Riding Holiday's Abroad...recommendations please.

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mpicton

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Hi there,

Not a regular poster atm but could really do with some sound advice from your extensive fountain of knowledge!

My sister and I are looking into a riding holiday for this summer, I'm at uni and horseless so desperate for some intense riding time and she has suddenly decided (after 4 years of showing little interest in my own horse) that she is a budding horse woman in the making!

We are looking into Spain, as I'm tempted by the horses and we could go on following a family holiday in France. We have a fair budget, but would need somewhere that could accommodate for her inexperience (made up for in confidence :/). I'm 22 and she is 26 (don't that is especially relevant but just thought I'de add it!).

If any one has any thoughts, recommendations, places to avoid etc. that would be really helpful. Thanks in advance.
 
I would recomend In The Saddle they do several holidays to Spain; their staff go on the holidays so you can ring & ask for their recommendation & speak to somebody who has actually been.
Although their hoildays are expensive I think they are good value for money.
 
Thanks Turkana, yeah I had a brief look at their website before, will be ringing up tomorrow to get some advice from them!

Many thanks
 
I know that you were thinking of Spain, but I have to mention the horse holiday farm in Ireland. They have a website if you google them.

I went on holiday there in 2006 with my friend, and had the holiday of a life time! Admittedly the weather was shocking even in July- it was torrential rain for the first 24 hours, but warmed up to the end of our week to the point that I got sun burnt.

It was a truly fantastic holiday, and a real laugh. They provide you with a horse- suited to your ability, a map,first aid kit and off you go trekking across Donegal, riding to the different B&B's on route. It was just me, my friend and our horses, no guide. There are yellow arrows from time to time, so you know your going the right way.

You try your horse out on the first day at the farm, and get a ride on the beach and can try different horses if you need to. I've been riding for years and worked as a groom, but had a lovely bomb proof cob, and I mean bombproof to the point that Prince the horse could have won a Darwin award!

We saw the most amazing scenery and it was a real adventure, the B&B owners were wonderful hosts and cooked the most amazing food for us.

It was a holiday that I will never ever forget, it was wonderful. If you are experienced with horses you should be fine. There were other couples that we met on the first day that had one experienced rider and one novice (barely able to trot/canter without wobbling) they seemed fine, as you are riding for 5-8 hours/day and are generally walking/trotting as the terrain is quite challenging in parts. Having said that you get to ride on the beaches on a couple of days and we got in some really good gallops.

I couldn't recommend the holiday enough, it was tiring at times, but an incredible experience. I'm planning on another holiday there in the future , it was so inspiring, the farm had the most incredible views and the people were so welcoming.
 
Wow thanks AGAGE, that sounds like a really amazing experience! Hmmmm, now I might have to go back to the drawing board on place to go with my sister (thinks she likes the idea of sun worshipping). Love the sound of being really independent and riding off into the distance...something really interesting to think about now. So thanks again!
 
Try Los Alamos in Spain. In the saddle are their agents but if you go on their website you can book direct. Me and daughter had great time. Really lovely english people
 
No probs. I would recommend the holiday to all riders, it is amazing! The only thing you might want to consider is that you would be spending the whole week, day and night alone with the same person, there's no escaping them!

It was fine with my friend, but I don't know that I could spend that much time with my horsey sister, lovely as she is- she would have the potential to drive me insane, as we are very different, when it comes to riding.

The amount of times that we clashed as teenagers with our ponies. I was quite bad out hacking and used to gallop off on Pagan, when my sister said she didn't want to go for a canter with Toby(as she had no brakes). I knew that Toby would follow Pagan and she had no choice but to keep up at my pace- God I really was a cow as a teenager, my poor little sister!
 
Thanks for that KrujaaLass, off now to go investigate. What time of the year did you go? Worried I might melt if its height of season...
 
Haha very wise advice! Very few people who I would manage to spend such an intense amount of time with, fortunately my sister is normally a dream to get on with and as she's not horsey I can boss her about and put her in her place (even though she's older). My potential qualm may lie in the fact that she's a bit of a know it all, seems to think she qualifies as an experienced rider after a handful of lessons!

Can't decide if this is a blessing but she's planning her wedding...so we'll never run out of things to talk about!?

Have a feeling I might be following in your footsteps and galloping off...I challenge her to keep up with me, best way to learn!
 
Another vote for Los Alamos. In fact, I'm off there for a Train & Ride week on Sunday and I can't wait!

I ride with them regularly, partly as when I visited last year for the second time I bought a horse through them from Antonio Corales, who does the "train" part of the train and ride (look at the Tuition section of their website: http://www.losalamosriding.co.uk/tuition.htm). The Williams are a lovely family and it's a real home from home, plus the riding and the horses are fantastic. Lots of long canters, good chat and good food (it genuinely is all-inclusive too, you could easily not spend a single Euro and still have a hangover every morning if that floated your boat...!).

Take a look at their Facebook page, and also the FB Group "Los Alamos Ex-Pat Horses".
 
