Posts Tagged ‘Equestrian Tours’
Friday, April 30th, 2010
I fell in love on a horse riding holiday… I went alone, needing to get away from my work, and just to give myself a break. I decided on Italy, the country of love! Beautiful valleys sweeping away into the distance, the sound of running water from my Juliet-style balcony, the warmth of the sun on my face, and a waiter at my door with a large bottle of Dom Perignon (courtesy of the man in room 42).
A beautiful Italian afternoon
I am not normally in the habit of accepting champagne from random men, but what the hell, I was on holiday, alone, and I wanted to let my hair down. The telephone on the side table started ringing and stopped as I gingerly picked up the receiver. “Hello?” Something swept over me as I heard this deep and husky voice from the other end of the line and butterflies flitted in my stomach. My breath quickened. I put down the phone slowly, all the while smiling to myself. The man from room 42… Hector, we arranged to meet just before sundown to ride out to the large lake at the bottom of the valley. He assured me the view would be breathtaking, and he would organise a picnic supper together by the lake. It all sounded very romantic! I decided that such an occasion meant a hair wash and tore into the bathroom to explore the soaps and other perfumed goods that you find in swanky hotel bathrooms.
Slightly tiddled from the champagne that I had managed to consume single handed, and nervous about my appearance as I made my way down to the stables. A little early, there was no one about apart from the grooms and I helped to tack up the dark mare that I was to ride. Over my shoulder came a dark shadow and I spun around to find myself gazing into deep hazel eyes, with gentle crow’s feet framing his lashes. I was shocked, stunned, and knew I should have shaved my legs! A basket picnic hamper, as promised, was saddled up with us, as well as deep red tartan rugs and some oats for the horses.
Hector was right, the scenery was spectacular and even to this day I remember every minute detail as we trotted down to the vast grey lake. The sun was setting, but the air was light with a slight breeze that played with my fringe. He commented on it, and carefully swept my hair back and behind my ears. I thanked him, but still he lingered close to me. At that moment, both of us astride gleaming dark mares, we shared a moment that will stay with me forever. And for our twentieth wedding anniversary next year, we are going back to Italy, back to the country of love, back to the many sweeping forests, back to the vast grey lake, back to the gleaming horses, and back to where I fell in love with my Hector.
Tags: Beautiful Countryside, Equestrian Escapes, Equestrian Tours, Holidays In Europe, Riding Holiday Europe, riding horses, Short Breaks, Tuscany, Tuscany Castles, Tuscany Countryside, Warm Holiday
Posted in castle tour, Equestrian Escapes, equestrian holidays, horse riding, horse riding holiday Europe, horse riding holiday Italy, horse riding holidays Italy, Horses, medieval castle tour, riding holiday Italy, riding holidays Italy, Speciality Riding Holidays | Comments Off
Monday, April 26th, 2010
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.
Tags: 2010 News, Beach Riding Holiday, Beautiful Countryside, Equestrian, Equestrian Escapes, Equestrian Tours, Europe, Holidays In Europe, Horse Story, Jerez, Spain, UK
Posted in Equestrian Aid, horse riding, Horse Riding Holiday, Horse Riding Holidays, Horse Riding Holidays Spain, Horses, Of High Standard, riding holiday in UK, riding holiday Spain, riding horses Andalucia, riding out, Ridng Holiday, unaccompanied children's horse riding holidays | Comments Off
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
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
“Dear Sarah
I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to write to thank you for organising the most fabulous holiday for my husband, Ben and son, Oli. It was a total and complete all-round success! They both just loved it – I really can’t be sufficiently effusive or grateful.
Of course, as you predicted, the highlight was Alfonso. He was clearly charming – attentive, kind, enthusiastic and an expert with his horses. Both boys raved about the riding and Alfonso’s skills. He clearly looked after them well beyond what was expected.
The hotel worked well and they both enjoyed being in Jerez and seeing the horses.
Thank you Sarah – it was a wonderful experience that I know Oli will remember all his life.
I’m just hoping to find an excuse to go myself as I’m hugely jealous!!
All the best,
Lucy”
That testimonial was recieved just today (21/4/10). It is an unprompted thankyou from yet another happy customer about the horse riding holiday she bought for her husband and son.
Lets get started on your tailor made trip, contact us.
Alternatively seek some riding holiday advice from our qualified staff.
