European Horse Riding Holidays Testimonials

Carole Newton on the Camargue, France

Where to start? there is so much to tell... I had the most amazing adventure! Was picked up from the airport by my very own cowboy Laurent! Who was my companion every day of my holiday and he was charming and great fun. Dropped me at the house and gardens are beautiful and my room had absolutely everything I could want. The staff were all very friendly and couldn't do enough for me. And the food !!!! The kitchen was closed on the first evening but they had made me a very tasty casserole accompanied by the locally grown rice. After that in the restaurant every evening and I can only say it was fabulous I can honestly say I have never had anything like it and dinner each night was absolutely delicious.

Now the riding, so it turned out I was the only one that was there riding which was the luckiest thing for me! Laurent picked me up on the first day and I was meant to have 2 hours but we went slightly over that as he showed me all over the manade! Then he said now I see you ride tomorrow you have a working horse! True to his word I had a beautiful and very well trained horse the next morning and we were out 3 1/2 hours with the gardians rounding up bulls for a show that evening. He then asked if I would like to go, of course I said yes and he picked me up and we drove to Arles I think? and watched the bulls in the ring. Frederick Bon came over and introduced himself and explained what was going on. On the way back we took the scenic route so I could see a bit more of the beautiful Camargue. The next day was an early start 7am as manade Jacques Bon was putting on a demonstration by the gardians with a lunch included. So again we rounded up more bulls and late morning crowds arrived and we watched bulls being lassoed and branded. I said to Laurent shall I go back to the hotel he said no you are a gardian now you stay eat with us so I had a lovely lunch with a fair bit of wine a jazz band was playing and the atmosphere was great. Laurent then said stay and ride I have clients this afternoon. So I had an afternoon of riding too and he let me ride his quarter horse!!!. It really was the experience of a lifetime and I can't thank you enough. Got to say I didn't really want to go home. I really want to go back but doubt I can better my first experience. Once again thank you so much!

Carole Newton UK 20/01/2018

Joy Voeth on Beach & Countryside Riding, Spain

It was a phenomenal week!! I had an amazing time. I fell head over heels in love with my horse (Delicado). He was everything I have ever wanted in a horse - and everything I had asked for - full of energy, forward going, and quiet in the head. Caroline did a great job of matching each of us with the right horse. I was in love from the first moment. I loved the terrain. The beach gallops were awesome!!

The hotel was clean and comfortable and the staff helpful. The food was scrumptious. I really liked the little town of Barbate and it was lovely to be able to relax on the beach in the afternoon. Caroline and Steve were very kind and safety conscious and looked after us beautifully. It was an unforgettable week.

Thank you so much for your help and for making it so easy logistically. With the info I received from you and your team, I came well prepared. I'm already plotting when and where I can do my next horse holiday. I'm excited to check out somewhere new.... and I'd love to return to Fantasia to ride Delicado again.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the ride and Zara's planet.

Joy Voeth USA 20/01/2018

Pat on Wellow Farm Horse Riding Holidays, UK

We had a great time and as a horsey person (Riding for the Disabled Volunteer) we loved staying in the modern holiday cottage in the stable yard. The riding was superb on good horses on some of the best on and off road routes and fields in the south-west. My family from Australia will be joining me in another break later this year, when their children can enjoy the Shetland ponies and the farm animals!
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Pat from Norfolk, UK 09/11/2014

Chris on Cattle Herding Holiday, UK

There was a great atmosphere and it felt like a really special moment, when the cows came out of their winter housing, the first time since the autumn. We started to herd them over the tracks, across the dam and out onto the open moor. Mostly the cows know where they are going but there is a certain amount of sending people on ahead to do gates and getting them to go the right way, plus keeping them together on the moor. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took a good few of hours to get them across to their grazing area, having navigated some bogs and rocky areas along the way.

We had started off in beautiful sunshine but by the time we left the cows it was very wet so we trotted on and then power walked home as it got increasingly miserable (and we cursed ourselves for not following Phil’s recommendation for full waterproofs).

Back at the farm, the horses were stabled and we went in to warm up, get dry and enjoy a fabulous, leisurely late lunch of home made pies and cakes. A better morning I haven't had, despite the weather and one I shall repeat again - looking to see if I can get away for the week to bring them back down for the Autumn!

Chris Cousens from Edinburgh 09/11/2014

Chris Allsop on Trans Wales Trail, UK

In every other respect it was a great week - not least because of the very hospitable Turner family. I used to go to Wales a lot as a child, but I haven't been out in the Welsh countryside for years. I had forgotten how beautiful it is - and wild in places. You travel the world looking for great riding country - and then discover it on your doorstep.

Chris Allsop from UK 09/11/2014

Louise Berridge on Beach Ride Holiday, Spain

Just returned home from my second trip to Barbate. I've done quite a few different riding holidays and this is the best by far, in every way. The horses are willing, responsive, trustworthy and exciting to ride, while behaving impeccably. They install complete confidence in their riders. There are still places left I want to see, so I will be returning again soon. You are both great hosts and very welcoming, thanks so much for another unforgettable week.

Louise Berridge from Hampshire 09/11/2014

Hilary on Sierra Nevada Trail Rides, Spain

Dallas and her brother are excellent hosts - very organised. Stunning mountain riding - last day was the best - we rode up to 7,800 feet and it felt like the top of the world. It literally took our breath away. Excellent horses - Adra was very well schooled and forward going. She climbed mountains like a steam train. I’d like to return one day.

Hilary Vale from East Yorkshire 09/11/2014

Denis on Classical Dressage at Epona, Spain

I would thoroughly recommend a stay at Epona to anyone interested in classical riding... at whatever level, complete beginner to advanced dressage. This is due to the excellent tuition, and well schooled, responsive horses. The Hacienda is a very beautiful building, simple and traditionally furnished.

Fernando was both host and guide, providing interesting information and entertaining stories, and Jane’s food was superb. We’re already planning our return holiday and can't wait for another private lesson with Rafael Soto.

Denise Bolam Zara’s Planet & Horse Magazine Competition Winner 09/11/2014

Bob & Ellie on Catalonia Trails, Spain

This was the perfect ride for ourselves - good riders, looking for a fast paced adventure, on responsive horses and experiencing the real Catalonia by way of meeting everyday people enroute, friends of our hosts at the guest houses and hotels we stayed in along the way. We'll be returning to try one of the other rides next year, it still feels like such an undiscovered part of Spain.

Bob & Ellie from UK 08/11/2014

Heidi on Tuscany Horse Riding Holiday, Italy

I had the most wonderful time! The views were amazing, and it's so peaceful - the people were just lovely, all really friendly and after the first night you really felt like you'd always known them! The horses were just beautiful, and I fell in love with Fiona. Of course the food was out of this world, I've never eaten so much either and I daren't get on my scales for a couple of weeks. It's a very, very special place, and I will definitely go back - thanks for organizing a wonderful holiday!

Heidi Gowers from Harlow, UK 08/11/2014