Reviews
43 reviews    1 2
Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   22 October 2023

Janet who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. Trip of a lifetime | This riding holiday certainly exceeded my expectations and what a trip!! Not for the faint hearted, we rode through mountains and forests and there were long hours in the saddle. The countryside beautiful and unspoilt. We learnt all about the countryside, history and the people who live in this amazing part of North Macedonia. Huge thanks to Vasco and his team! Hope to see you all again soon.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   8 October 2023

Liz who has been on 13 In The Saddle rides. Thrilling, immersive trail ride | This ride is for those who enjoy long hours in the saddle, riding at a variety of paces and a good gallop. The horses are wonderfully suited to the terrain and a pleasure to ride, being sure-footed, easy going and knowing their job.
[Becky from In The Saddle repiles: Thank you so much for your feedback and we are really pleased you enjoyed your holiday.]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   17 September 2023

Karin (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) A magnificent trail | Excellent


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   17 September 2023

Belinda who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Magical Miyak Trail | Exhilarating, beyond any expectations I could have possibly have held.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   17 September 2023

Lise (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Excellent | Everything about horses and riding was so nice.

Vasco had a lot of experience in matching horse and rider, so the experience was that everyone in the was satisfied and thought they had got the right horse.

It was exciting to ride in the beautiful mountains. Very fun and technical climbing combined with fast canters.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   3 September 2023

Linnea who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Excellent | Fantastic ride. Well-behaved horses.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   30 July 2023

Ruth (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) A memorable wilderness adventure! | The guides put great effort into matching each of us with the right horse which was great as the horse I had was perfect for me. Some more cantering on day 1 and 2 would have been nice but generally the riding was very interesting and exciting. Lots of incredible gallops through mountain pastures. The horses seemed happy and were eager to please.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   30 July 2023

Davina who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Phenomenal! | What an incredible week. The trip is organised with absolute precision and the Macedonian mountains are truly breathtaking. It is definitely full on with about 9 hours a day in the saddle and sometimes quite fast paced(which is great fun). The horses are amazingly looked after and they really do make a great effort to match you with the right one for you. Vasko and his team are great and they keep a few little surprises up their sleeves too. I had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your email and we are so pleased you had a wonderful trip.]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   9 July 2023

Esther who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Most amazing riding experience | This is not an easy ride with long hours in the saddle, demanding terrain and at times unpredictable weather. But it is truly worth it. There are very few opportunities out there to really let go, to gallop across plains, up mountains on safe, exciting, sure footed horses. It was an exhilarating experience.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   25 June 2023

Mary who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Amazing Ride and Holiday | This amazing holiday in North Macedonia was fun, fast and unique. The mountain ponies are sure footed with great personalities and the landscapes, terrain and a good group made for a one of a kind experience. Our guide delved into the history and Miyak people of Macedonia on the trail with great enthusiasm and also made sure that all aspects of the trail were safe and very enjoyable.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, we are so pleased that you enjoyed the ride.]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   25 June 2023

Charles-Emmanuel who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Amazing trip, very well organized | Very nice horses,
Guides taking good care of the horses


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   25 June 2023

Joanna who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. More than fantastic! | The riding is fast and varied. Saddle savers are to be recommended as there are long hours in the saddle and the bottom needed them! Walking/riding boots were a good shout as the walking times needed good soles. The horses were very good yet fast and when we got caught in a Biblical hail thunderstorm, none of them misbehaved despite the hail being really quite painful!

The whole experience exceeded expectations.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   25 June 2023

Imogen (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Brilliant & intense | Riding was fast & intense & exceeded expectations. Matched w a lovely, comfortable elderly pony who didn’t have a gallop gear so missed out on the rush of the races so may have undersold my riding capabilities (1:20m show jumper riding 2 horses a day) but still really loved the whole holiday. Riding in western saddles was SO comfortable I’ll never do an English saddle ride again.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   25 June 2023

Lesley who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Everything about the ride was brilliant | The riding was superb - Vasco and his Dutch helper for the season, Wesley, matched me to a lovely horse and I had a fantastic time.
The horses were all so sure-footed and so well behaved, in all paces, which made each ride a real pleasure. There was also a lot of time spent riding.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   11 June 2023

Samantha (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) It was the best riding I’ve ever done. Lots more hiking on foot whilst leading the horse than I expected but it added to the variety!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your holiday]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   28 May 2023

Sarah who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Amazing! | Exceeded expectations.
First rail tride where proper lunch provided and not just pack lunch. So much nicer!
Given a small horse so I could mount from the ground. (Was the oldest on the group).
Leaders led my horse downhill for me at times which was a relief as his manners were not perfect and a twisted ankle or something would have ruined my holiday.
Seat savers terribly thin but they gave me a suede covered gel one which was better. If anyone has half a sheepskin - take it!!
Suggest a red ribbon on Angel Brain’s tail as one day he will connect with an arm or a leg.
Superb trip. Will be very hard to beat!!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you so much for your feedback and we are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your expedition in North Macedonia. It is certainly a challenging holiday up in the mountains.]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   28 May 2023

Maggie who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic | Beyond expectations - the horses are amazing and very fit.

[Abbie from In The Saddle replies: Many thanks for your feedback, we are really pleased that you enjoyed this fabulous ride].


