Equestrian Vacations

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.

Autumn and winter are readily approaching and what better place to appreciate the wonderful rusting colours of fall and the morning frost on the ground than from one of the ten uniquely decorated bedrooms in our luxury country house hotel.

The hotel stands in 17 acres of formal gardens and parkland with wonderful views across the Cheshire countryside towards the Welsh mountains – an ideal touring base for Chester and North Wales and a perfect pre-Christmas romantic setting!

We’re offering a two night stay in this beautiful country house hotel, four riding opportunities and a free beauty treatment all for £265. The perfect birthday or Christmas present!

During your stay you will enjoy expert tuition and wonderful riding out along picturesque bridleways of Delamere forest. These holidays are suitable for all abilities and ages.

The on-site beauty therapy suite offers a wide range of treatments including non-surgical and surgical treatments. Our favourites include the spiritual healing hand ritual – a combination of a deluxe manicure with an energy boosting massage, ideal therapy for your hands after a long days riding. And the back neck and shoulder massage to sooth those aching muscles.

The famous Roman walled City of Chester is only fifteen minutes away. Packed with culture and its magical magpie buildings it’s an abundance of character and is a place not to be missed when visiting Cheshire. From the 12th November the streets are lit up making Chester the ideal place to do your Christmas shopping and soak up the festive atmosphere.

This holiday offer lasts until the 23rd December, so get in contact with Equestrian Escapes now on 01829 781 123 autumn/winter horse riding holiday in Cheshire! The free beauty treatment only applies to booking made Monday to Friday, offer excludes weekends.

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 Seville 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.

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 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

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.