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The August 2026 In The Saddle calendar image takes us to the Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain, and the trail rides run by Dallas Love – a destination, and a friendship, that goes back further than almost anything else offered by In The Saddle.

I (Olwen) first met Dallas in the spring of 1996.  My husband James’s family were friends with Dallas’s family long before In The Saddle existed. It was through that connection that I found myself, horse-mad and newly setting out to build this business, riding out into the Sierra Nevada for the first time. Since then, In The Saddle has sent many hundreds of riders to Dallas.

It is easy to see why the rides have such a following. The scenery is spectacular and the chance to experience authentic rural Spain from horseback draws people in – but it is very rare that we get a review back that doesn’t specifically mention the horses.  Take a moment to read the ride feedback from the last couple of years and you will get a feeling for how special this ride is.  Here are some recent comments:

“This ride was beyond my expectations. The horses were so very well cared for, in fact the best I have seen. Dallas knew each and every one inside out – they are a credit to her.” Janine

“The horses were really forward going, surefooted, fit and well. Dallas and Mordecai really knew their horses and were helpful in giving tips on how to get the best from each horse.” Esther

“The horses were incredibly well schooled and very sure footed – I would not have believed we could have negotiated the paths that we did.” Debbie

“The horses were magnificent, very well cared for, and a pleasure to ride. Dallas is an exceptional host and horsewoman.” Nila

“The horses are so well cared for and very well behaved. The horses are all used to the ascents and descents which a lesser horse would refuse to do.” Julie

It takes a great deal of expertise, knowledge and patience to produce a good trail horse. They must be forward going but sure-footed, strong and fit but easy to control, level-headed but still keen for their work. It also takes a special kind of horse to adapt happily to different riders and to accept slightly different riding styles or aids without getting upset. Dallas’s horses fall squarely into this “elite trail horse” category, and it shows in guest feedback time and time again.

Where the horses come from

All of Dallas’s horses are Spanish, mostly from Andalucia. Given the rough terrain they’ll be working, she looks for horses that are physically strong with good conformation – but just as important is temperament. A horse has to genuinely enjoy being around people to thrive on these trails.

Whether a horse arrives young and unbroken or with a few more years of experience, Dallas always starts with extensive groundwork using natural horsemanship methods. Once a horse is confident and settled in the arena, it begins to be ridden out, gradually building familiarity with the terrain and trails. That combination of trail work and schooling for suppleness and balance continues throughout each horse’s working life. Most new horses spend a full season as a lead horse, ridden by Dallas, her brother Mordecai, or a member of staff, before they’re ever paired with a guest – and even then, some are ready sooner than others. Every horse is treated as an individual and their progress is watched closely.

New arrivals for 2026

This year has seen the arrival of two new horses.

Piropo is a 10-year-old PRE gelding, very sweet-natured but in need of some re-schooling. Dallas is taking her time acclimatising him to the terrain and the plan is for him to join the trail rides in 2027.

Ron is a locally-bred PRE-Lusitano cross, just three years old and thoroughly adorable. He is interested in everything, loves being around people and is often getting in the way! He will begin his ridden education gently this winter, and in Dallas’s expert hands, he’s sure to be a star of the future.

Ride with Dallas

If the Sierra Nevada scenery and Dallas’s horses have caught your imagination, we would love to help you plan a visit. There is still good availability if you can get away at short notice this October or November, or you could start planning ahead for a short break or longer trail in 2027.  There are itineraries from 4 to 7 nights to fit with everyone’s budget and availability.

Call us on 01299 272 997 or email us in rides@inthesaddle.com. Having known Dallas for nearly thirty years, we are always happy to talk you through what to expect.