Magic of Istria

Emma Thompson, Far and Ride

I have just returned from our new ride Magic of Istria. Having already visited and fallen in love with Croatia last year when I rode the Plitvice Trail. I was keen to return to this beautiful place and experience a different side of Croatia with its heavy Venetian influence.

Sue and I flew into Trieste airport because the flights to Pula are seasonal. So we had the longer drive to the farm taking us through Italy, Slovenia and into Croatia Keen to explore and learn more about Istria we were met by the welcoming owner, Petar and we set off on the two hour transfer to his home. On the way we learnt that Petar is fluent in several languages and has made ‘appearances’ in many films as a stunt rider and even worked alongside Richard Gere. His humour, love of horses and curiosity make him a fun and welcoming host.

The journey was smooth and the roads were very good. Finally we passed through the town of Žminj and onto the tiny village of Karnevali where you find the peaceful family farm.The accommodation had all been renovated in the spring and we were shown to a charming room with a lovely en-suite bathroom with a good sized shower. The room was decorated with solid rustic furniture, wooden floors and a wooden ceiling with beams giving it a warm and cosy feel. We looked at all the rooms and they were all decorated in a similar fashion.

The guest’s living room had a warming log fire and the table was laid for our meal ahead. The Croatians are very hospitable so we were offered a welcoming honey schnapps which is traditional in this area. The meal started with a delicious soup and fresh bread followed by a home-made pasta dish, and pheasant which was cooked in an extremely tasty sauce. The food here is freshly cooked with local ingredients and accompanied by local wines.

The next day we were keen to explore the area and we followed the routes of the trail following the day-to-day itinerary. We  stopped at each of the stunning villages, towns and the places guests would stop for a break and eat their lunches. Some of the day’s highlights were the hidden waterfall on the way to Gologoricki Dol, the abandoned town of Dvigrad, the caves of Feštinsko kraljevstvo and extensive views from the village of Gracisce. Riding time in the morning varies between 1.5 and 3 hours with a 2 hour stop for lunch and rest breaks in between. Visiting each of these gems over the course of the week provides endless riding country and outstanding views along the way.

For lunch we stopped at the charming agroturismo, Gologoricki Dol (valley), this is where guests will spend two nights on the trail programme. The accommodation here is comfortable with en suite bathrooms and rooms with a small balcony. Here they keep their own horses so they are accustomed to overnight more horses on the trail nights. We met the owner and he took us down to his wine cellar to test his organic wines. The Croatians here are self sufficient and many have their own grape vines and produce their own wine. Following our visit we returned to Karnevali and we went with Petar to feed his horses, which are within easy walking distance. He built the stables and round pen himself and is extending his facilities. His horses are kept as naturally as possible – several of these Petar has bred himself and they are regularly schooled to ensure that they are calm and responsive.

The second leg of my trip took us along the coastline from Pula up to Pore? via Fažana and the beautiful town of Rovinj before heading back inland to the town of Motovun. These beauty spots are highly recommended as places you can visit whilst on the stationary programmes where during the summer months, the squares are bustling with markets and outdoor cafes. I enjoyed a fabulous day exploring these picturesque towns in winter sunshine.

Another interesting and exciting opportunity is to visit the National park of the Brujuni island. This is the island where Tito courted world leaders and was given a pair of elephants by Gandhi. Today these animals remain along with several other exotic species and you are able to visit the island on your holiday. Most of the places worth a visit are within thirty minutes drive of the farm. The coastline is superb with fabulous marinas, a plethora of boats and crystal clear waters.

The trail ride will be superb for those who wish to explore this unspoilt countryside from the back of a responsive horse; for those who wish to take it easier the stationary programme will be a fabulous experience.

Read more about the ride here: Magic of Istria.

