Andalucia Trail, Spain, January 2009

Emma Thompson, Far and Ride

Here you will find wonderful and relaxed people who are friendly, helpful and fun. I was met by Ali (the husband of Sarah who hosts the riding) at Granada airport, who transferred me to the beautiful farmhouse. Ann, the owner, showed me to my room, which was in one of the little stone cottages. The room was pleasant with a homely and cosy feel. Ann had put the gas heater on for my arrival – it was unusually cold weather as it often reaches the teens in January. Nevermind, this was no reason to dampen my spirits!

The farmhouse is fairly simple, clean and comfortable with a cosy atmosphere. Each unit is self-contained with a private bathroom and most have their own kitchen and cooking facilities. This is where your adventure starts and ends for the trail programmes. Ann regularly works with ‘help exchange travellers’ or ‘Woofers’, who help her manage and maintain her land and farm her almond, olive and orange trees. It’s a great way to meet new people from around the world. I admired the views from the patio which extend across the town of Lanjaron and the mountain peaks of Africa! Lanjaron offers many attractions as there are plenty of bars, Tapas, places to eat, a park, the famous spa and some good Fiestas!

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Mountain Farm with Trails and Tuition, Costa Rica, March 2009, Juliet F.

My Trip to Costa Rica with my 8 year old son, Ray.

We had the best holiday we have ever had, it was just fabulous. My son learned to ride from scratch on a 4 year old pony called Al and I learned to REALLY ride as years of lessons had not taught me. Brenda, who was really generous with letting me ride her own lovely horses, is a very good and encouraging teacher of dressage and Elizabeth took me on some amazing trail rides.
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Magic of Istria, 2009.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Transylvania Adventures, 2009
Emma Thompson, Far and Ride

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.

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We are always looking to add new destinations which bring something new to what we offer. We think we’ve done exactly that with these three new riding holidays, including our first ever ride in New Zealand.

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.
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South America is well known for it’s fabulous yet challenging riding terrain. With this in mind, we’ve added two sensational new rides covering the Andes region – one in Ecuador and one in Uruguay. Both of these rides are well-organised and designed to show you the best of area, having been planned out by the same British owner who fell in love with the countries in 1996. These trail rides will take you into the heart of the Andes, across various terrains, some more challenging and some perfectly suited to those long, breathtaking canters.

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.

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