Equestrian Vacations

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.

TackGuru.com is a new product review website developed for equestrians. The site allows horse owners to read about the experiences (good and bad) that other knowledgeable equestrians have had with the products they want to buy or try. The site includes reviews for tack, horse clothing, equine feeds, stable supplies, supplements, and equestrian clothing and equipment.

“In today’s tight economy every purchase that you make for your horse undergoes extra scrutiny,” explained site developer Liz Goldsmith. “If I want to buy a saddle, or try a supplement or medication, or buy a helmet, I find it very helpful to read about others’ experiences. When I looked for a site that offered this type of information, I couldn’t find anything that was like I envisioned. Either the scope was limited or the reviews were on manufacturers or tack store sites, which might be biased.

“Research shows that user reviews have the greatest influence in a buying decision,” she continued. “People value the opinions of their peers even more than single reviews by ‘experts.’ That makes quite a bit of sense because with items such a saddles, personal preference plays a large role in someone’s satisfaction.”

Goldsmith spent more than a year researching review sites and thinking about how she could make a site that offered a unique perspective. “I looked at review sites across many different industries and cherry picked the features that I thought were most compelling,” she explained. “I also found that people on equine forums would ask for opinions on different products and I thought it would be so much more helpful if this information was organized in a way that was more accessible – easier to find, listed in one place, and with an aggregate rating.”

As a result of her research, TackGuru.com features:

• Rated user reviews that provide both individual comments and an overall ranking. It was important to her that you could see an aggregate “score” that spans multiple reviews.
• A format that combines multiple reviews in a single location. She didn’t want people to have to keep “clicking” to read more reviews.
• A broad scope of products. Rather than just focus on tack, she wanted to create a single source for the full range of products that equestrians use and need. The site addresses feeds, supplements, stable supplies, blankets, tack, equestrian clothing and even provides a place to rank on-line suppliers.

TackGuru.com is free to use but requires registration. “I have found that when people must register, the quality of their reviews is higher because the authors have some accountability,” said Goldsmith. “In addition, when you find a reviewer whose views you agree with, you want to find other products they liked or disliked.” She explained that “The site was in beta testing for several months last year and I was very impressed by the insights offered by reviewers. This is a sport where the users have a lot of knowledge and experience to share.”

TackGuru.com is physically located in Lincoln, Mass.  Site owner and developer Elizabeth Goldsmith is a life-long equestrian who has tried many of the products reviewed in the site. She encourages all equestrians to share their opinions on the products they have tried.

Thanks to Phil, our guru when it comes to all things website related, you are more than likely to have found our blog by clicking on the shiny new ‘blog button’ on the home page. Much to our delight we are hoping that this will enable people to keep up to date with Equestrian Escapes news - everything from how Sarah is getting on training her youngsters to new packages and special offers.

To those of you who are new to reading our blog I am Lindsey and I have been wotking at EE for just over a year. Sarah is managing director, Lou works in accounts and Jose is in our Spanish office in Seville handling all of the non-UK bookings. Our office is in Tarporley, Cheshire. Sarah’s son Matt is also working in the office running his new business, Music Festival Holidays! From my desk I look out over Mark’s (Sarah’s husband) brand new Coi Carp pond and 10 acres of land where Julio, Nessa, Ferdie and Alfie (Sarah’s horses) roam in their little herd. We also have Hector and Lily Sarah’s dogs.

Earlier this week Sarah was struggling with what to buy Mark for his fast approaching 50th birthday. After mulling over several ideas we decided on a new Coi for the pond, who would have thought there were so many to choose from! In the end we went for..here goes.. a Doitsu Tancho Kujaku. Arriving at 7.30 this morning in a box shipped straight from Japan ‘Birthday’ the new appropriately named fish seems to be settling in just fine with his new friends.

For all non-fish related enquiries dont hesitate to call us on 01829 781123.