Cross Country and Tuition in the Golden Vale, 2009

Emma & Holly, Far and Ride

Ireland is a place renowned not only for its friendly people and lush countryside but also for the quality of its horses. We were therefore eager to find the quintessential Irish ride to offer our clients, and think we’ve done just that. In October this year, Holly and Emma headed out to Country Limerick in Southwestern Ireland, to the heart of verdant Golden Vale, in order to trial what we hoped would be an excellent destination for riders.

We had high hopes for this trip and we were not disappointed! From the friendly driver who collected us from Shannon airport to our warm reception at the riding centre, we were made to feel happy and welcome here. In fact, everyone we encountered (including locals in the street) was delightful! For our fleeting one night stay we were accommodated in the luxurious 4 star hotel, The Dunraven Arms, situated in charming village of Adare. This provided wonderful lodging of a high standard – the room was decorated beautifully and the beds were superbly comfortable. This hotel is the ideal option for those who enjoy a more indulgent holiday and it has a number of wonderful facilities and friendly, horse loving owners and staff (the hotel itself is involved in arranging local hunt days). The breakfast was also a real treat with so many options, a delicious way to start a day of riding.

The facilities at the riding center are absolutely brilliant and any rider could be happy here – the indoor and outdoor schools are enormous and the cross country course is an absolute dream! It’s spread out over the 120 acres of the estate and offers many obstacles to suit all abilities, as well as providing an excellent way to enjoy the qualities of the wonderful horses here. As we both have different riding experiences, here’s what we each have to say about the riding:

Holly – “As more of a happy hacker, whose horse is now in retirement (so I’m pretty rusty, especially on the technical bits and not having jumped anything in a good six years!), I didn’t expect to get too involved in the Cross Country or the jumping here. I was looking forward to riding the Irish horses and knew that I could test out the tuition available on behalf of clients like myself, perhaps also taking some time to enjoy the countryside. Well, it’s fair to say that I came back having achieved far more than I ever would have expected! I felt so at ease on the horses here, and I was so well matched to them, that I was able to take on some smaller jumps in our morning lesson. I rode a beautiful gelding called Claddagh, a 16.3hh grey sports horse who was forward going but not too much for me to handle. How I would have loved to bring him home!

Having enjoyed the tuition and the jumping practice, the group headed outside to the cross country course with the guidance of an instructor. This course is suited to everyone and as we rode around, we paused at each point where riders could take a large jump, a smaller one further along or could simply enjoy riding around with the group. Inspired into bravery by the lovely Claddagh, who was eager to go and take on the jumps but also very easy to hold back, I decided to go for it and take on some of the smaller jumps. I haven’t had so much fun in a long time! The group was of mixed abilities but everyone was smiling as they rode around, jumping whatever obstacles they felt comfortable to or just enjoying being out on these fab horses. We headed back in for our lunch break and I’m pretty sure that I was beaming with a sense of accomplishment.

After lunch guests have the option of what to do in the afternoon. More cross country for me! This time I rode out with some of the older riders, including some local Irish men who are regulars there. They were so amiable and really encouraging, talking to me about the jumps and the horses. This time I rode a smaller horse, a bay of around 15.2hh named Aubrey. Aubrey was less forward going than Claddagh but an absolute dream for the less experienced rider as he really knew his job and took me safely over a variety of obstacles including stone walls, planks, tyres and up steps. He was so easy to control and I knew I was safe to take on jumps, some bigger than those I’d faced in the morning. It was a wonderful afternoon to a great day of riding and has motivated me to continue with lessons back at home. I certainly won’t forget cantering through the lush fields with a smile on my face and I hope to do it again in the near future.”

Emma – “Having been a keen rider from a young age I particularly enjoy to jump and equally love cross country. I have evented in the past but not ridden much this summer due to my horse being out of work. Due to this break, I was very much looking forward to some training sessions! I was introduced to Nasdaq, a 15.3hh Chestnut Warmblood. He is a seven year old, successful junior event horse, a fabulous match in my eyes! We set off to the indoor school for our morning flatwork session, starting off with some basic warm-up exercises including circles and shallow loops before doing some canter work. I clicked with Nasdaq and enjoyed riding him very much, he knew his job but still had a spark. The flat session flowed into some pole work before following on to some show jump exercises. The training sessions were constructive and safety conscious.