We went July August time. what happened we discussed it with owners at some show. they gave us a price was £500 all inclusive. Had to get own flights. Then went through their agent not in the Saddle and they said they should not have topld you you can go that time of year but they honoured it and we were the only 2. We were picked up at 9 rode till about 2 had lunch then had the rest of time on beach. Its all changed now though as you stay at their villa with swimming pool and own chef. We had some lovely rides. on beACH AND IN FOREST. 1 DAY WE WENT TO SEE THE HORSES AT jEREZ. we wanted to go again but my daughter had baby following year.
 
I meant to add - I went to Vejer (where Antonio is based) for a weekend in July last year and it was hot then (over 30 degrees) but otherwise it's very manageable. In the winter it's pretty chilly and can rain heavily - I was there for a short break in November and you needed a light coat, and occasionally waterproof trousers ;)

Also, if you go at this time you can visit the Sunshine Tour at Montenmedio. I'm looking forwards to checking out the pros after I attempt dressage in Antonio's lessons...!
 
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If your looking to improve your riding, I would recommend Ireland. Went on holiday with a company called "Far and ride " last year to a place in the west by Adaire. Clonshire equestrian center I think the name was. It is a riding school not a trecking center, although there are a couple of rides out when your too tired to do active riding. On of the days we did a show jump session, followed by a cross country chase me charlie style lesson, followed by a tough dressage session after lunch, before being asked back in the evening for more X-country!. By the end of the week the more simple jumps were being popped with hardly a thought.
The horses were tough and fit . The country is fantastic and not strangled by health and safety laws. I am saving up to go again - fast track to confident riding!
 
doonrocket said:
If your looking to improve your riding, I would recommend Ireland. Went on holiday with a company called "Far and ride " last year to a place in the west by Adaire. Clonshire equestrian center I think the name was. It is a riding school not a trecking center, although there are a couple of rides out when your too tired to do active riding. On of the days we did a show jump session, followed by a cross country chase me charlie style lesson, followed by a tough dressage session after lunch, before being asked back in the evening for more X-country!. By the end of the week the more simple jumps were being popped with hardly a thought.
The horses were tough and fit . The country is fantastic and not strangled by health and safety laws. I am saving up to go again - fast track to confident riding!
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I love the sound of that, I'm off to look it up... My OH certainly needs a riding boot camp too!
 
Another vote for Fantasia, I've been 3 times and loved it every time. There was a lot of cantering & galloping though which may be an issue if your sister isn't too experienced. The horses were beautifully behaved though and Steve & Caroline are lovely.
 
Thanks everyone for your recommendations, got a lot of food for thought. Going to ring my sister and discuss.

Now my current mission is to get her riding like a pro!
 
I havent been on a riding holiday in Spain. Did have a galloping trek on the beach in Portugal once which was awesome. I have had a couple riding holidays in Ireland which are really good! I went on an xc training holiday at Annaharvey and i've heard Castle Leslie is amazing too!
 
mpicton said:
Hi there,

Not a regular poster atm but could really do with some sound advice from your extensive fountain of knowledge!

My sister and I are looking into a riding holiday for this summer, I'm at uni and horseless so desperate for some intense riding time and she has suddenly decided (after 4 years of showing little interest in my own horse) that she is a budding horse woman in the making!

We are looking into Spain, as I'm tempted by the horses and we could go on following a family holiday in France. We have a fair budget, but would need somewhere that could accommodate for her inexperience (made up for in confidence :/). I'm 22 and she is 26 (don't that is especially relevant but just thought I'de add it!).

If any one has any thoughts, recommendations, places to avoid etc. that would be really helpful. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I can highly reccommend www.rideandalucia.com
amazing horses ,and fantastic views and rides. it is in the mountains of Ronda in Andalucia
 
If you want some intensive training (dressage) I went to this place near Seville. It was a good few years ago now, but the same woman runs it and it is AMAZING. You get to ride the sort of advanced horses no-one would let you sit on over here and have a go at just about everything. The environment is so relaxed, somehow the information just sinks in. The horses really are incredible. Soft, gentle, willing and so patient. The focus was on improving your seat and communication - it sounds a bit intense and hardwork - but it really wasn't.
I am sure they would be happy to accommodate a novice and your sister would be assured of a fantastic start to learning to ride and develop a riding seat.
http://www.haciendadosolivos.es/
Look at the website - see what you think.
Have a fantastic holiday wherever you decide to go!
 
Hiya yes I know of a few in spain have experienced most of them but I am sure from asking agents and holiday makers inland countryside is far best for trekking.around the Rio Grande .there are trekking places inland that you shpould look for enjoy a relax the beach and excellent trekking through the rivers,forests and mountains taking in tapas and drinks at white washed villages .most can cater for indeviduals and the bbqs and entertainment are great.you can even help out if you wish with the ranch routines feeding grooming etc. you can pm me for details of a few if you like.
 
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