Last week Sarah and I left the cold Cheshire weather behind and flew out to Andalucia to visit some of our providers. We flew from Liverpool to Seville with Ryan Air, the have flights going direct on a Friday and a Monday! In Seville we picked up a hire car, what fun we had driving through Spain on the opposite side of the road. Our first assignment was to visit Jose and Clemence in our Spanish office on the outskirts of the city and what a fantastic job they are doing. It was great to get a feel for their setup, we are even considering installing a video link so we can discuss bookings ‘face to face’ as opposed to boring old email! Next thing was to drive to Jerez where we stayed in the most beautiful boutique hotel. Converted from an old shooting lodge that belonged to the Tio Pepe family, this exquisite 10 bedroom buliding is set in stunning gardens surrounded by the family vineyard.

The next day we drove out to stables where we rode with Alfonso, a famous name amoungst the EE team for charming the socks off our customers and boy did he charm! Alfonso was born into a family that for centuries has been at the heart of equestrianism in Jerez. He worked for five years with one of the most acclaimed professors of the Royal Riding School of Jerez and now works along side us to offer simply the best riding experience that Andalucia has to offer.

Our third and final destination was Tarifa. This area of the coast is known by the Spanish as La Costa de la Luz (coast of light) and as you gaze out on your surroundings you will quickly understand why, as the light in this region has a quality all of its own. After a long drive we settled into our hotel with a selection of tapas and a cold glass of chardonnay! The next day we were up bright and early for a morning beach riding with Katja. As we cantered along the vast stretch of white snady beach, and then continued up into the National Park land it was hard to imagine that in 24hrs we would be back in cold rainy Cheshire.

As midday passed we decided to get back on the road (opposite side) and head back to Seville where we would spend our final night. It wasnt long after we arrived at the hotel that we were off out the door again on a walking tour of the city with the amazing Paloma. Her passion and enthusiasm overflowed as she lead us thought the tiny side streets, passed the quaint tapas bars and up to the magnificent Alcazar.

Sadly on Monday we had to bid farewell to Seville, but dont worry we are already planning our next trip..Almeria and Granada!

Ferdy Foal!

Well, I am sitting here with a black eye today (but still you have to love them…….horses I mean). In my last report I was telling you about my progress with my little ‘extrovert’ horse, well everything was going so well……..So I decided to sit on him in the arena, unfortunately my confidence was not matched by his and taking fright at the latest stage in his training, he did what is natural for horses in the wild when something attaches itself to their back, he bucked! Well I have never ridden rodeo and I certainly dont think I managed 8 seconds, probably more like 3. My involuntary dismount came in line with our prickly hedge, the springy branches broke my fall but the prickles were another matter. Luckily all I hurt seriously was my pride and it reminded me to write again to tell you that as I had previously thought, I was going too fast with my youngster. I told you all to be patient before and now I am telling myself. It is not our God given right to ride horses it is a privilidge and a partnership that we need to work on every day! Tomorrow is another day so we will be trying again soon…….

Julio as a baby

As instructors here in the office of Equestrian Escapes we are often asked for tips and advice relating to the training of young horses. The answer is there is no simple answer! Like all animals every horse is an individual and so even the best thought out training plans can come to nothing when presented to your equine youngster. That doesnt mean that you make no plans but what you need to plan on is flexibility especially in terms of how long it is going to take you to achieve each stage of your training plan. Horses always benefit from time and the investment of your time in the very early stages of training will be more than repaid to you in the years to come. Start by making sure your horse is completely relaxed in your presence, make sure you can put the head collar on and off easily and that you can groom him all over. Some horses will be happy with this on day one, some will take days the odd one will take weeks! This is the hardest bond to achieve but once this is totally secure everything else should be plain sailing! I have recently been training two half brothers but they couldnt be more different in terms of confidence. They were both born here and have lived here all their lives, they have both been handled and looked after in exactly the same way one is extrovert, loves human contact and is as brave as a lion and the other is introverted, is concerned by even the smallest of changes in his daily routine and  who has been suspicious of humans since the day he was born! (Did I mention you need lots of patience!) The introverted horse took me at least a month to sit on, the extrovert horse I sat on first time yesterday on only his third training session (I wouldnt advise doing things this quickly but sometimes you just can!). The introverted horse incredibly is much more confident under saddle (thank goodness!) and is a pleasure to ride however he remains rather tense at times handling him in his stable, but as soon as you have a bridle on him he visibly relaxes. I will report at a later date about the extrovert horse, if he is so relaxed when being handled will riding him have the opposite effect on him (gulp………I hope not) watch this space.