Holly and I dismounted and were fitted with body protectors (always a good idea for cross country) before heading out to the course. We left the arena and rode up the drive as a group, all horses walked calmly despite knowing where they were going. I set off to jump a step up (optional) and out onto the beautiful established grassland, making it fantastic going. Fences range from small logs and poles to larger walls and jumps with a good variety of obstacles over undulating land, including water, ditches and many more! I recommend this destination to a variety of riders from beginners to the more experienced rider wanting to compete and improve their skills”.

There is so much fun to be had here and so much to learn! The level of tuition is wonderful and the place is well managed by Sue and Dan, aided by their secretary Tess who is helpful, fun and great at her job. If you need advice on anything then Tess is sure to be able to help you out, just ask. Had we had more time, we would have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the village of Adare as it was simply lovely. There are also a whole mix of other activities to be enjoyed, that’s if you can tear yourself away from the riding centre for long enough to try them out. The centre is a nice environment with a lot of friendly faces, cuddly dogs and happy horses which are well looked after. We liked that we were able to watch lessons and chat with other riders when not in the saddle and would recommend this, without any doubt, to our clients.

This location is a real rider’s delight for a whole range of reasons. Firstly, the facilities here are top notch and there is something to suit everyone, no matter which riding discipline they are most interested in. Secondly, the horses are well bred and excellent quality Irish Sport Horses and Connemara ponies which have been beautifully schooled and handled. They are trustworthy mounts and horses can be found to suit everyone. If that’s not enough, this destination is made even more noteworthy due to it’s lovely location (next to the charming village of Adare and placed in the gorgeous Golden Vale), the quality of the staff who are experienced, well qualified and friendly and the number of excellent accommodation options to suit.

Take a look at this terrific ride and feel free to give us a call if you’d like to know more. Emma and Holly had the most fabulous time taking on the cross country course and think that you will too!

Read more about the ride here: Cross Country and Tuition in the Golden Vale.

Emma & Holly, Far and Rddide

Sierra de Mijas, 2009

Emma & Holly, Far and Ride

Early September, we decided to pay a visit to our Sierra de Mijas ride in Spain to trial not only the riding but the destination as an entire package. The sun was shining as we arrived on Saturday lunchtime, having driven a short journey (around 30 minutes) from Malaga airport, just in time to enjoy a meal with the other guests. The lunches here tend to be simple salads, complemented with bread, aioli (which becomes oddly addictive) and olives. To each table there is a jug of water and some sweet sangria to accompany your meal and this went well with the hearty, delicious dinners which often feature a Spanish flair. Meals are taken in an open but roofed dining area which is decorated in a pretty way and where there is often music playing. Tables here are large, great for socialising with fellow guests, but due to the openness of the room you should be prepared to see flies around and the odd little lizard poking his head out of the ceiling rafters at you. The majority of guests here are German, as this is a German owned and run establishment, but their English is wonderful and they were friendly and talkative with both of us. The guides here are also German and you are given a great chance to get to know them as they act as hostesses throughout your stay – they care for and prepare the horses, lead the rides and even act as waitresses during your mealtimes.

There are 26 rooms on the Finca and although they are quite simplistic, all have a daily maid service and are clean, pleasant and good value when considering the cost of the packages. We shared a large room with a patio overlooking the horses. Our room had air conditioning, a welcome addition for those who cannot take the heat (ie. Holly), and the adjoining shower room was clean with a good sized shower and plenty of hot water. All the tap water here is safe to drink and we’d advise that you take a bottle to keep in your room and carry around with you. During the rides the guides take water bottles in their saddle bags and will pause now and then for everyone to have some.

