Equestrian Vacations

Andalucia is a fairytale land for all horse lovers.  Etched deeply in Spain’s diverse culture is the famously elegant and beautiful, Spanish horse which played a large role in the Andalucian’s everyday lives.With such wonderful weather, Andalucia is sure to make your holiday memorable.  Equestrian Escapes can proudly present to you eleven Short Stay Horse Riding Holidays and nine Week Long Horse riding Holidays so that there will definitely be one to suit you.

Short stay holidays range from Beach Rides and Mountain Trails and even riding western-style in the desert!  Or for the more laid back person, perhaps visit the vigorous vineyards and really let your hair down.  What is so wonderful about Spain is the range of fun activities that you can get up to while you are away, just a handful being visiting Jerez and it’s Feria, or even Seville‘s Feria.  And if this possibly isn’t enough for you, there is always the incredible SICAB Exhibition in Seville, the most prestigious Spanish Horse Exhibition in the world!

The Beautiful Spanish Horses of Andalucis

To top all this off, we have a holiday for all standards of riding, and particularly large options for  beginners.  Take a look at our site for more information, or contact Equestrian Escapes.

At Equestrian Escapes we offer a choice of eleven different riding holidays in Cheshire, so you are spoiled for choice!  Cheshire is famous for its green rolling hills, wonderful scenery and of course Cheshire’s delicious cheese!  Whatever takes your fancy, we have a horse riding holiday to suit you.  From a wonderful farm house break, or a forest log cabin holiday, to a fabulous country house hotel, or a luxurious spa. If you would rather be in self-catered accommodation, this is also available to you.  If you find that you are not happy with any of the holidays, we will tailor make a holiday just to suit your desires, but there is something for everyone in our wide selection of horse riding holidays in Cheshire.

Horse Riding Holidays, Cheshire

If you have a passion for chocolate as well as horses, then look no further!  The beautiful Georgian town of Tarporley, where you can visit The Old Fire Station Chocolate Shop where the owner, Charles, will let you sample some delicious hand-made truffles that you can even take home with you.

If you are looking for a horse riding holiday in which you would like to widen or improve your skills with horses, then check out what we have to offer.  If you plan to take a family riding holiday, again we have something that will suit you.  Perfect for kids, this holiday offers a quality BHS Riding Centre, so you can feel free to explore the other attractions that Cheshire has to offer.

Also available is an adult intensive riding break, from beginners to advanced. Set in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside, this break offers riders a unique experience to improve their riding and for the more advanced riders, a chance to jump.

If that’s not your thing, then dressage holidays offer wonderfully trained horses so that you are able to improve your skills on a reliable horse, or even bring your own horse!  We have two holidays which have this as an additional comfort, one holiday situated in Delamere, where scenic forests run on for miles around, and are excellent to explore on horseback, or even the Bishop Bennet Way, where you are able to take your own horses on scenic routes through the forests or farmlands that make Cheshire such a pretty county.  Get in touch with Equestrian Escapes to find out more details, and to book your perfect holiday.

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

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.

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 Father used to love old buildings, and whilst growing up my parents used to take us around old broken down ruins and French Chateaus often tumbling down the hill side.  The usual scenario would be that we would be driving in some remote area of France, a grey wreck would be seen in the distance and Dad would decide THAT would be the picnic spot.  So, the usual climbing through thorns, and having to route around for the odd dock leaf because of stinging nettles everywhere, would ensue.  This could take a while, but Dad was dedicated.  Upon arrival, as it were, you were then made to perch on some mossy damp stone that had once been a chimney, and marvel at the arches as you munched on your bacon roll.

So, now that I was married, I thought it would be nice to stay in a proper castle.  And where better than Italy?  It really was a delight to feel the warmth of the place, and not have to zip your Musto right up to the top to prevent wind chill.  The surroundings were a complete sensation, and the castle was sheer luxury.

The Perfect Italian Castle Retreat

The beaches were as beautiful as advertised and not crowded so it was such bliss to canter along, before having the most delicious lunch.  Whilst I was thinking this could not get better, the vineyards stretched out before us, and the whole setting was breathtaking.  And that was only day one!

The most amazing holiday I have been on, a real experience, and something I would certainly suggest to anyone who is passionate about beautiful scenery, good food, luxurious buildings and above all, horses!

Many thanks, Jan Richards

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!

Notice the white star on the forehead

If ever you feel weary, and all alone, look not to the dog but to the horse for comfort. Horses are good listeners, and will stand beside you in perfect harmony if you run your hands gently down their back, and speak with a very gentle tone. 

When I was a little boy I used to climb up to the hay barn above the stables, and perch on one of the beams above my Mother’s favourite mare.  She didn’t seem to mind, as she munched away on the hay I dropped down to her and I spilled out my thoughts, and even made up stories aloud.  This became a ritual whenever I came home from school for the holidays, and my old friend would always be there to greet me with her long black fluttery lashes and open face with a white star fixed squarely on her forehead.

At the start of the Christmas holidays I came home with so much excitement as Christmas was coming, and that meant presents!  We also had recently arranged to catch some rays on a horse riding holiday to the coast of Spain. But that night, as usual, I snuck out to the stables. I remember vividly the large wooden ladder-type staircase up to the hayloft, with slippery mould growing off it.  I treaded carefully and opened up the stiff hatch.  From there I could see the lit stable, and my special beam.  I carefully balanced along the beam and gently lowered myself into a sort of sitting position, only to look down and find the stable bare.  I couldn’t understand it and looked in the paddocks.  She wasn’t there.  In the darkness I could see no white star, and no open face.  Walking slowly back to the house I went to my Mother.  Sadly, the mare had been found lame in the paddock and had had to leave us.  I couldn’t believe it, wouldn’t!  My best friend and listener had gone and left me and Christmas was forgotten. The horse riding holiday to Jerez came and passed and before I knew it the stunning scenery and beautiful landscapes had passed me by.

As most horse lovers will already know, this is both a sad fact of life… and riding, but with riding, more acutely. The average horse lives to between 20-30 years; there are records of up to 51 years old according to many sources. So throughout a life-long riding affair it is most likely that you will suffer a loss more than once.

When Christmas day finally rolled around the corner my mum gave me a massive hug and told me how sorry she was. She knew deep down I wasn’t interested in opening presents this year but still she told me she had something for me to remember our mare by, and it was perched on the beam in the hay loft. I reluctantly walked outside into the cold and made my way over. The cold bit my arms and I hugged my T-shirt for warmth. I walked up the wooden stairs and climbed through the hatch only to see nothing on the beam. It was the first time I had been here since… So I sat down and pondered, staring dead ahead at the opposite wall. I could practically hear Angel Eyes below me. All of the memories came rushing back and as I looked below I could see her with her blotchy coat of brown and white. Except… no star on her forehead? I dropped down gently and put my hand on her cheek as I examined her closely. This wasn’t Angel Eyes! Mum opened the door to the stables and smiled. I wrapped my arms around her and my Christmas was saved.

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