News Archive

New for 2010, The Medieval Castle Riding Tour of Tuscany this luxury one week riding holiday takes you along the ancient tracks and trails left by the Etruscans who originally inhabited the verdant lands of Tuscany. You will be staying along the way in two different medieval castles and then later on in the tour in a spectacular and historic fortress.

This riding break is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. We also offer a learn to ride package in Italy based at one of the castles for beginners and improvers that offers a mixture of lessons and more gentle trail rides.

Take a look at this article in which The Times News has recommended one of our horse riding holidays to SICAB Seville.

If you would like more information about this horse riding holiday to SICAB, take a look at our website.

Alternatively, we can tailor-make a riding holiday to suit your individual requirements if you want the perfect break to treat your loved ones too or just enjoy yourself on.

Our riding holidays can be enjoyed throughout the UK and Europe and all are flexible packages. We can organise as much or as little riding as you want and many of our equestrian holidays have a range of accommodation to choose from.

Recently Equestrian Escapes appeared in The Sunday Telegraph, the editor had spotted our great range of Horse Riding Holidays and wanted to do a story.

Hannah Betts, the reporter from The Sunday Telegraph, chose our learn to ride in Italy package after deciding she wanted to learn a new sport. Once we spoke to her about what was offered by this riding holiday she thought it would be a great opportunitiy to publicise this fantastic holiday allowing other like-minded people the opportunity to enjoy great accommodation and first-class tuition and hacking.

Here is a link to the article on The Telegraph's website -
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/activityandadventure/6041632/Riding-holidays-Tuscany-at-a-canter.html

If you are interested in sampling the Tuscany countryside on horseback then give us a call on 01829 781123 and we can check availability for you.

Equestrian Escapes won an award in the category 'Best Tourism Experience of the Year 2009' at the annual awards dinner celebrated by Visit Chester and Cheshire on 5 June. The riding holiday that has been attracting all the attention is the suberb Cheshire Farm House Riding Break and can be found in Riding Holidays Cheshire. The judges said, 'Equestrian Escapes shows admirable attention to detail, a wonderful passion for both the product and for their customers well being and great links with other tourism product in the area'. This horse riding weekend break offers the very best of standards in both the accommodation and also in the quality of the horse riding experience.

The Travel Doctor in The Times Newspaper contacted us recently to ask for our help regarding a query for a riding holiday sent in by a reader; they recommended Equestrian Escapes. We thought that you might be interested to read the question and answer.

Question: I am hoping to surprise my husband witha short break for his 50th birthday. Both of us are fit and so I am considering a break in Europe involving some horse riding, I was hoping to travel from a local airport.

Answer: Equestrian Escapes could tailor-make a three night riding holiday in Andalucia. You'd fly to Malaga, transfer to Ronda for one night and then move on to Jerez, home of the Spanish Royal Riding School. You could enjoy days in the saddle and evenings sampling sherry at local bodegas or watching Flamenco. The cost would be £395 pp excluding flights - you can fly direct to Malaga from Belfast with easy Jet.

Horse riding enthusiasts can now follow in the footsteps of Spanish Conquistadors in Machu Picchu riding high in the mountains of Peru.

Sarah Caplan, who owns Equestrian Escapes which specialises in riding holidays throughout the UK and abroad, recently returned from a dream trip to the spectacular former Inca settlement near Cusco, Peru.

During her 10-day holiday she explored beauty spots in the Sacred Valley and enjoyed the luxury of passing backpackers on horseback on the lung busting Andes trail.

She said: 'I have always wanted to visit Machu Picchu and the chance to visit the heart of the Inca Empire on horseback, who could have written me a better script?'

'We journeyed to the ranch where the horses live close to the small town of Moyapata, after visiting the cosmopolitan city of Lima and the cultural capital of Cusco.

'The owner of the horses and of the lodges where we would be staying during our trip was accompanying us throughout the ride.

'With his signal to proceed, we set out on what was to be the most memorable journey I have ever made.'

Horse trailing experiences is a new project to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most sought-after adventure holiday hotspots.