The ranch currently has 230 Andalucian horses who live as herds in corrals on the complex. It was interesting to watch the horses living in this natural way and to see the stallion with his broodmares and the beautiful foals they had produced. Due to this herd lifestyle, you will find that the horses here bear the marks associated with a herd hierarchy but they are healthy, well-fed and carefully trained. Although we have ridden throughout our lives, we were feeling rusty due to our horses’ retirement (Holly) and their injury (Emma) and were apprehensive of the Doma Vaquera style of riding that they use. The Spanish saddles are large with a high back and long stirrups but we eventually found this a comfortable way of riding through the rocky and often very steep terrain of the Mijas mountains. Hackamore bridles (no bit) fit in with the ‘neck-reining’ method used on the trail rides and the guides here give careful instruction, even showing you how to put the hackamore onto your own horse before each ride.

Guests are expected to prepare their horse, following the safety guidelines provided, but the guides always fit the saddles and follow strict safety precautions before every ride. No guest mounts a horse here before the girth has been tightened, the tack checked and there is a guide holding your horse and stirrup. You will find that the guides here are approachable but know their job well and are not afraid to correct your methods, something important both from a safety point of view and to allow you to understand this way of riding.

Although the horses here vary, all are brave and sure-footed. Holly – “On our third ride, I found the perfect horse for me – a lovely 5 year old named Pisco who, although only having been in work a short while, was careful over the hard, uneven ground. He was forward-going but not too lively and if in doubt of the best path, he watched and followed the horse in front.”

Even the livelier horses here could be controlled and had great brakes during the fast, exhilarating canters which at first seemed nerve-wracking in this different style of riding (very loose reins!) but soon became thoroughly enjoyable.

Emma – “ I had a mix of horses, they tend to put you on a steady horse to start with so they can assess you and correct your style of riding. My first horse Mesterioso was a likable chap, honest and safe. However, as with Holly, I was soon matched to a great horse called Montero. He was a larger type of horse than I usually ride but he was safe and sure footed but with a fun and controllable ‘buzzy’ side. I thought he was great!”

Due to the terrain, rides consist of long walks and a few short, fast canters. There is no trotting here and to be honest, we did not really miss it. All the horses coped well in the hot weather which was particularly dry but excellent for topping up your tan whilst enjoying a more active holiday. Every horse was thoroughly hosed down after the rides and each guest scraped the water from the horse they’d ridden before turning them back out into the corral.

The complex is well laid out but quite remote – we would recommend that guests looking to experience more of the area should rent a car and take the time to explore (this can be done directly from the ranch). For those preferring to relax when not in the saddle there is a lovely pool area and although the pool is on the smaller side, we watched it being carefully cleaned and maintained and the area around the pool is green and lush with sun loungers and a shaded patio.

This is a great holiday for those looking to try out some challenging terrain whilst enjoying some sunshine and a dip in the pool. The riding is not fast overall but the canters are still thrilling on these fabulous horses and climbing through the mountains adds interest to the rides. For the based stays the rides are generally 2 and a half to 3 hours long and occur at 9.30am and 5pm in the evening, allowing for a long lunch and siesta time to avoid the worst of the heat. Guests should be open to socialising with the other nationalities here and should be prepared for the hot, dry weather. For those not planning to hire a car, a good book is in order to fill in the time between rides during the Spanish siesta time where you can laze in the sunshine or, if you prefer, you can walk the area even taking a short uphill hike to Mijas itself.

Overall it was interesting to try their Spanish style of riding which is very well suited and comfortable for this type a trail riding and the demands of the mountainous terrain. It is like a cross between English and Western style, but you are not to sit like a cowboy, you are to sit very upright and keep your legs away from the horse. It’s a fairly easy style but takes some adjusting to. Safety and clear instruction is consistent here – they have their specific procedures and methods that you must follow in order to have a safe and enjoyable experience. You must be open to taking the guides’ advice and not be unnerved if they shout back for you to adjust your position. They are attentive and it really will improve your technique.

