Posted on March 4, 2014
How many of you have been on a trip of a lifetime and wished you could go back? In our latest In The Saddle Heard on the Grapevine blog we hear from some of our clients who have been lucky enough to return to a destination that they love! We hope that their confidence in Los Alamos inspires you to book the trip you have always wished for…
A stay at Los Alamos is one of our most popular trips, and it is no wonder that people return time and time again. The beaches, the food, the hosts and the horses all make for the most spectacular holiday and Una Curran confirms this, especially having already booked her next trip out. “This was my fourth trip to Los Alamos and again it did not disappoint and exceeded expectations,” she says. “It was my first experience of a winter break at Los Alamos and I was a little concerned that I would be cold and it could be bleak. We were very lucky with the weather, but from the roaring fire in the lounge to the heaters in the rooms and the lovely warming winter food my fears would have been unfounded no matter the weather. Our only regret was that we had booked a short break instead of the full week! It is a fabulous experience and I now feel part of the Los Alamos family and I can’t wait to return my second home – only seven months before my next trip!”
For Georgina Smith, she returned to Los Alamos for the second time in a year to enjoy the Train and Ride trip and it didn’t disappoint! “Fabulous riding once again,” she says. “I rode five different horses for the riding out, all of whom were very fit, well-mannered, responsive and fast when you wanted them to be but with complete confidence that the brakes worked! I really enjoyed all the riding whether that was walking through the forest or having a blast up the firebreaks, the beach riding was amazing as ever – everyone galloping with big smiles on their faces! All the team at Los Alamos go out of their way to make sure we are matched well to our horses and to ensure we have the best rides possible – even tacking them up in the very early dark morning so we could get to the beach for a good tide.”
“The training part was excellent and I learned a lot. I had asked if I could try flying changes as this is what I am working on at home – and by the last lesson that is what I was doing. Antonio is amazing, his eye for small details when you are riding is second to none and the horse you ride is a perfect schoolmaster – ask correctly and it is lovely. This was the second time I’ve been to Los Alamos in a year and won’t be the last – I can’t imagine having a better holiday!”
Another fan of the Train and Ride trip is Natalie Hudd who is on her second trip! “Rachel, Andrew and Rhiannon are incredibly accommodating to all the guests, and Rachel is unbelievably adept at matching guests to the right horses. The downside of this is that there are at least four horses at Los Alamos whom I would like to take home! This is in addition to two horses at Antonio’s yard where we had our lessons. Once again, I found the lessons to be brilliant at improving several aspects of my riding.”
The balance of training and trail riding provided the perfect way to de-stress for Gilda Kelly. “The three training sessions with Antonio were full on, both mentally and physically taxing,” she admits. “It was a privilege to ride on his incredible and very forgiving stallions who always tried to interpret any poor aids but when you get it right… oh my goodness! Then the rides through the forest were a real antidote, with time to absorb what had been taught and think about how to improve before the next lesson, as well as just enjoying the lovely countryside on happy, well behaved horses.”
“The beach rides were exhilarating, especially when the tide was just right on the last day, there were smiling faces all round. Rachel and the team were terrific and constantly trying to match us with our perfect equine companions. Most of us rode a selection of different horses during the week, which was a treat. This was my second visit to Los Alamos but first Train and Ride week. The majority of our group were on return visits, which shows how well the holidays are run. You are made to feel like part of the Los Alamos family from the time you arrive and encouraged to make yourself right at home. Relaxation starts from the moment you get off the plane in the Spanish sunshine and continues (with the exception of Antonio’s lessons) until you fly back into a rain storm at Heathrow! Start planning your next trip immediately.” Ok Gilda… if you insist!
Africa is said to get under your skin, and it certainly has for Linda Parker who returned to Macatoo in Botswana for her third trip! “Mod has an uncanny ability to match horse and rider but will immediately change if you are not happy,” she says. “All the horses are fit, forward going but with brakes when you need them. I loved the fast morning rides and our group was well matched for the pace we did – sometimes very fast, long canters and gallops and some quiet walks and trots in the afternoons. We got to canter across the plains with zebra, which was absolutely amazing! This was our 3rd trip to Macatoo in 6 years and unbelievably it exceeded our expectations again. All the staff are helpful, kind and good at what they do. Our guide, Sekongo, was outstanding. We now have lots of new memories to store and enjoy in the future. There really are not enough superlatives to describe the Macatoo experience. We have said each time will be our last (lack of money and advancing age) but who knows!”
And heading to another area of Botswana, Barbara Tollett is a huge fan of the Tuli Trail at Limpopo. “This is an amazing adventure riding from camp to camp amongst plenty of game on beautifully schooled horses, guided by experts – quite perfect! The horses at Limpopo are beautifully cared for and schooled. Louise has an expert eye for a horse and manages to pair horse and rider very well. My horse Monate was a gentle kind horse with enthusiasm and manners. He was so balanced and uphill to ride it was a joy to be in the saddle for 6 hours a day! We were in tented accommodation, but they are large walk-in tents with comfortable beds and hot bucket showers with lanterns to provide light. It makes you feel part of the bush and not just an onlooker! This was my second time doing the trail, it was brilliant the first time but I think this time it was even better!”
Limpopo has a huge fan base, and Caroline Ramsay just can’t seem to keep away! “This was my third time at Limpopo and it was just as good as the last two. The horses are exceptional and Louise is brilliant at matching riders with their horses. They are incredibly well cared for and obviously enjoyed their work. We saw loads of game and the pace was just right. The food was fantastic – how they cook so well in the bush is beyond me! I cannot really imagine going on any other holiday now! It is so special.”
For Sarah Grant she is hooked on the Argentinian Adventure after a return visit to Los Potreros. “The riding was as much fun this time as the first time I came to Los Potreros. The horses are a pleasure to ride, forward-going, sure-footed and happy in their work. We had plenty of fast, exciting rides as well as doing some cattle work and some polo and even a moonlit ride. Riding over the hills in the late evening light can’t be beaten – it was really beautiful. Los Potreros is the last word in homely comfort. I had such a welcoming, comfortable room and everything is thought of. I arrived in need of a real rest and couldn’t have asked for more relaxing surroundings. I loved seeing the mares and foals outside my window! And coming back from a rainy ride to a blazing wood fire was wonderful. The food and wine was as good as ever – of course I had far too much of both. Los Potreros is a really special place for anyone who loves horses, good food, beautiful scenery and good company. It was my second trip and I loved it as much as the first time. Everyone is very welcoming and life really does feel effortless there. I was so sad to leave!”