Stationary programme, Farmhouse Tuscany Ride, June 2008
Julia H.

I visited the Farmhouse Tuscany in June 2008.  This was my first holiday on my own and I decided to make it an activity holiday and chose horse riding.  I’d looked at various venues but kept coming back to Tuscany and to Franco’s Farm in particular.

Everything about the place appealed to me and I was not disappointed, in fact this is one of the best holidays I have ever experienced.  From the location, the horses, the food and especially the people – everything was just wonderful.

The farmhouse is 1,000 years old and has lots of character.  From the outset the welcome you receive from Raimonda, Franco and the rest of the “gang” is warm, open and friendly and they do their best to make you feel at home.

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Alpujarra Ride programme,  Andalucia Trail Ride, September 2008
Lisa H.

What’s the best thing my husband could have bought me for my 40th? Diamonds? Sports car? No, a heavenly week riding in the Alpujarras!

From the moment I was greeted by friendly Ali at Malaga, I fell straight into horsey holiday mode. He gave me plenty of info on the journey to my accommodation on everything from the horses, my lovely guide Laura, and the surrounding areas.

I was taken to Casa del Viento above the town of Lanjaron for my first evening. Ann, my host, was fab and showed me to my rustic farmhouse style cottage. The view across the valley and into Lanjaron is wonderful. Time for a snooze on my private terrace, dip in the pool, then dinner prepared and served by Ann in her own home! You eat with whoever else happens to be on holiday there at the same time, and it’s a great way to socialise. I was alone, but was made to feel part of Ann’s extended family from the first day.

It was an early start the next day and off into the mountains to meet my horse and begin the adventure. We rode by Capileira- one of the highest towns in Spain and across the Poqueria valley, plenty of canters and some hair-raising descents! The horses behaved impeccably but were also forward going and exciting to ride. Laura is a fun and informative guide and her love of horses shines out of her.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch high in the mountains before the ride back down to Chris and Dave’s mountain cottages for our night’s stay and a delicious dinner in their home.

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Lipizzaner Dressage, Slovenia, 11-14 October 2008

My first impression of the stud as we were driven down the main drive was the stunning sight of Lipizzaner horses, the brood mares and young stock in large natural herds.

I was then met by Uljana and my trip started with a tour of the stud, visiting each individual block, I met the performance and breeding stallions, mares used for carriage driving, those starting the educational life and the school horses used for lessons. Amongst them was Favory Canissa XXII, the 16 year old stallion that was presented to Queen Elizabeth II the following week. With such a vast number of horses it was impressive to see everywhere was immaculate from the yards to the stables, and the horses themselves of course, in a calm and relaxed atmosphere throughout the centre.

I was shown around the rest of the centre including the large indoor arena, with seating area, used for performances. This arena is bright and impressive, and I was lucky enough to see the professionals schooling their stallions, so effortlessly and calm. Joining this arena is a smaller warm up arena, another large indoor arena where the client lessons take place. Outside there are three smaller outdoor arenas, a large horse walker and a very large outdoor arena, with seating where national and international events are held. This is all situated in acres upon acres of pastureland, surrounded by trees.

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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