On Sunday the 6th March I packed up the car and set out on my 500 mile round trip to explore North Devon’s beach riding opportunities. This is one of the areas that we have been keen to add to Equestrian Escapes for a while and what better time to bite the bullet than a sunny Sunday in early March. A lot of people may think that adding a package to the website is simple but think again – all of the packages that we offer have been tried and tested by us. We have ridden with all the instructors, stayed in the B&B’s and hotels and thoroughly explored the surrounding areas to make sure that we are as knowledgably as possible on all of our destinations.

Arriving 5 hours later I headed straight to the stables. Working my way down narrow sea side roads I found Teresa’s yard and some of the loveliest horses I have ever met. The majority being home breads combining of a mix of colourds and greys suitable for all age, ability and size. Looking around from the stables there are magnificent views of the 4 mile beach below and the hills of the National Trust above. We set on our way to the beach, taking a leisurely walk down through the village being greeted with a wave and a smile from the locals along the way. Once on the beach we trotted, cantered and galloped the length of this spectacular white sandy beach, splashing through the throthy water, then heading back along the paths of the Tarka Trail and through the sand dunes. After 2 hours in the saddle it was time to head to the B&B, quaint and family run, centrally located for the stables and village it was the perfect place to retire for the evening.

The next day after a hearty breakfast in the B&B it was time to look for more accommodation options in the area, not a hard challenge in such a beautiful sea side location. Several B&B’s, a spa hotel on the beach front and a modern village hotel later it was mission complete! Sat outside The Red Barn café in the village looking out onto miles of golden sand and a bright blue cloudless sky, enjoying a Devonshire cream tea the thought of driving home to Cheshire wasn’t all that appealing!

Once torn away from Devon and back in the office on Tuesday the itinerary was written by 4pm, it was live on the site by Wednesday and we took our first booking by Friday. A lot of hard work paid off! For your chance to experience this fantastic beach riding on the beaches of North Devon follow this link http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/ Alternatively call Sarah, Lindsey or Lou in the office on 01829 781123 and we will be delighted to tell you more about our newest package.

Just 30 minutes from the capital of Spain is The Sierra de Guadarrama, an area of outstanding natural beauty, bursting in the culture and heritage that you would not expect to find so close to Madrid. It is a region of mountains, valleys, rivers and traditional villages with Roman and Moorish remains still very much in evidence. The countryside is rich in architectural treasures, Roman roads and bridges, castles constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries, churches and chapels from the 16th century. It is no surprise that this area was chosen by the Spanish Royal Families as their preferred area for rest and relaxation and now you can explore this remarkable region on horseback.

If you imagine the perfect riding holiday to be mixing horse riding with culture then this is the holiday for you. In the heart of The Sierra de Guadarrama you will find Mariano, a passionate and experienced horseman. He will take you riding around this remarkable area. You will be taken past some of the most famous bull breeding farms of the region along with your own private horseback tour of El Escorial, the stunning 16th century monastery and royal palace. Combine this with a luxury hotel in the mountains of The Sierra de Guadarrama and you have the perfect horse riding holiday.

This is what Shalea had to say about her horse riding experience when she travelled to Madrid in January. “I just thought you might like to get an update on my riding experience at the stables in Madrid. Mariano was absolutely incredible to ride with, he is a very safe rider and informative guide and has a fabulous personality. The riding is phenomenal, and, he has great riding horses. One of the best horse riding experiences that I have ever had! I would most highly recommend him.”