Sarah believes the popular combination of horse trailing and lodge accommodation coupled with the panorama of Machu Picchu will take off among UK holidaymakers and has launched the holiday offer on her website alongside ahost of other great horse riding holidays.

Horse riding enthusiasts can now follow in the footsteps of Spanish Conquistadors on a  riding holiday in Peru through the mountains to Machu Picchu.

Sarah Caplan, who owns Equestrian Escapes which specialises in riding holidays throughout the UK and abroad, recently returned from a dream trip to the spectacular former Inca settlement near Cusco, Peru.

During her 10-day holiday she explored beauty spots in the Sacred Valley and enjoyed the luxury of passing backpackers on horseback on the lung busting Andes trail.

She said: 'I have always wanted to visit Machu Picchu and the chance to visit the heart of the Inca Empire on horseback, who could have written me a better script?'

'We journeyed to the ranch where the horses live close to the small town of Moyapata, after visiting the cosmopolitan city of Lima and the cultural capital of Cusco.

'The owner of the horses and of the lodges where we would be staying during our trip was accompanying us throughout the ride.

'With his signal to proceed, we set out on what was to be the most memorable journey I have ever made.'

Horse trailing experiences is a new project to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most sought-after adventure holiday hotspots.

Sarah believes the popular combination of horse trailing and lodge accommodation coupled with the panorama of Machu Picchu will take off among UK holidaymakers and has launched the holiday offer on her website alongside a host of other great horse riding holidays.

We also specialise in UK horse riding holidays.

When confronted by the daunting task of choosing from the many riding holiday offers, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information that you are presented with on the internet. But have no fear, as long as you follow these ten guidelines then a wonderful, and memorable break is practically guaranteed!

1) Remember to book your holiday through a trustworthy and established tour operator.

This will ensure that your holiday flows as smoothly as possible, as you know that your holiday of choice has been tried and tested by the experts. Although it can be tempting to save some money by booking on line, a tour operator offers financial security, so if the hotel or stables that you have selected goes bust, you won’t lose all of your hard earned money!

2) Check that the stables where you are going have fully qualified, professional staff.

There is nothing worse than going for a riding lesson or expedition with an instructor or guide that isn’t properly qualified, and in other words just doesn’t know their stuff. Not only is it dangerous to entrust your wellbeing to a person that has little experience, it will also detract from your holiday experience.

3) Choose a holiday that is suitable for your standard of riding.

This is a very important one, as despite the fact that it can be both embarrassing and difficult to swallow your pride and admit that perhaps you’re not quite as good at riding as you had thought you were, it is essential when planning a successful trip. No one will judge you as a person on how good at riding you are, you are on holiday to enjoy yourself, not to prove yourself as a rider. Only book rides and lessons that you feel confident taking part in, and if it seems like it might be a little bit too intense, the chances are it will be, and you are risking both your safety and your enjoyment.

4) Make sure that you choose which time of year that you go on holiday very carefully.

The fantastic thing about equestrian holidays is that they are not bound by seasons as is common with many other types of holiday, so there is no pressure to pay ludicrous prices for flights and accommodation during the peak summer months. A hot, sweaty ride is not always pleasant, so remember to take into account the fact that a cool spring hack may be much more appealing than roasting both yourself and your horse, just because it’s the summer holidays!

5) Be sure to pack the correct equipment and clothing

With the frantic, panicky experience that it last minute packing, it can be very easy to forget the bare essentials, and even though you would never think of going for a ride without a hat, boots or gloves when at home, it may slip your mind abroad. Just remember to bring a suitable pair of shoes with a solid heel, a properly fitted riding hat, comfortable trousers and some lightweight gloves and you’ll be ready for anything!

6) Make sure that you find suitable holiday insurance

It may seem obvious now, but when you’re actually in the process of organising the fine details of your holiday such as insurance, it’s easy to become distracted by various bargains and savings, causing you to neglect the most apparent of things. Check carefully that the insurance that you have selected covers accidents and mishaps when riding horses, as if the worst happens and you become injured in any way then the last thing that you want is for your insurance to fail you and to be confronted with a large medical bill as well as a ruined holiday!

