Equestrian Vacations

Equestrian update

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:55:50 +0000

Well 2012 has been very eventful and extremely busy for us in the Equestrian Escapes office so far! Andalucía Escapes is almost ready to go live; Lou, Sarah and our top website design team have been working round the clock during the Christmas and New Year period in order to get it up and running for January ’12. Since my return form a very lovely 3 week holiday in Thailand we have had two articles published (one in the travel supplement of the Telegraph and the other in the British Horse Society Magazine) and our new brochure has been printed (yey), resulting in a huge number of enquiries for UK and non UK destinations alike – We love being kept busy though so keep them coming!
As our introductory offer in Cheshire has proved so popular we are extending the finish date to the 30th April ’12. We also have two very romantic Valentines offers in Wiltshire and Essex running throughout February.
Finally I think I should tell you all that during the Boxing day hunt with the Cheshire’s Sarah took a tumble from baby Ferdie (the day before she was due to go on a family skiing holiday to Canada) both are fine but Sarah dislocated her hip causing her, in her own words, “as much pain as child birth”..ouch! After being airlifted to Wythenshawe hospital her hip was ‘popped’ back into its socket, thankfully with no complications. See action shot below..

Needless to say Sarah did fly to Canada the following day and although not much skiing took place she did meet some gorgeous Huskies..

How cute!

Speak soon, Lindsey (01829 781123 / info@equestrian-escapes.com)

Andalucia Escapes

admin — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:48:34 +0000

Equestrian Escapes are branching out..we are currently in the process of designing a brand new website, Andalucia Escapes. The thought came to Sarah in the summer but as it was peak season for us in the UK office we were too busy to peruse the idea, now we have reached our quietest time its all hands on deck researching, writing and designing. As we are specialists in Southern Spain and have an office in Seville makes prefect sense to expand our expertise in this area and not only offer horse riding holidays but Andalucian Spa weekends, Beach holidays, Festivals and Feria breaks and much more.

Watch this space for more details on Andalucia Escapes!

Wiltshire Proving To Be A Huge Hit!

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:18:18 +0000

When we launched our Wiltshire riding package at the beginning of September we knew that it was going to be popular due to its superb location and exclusivity, but just how popular we could not have predicted. We receive enquiries on a daily basis, have already carried 10 customers, processed 13 bookings plus 2 repeats and we still have 10 people waiting to travel between now and May ’12. The feedback has been 110% positive. Barbara and Wendy who returned on the 13th November sent this lovely note on their return - “Hi Lindsey. I am sending you a few photos from our riding holiday in Wiltshire with Angie. We had a fabulous time, enjoyed every minute. The horses are fantastic, accommodation superb in Angies Cottage (she is a great cook), weather was also good – from fog to beautiful sunshine. We had a deliciuos cream tea at the local farm shop- yammi… and after our day ride both Wendy and I were were relaxed and chilled out Thanks for organizing this great holiday. Have a good day, Barbara.” Here is a picture of them looking very relaxed enjoying a glass of wine in bed..

And riding..

To read what all our other customers had to say about their stay in Wiltshire visit our testimonials page http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/testimonials.html

For information on this break or any of our other riding holidays contact us 01829 781123 or visit the Equestrian Escapes website on http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/

Winter plans…

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:59:14 +0000

Well it’s leading up to the quiet time in the EE calendar and that can only mean one thing..the winter to do list!!

So far we have website optimising to do, tedious but well woth it as we continue to remain at the top of the Google search for horse riding holidays. Second on the list is to re visit some our our providers, starting next week with Skipton and North Wales – two of last years new additions which have received rave reviews over the summer. Very much looking forward to a ride with both, fingers crossed for good weather! We are also planning to do Olympia and The Horse Of The Year Show 2012 as we haven’t been for a couple of years so a new brochure is currently in production, something we are planning on posting to all of this years travellers as a Christmas gift.

I will make sure I keep you posed on the progress!

Stunning Surrey is the second of our brand new packages!

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:19:31 +0000

After visiting Angie in wonderful Wiltshire Sarah and I continued on our journey to the Surrey/West Sussex boarder to visit Ian and his stable of ex race horses. The heavens had decided to open but we were not fazed as we rode in some of the most stunning and varied countryside in the UK. The horses were marvelous and Ian was a joy to ride with as he shared captivating tales from the racing scene.

This short break is a superb destination for anyone especially those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the big smoke as it is only an hours drive outside the city!

For more information on this package or any of our other offers feel free to call Sarah, Lindsey or Lou in the EE office on 01829 781123, we will be happy to tell you more.