For any more information on this ride or any of the other packages on the Equestrian Escapes website please dont hesitate to contact Sarah, Lindsey or Lou on 01829 781123.

Surprise your loved one with a UK horseback riding holiday this Valentine’s Day.  For a break taken by a couple in February 2011, receive complimentary champagne and chocolates on your arrival!

Choose from many of our UK breaks including spa hotels, luxury self catering accommodation and homely B&B’s, then combine with tailor made horseback riding to make your perfect get away this Valentine’s Day.

Our top 5 breaks for this Valentine’s Day are:

Cheshire Spa and Ride - Cheshire is never more beautiful than when experienced on horseback. It is a true horsey county with miles of off road riding through scenic farmland and forest. Horses are embedded within the culture of this county. Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside this break offers riders the chance for a great riding experience whilst enjoying the relaxation offered at a luxury four star spa hotel. Why not think ahead and book your self a relaxing spa treatment, the perfect way to end a perfect holiday!

East Devon Spa and Ride - In Devon we have combined the most elegant of 4* spa hotels with a riding centre of equally excellent pedigree. This holiday will give you the opportunity to either learn or to improve your riding with expert tuition and riding out in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Luxury on a budget - Cheshire is one of the most picturesque counties in Britain and you dont need to spend a fortune to experience this! In the heart of this beautiful county you will be able to enjoy expert tuition and wonderful riding out whilst staying near by in a luxury farm house. There are just two spacious and well appointed bedrooms and in the evening you have a beautiful lounge to relax in.

Brecon Beacons Spa and Ride - If you are in need of a break from the stresses of everyday life then riding out in the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons is ideal for you. Stay in a fantastic and historic Georgian country house hotel complete with spa and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Ride Great Windsor Park - For those who work in central London and need to recharge their batteries on a short break riding holiday, or for those who would like to experience one of the most stunning riding opportunities in the UK then come to Windsor and Ascot. The combination of a lovely, traditional four star spa hotel with great riidng for all abilities makes this a really wonderful riding holiday in Berkshire.

Whatever you end up doing this Valentine’s Day we hope you have a perfect one!

For any more information on the article above or for general enquiries we are here to take your call all day Monday – Friday, just phone us on 01829 781123 or contact us via the website www.equestrian-escapes.com

Many of you will have seen on our Equestrian Escapes website that we offer a riding holiday in Machu Picchu. This dream horse riding holiday takes you to the spectacular former Inca settlement near Cusco and you will be riding high in the mountains of Peru..this is truly the ride of a life time.

During your 10-day holiday you will explore the famous Sacred Valley and enjoy the luxury of passing backpackers on horseback as you follow the Inca Trail through The Andes. If you have always wanted to visit Machu Picchu, then the opportunity to visit the heart of the Inca Empire on our horse riding holidays is a dream come true. The reality of this ride is even better! The accommodation is truely excellent, the attention to detail incomparable and the magical ambiance of the mountains will leave an impression on you that will stay with you forever.

All of the accommodation (hotels and lodges) used throughout your stay are of a first class standard. All meals are included except for dinner on the first night in Lima and on the last night in Cusco.

The riding is challenging in places although the horses, who are mainly American Quarter Horses with some Arab crosses and thoroughbreds are well trained and are more than able to cope with the difficult terrain.
Throughout your horse riding vacation you will have a cultural guide (on horseback where necessary) and a horse trekking guide and a doctor will accompany the group throughout the trekking part of the holiday.

There is a maximum of 6 – 8 guests and in addition to the staff already mentioned, two wranglers will also assist the group.

The 2011 Departure Dates for this holiday are:
April 17th

May 11th

June 7th

July 10th

August 1st

August 21st

September 4th

September 21st

October 9th

October 23rd

November 6th

For more information on this horse riding vacation or any of the holidays on the Equestrian Escapes website please call us in the office on 01829 781123 or contact us through our ‘contact us’ page.