Bordeaux Breaks Ride, Summer 2008
Nicola S.

At the somewhat advanced age of 50 I decided to learn to ride. I’d always had the idea that I would enjoy riding but had never done anything about it, on the basis that it was now or never I had my first even lesson in January 2008 and loved it. I realised that it was going to be a slow process. It took me three attempts to pass my driving test at the age of 17! I’m not a quick learner of anything that requires hand-eye co-ordination.

I was talking to a horsey friend about my situation; wanting to improve my riding, but not having the time or the money for more than one lesson a week and she said “have you considered a riding holiday”, at that point I hadn’t but as she spoke I thought “that’s a good idea”.  I also thought that I could combine riding with being somewhere I enjoy, preferably somewhere with better weather than rainy England. So I went home and got googling which is how I discovered “Far & Ride”. I browsed the website and realised that what I wanted, lessons rather than trekking, was a less common option. So I emailed in and asked for advice. A list of possible holiday destination was emailed to me and I chose Bordeaux Breaks.

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Ranch Stay programme, Kaya Valley Ride, Summer 2007
Elisa S.

I was met at the airport by Peter.  The drive gave me the chance to acclimatise myself to the weather and it was great to watch the changing scenery. The holiday truly begins on the drive to the ranch, as we went past ancient tombs carved out in the mountainside and then started our descent into the Kaya Valley and I had my first glimpse of the “Ghost Town”.  

I was not sure what to expect out of the holiday. I just wanted to go “somewhere different” and warm and where being a single traveller would not be a problem.  

The ranch is sympathetically designed so as to fit into the local surroundings and with the local homes. The accommodation was comfortable and each room had en-suite facilities, fridge and kettle.  The hosts made sure there was plenty of tea and coffee and biscuits to keep the tired rider happy.  The accommodation also had satellite TV, DVD, seating area and a kitchen with washing machine. (I loved the fact that you could put your washing on the line at sunset and it would dry overnight ready for the next morning!).

The hosts truly made me feel very welcome and I did not feel at all awkward about being on my own.  Most days were a mixture of lessons given by Norma and then a trek out, the order depending on the weather and whatever else was on offer that day.  I really feel that the lessons I had in Turkey have improved my riding no end and Norma gave me loads more confidence in how I ride, especially since I haven’t had a riding lesson for about 22 years! The format of each lesson depends on what you want to get out of them, so as well as improving my general riding, I also had a few jumping lessons and lessons on how to do a show class.

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Valley of the Bear Trail programme, Molise Ride, Spring 2007
Helen C.

Is it relaxing? To go hurtling forwards at a fast pace on a quadruped? The apprehension before hand, being a self-conscious, self-taught rider made for a tense beginning. What on earth was I doing here? How was I going to stay on? On second thoughts I was lucky to have caught the only evening train to Isernia at all. The platform alteration announcement in Italian meant I had to really run and only just caught the train. I’d forgotten to stamp my ticket in the machine which usually warrants a penalty fare €60 but the guard took pity on my beetroot face. No fine this time. 

The green, lush, rolling hills and sparsely populated countryside was refreshing scenery on the way to the Colle Dell’Orso. Even if I couldn’t stay on the horse, the views were promising.

A warm welcome awaited me both at Isernia station and at Carovilli. Sitting down with a glass of wine and enough snacks to give me a salt hit, I admired the nearby horses, all looking forward to their own evening meal.

My initial impression was how restful everything felt. Carmine and Astrid’s own phrase ‘hurry slowly’ seems to settle over their inviting farmhouse and the paddock. The evening was spent being introduced to fellow riders – four of whom had spent a week at Carovilli the previous year, a very good sign I thought. Katya and myself were the two fresh faces and Katya had done more riding than me so I happily soaked up tips and reassurance. 

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Weekly programme, Tarn Valley Ride, Summer 2008
Fiona M.

 
What do you want in an equestrian holiday? For us it is excellent riding obviously, professional tuition, beautiful scenery, comfortable accommodation, delicious food, and good company, this holiday was all this and more.  

