detail. The rooms were also excellent and were comfortable, homely, very clean. Excellent lessons gave me lots of help with riding skills and the horses provided for lessons and trail rides were fantastic. Overall Experience – I loved my week riding in Spain it was a great combination of lessons and trail rides and also got to experience a little of the culture through flamenco show and a visit to the Jerez royal riding school. Local cuisine was provided for meals and the hosts were lovely. Horses were gorgeous and lovely to ride. Would love to go back again. I will definitely reccomend this to my friends. Epona was an amazing experience my 2 horses were beautiful and taught me a lot, Fernando made sure everyone was happy and kept us all amused with his jokes. The chance to learn through lessons and trail ride was a great combination. I would definitely go back. Thanks for a great week.

P.Meyers“

A happy customer taking instruction from a trainer

Tarporley Cheshire

“The room and service were excellent and the beds, very comfortable. We were impressed with the quality of the private lessons, the hacks were good fun and useful for putting the techniques that we learned into practise. We really enjoyed our experience, can think of nothing that would have improved it. Brilliant weekend. By far the best horse-riding experience I’ve had, the teachers were patient and knowledgeable and I felt I learned a lot. The hacks were great fun and were a good opportunity to put the techniques we learned into practise, as well as a brilliant way to see the countryside.

Thankyou“

More reasons to enjoy a riding holiday in Cheshire.

Equestrian Escapes has an expansive archive of information on all of our packages and holidays, please go to our site and find the perfect Horse Riding Holiday for you!

Inside the cottage

Some people might look at the words self catering and think, Cook for myself? I however, take pride in my culinary skills and jump at the chance to prove my ability in the kitchen. That and the fact that I can eat whatever I desire. No holds barred, self indulgence. This was one of the key factors in which holiday I was to choose because I knew what I wanted. Often I holiday in southern spain and sometimes I venture futher, Florida, Peru. But this time I decided the key to pure unfiltered relaxation is stick to what you know best. That and of course the oh so necessary change of scene which I had been internally craving for quite some time.

So, the decision was made. One week in the cheshire countryside, for Relaxation, Reading, a couple of good movies and lets not forget what’s best! During my seven nights stay, five hacks out in the nearby countryside. And five riding lessons to improve my already admirable (if I must say so, and I must) cunning competance in the equine department.

The outside of the cottage is a subtle hint of the inner beauty

The day I arrived in Cheshire I alighted from the train in Crewe Station and took a taxi to the delightful village of Tarvin. Upon arriving I dropped my bags off at the cottage I was so dying to inspect and went for a quick pub dinner accompanied my a smooth pint of the local larger, Cheshire Cat. After what wasn’t a hard day of travelling and eating I returned to my new housing and settled right in. The cotage is, to say the very least, a beautiful little corner of the world. I popped my shoes off and made myself extremely comfy whilst browsing the video library. Embarrasing as it is I must admit that I haven’t yet got the hang of those new DVD players.

After a good sleep I nipped out to the shops and collected a haul of foods to last me the duration of my stay. The shopping list included, one cake (a slice of self indulgence), bananas, apples, some bran flakes and a few baskets of everything that appeared in my minds eye as I browsed. I stocked up on energy in the form of a hearty full English breakfast and proceeded the short distance to the stables for my first lesson. They were very kind at the stables and really made me feel at ease. I was introduced to my steed, a fine creature of a particularly muscular disposition. And after a speedy briefing, off I went! I can tell you this, I have never ridden in Cheshire before. But I most certainly will ride there again. What more could a man want than a beautiful place to ride a steed, with the wind on his face and a canter of pace! I will confess to indulging my poetic side in the form of many a scribble whilst, as my grandchildren say these days “kicking back”. I’m not quite sure what the kicking is a reference to exactly, probably some rap pop song of sorts. But I can assure you that this holiday kicks lots of back! (Fear not, the horses don’t kick)

Outdoors

David Payne was asked by the staff at Equestrian Escapes to relive his glory days as a wordsmith and write a short article on his recent Riding Holidays. He kindly delivered this insightful article the day he was due to depart Cheshire (as we are based a five minute drive from Tarvin).

The holiday Mr Payne enjoyed so much was the extended Horse Riding Weekend in the lovely village of Tarvin, Cheshire.

If however you would like to set your sights much further away from home, expand your horizons and ride the unspoilt beaches of Portugal, or try a Medieval Castle Tour. These holidays are prime examples of the fine Horseback Riding Vacations that Equestrian Escapes offers.

This Weekend Beach Riding Holiday on the stunning beaches of southern Spain is one not to be missed. A chance to see first hand the beauty of La coasta de la Luz and soak up the culture of the near by towns. This area is close to Tarifa and you will arrive after a car journey or transfer from either Gibraltar or Malaga airport.