7) Be aware of your personal fitness

This one’s another slightly embarrassing guideline, as horse riding may not seem like the most strenuous of activities, but if you aren’t up to it physically then it can be a daunting and gruelling task. You must be honest with yourself, and if you feel that you are not in the best shape, then don’t cancel the holiday, just exercise a little, until you feel confident in both your riding ability and your fitness.

8) If you’re not travelling alone, choose a holiday that suits your family as well as it suiting you.

Even though it can be nice to get away from your life at home and have a break in relative solitude (at least as far as your family are concerned!) if you choose to go away as a group, then make sure that the holiday suits everyone. It is very easy to find beginner riding courses for those of you who are less confident in your riding ability and if riding doesn’t suit one of your loved ones, then many equestrian holidays offer alternative activities.

9) Take your safety very seriously!

When travelling abroad it is sometimes very easy to forget that the dangers that you encounter at home are still apparent, and just because you’re there to have fun doesn’t mean that you’re invincible! Ride carefully at all times and do not be tempted to show off to fellow holiday makers or family members, and enjoy yourself responsibly.

10) Put plenty of time aside for relaxation

This may seem like a very obvious point, but it’s much easier than you would think to book yourself too many activities and put too little time aside for relaxation. Although it is enjoyable, horse riding can also be strenuous, so don’t feel pressured to spend every minute of every day on a horse. Just because you are on an active holiday, don’t feel embarrassed or guilty for sitting by the pool or enjoying a long lunch followed by a siesta!

When presented with the offer of a horse riding holiday in the Alpujarra mountains of Andalucia, I thought that I would have been foolish to turn down such a unique and generous offer, and in no way was I wrong. We spent the day time travelling from village to village aboard magnificent Andalucian horses and the evenings sipping wine on the terraces of charming rural hotels, as we watched the sun set and the moon rise in this heavenly mountain paradise. Every small village or town that we visited seemed to sum up the wonders of Spain in its own unique way. I have chosen to focus on one of the more memorable rides into the hills, as it was an experience that will never leave me….

We tacked up our horses as the sun rose, gently warming our backs, seemingly beckoning us to embark on our adventure through the beautiful and picturesque Alpujarra Mountains. The start of our trail was a steep rocky path, but despite the difficult terrain our horses seemed totally unfazed, and even though the path gradually became steeper and steeper, and the ground beneath us became less and less stable, our mounts remained tirelessly surefooted. The morning sun was strong in the sky, and after about half an hour of riding the heat seemed to become more intense, but as if it had been placed there for our very convenience, the path lead us into a lush mountain forest, that was home to an array of wonderful sights, sounds and smells. Great Spanish trees sheltered us from the heat and for the first time that day I was able to take in all that nature had to offer, without worrying about controlling my horse. I felt tempted to dismount my steed and spend the day sitting quietly in the wood, absorbing the peace and quiet that a city boy like myself relishes so much, but this was just a fantasy, and before I knew it the forest had cleared and our path lead us onto verdant meadows and sunlit pastures. The lush grass beneath my horses’ hooves was obviously a welcome break from the rocky trail that had led us there, and as we pressed our horses to canter the sheer exhilaration of the moment caught my breath. The sky was so clear that when I glanced out towards the sea I could make out the outline of Morocco, a majestic land that seemed to be floating carelessly on the glistening waters. When we eventually dismounted to enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch, every member of our group totally captivated by the beauty of the mountains, we chatted carelessly about trivialities as I imagine a tribe of nomadic wanderers might do, at one with nature and with ourselves.