Along with my long-suffering husband, we have been riding reasonably regularly for just over two years and were really looking for a holiday that would build our confidence at walk, trot and, particularly, canter. During our week at Tarn Valley, we rode for a total of 18 hours and by the end we both felt much more confident and had learned new skills, like cantering without stirrups and cantering over small jumps. But the holiday was much more than just improving our riding…

Getting to Tarn Valley is relatively easy. We flew to Toulouse and hired a car for the rest of the journey, about 1.5 hours drive. Some of the other guests took the train from Toulouse to Albi where our host Nick collected them from the railway station.  Tarn Valley itself is situated on its own, deep in the countryside of the valley.  This region is a beautiful area  of rolling countryside, with a good mix of cultivated farmland, and wild forests, interspersed with deep valleys and shallow rivers. At night there is almost no light pollution –   we all sat out one night after dinner and admired the milky way.  

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My visit to Croatia took place from the 26th July to 2nd August this year, taking part in the Plitvice Trail. Wow what a fab trip, amazing views, food, horses and wonderful people! Not one for luxury, but well worth the trip and I would definitely return!!

A Far and Ride client (Zoe) also took part in this trip, whom I met at Gatwick airport for the first time. We arrived at Kastela ‘Split’ airport, late on the Saturday evening and were met with a very warm and smiley greeting, despite arriving late. The journey started by driving up the mountains and deep into rural Croatia, where the ranch is set.

We arrived at the ranch about an hour later, after a chatty drive (very good English). We were then met by Ivo (host), his daughter Antonia, a Swiss family (regular friends and guests) and various other workers, all out on the patio enjoying an evening drink and chat. We were instantly made to feel very welcome and over the week, quickly felt like part of the family. Zoe and I were offered food, and briefly got to know everyone before retiring to our beds; they were basic, but clean and very comfortable!

The first day was our trial day, choosing and getting to know our horses, guide, group and a bit about the terrain, which is very rocky and mountainous in places, but all very beautiful. We quickly learned that the food was indeed very tasty and these delicious meals lasted throughout the week. Schnapps and wine are also always on offer.

My little horse for the duration was a 15.2hh, bay ex racehorse called Fletcher, who has a great character, big heart and a great turn of speed. I loved him, he was fun, a bit cheeky, knew when the gallops were coming up, but safe and responsive, I trusted him to carry me all they way safely.

The trail then ran from Monday to Friday over hundreds of kilometres of beautiful and varied landscape, stopping and spending the nights in different locations and friendly local farmhouses. Everywhere you stay you are well fed, looked after, and welcome to stay up for a drink, laugh, and chat or fade away and retire to your bed before the next days long and exciting ride. Wednesday was the day we visited the stunning, protected Plitvice lakes in the national park and the horses had a good days rest! The last two days are the longest days in the saddle, riding through the mountains and stopping at beautiful and peaceful areas of the varied countryside.

Anyway I don’t want to give too much away, that’s for you to explore, but one of my favourite moments was the flat out gallop, across an open plain, where we got the chance to race. I would recommend this trip to this beautiful country, with friendly locals to any lover of vast open spaces and the countryside, those who like to muscle in and get involved, like a schnapps (well maybe), have a laugh and enjoy long relaxing rides, with some good fast gallops!!

Please feel free to email me on: emma@farandride.com or call the office for a chat.

Emma

For more details visit the Dalmatian Coast holiday page.

Starter Trail programme, Sierra de Mijas Ride, Summer 2008
Shirley E.

20 minutes drive from Malaga airport, but another world! Located in the Andalasian countryside, Sierra de Mijas is clean, attractive and well-organised. The horses are well maintained and corralled in large herds- you can spend a long time just watching them!

My friend and I opted for the “Starter Trail” because we wanted to ride through the countryside but also have the comfort of staying in the same location each night. Believe me, after a days riding, you really appreciate a hot shower, air-conditioning and a comfortable bed!!

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Finca Romeros Ride, Summer 2007
Andrea M.

I recently returned from a wonderful week at Finca Los Romeros. On arriving at Jerez airport, we were met by Penny for the drive to the Finca. This is a beautiful villa with well kept gardens and a swimming pool with plenty of loungers to chill out on. The rooms are spacious, immaculately clean and very tastefully decorated, with tea and coffee making facilities, all linen and towels and extremely comfortable beds. 