New package in the wonderful Wiltshire countryside

admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:35:52 +0000

Two weeks ago Sarah and I travelled from the office in Cheshire 200 miles down to the beautiful county of Wiltshire. Arriving into the Rushmore Estate we knew immediately that this would be a top class package for us. Standing in Angie’s garden with her horses behind us, her gorgeous cottage next to us and breathtaking views stretching all the way to Bournemouth in front of us we were both taken aback! After a brief introduction to the horses we mounted and rode through the spectacular Beech avenues of the Rushmore Estate boasting stunning view across the Cranborne Chase. After an hour or so we arrived at the local farm shop for afternoon tea where we sampled delicious home made cakes and enjoyed a pot of tea. Even though we rode in the wind and rain Angie’s hospitality and the horses (each with their own story) made it an absolutely joy!

We have combined a 3 day riding package with 2 nights B&B accommodation (choice of 4 beautiful venues). This really is something straight out of a Jilly Cooper novel, you need to see it to believe it, a holiday you’ll never forget begging you to come back again and again!

Follow this link to ready the full itinerary – http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/RidingprogrammesSee-id344.html

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call Sarah or myself in the office on 01829 781123.

Christmas and NY offer in Cheshire

admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:22:03 +0000

Scary as it sounds it is only 122 days, 19 hours and 50 minutes until the 25th December - but who’s counting! We have already started to receive emails from people who are looking to do something a little bit different this Christmas and New Year so we have decided to put together two special festive packages in our best selling destination, Cheshire.

The first package is our Christmas break from the 23-26 December – 3 nights B&B, a private flat/jump lesson, 1.5hr hack, 3hr XC farm ride, Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and full use of the leisure facilities. Arive on Friday 23rd and settle into your 4* hotel. Your en suite bedroom will be fully equipped with mini bar and wifi. Riding will begin on the Christmas Eve at our competition yard, just a 5 minute drive from the accommodation. You will start with a private lesson followed by a one and a half hour hack along the bridleways and quiet country lanes. On Christmas Day you will enjoy a traditional lunch served with all the trimmings. On Boxing Day you will head back to the stables for your final ride, the XC farm ride which includes small log piles to BE cross country fences from intro to novice level and a water complex. Price per person £620. Single occupancy price £580.

The second of our special packages is the New Years break from the 30 December-02 January – 3 nights B&B, a private flat/jump lesson, 1.5hr hack, 3hr XC farm ride, New Years eve gala ball and full use of the leisure facilities. Arive on Friday 30th and settle into your 4* hotel. Your en suite bedroom will be fully equipped with mini bar and wifi. Riding will begin on the New Years Eve at our competition yard, just a 5 minute drive from the accommodation. You will start with a private lesson followed by a one and a half hour hack along the bridleways and quiet country lanes. This evening you are invited to the gala ball which will take place in your hotel. This is a black tie event and is for over 18′s only. Champagne and canapes will be served on arrival followed by a five course meal and live music. Later the resident DJ will take over and a fireworks display will see you into the New Year. Dancing will finish at 2am followed by bacon rolls! On New Years Day you will head back to the stables for your final ride, the XC farm ride which includes small log piles to BE cross country fences from intro to novice level and a water complex. Then make your way back to the hotel for your final night. Price per person £730. Single occupancy price £745.

If you would prefer to see in the New Year in a more relexing manor then why not make you way into the local village of Tarporley where an array of bars and restaurants line the high street. Price per person without the gala dinner £575. Single occupancy price without the dinner £590.

To book please call u the office on 01829 781123. Places are selling fast!

Amazing customer feedback – July/August 2011

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:18:34 +0000

Over the last few weeks we have been absolutely inundated with emails from customers wanting to thank us for arranging such fantastic holidays. It really does make us feel good when we receive such positive feedback as so much hard work goes into each and every single package we run from a few days away in Wales to a luxury week in Andalucia. Take a look for yourselves:

July ’11 – Cheshire
I have been riding over 20 years; i would travel 250 miles purely to have a half an hour lesson. We learnt more in the two half hour sessions than i have learnt in ten years and that is not an exaggeration! The horse were excellent and are not what i would call ‘typical riding school ponies/horses’, which was wonderful to see.

July ’11 – North Wales
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Equestrian Escapes for the professionalism and helpfulness they displayed in relation to our booking. The recommendation for our B&B in North Wales was perfect. Our hosts were most welcoming, their property and the location were beautiful and my husband and I had a wonderful time. We were also very happy with the stables and I particularly enjoyed galloping through the waves on my first ever beach ride!