After lunch it was time to begin our descent, which was perhaps even more breathtaking than the way up. Our horses seemed to be relieved by the fact that they no longer had to climb up hill, and they seemed to gain an excited spring in their step. By now it was afternoon, and the sun had lost some of its intensity, and with some help from a cool summer’s breeze I was able to forget all of my worldly troubles and totally unwind. This experience was unlike any other that I have had the privilege to take part in, as not only was the view awe inspiring, but it made me feel very spiritual, and at one with my horse and nature. The deep peace of the mountains filled my soul, and I began to see why so many people are tempted to leave the pressures of the city and start a new life in relative solitude. By this point I was lost in a deep train of thought, allowing my horse to steadily stride along without a care in the world, and I didn’t notice that the path had once again become steep and unstable. This was the point where the group dismounted, and we spent the next half hour leading the horses into the quaint town of Berchules, where the horses were stabled and we were to spend the night in a wonderfully authentic family run hotel. This day had taught me an awful lot about both myself and nature, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, and I will remember it for the rest of my life.

My initial thoughts on riding along a Spanish beach were mixed, as despite the fact that it sounded pleasant, I couldn’t shake the image of riding a flea bitten mule along a dirty beach, as can be found in any seaside resort in Britain. What I found however was altogether different.

We saddled up our horses at the stables next to our hotel; I had selected a large, elegant horse named Don, who was nothing like the old donkey that I had pictured. We mounted our steeds and before I knew it we were off on our hour long adventure across the picturesque Spanish beach. We began by splashing through the waves at a very gentle trot, just so we could get used to the horses. I sank back into my thick Spanish saddle, which was really more like a soft, warm armchair, and let Don take charge, as he pranced around the shore. After a while we decided as a group that it was time to take things up a notch, and starting with our guide, we each in turn squeezed our horses into a canter and we were away. The wind rushing through my hair and the taste of salty air on my tongue we raced across the beach to the amazement of our fellow holiday makers, busy sunning themselves below us.

Despite the pace that we were travelling at, I felt totally at ease, as I was confident in Dons ability and good nature, so I just sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the ride! It felt more like a Western cowboy adventure than an evening ride along the beach, and I had to prevent myself from letting out a “yee hah” on several occasions. Before I knew it we had reached our half way point and it was time to head in towards the stables. Needless to say the ride back was just as entertaining, and Don had an even bigger spring in his step as he knew that his dinner was waiting for him back in his stable at home. As we allowed the horses to rest on the final stretch back to the stables and reached utter relaxation and focused on enjoying the moment, as I knew that this was not something that I was going to do every day. When we arrived back at the stables I hopped down from Dons towering back and gave him a large congratulatory pat, as he had carried me as if I was his life long master and companion, not just another annoying tourist. I handed him over to one of the stable hands and headed off to my room for a nice cool shower.

Perhaps the best thing about the way that these riding holidays are organised is that our riding guides cater to your every need, so whether you’re an adrenaline junkie with a need for speed like me, or a more relaxed individual that just wants to take in the sea air, they will adapt the ride to suit you. For more information and travel tips regarding riding holidays please click here.

Cantering along the very edge of a rocky ridge in Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, I feel more emotionally free and physically vital than I have in months. My grin must be five miles wide and London seems a zillion miles away. I realise that I’ve really missed riding and hadn’t even been aware of it. Being in the mountains and riding along narrow tracks, with sheer drops inches from the horse’s hooves, and up very steep, incredibly rocky terrain intensifies all my senses. It also lends me a wider perspective – literally and metaphorically. I feel like a teenager at the best pony club camp in the world. Rock-climbing horses: who’d have thought it?

I am on a one week riding holiday in Andalucia and I’m having the time of my life with the sun on my back and a sturdy steed between my legs. It is day three of the stunning La Alpujarra trail ride arranged through www.equestrian-escapes.com . I can’t remember having this much good, clean fun since spending all day, every day at the stables messing about with my ponies as a young teenager. Horses, laughter, fantastic food and wine – all my favourite things, combined with the incredible mountain surroundings, make this one of the most exciting riding holidays I’ve ever been on.