Although the Finca itself is remote, it is close to the fabulous and lively area of the Costa del Sol coastline where there many activities and restaurants for all to enjoy. If you wished to explore you would need to hire a car, but you can arrange this at the Finca.

Read more about the ride here: Sierra de Mijas.

Transylvania Adventures, 2009

This beautiful riding country is complemented by the exceptionally friendly and polite people living there. I was met at the arrivals lounge by a friendly man holding a clearly marked sign. During my transfer I was then to catch a glimpse of the local way of life on my two hour journey from Cluj Napoca airport to the Calamani mountain lodge. The remote villages are full of locals hard at work on their land, farming in a traditional way with their horses. They then sell their fresh produce on the side of the road. The stunning scenery is green, full of open spaces, rolling hills and mountains.

I met Ovidiu, the hist in T.G Mures for lunch before visiting a local stud of various breeds, but mainly Romanian Sports horses. The last part of the transfer journey to the mountain lodge runs alongside a picturesque river that glistened in the sun, with a railway line at the base of the mountain. We turned onto a gravel road at the foot of the fir-tree covered mountain and travelled for a further ten minutes to the remote and beautiful destination of the lodge.

I was greeted by the house-keeper, Marta, her husband and another local man who were responsible for carrying out the maintenance work in and around the lodge and for looking after the horses and animals. Marta was very kind and she cooked hearty, freshly prepared, organic meals (with plenty on offer). The hosts, workers and the local Romania people are very kind and polite, you will be looked after me extremely well, and nothing is too much trouble.

My first impressions were positive, an amazing setting and attractive lodge. Then there were the horses……. their lifestyle was amazing to see, they are free to roam the mountains and they return to their stalls at the end of each day for feed and shelter. It was lovely to experience and they were very lucky. All the animals looked healthy and happy including the chickens, cow and gorgeous little calf.

The rooms have been refurbished nicely in a traditional style, with very good facilities. There were bathrooms and lovely showers everywhere!

Before I experienced the riding I was transported by road to the stunning town Sighi?oara. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Citadel, it was a beautiful town and the hotel accommodation there was lovely. Sighi?oara is where guests stay at the end of the trail programmes.

The following morning brought my first day of riding. I was introduced to Oz, a 16.1hh, eight year old bay gelding. He was a Romanian sports horse and bred by the hosts. Marius took me for a guided tour of the Calamani mountains, he was riding out on his grey event mare, Katy, who has successfully competed at a high level in the past. The horses were groomed and ready to tack up , off we set!

The tack was of good quality; clean, comfortable and they also provide good quality saddle bags. One thing worth mentioning is that they ride in head collars and use sturdy rope reins with the bit attached to the head collar. The horse I rode was calm and well mannered with a kind eye. We rode out to the edge of the Calamani mountains and through a remote village – this gave us the opportunity to observe the local way of life close up and in a relaxed way on horseback. The locals were working the land and the forest with their horses and wooden carts. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed.

The ride continued by climbing the Calamani mountains on a different path. Natural spring water runs alongside some of the track providing the perfect opportunity for the horses to have regular water stops. The area was lush and green, rich in wildlife, birds of prey and flowers.

It was time to stop for our picnic lunch, we made a left hand turn off the track and into an open space of beautiful rolling hills and grassland. We un-tacked the horses and let them grazed whilst we relaxed. The picnic area was beautiful, peaceful and the perfect spot to relax before continuing the day’s adventure.

Following lunch we continued up the mountain track before reaching the mountain plateau……wow!…amazing views!!! I had to keep closing and re-opening my eyes and saying to myself “is that view real?” We cantered along a grass track over undulating ground on the plateau of the mountain, the sun was shining down on us and my horse was very relaxed, a totally enjoyable experience. Now we were at the top it meant we must go down, the descent took us down interesting paths, twists and turns.