All the horses are incredibly well looked after by the fantastic English grooms Clair and Zoe (although sadly Zoe is going back to the UK, I hope she is back there when I return next year.) The girls do such a fantastic job, not only with the horses, but in hanging out with the guests, making them feel very welcome, taking us to the beach and to the village at night. Everyone who works for Penny and Penny herself could not have done more to make us feel welcome. 

The riding is varied and led by experienced, welcoming and friendly British riders who know the forest tracks and search out the best ones for cantering and even galloping.

All meals are included and they are superb – I’m a chef and I could not fault Penny’s cooking! Non meat eaters are very well catered for and it was brilliant to all sit together for lunch and dinner, making sociable conversation, helped along by a few glasses of wine!

This holiday was the perfect combination of riding all morning, and spending afternoons on the beach which is only a 20 minute walk through the forest, eating, drinking and making new friends!

I would definitely recommend this holiday if you are a reasonably experienced rider and I had such a fantastic time and made great new friends that I will definitely return!

Read more about this ride here: Finca Romeros Ride

Satellite Half-day programme, Hotel Tuscany Ride, Summer 2008
Jane R.

If I  had to sum up our holiday in Tuscany in one word, it would be flexibility and this was the key to its success. My daughter, Elspeth, and I had planned a week of quality time where she could indulge her passion for riding while I relaxed/explored. We flew to Pisa and travelled by train to Follonica, having booked our rail tickets with Simply Rail ( 08700841414 ). For a £10 fee they posted the tickets to us and and gave us the train times over the phone. We were met at Follonica and driven to our hotel. Transfers had been arranged in advance with Emma at Far and Ride.

Hotel Tuscany surpassed our expectations and felt like home the minute we arrived. The interior is spotlessly clean and pleasantly rustic. It stands in beautiful, quiet countryside and has stunning views. The grounds and pool areas are attractive and well maintained and the stables are just a five minute walk away.

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Farm Stay programme, Summer 2006
Pamela G.

My holiday to Cyprus was to be, not only an introduction to the beautiful island, but also to the sport of horse riding.  Yes, I had been on a couple of pony trekking trips in Scotland but had yet to master the control of a stead!

Thanks the help of the team at Far and Ride I chose a holiday for beginners at the Drapia Farm near Tochni village – which is outside Limassol.  I arrived in Tochni Taverna and pool in the village of Tochni to begin my half board activity holiday.  Tochni is a lovely, sleepy, old village with small narrow streets.  It has a mix of both Cypriot & Turkish buildings and a friendly well stocked supermarket.  The self catering apartments are positioned on the hill above the village making it an ideal vantage point to look out from whilst sitting on the terrace whilst enjoying al fresco dining.  The moderate sized pool gives an ideal area to relax in the sun, or shade & cool off with a few lengths before enjoying more delicious food, and possibly a small Metaxa brandy, at the taverna. 

 
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Plitvice Trail programme, Dalmation Coast Ride, Summer 2008
Gavra S.

What an adventure. My head is filled with magical memories.

I arrived late on Saturday evening. I was awaited at the airport and warmly welcomed. After a three quarter of an hour drive we arrived at the ranch.  I was greeted as an old friend by Ivo, the owner/organiser.  Sitting round the terrace table were the rest of the group, a group of German girls from Munich who knew each other from their riding club. I felt far from being left out, we all began chatting immediately (they all spoke extremely good English). A few drinks and some getting to know each other later, we all retired in order to be up fresh and early for our first ride. 

The first day, we were all asked what type of horse we were looking to ride.  I of course shouted out  that I wanted one with plenty of peps and lots character ! We saddled up and off we went. Through fields and up and up a long ochre compacted stone road, getting used to the feel of the horses and the beating sun.  We arrived at a little green house in the middle of now-where, unsaddled the horses and left them in a natural “crater” surrounded by rocks, had a wonderful lunch and then went off to climb up to 1509m to see a beautiful view of the mountains and lakes.  Back to the ranch afterwards, a trial gallop on the way.  My horse was an ex-racehorse, 15 years old, called Fletcher and plenty of peps and character he certainly had. I ‘d never ridden a racehorse before so the first gallop was a little scary.  I had  a lot to learn about riding this type of horse but decided not to change horse for the trek, my stubborn side coming out  that I WOULD learn and get to know him.

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