Dallas, our guide – yes, it’s her real name – is exactly the kind of person you want heading up an expedition like this. Cool, calm and collected and a total dudette to boot, she has been guiding horse riding holidays on top-quality Spanish horses in La Alpujarra – the name given to the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada where she grew up – for more than two decades. I’ve done loads of riding over the years and I can unequivocally state that I’ve never seen a group of better-behaved or more impeccably schooled horses than these. The trip is not suitable for weak riders, the unfit or the especially faint-hearted.
Dallas’s brand of fun can be fast and furious and you must be able to control your horse at all paces, as well as walk while leading it for up to 30 minutes at a time over terrain too steep or rocky to ride on.
Our group of ten meet at a prearranged point in Malaga airport, ready for the two-and-a-half-hour transfer via air-conditioned minibus, away from the Costa del Sol and up into the mountains. With two men and eight women, the group is a very mixed bag as far as age, nationality and previous riding experience go, but the laughs are instantaneous as we share horse world stories and discuss what we should expect from this trip.
We arrive in Bubión, a pretty, white-painted village perched high on the slopes of the beautiful Poqueira Ravine, and are shown to the Casa la Sevillana guest house. A comfortable, seven-bedroom rural bed and breakfast, it is popular with the many groups of walkers and mountain bikers who also visit the area. We meet Dallas for dinner at a restaurant down the road and dig into tapas, cervezas and some truly delicious local cuisine. The first night reminds me a bit of first nights at ski chalets. Everyone drinks too much over dinner and then gets stuck into the Amaretto. A few tall tales and unsuitable stories later and most of us are New Best Friends by the morning. I can tell already this is going to be a fantastic mountain trail riding holiday.

After a huge continental breakfast, we’re picked up and taken to Dallas’s stables ten minutes or so up the hill. The bus is uncharacteristically quiet as we all stare out of the window at the spectacular landscape and awe-inspiring scenery. I’ve never seen anything like it. A lot of people say that the real Spain is to be found in these mountains and I’m beginning to see why. This place is so far from Alicante and Torremolinos, it might as well be on Mars. It’s rural and peaceful and all the horses look so fit and happy that I can’t believe my sheer good fortune when we get to the stables.
I am allocated Laurel, an Andalusian gelding with a huge dappled bottom and the softest grey nose. I’m told he is ‘sensitive’ and that I should ‘ride him properly’. I can’t help but feel a tiny bit nervous. As the rest of the group are given their horses, we all mount up and get ready to go. Striding away from the stables, it is immediately evident that all these horses are fit, sure-footed and very responsive to the correct signals. Laurel is a real pleasure to ride. (In fact, by the end of the week, I am so seriously in love with Laurel that I try to talk Dallas into selling him. She won’t.) Who would of thought i would find love on a mountain trail ride in Spain.

We set off east, riding through an ancient land of pine forests and alpine meadows, wooded valleys and gorges. We take old bridle paths and steep inclines, trotting, cantering and hill climbing through Moorish terraces and chestnut groves. We stop for lunch, tie the horses to trees and sit down on a carpet of pine needles. Huge homegrown tomatoes and lettuces appear from saddle bags and are sliced up in front of us. Fantastic locally baked bread, cheese and olives are offered around. Chorizo and salami are laid out on a log. Olive oil, salt and a few bottles of red wine make an appearance.
It’s the ultimate picnic: horse blowing on my neck, beautiful mountain in front of me. A total dream of a riding holiday.
We climb and climb, until we reach the broad forest track which leads us to Trévelez, the highest village in Spain and famous for its cured hams and river trout. We’ve covered 26km today, a marathon that takes us about six hours. I feel slightly saddle-sore, but happy, as we lead our horses through narrow, winding streets. We arrive at the village stables, where we untack and give the horses a shower before settling them down for a well-earned rest. We’re expected to tack up and groom our horse every day, although assistance is available if required, and our luggage is taken ahead for us by one of the team.