On returning to the lodge we un-tacked our horses and left them to cool off in their stalls before the grooms gave them hay. The rest of the herd then returned to their stalls before dark to receive their evening meal. Once again I enjoyed a freshly prepared meal before bed.

I really do think they offer a wonderful service and the views whilst riding are stunning with kind horses and friendly people. I will leave the rest for you to explore……..

Read more about the ride here: Transylvania Adventures.

From beach riding in France, cantering through the grasslands in New Zealand, to viewing the amazing African wildlife on horseback in Zambia – we think there are some very exciting new rides…

South Island Trails, New Zealand

In recent years, the spectacular beauty of New Zealand has been recognised in TV and films through the likes of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Both the islands of this country have dramatic and varied landscapes, with an exceptional biodiversity, but the South Island in particular offers a great riding climate. Although there is variation in the weather here, it is mild and temperate, perfect for long hours in the saddle.

Bearing all this in mind, we have are really pleased to have partnered with a wonderful business based in Queenstown on the South Island. The host, Barbara, and her family offer a true New Zealand experience where they are able to share their passion for the land and their horses with you. These rides are flexible and adapted for each group – this means that families, single travellers or groups are equally well catered for. There is also the option of an Endurance Race Weekend for the experienced riders who wish to try something new or to enjoy a new area.

This is an exciting and great value trip where you can ride a trail to suit your group. Be sure that Barbara knows all the best routes and hot spots and that there will be a horse here to suit you, whether you’re looking to gain confidence or to use your experience for some more adventurous riding.

For more information see the South Island Trails, New Zealand page.

Aquitaine Adventures, France

The Aquitaine region of France is famed for its history and beauty, the Landes forest being the largest maritime pine forest in Europe. Our new ride, Aquitaine Adventures, offers a choice of trails and based rides for experiencing this exceptional area and the horses here are of outstanding quality and nature. The forest and surroundings offer a variety of terrain and the centre is a certified French Riding School with a choice of beautiful horses to suit.

A dream for many, beach riding along the stunning Cote d’Argent (’Silver Coast’) brings the chance for breathtaking gallops and swimming in the surf. The Pays Basque Trail takes you through lush landscapes and is an exhilarating ride offering insight into the culture of this lovely part of the world – great riding, great food and a great experience! For the history buffs there is a trip to die for – Castles of Aquitaine. This trek offers fascinating castles and old towns and is educational and interesting with thrilling riding to boot. If that’s not enough for you…the last few days are spent back near base, adventuring through the famous Landes region (where the riding centre is based) and riding on the silvery beach.

If you’re a beginner or looking for a more flexible programme then fear not! There is a fabulous beginners programme here which aims to have total newcomers cantering on the beach by the end of the week. The flexible stays can be adapted in length but feature a practical system where you purchase riding sessions to use at your leisure. The accommodation on all the rides here is in two or three star hotels and gîtes, with the food being typical of the region which, when speaking of France, pretty much means delicious. There is the opportunity for a few nights of camping on the Atlantic Coast trip when the weather is warm and there is often freedom relating to the accommodation you would like. All in all, a wonderful choice of riding in a sublime location.

For more information see the Aquitaine Adventures, France page.

Shiwa Ngandu Horse Safaris, Zambia

This new ride is in the northern part of Zambia and offers accommodation in a fascinating historical home. The house was originally designed by Sir Stewart Gore-Browne in the 1920s and features period details and an extensive library available for your perusal. The estate comprises a 10,000 hectare hectare game reserve with 22 mammal species and as you can imagine, it provides wonderful riding opportunities. The terrain is diverse and there  are amazing views for your enjoyment, visible from the back of a responsive and hardy horse.

The horses here are schooled in basic dressage movements to ensure that they are a comfortable and pleasing ride. However, these are sure-footed and brave, a consequence of their experience with the tough African bush and their good breeding (the majority are Boerpard or suitable crosses). Your riding is made even more enjoyable with the company of Steven Rufus, an experienced horseman and a very knowledgeable guide who will ensure the riding suits your abilities and desires.