Or just ring us at your leisure on: 01829 781 123
Tags: 2010 News, Beach Riding Holiday, Bournemouth Riding Holiday, Brand New Breaks, Cheshire Countryside, Cliff Top Riding, Equestrian, Equestrian Escapes, Equestrian Tours, Hore Riding Holiday Bournemouth, Horse Riding Holidays, Riding Holiday UK, Shropshire Horse Riding Holiday, UK Riding Holidays
Posted in beach riding, Berkshire Riding, Bournemouth Riding Holiday, Charity, Cheshire Countryside Ride, children's horse riding holidays, childrens riding holidays, Equestrian Aid, Equestrian Escapes, Equestrian Escapes Staff, equestrian holidays, family horse riding holidays, horse riding adventure holidays Spain, Horse Riding Holiday, horse riding holiday Europe, Horse Riding Holiday Madrid, horse riding holiday UK, Horse Riding Holidays, Horse Riding Holidays Beach, horse riding holidays Italy, Horse Riding Holidays Machu Picchu, Horse Riding Tuscany, horse riding weekend, medieval castle tour, mountail trail ride Spain, Of High Standard, pony trekking holidays, questions, riding clothes, riding holiday in UK, riding holiday Italy, riding holidays Italy, short break riding holidays | Comments Off
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
Do you suffer from volcano aversion? Then treat youself with our riding holiday offer.
As the vast majority of the world is all too aware… last Wednesday by the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier (a volcano 70miles east of Iceland’s capitol Reykjavik) erupted and tore a kilometre long fissure in the ice, spouting lava one hundred metres into the sky. This eruption caused over six hundred residents of Southern Iceland to be evacuated from their homes, but the knock on effects went on to be an extremely pricey affair.
This happend last Wednesday and today is the 20th of Apirl, Tuesday 2010. It is about to be one week since the blast that put Europe on hold first appeared on the global radar, but flights are still halted in England and a few other countries mainly residing on the continent. It is estimated that this eruption has cost the British economy alone £1.5 billion pounds. This will put a heafty strain on Gordon’s economic recovery plan during his final days as Prime Minister in addition to the minisucle chances he wouldn’t be further damaging the country in the first place.
So all in all we are not in tip-top shape. But the grass is always greener on the other side…
What can I do to help? I often ask myself the same question as I just put forward. The answer will set your eyes rolling but well, here we are… on the Official Blog of Equestrian Escapes. With flights indefinitly postponed and the economy sufferering every minute of the way the most positive solution would be to treat this period of time as a little time-out for England. Mother natures way of saying, you haven’t been behaving yourselves recently England. You’ve been a naughty country, so learn to get on and help each other out. So lets spend some money within the British Isles. Get out, go to the butcher, buy some fine meat. Go to the shops, buy some nice wine and have a good meal with the family. Rent a movie, better yet go to the cinema. Can’t make orange Wednesdays? Pay an extra three pounds for a standard ticket. No drama. And now to the crucible of the article… why not go on a Horse Riding Holiday?
Really though, why not? I take by the fact you’re reading this that you have an interest in a horse riding holiday, the news, or at the very least, horses. If you don’t have that much spare cash… fear not once more! We offer great little getaways throughout England, Wales and Ireland. Experience a riding holiday in UK. Wherever you are, you aren’t to far to go riding in the sun and kick back for a good meal and eighty pages of your latest novel. Treat yourself, better yet treat your wife and kids, or mum and daughter. Whoever, wherever a riding holiday is for someone you’re close to so get them on the case.
Tags: 2010 News, Beautiful Countryside, Equestrian, Equestrian Escapes, Equestrian Tours, Family Riding Holiday, Horse Riding Holidays, Riding Holiday UK, UK Riding Breaks, UK Riding Holidays
Posted in equestrian holidays, horse riding holiday Europe, horse riding holidays Cheshire, Horse Riding Holidays England, horse riding holidays in the UK, Horse Riding Holidays UK, new riding holidays 2010, News, pony trekking holidays, riding holiday england, riding holiday in UK, Speciality Riding Holidays, wales riding holidays | Comments Off
Monday, April 19th, 2010
What is it about the English as soon as the sun comes out? They slap on their factor fifty, roll up their sleeves to reveal pale and pasty bingo wings, and get all excited about the countryside!