We enjoy a few beers and a whole lot of tapas before spending the night at La Fragua, a family-run hotel situated in the old quarter of the village. The hotel is small but comfy, with fabulous views across the mountains from each of the south-facing bedrooms. I don’t know whether it’s the mountain air, the exercise, the wine or the great beds, but I sleep like the dead every night and am ravenous for breakfast each morning.
After a brilliant evening spent squealing with laughter (this is a very sociable horse riding holiday and the hilarity never stops) in a cosy restaurant serving great local food, complete with hanging hams, we collect our horses and set off up a very steep and rocky path. I realise halfway through that I suffer slightly from vertigo. Mountains not being my natural habitat, I’ve never noticed it before. There’s nothing to be done, except carry on and put my total faith in Laurel. This is when I realise just how good these horses are – not one of them puts a foot wrong. We have another fabulous picnic lunch en route and then begin the rough descent into Bérchules, where we spend two nights in the lovely Hotel Los Bérchules. Its incredible chef serves up delicious pork tenderloin one night and grouper with garlic and chilli the next. Aside from lovely rooms, the rustic hotel has a wide terrace with terrific views across the Bérchules valley and a garden with a pool. Perfect for relaxation after a long day in the saddle on this riding holiday.
Bérchules takes its name from the old Spanish word berchel, meaning ‘mountain garden’.
On the fourth day, we follow ancient Moorish bridle paths through terraced orchards and fields before stopping for lunch by a river. We return to the village along one of the Sierra’s wide forest tracks; cantering more than on any other day, we cover an astonishing 38km in about seven hours. These horses are beyond fit and I’m beginning to feel more toned and healthy myself.

Leaving Bérchules, we descend to the river Guadalfeo and head west back to the village of Trévelez. The landscape changes abruptly as we leave the alpine-like Sierras behind and ride through terraces of olive, almond and fig trees. After lunch the path commences the gradual descent towards Trévelez and we dismount to lead the horses for about 40 minutes as we approach the ancient village from the other side.
Day six is a shorter ride. We take a forest track through pine and oak woods back to the stables. The views across the Contraviesa mountains and the Mediterranean beyond are breathtaking. We have a late lunch in a restaurant in Capileira and spend the rest of the day exploring the village before heading back to our original home from home – the Casa La Sevillana in Bubion. Dinner is not included this evening, so a few of us head out for yet another raucous meal in a local restaurant. Jamón serrano, fat olives, fresh anchovies and calamari, marinated pork, steaks, shoulder of lamb, grouper roasted with chilli and garlic, pork tenderloin, and cheese of all kinds. We don’t have one bad meal the entire week.

On our last riding day, we set off from the stables to explore the more inaccessible parts of the Poqueira valley. The Mulhacen – the highest mountain in Spain – forms the backdrop as we canter through wisps of cloud, the scent of pine heavy in the air. This valley is claimed to be the most beautiful in La Alpujarra and I don’t think I’m the only one with tears in her eyes as we say goodbye to our horses. It has been the most intense week of physical activity, social bonding and great thinking time. None of us want to leave.
The morning after I get back, I wake disoriented from a dream in which I am cantering up a dusty track towards a bright, white-painted village in the Sierra Nevada. The blissed-out grin on my face vanishes, as I realise the click-clacking is actually the sound of my upstairs neighbours stomping about on their wooden floor. I lie in bed, pine for my horse and long for the mountains. I feel really quite sad, full of nostalgia for the scent of thyme and mint crushed underfoot and the softness of Laurel’s nose. One thing’s for sure: I haven’t had such a blast of a week in a very long time. I’m booking another horse riding holiday very soon.

Other top horse riding holiday destinations

Riding Holidays Andalucia

Just a few hours away from the UK by air or sea, Spain is increasingly popular with riders.

Equestrian Escapes (www.equestrian-escapes.com, tel: 01829 781123) has noted this trend and one of the company's most popular holidays in 2007 was "Horses, Sun and Wine", which was based in southern Spain and designed for riders of all levels.

The company's Sarah Caplan says the holiday is for those "who love life as well as horses!"

Riding Holidays Cheshire, UK

Proving that you don't have to travel far afield to enjoy great riding, more and more people are holidaying at home.

"In the past few weeks, I've noticed that the UK has become really popular," says Sarah Caplan. "One of our most booked trips is a riding skills one in Cheshire — you can even bring your own horse and prices start at £225 per person for two nights and horse hire.