We have just returned from a wonderful magical week in South Africa at Bush Willow and Ant’s Hill. Booking through In The Saddle was an excellent experience as their knowledgable staff provided guidance at every stage and the information we received before leaving helped us feel well prepared for our fabulous holiday.
Dear Olwen and ITS team, We have just come back from an incredible stay at Ants Nest. From start to finish, from the guidance of ITS it truly has been the holiday of our dreams. Staying at Ants nest is very much a home from home experience and we were spoilt rotten. We made memories to last a lifetime and are desperate to go back. The animals we saw, the horse riding, the views, the food, the staff - everything was perfect and incredibly smooth. Ants Africa have everything covered and we would book through In the Saddle again for their brilliant support and personal experiences. Olwen was very informative and at hand to answer questions. Thank you so much ITS and Ant Africa
Rekindling my passion for dressage in Quinta Do Rol has been a dream come true! I never thought I would get to experience the thrill of riding some of the higher level movements but the lusitano horses are so kind, generous and willing, and the incredible team of instructors really do believe in you and make dreams happen! A beautiful setting, wonderful staff, incredible and well cared for horses, intimate group sizes with always 1:1 tuition, immaculate surroundings and stunning wines…my friend and I have made memories to last forever.
Absolutely blown away by our wonderful holiday… set on a beautiful wine estate in Tuscany, in a rustic 2 bedroomed apartment with a shared pool area. There was a gorgeous spa too, which was just perfect following a long ride.. The horses were in excellent condition, with superb temperaments and were perfectly matched to our ability (I rode the lovely Rosa on my hacks and then progressed to a quarter horse, El Wimpey, for my western lessons) . Lovely, safe riding trails with plenty of opportunities to canter and stunning views, as you would expect from Tuscany. Our guide, Ailsa, absolutely made the holiday for us - her passion, professionalism and sense of fun was just what you need from a guide and there was plenty of laughter during our time with her!! She also translated wonderful during our lessons, (as our instructor, Franco, didn’t speak English), which wasn’t a problem at all for me, as you could usually tell what he was saying through his facial expressions and tone of voice! Totally loved this holiday and would recommend to anyone who loves western riding and would like to progress with some instruction too. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff for making our holiday so special.. and Ailsa, you are a credit to Castellare di Tonda and we miss you!!! Tracy xx
Just the best 6 days with good friends. Very well schooled horses in double bridles giving you the chance to ride advanced dressage movements. The very best bit was riding and walking through the mares and foals. The foals all come up for you to give them a scratch. We had the most amazing spring flowers, such a joy. Accommodation, facilities and food were amazing. We were the only “first timers”, most of the other guests had been up to 8 times!!! Just the best break.
We had the most amazing time in Horizon Lodge, the horses are wonderful with a great attitude and easy to ride (even for a novice rider). We got really close to most of the animals within the reserve and saw hippos on our last day, too. The guides are fun and very knowledgeable, making each trip completely bespoke to your preference. We even visited a local school in the nearby village which was a wonderful experience.
Fun riding, particularly on the fire breaks and beach, with lovely, well looked after, and well behaved, horses. Riding was around 4 hours a day mainly walking, with some canters and a gallop, through the National Park forest (good shade in the heat) starting around 9:30am in the morning. We spent the afternoons by the pool relaxing (which was perfect after a busy week beforehand visiting Seville, Cordoba and Granada.) The family looked after us well and the 'group' room, where we made our own breakfast and had dinner in the evening, was great. The bedrooms were comfortable. The sherry tasting and Equestrian show in Jerez were fun on the horses' day off. I like to book my riding through In the Saddle because their service is always excellent and I rely on their checks on the welfare of the horses and the quality of the holiday which has been as described.
We organised a week in Ants Nest in South Africa through Olwen. The whole process was so seamless, and a lovely pack was sent in advance as well as constant updates on progress. (Covid interruptions). We had the best time there, superb accomodation and riding. The people who looked after us at the lodge couldn't have been nicer. Massive bonus on the last day seeing the transport of a sick antelope. Exceptional food, conversation and welcome and we didn't stop smiling for a week. I will be back and definitely recommend In the Saddle and Olwen for organising most exceptional equestrian holidays.
What a fabulous experience. As a solo female traveller this was a safe and super fun vacation. i'll be doing it again because the team at In the Saddle (Becky) and at the Farm in SA (Laura, Shane, Kirsty, Suzie, Rachel and all the other guides & staff - Owen, Cylus, Steve and Ellias) were friendly , welcoming and very attentive. The riding was good at Horizon with a variety of horses to suit all riders with spectacular views and the farm is a rustic well kept beautiful space. The food thanks to a great chef is always yummy and all guests that I met were horsey people and there to enjoy the riding and chill. A must go for anyone wanting an adventure.
I have been using ITS for all my riding holidays for the last 21 years and I wouldn’t book with anyone else. They are a pleasure to deal with and make everything simple when booking. Their personal knowledge of the destinations is very important in helping make decisions on where is best suited for my holiday experiences and gives me reassurance that the horses will be well looked after and fit for the type of riding I choose. I would also say that over these last 2 years during the pandemic they have been marvellous at handling all the endless changes that have altered holiday plans at the last minute.
In The Saddle | Holidays on Horseback is located at Neen Savage, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster DY14 8ES, UK
You can contact In The Saddle | Holidays on Horseback at +44 1299 272997
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