The final touch is added to this dream trip in the form of excellent accommodation and food. Over 90% of the food served on the estate is homegrown and there is nothing to match eating a delicious three course meal (in the beauty of the luxurious dining room) after a day of great riding and memorable sights.

For more information see the Shiwa Ngandu Horse Safaris, Zambia page.

This region takes you on a journey back through time where you visit beautiful haciendas with a real sense of history, decorated with fine period details and owned by true Ecuadorean families, living in the traditional ways. Guests can gain much knowledge of this area by riding out with the local ‘chagras’ (cowhands), who will take you across the arid plains and up into the highlands to enjoy the spectacular views of the world’s highest active volcano (Cotopaxi) and the surrounding glaciers and grasslands.

Riders here are not only provided with a horse but a poncho too! The horses are local breeds crossed with various types and are ideal for this often tricky terrain and for the long rides involved in such an adventure. From the back of your horse there is the opportunity to see some amazing local wildlife and some scenery not to be forgotten. By travelling along ancient Inca trails, riders will see little-known areas where the locals are warm and inviting and where it is a joy to learn of their traditional culture and hearty cooking.

These trails simply have it all – visits to areas of great historical interest, various terrains and levels of riding, fabulous horses, amazing animals and birdlife, scenery to die for, perfect riding weather and on top of it all, the chance to gallop alongside herds of wild horses. Not only that but you can be assured that this ride was designed to suit those wanting to get a feel for the area and that everything will be organised for you, all you have to do is enjoy this memorable trip.

For more information see the Ecuadorean Andres, Ecuador page or the Emerald Coast, Uruguay page, or simply give us a call.

Desert Trail, 2006
Adrian F.

Once outside of the cities everyone that I met in Namibia was warm and friendly.  I really got the feeling that they knew the value of tourism to their country.  The group was led by Waldi, the owner of the business and a great horse woman.  On our trip she was aided by four others.

It was all well organised, we would leave camp in the morning, ride all day, and at our destination camp had been set up.  Don’t get me wrong, this is not luxury camping but the food was good and we even got a hot shower every night on the trail.

The food was always fresh and plentiful whether in camp or in accommodation.  While camping the brai or barbeque is the weapon of choice for our bush cooks.  Somehow they managed something tasty and different every night.  Grilled Zebra, springbok, gemsbok and wild boar.  Breakfast is simple with plentiful real coffee.  Most days we would each pack a lunch.

The terrain you encounter is varied from wide open harsh desert (the Namib is known as the land God created in anger!) to canyons, river beds and mountains.  You ride at least six hours on most days.  Although some of our group found it hard the great satisfaction at the end of each day soon made you forget about any aches.  Our longest day in the saddle was eight or nine hours, we covered around eighty kilometres of difficult terrain that day.

The riding is unforgettable; the pace is mixed interspersed with some memorable long gallops.  The horses were good, ideally suited to the terrain, mostly between 14hh and 15hh.  I have to say I fell in love with the mare that I rode.  She was a real no-nonsense horse, fast and tough.  No one in our group had any problem at all with their horse.  You ride using a western trail saddle which is quite comfortable considering  the long hours you spend in it.

On the trail, there is some wildlife to be seen, we regularly saw herds of Zebra, Giraffe, Ostrich and Warthogs.  We saw two Cheetah run off as we disturbed them and heard the roars of a leopard who was either angry with us being in his canyon or was preparing himself for dinner. There were no stragglers that day, funnily enough.

The trip ends in Swakopmund, a coastal resort on the Skeleton Coast.  Here our accommodation was in a bungalow near the beach.  The coastline here is absolutely stunning and wild. The ocean is far too cold to swim in though.  In all we had a couple of days in Swakopmund with plenty of time to relax and for a great afternoon bare back riding along Swakop beach.  From here we also had a half day trip on a catamaran to Walvis bay where there is a huge seal colony.