On your first of five days in this (totally flexible) £495 holiday your will arrive at your four star hotel from the airport and be introduced to your new steed. This holiday caters for all ages and abilities which makes it perfect for families and groups of friends. Fear not if your loved one is more advanced than you, or the other way round! There are horses suitable for all.

La Costa de la Luz means The Coast of Light, a reference to the amazing way the suns rays play with the sand to produce a golden colour which lines the shores. When I was sat on my horse on this very same stretch of coast I couldn’t help but let it remind me of the quality of Equestrian Escapes’ Horse Riding Holidays. They never cease to impress me, time and time again.

Throughout day two, three and four I reccomend you try to have at least 6 hours of riding. This will give you the optimum amount of riding both on the fabulous beaches and in the national park. It will also allow you time to check out the local towns, go shopping in the Zoco (market) and purchase some souvenirs. The range of optional activities during this holiday include:

The Coast of Light

Sad as it may be, day five is the day you depart. Check into the airport and hop on your plane home. Or if you’d rather skip the planes and have no check in then check out the open planes of Cheshire in another ideal short break for you and your family.

In the run up to Christmas we have been working very hard at increasing our range of products. Our UK portfolio now offers additional tours in Berkshire, including riding in the Windsor Great Park. You will be staying in a relaxing Spa hotel where you can treat yourself to a massage or a swim in the hotel pool. Another new UK break takes you to Shropshire where you can follow in the footsteps of the legendary horseman Jack Mytton through spectacular riding country. Also Ride the unspoilt beaches of Portugal, Brand New 2010.

A nice day for jumping

Our full list of UK riding breaks is now quite extensive and there is something for everyone whatever your level of riding. We can offer tuition, scenic hacks, beach riding or any combination.

If the UK weather is getting you down we have also added new tours to our European list. Why not have a look at a break in the sunny Andalucian region of Spain, Riding Holidays Andalucia. We can design a bespoke tour to meet your individual requirements or one of our set itineraries may catch your eye…

Seven days in the sun seems like a far and distant time from our little frozen island. However, the trip left such a firm imprint on me that I can recall it clear as day. A Medieval Castle Tour of Tuscany! I remember stepping off the plane into the warm nostalgic atmosphere of Tuscany. This same relaxing ambience is responsible for that special place where I hold Tuscany in my heart. A trip I shan’t forget soon, nor willingly.

The Adventure Begins

On the first day we were transferred to the magnificant castle in which we were due to stay for the start of our holiday adventure. The food there was sublime, and accompanied by a fine red wine which complemented the meat well. As we had spent the majority of the day travelling I was extremely tired and retired early, keen to be well rested to make the most of the next day.

After a hearty breakfast we set out on our first ride, destination Lake Bolsena! Having heard about the lake’s particular beauty, the way it rests in the heat of the land, a hub of life and ripples, I was keen to get going and arrive already! But the wait was far from lenghty and my impatience soon quashed. They say time flies when you’re having fun, but I don’t believe the heat permits this rule in Tuscany. Everything’s a little slower and you have time to really soak in your surroundings. We trotted along some ancient tracks trodden by many a steed and these old routes led us to the lake… and it was not a disappointment. To the extent that I acutally stripped down to just my shorts and swam for a while. What a nice change it was from my life at home. Drifting in a lake in Tuscany!

Time Flys By Once Your Settled In

The very next day we visited another lake, this one formed inside a volcanic crater with traces of human settlements from the pre-etruscan era. Having passed the lake we cantered up a tree lined path which later revealed some stunning views over the land. Having completed another great day of riding we returned to the castle for some serious chow.

Over the next three days we toured Sorano, every moment viewing scenery that stands as a testament to the sheer age of the land. For instance the paths weaving their way through the towering ancient rock. Cut by ancient man in a time long forgotton.

The path less trodden

All this was broken into perspective by a few healty picnics and the occasional rest stop. Each night staying in an ancient castle or fortress. The castles were really a highlight of the trip, their architecture was astounding. I couldn’t help but think back to my first trip to Portugal, an expertly planned venture organised for me by Equestrian Escapes who later became my standard go to tour operator whenever I wanted a mixture of relaxation and riding.

All Good Things…

Having departed Sorano, we moved down and up the other side of the Stridolone Valley, past an ex-convent and into the heart of the Tuscany countryside where we spotted pheasent, deer and the occasional wild boar! With that we returned to our proud castle for a final meal and good nights sleep. Departing in the morning was ever so painful and I’ve felt a longing to return ever since. Truely a favourite of Castle Riding Holidays, a unique and timeless trip.