Well, that was me, except I got REALLY excited. On a whim I took my wife’s laptop into the garden and started surfing the internet for horse riding holidays. The web pages were endless and I didn’t know where to begin! Being almost computer illiterate I looked for something respectable, easy and accommodating – and there it was; Equestrian Escapes. As I navigated my way through their clearly thought out website looking at the endless opportunities I could embark on, imagining myself in these beautiful pictures, I breathed a sigh of relief as my face began to spread into a grin.
There was Andalucía. And Seville it would be! The idea of a horse-drawn carriage showing off the city of Seville to me was the real clincher. But, the Spanish country home, the inviting olive groves, the Spanish food as well as beautiful beaches needed little persuasion.
I am booked to go in a couple of weeks, and cannot wait! Equestrian Escapes made a holiday made just for me, and I was able to choose from their many luxurious choices in order to make a holiday perfect for me. I’ll let you know how the tapas tasted!
Ron Howarth
Yet another stunning day in Seville, Andalucia
Ron kindly gave us this article after becoming aware of our blog here at Equestrian Vacations for Equestrian Escapes. Soon after he wrote this and emailed it to our staff (know how you can find on our Contact Us page) he phoned up and arranged a holiday, within two weeks he was sat in Andalucia eating tapas for lunch after a great mornings riding. Now that is a good example of what we at Equestrian Escapes aim to achieve when delivering fantastic landscapes and scenery to our beloved customers. We’re here for you.
Tags: 2010 News, Beach Riding Holiday, Beautiful Countryside, Equestrian, Equestrian Escapes, Equestrian Tours, New Packages Available, Riding Holiday Europe, Short Breaks, Spanish Riding Breaks, Warm Holiday
Posted in beach riding, Equestrian Aid, Equestrian Escapes, Equestrian Escapes Staff, equestrian holidays, horse riding holiday Europe, Horse Riding Holidays England, Horse Riding Holidays UK, horse trekking, mountail trail ride Spain, private riding lessons, riding holiday england, riding holidays Cheshire, riding horses Andalucia, riding ponies, Speciality Riding Holidays, wales riding holidays | Comments Off
Friday, April 16th, 2010
As a girl, I was always one for fairytales. At a young age it was the dream of living in a castle, locks of blonde hair down to my waist, the perfect complexion with no freckles, pretty pink flowing dresses, and a Cinderella-style horse and carriage as my favoured mode of transport.
I soon grew up. But with this, the dream never really went away.
My mother was born and brought up in Africa, and upon moving to England at an early age, soon became obsessed with the horse. She used to spend hours showing me how to check their feet; ways of running ones hand down their legs to feel for any lingering trouble, and always to avoid ragwort! These have stuck with me, somehow, and by puberty my interest was huge, among other aspects.
When it was time to leave home and ‘find myself’, and I decided to combine my Mother’s favourite things; Africa and horses. I knew that I had to go to the Masai Mara, to experience that life, and to try to see what my mother loved.
It was booked, my mosquito repellent was packed, and I was away!
What first struck me was the heat, and I marvelled how these beautiful, healthy horses could bear it as they whisked at the flies with their tails. They moved so elegantly, and the sound of their hooves on the famously red African soil was enchanting. As we rode over the Masai plains, dust flew up behind us, in a dream world that was such bliss and could not be further away from the world I lived.
In the evenings, the Masai would dance to us as we sat around a large log fire, watching the embers crackle as their feet hit the ground to the rhythm of the beat. The horses took no notice, and went about their grazing business nonchalantly.
At sunrise we prepared our horses and set out at a gallop to watch the sun come up and slowly touch the landscape with her white light. The beauty was utterly enthralling, and the sheen on my horse was breathtaking.
My Mother was right. Her fairytale had come alive before me.
I became obsessed with my experience, and addicted to finding such beauty again. I rode out in Peru, New Zealand, Ireland, Tuscany and even The Road of Bones in Far East Russia, but nothing met my expectations.
It was not until I found Equestrian Escapes and their Cheshire Horse Riding Holidays that I was satisfied. The horses gleamed, and their friendly faces shone out from the pristine stables that were their home. Who would have thought I would find what I was looking for almost on my front door step? A UK riding holiday! I was amazed, and entirely impressed. Never had I seen such care given to these beautiful animals and from this a kind of mutual respect between the horse and the rider united us together. The rolling green hills and wonderful sounds of the birds made me feel like I was in a bubble, like Africa, and so far away from everyday life.