I would definitely recommend this ride to anyone that is interested,with only two reservations;

1. That they should be reasonably fit (it is demanding),

2. They know how to ride (some days a certain amount of ground has to be covered so it helps if the riders are capable to do so).

But maybe the best praise I can give is that I’m going back!!!

Read more about the ride here: Desert Trail.

Emma Thompson, Far and Ride

I took a cheap and easy flight with Ryanair from London Stansted to Rodez and the transfer to the gite took 45 minutes.  On arrival in the evening I walked into a relaxed atmosphere to find people talking around the roaring wood burner.  Amongst the guests there were two sisters, Vanessa and Jayne on their sixth visit and one of Far and Ride’s good friends on her second visit to the Lot Valley, following her first visit at Christmas time.

I was handed a glass of wine and sat down at the large wooden dining table for an introductory chat, whilst eating some snacks which consisted of some seriously tasty homemade pate, fresh bread, Toulouse sausage, homemade quiche and a selection of cheeses. After the travelling, chatting, food and drink it was time to retire to my suitably comfortable bedroom. All rooms are en-suite, they provide towels, offer large mirrors and hairdryers (important for some!!).  The furniture throughout the gite is traditional in its French style with an air of shabby chic in the bedrooms.

The morning started with a continental breakfast around 9am before it was time to meet the horses.  Derek goes off to whistle his horses up from the Valley, with this they appear a few minutes later; a sign of his fantastic relationship with the horses.  I was introduced to my first horse, Kommador a 15hh Spanish type and a real sweetie. As all of these horses lead a natural lifestyle it was time to groom and pick out their feet (of course if you really don’t want to do this, you don’t have to); I always enjoy spending a little time bonding with the horses that look after you during your visit.

We set off to Opel’s corner, this is one of the morning or half day rides, taking you through country roads, tracks and forest paths.  After a delicious lunch of homemade soup and fresh bread, the afternoon followed with a two hour ride, through steep terrain of the valley, forest and crossing the flowing river. The day ended with a sociable and relaxed evening, again by the fire and round the large dining table with good company, mouth watering food and drink.

The following days were spent riding El Nino (a 16 hh, 9 year old Andalucian, with character and sparkle) and Maluga, a beautiful and well mannered bay mare.  The riding offered a mixture of full day rides and half day ride, each offering new and spectacular views, with some opportunities for some good gallops (should you wish) and time to splash around in the river. Lunches were either substantial picnics or home cooked back in the comfort the gite, where dinner was always served.

The Druhle day ride offers fantastic scenery through the valley; open countryside, passing farms, crossing streams, following natural tracks through the forest, and finally reaching a pictureque destination on a farm. I can only describe this as ‘Black Beauty’ country, where the horses have acres of pasture to roam whilst you enjoy a well deserved picnic lunch in the farm’s courtyard. The Grottes de Fossac again offers stunning views and scenery, riding through villages where you will find beautiful cottages and relaxed village people.  This was a faster days ride, full of excitement.  At the picnic site, an area was penned off for the horses and a large and tasty picnic was served.

There are a variety of horses here all with individual personalities and some characters in the herd.  The scenery is absolutely stunning and varied, each ride is different and offers an individual beauty of its own.  Derek is always looking out to source new rides and paths, to keep the ever returning clients amused and the new clients stunned by their surroundings. Anne’s homemade dishes are fresh and delicious, using local produce and ingredients. Dishes range from soups, to hearty stews, fish dishes, snails for those who dare to modern duck dishes and picnics to die for. A homely atmosphere with a taste for good food and drink compliments the perfect riding in this stunning setting.

This really is an absolutely first class experience from start to finish. This riding holiday offers something for everyone from rider to non rider, beginners through to the advanced riders. I could have written this report in a very short format and simply say this is one European ride not to be missed!

If you love to ride great horses in fantastic country side and enjoy exceptional company then I highly recommend you visit this fabulous ride.

Read more about the ride here: Lot Valley.