July ’11 – Jerez and Tarifa
Quality of Riding – This was my favorite part…the horse were great!!! I could tell that these places were hand picked by the owner for their quality horses and professional riding staff. My ride in Tarifa was a dream come true, beach and country side. I could really take in the beauty of a very special place. Katja in Tarifa was very safety conscious, timely and professional. She was a joy to ride with and listen to her facts about the region. Alfonso tambien muy buena gente, I rode his very light and agile Rebenque (Lusitano gelding). What a blast!! I want a horse just like him. Alfonso was very attentive and welcoming as well. I will be booking with Equestrain Escapes again, just have to save money. I completely trust that they will provide quality accomodations, entertainment and riding.

Aug ’11 – Brecon
We booked last minute to stay in Brecon, Equestrian Escapes were fantastic ,very easy and they didn’t stop looking until they found me accommodation. The B&B was very nice, the full engilsh breakfest in the morning is plenty for a hard day riding. The quality of the riding was phenomenal, horses for everybody. The routes for experienced riders are incredible, some parts not easy, but if you ride well are fantastic. The people at the stables are very good too. This ride is definitely something you have to do once in your life. My daughter and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Aug ’11 – Portugal
Dear Sarah and Lindsey, I thought I would email you just to say that Hayley and I had the most wonderful holiday and experience this week riding Lusitano horses in Portugal.
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The location, horses, riding, facilities, hospitality and food together with the expert tuition and guidance, were truly superb and were very much appreciated by both myself and Hayley. It was such a privilege to ride such beautiful horses and to learn so much from them and from the instructor; he had such patience and understanding. To complete the holiday, the CD and photographs provided at the end of our stay was really wonderful and all of the staff were extremely friendly and kind. We have taken so much away from this trip and sincerely hope to return next year if at all possible.

Ranch holidays!

admin — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:56:48 +0000

We have been asked so many times if we offer ranch holidays and the answer has always been no..until now!

The perfect package has been right under our nose the whole time, not in stereotypical South America but in Southern Spain. Other companies offering a Dude Ranch experience are selling a manufactured ‘cowboy’ setup that they think customers want and expect from this type of holiday. Equestrian Escapes, on the other hand work first hand with an equestrian expert who will teach you to perform all the manoeuvres necessary on his superbly trained Andalucian horses to enable you to work his animals on the ranch in Jerez. If this holiday catches your eye then feel free to call Sarah in the office on 01829 781123 for more information or visit the Equestrian Escapes website to read the full eight day package!

Limited availability for summer!

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:03:41 +0000

Equestrian Escapes are now completely fully booked in Cheshire until the beginning of September and have been since the start of July! As this is our home base and we know the area so well it is very easy to advise our customers to come here. We recently had Sarah and Jane staying with us in a self catering cottage, this is what they had to say – “The riding was exceptional. A very friendly and professional set up. The horses were outstanding. We were allocated our horses after an initial assessment of our riding ability (very informal and fun), the horses we were given matched our personalities and skills absolutely spot on. I was very sad to say good bye at the end of the trip. My riding has improved 100% since this trip and my tutor at home was amazed. I have already recommended this holiday to friends.” Sarah and Jane have already booked to come back again this year and one of the other reasons we fill up so quickly is due to repeat custom!

If you had your heart set on a Cheshire break this August dont worry we have a selection of equally exceptional short breaks for you to enjoy by your self, as a couple or why not bring the whole family and the dog?!

North Devon is one of my favourites, here we work with a selection of hand picked B&Bs, a boutique hotel and spa hotel, all within walking distance of the village and stables. We can also offer self catering for families. The riding is superb, we combine a mixture of lessons, National Park hacks, beach rides and pony days for the children.

North Wales has really become very popular this summer especially with Cheshire being full. It is very easily accessible for people coming from the North West and is only 40 minutes from Chester. The riding facilities here are brilliant and the stables even have their own tack shop! If you are looking for something extra special enquire about availability in the Manor House..very romantic..

Shropshire is one of the packages that seems to slip under the radar but every single person that stays and rides there has the most amazing time, just read what Rebecca had to say when she stayed in June – “I loved the whole experience…the riding, my hosts and exploring the Shropshire area (so many lovely food places!) It was made particularly special because of the warm welcome we received by Lucia and Perkin, I can’t emphasise enough how friendly the welcome was which immediately made us both feel at ease in their home. Their recommendations for places to go and good restaurants really helped us make the most of our time in Shropshire.”

So if you are struggling with ideas for this summer holiday phone Sarah, Lindsey or Lou on 01829 781123 and we will be happy to advise the most suitable holiday for you.