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   30 October 2022

Irene (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Mountain top experience | What an incredible experience! Vasko shared his in-depth knowledge of what he referred to as his front and back garden and during the week he shared some incredible places. Perfect lunch spots with delicious meals before we set off for the next part of the day. Amazing sunrise ride with views of the Balklands!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you so much for your feedback and it's wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your holiday.]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   9 October 2022

Jamie (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Phenomenal! | Excellent


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   9 October 2022

Caroline who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Incredible adventure of a lifetime | The riding is not for the feint hearted but if you’re up to it, it will blow your mind. Forward going ponies and so sure footed over the toughest terrain. Even galloping was exhilarating over the mountains. Everybody was carefully considered and matched perfectly to their pony.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   2 October 2022

Julie who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Exhilarating Unforgettable Ride | Vasco takes great care to match you well with your horse and Johan my horse was a dream. I loved every minute of the riding especially the fast walking and great fast canters and gallops. Such a thrilling ride.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   28 August 2022

Kate who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Stunning Macedonia, exciting and amazing trial riding and life experience | The riding exceeded expectations. Every terrain and some steep climbs up and down along with faster paces where possible. Wonderful mountain horses and saddle saver really helped with long days riding!


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   31 July 2022

Annalea who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. My absolute favorite ride of the ones I've been on so far.
I got a really nice horse that I still miss. That is also why I know I will return at some point.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   31 July 2022

Mia who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Excellent


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   31 July 2022

Sarah who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Miyak Tribe trail - probably my favourite trail so far | The horses were incredible - very sure-footed even on rocks and ready to canter uphill. They were never scared even when we occasionally met trucks or people cutting trees. There are frequent stops to adjust the girths to prevent injuries, and every horse ischecked during lunch breaks and at the end of the day. Vasco took time asking us individually about our riding experience and expectations to match us with our horses. This really makes a difference. Lastly, I was so impressed by the number of gallops we had even in mountain terrain! The horses were totally trustworthy - they knew the path, knew when they were allowed to overtake in canter, where the race stops, and when to stand in a line! The ride to the sunrise was truly magical. It is not for everyone though - it is quite tough, with very long days in the saddle and short nights.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   24 July 2022

Giselle who has been on 17 In The Saddle rides. Miyak Tribe Trail - real sense of achievement trail riding | This holiday exceeded my expectations in every way. Every care was taken to match rider with horse. On the first morning, we each had to ride around in the paddock so that our riding seat and balance could be assessed. Every-one was matched very well. The riding was challenging, fast and vigorous - probably the more so than any other trip I have been on, but the sense of achievement at the end was all the greater for it.

The landscape was very varied, indescribably beautiful and completely natural and unspoilt, all open and unfenced and absolutely timeless. Nothing to remind you of what century you are in.

The horses' tack was amazing and of exceptionally high quality - no expense spared. All hand crafted in the best leather from Rajasthan.

[In The Saddle Note: Thank you for this incredible feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed the Miyak Tribe Trail so much.]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   10 July 2022

Joanna who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Miyak Tribes North Macedonia | This is a superb holiday - its a proper "pony adventure" that reminded me of the pony fiction I used to read as a teenager! The terrain is challenging - constantly up and down mountains, the paths often feature overhanging branches so you need to concentrate! There are plenty of opportunities for fast canters where the terrain allows; the smell of fresh mountain thyme rushing past as we cantered through the meadows will always remind me of Macedonia! There are long days in the saddle and I personally would have benefitted from a higher level of fitness. Vasko and his team were amazing. What makes Sherpa Riding so special is the seamless organisation. The support and catering jeep led by David and Beatriz provided excellent mountain rescue support and the most delicious, creative picnic lunches. The camp team set up a wonderful mountain camp; everything was taken care of under Vasko's careful but relaxed direction. Everyone supported one another when you felt you couldn't ride another kilometre. The horses were complete sweethearts, so genuine and brave and lots of fun. Although it was challenging riding, I completely relaxed and switched off from the trappings of a fast paced life at home - just wonderful!

[Abbie from In The Saddle replies: Thank you Joanna for this wonderful feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your adventure in North Macedonia].


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   26 June 2022

Joe who has been on 15 In The Saddle rides. An exiting, adventurous trail ride on superb horses through glorious forests & mountain scenery. | After reading previous reviews our expectations were high but were totally exceeded on this holiday.
We had a great group , great weather & the organisation & itinerary were excellent. The Sherpa team couldn't do enough for us & were very good company .
Vasko & his team know horses inside out. We were carefully matched with our mounts & their welfare was the main priority throughout the ride. After 6 days of hard riding over 180 km with thousands of metres of ascent & descent the horses were in better shape than we were!
The horses were forward going, well behaved & well socialised & the western saddles were comfortable & secure. The pace is a fast walk which eats up the miles. As the week went on there were plenty of opportunities for steady & fast canters through the alpine beech forests & lots of exhilarating gallops through mountain meadows full of wild flowers & skylarks.
The accommodation was very comfortable & the 2 campsites were in beautiful locations.
The food was some of the best we've had on any holiday both in hotels & on the trail Everything was freshly cooked with fresh local ingredients. The meat was first class as were the vegetarian options & the local sheep cheeses were delicious & often straight from the farm. The team were very careful & considerate in looking after any special dietary requirements & cold beer & decent wine were always at hand.
Macedonia is a beautiful country & the Mavrovo National Park is particularly stunning with steep, wooded gorges & valleys which are heavily forested in beech up to about 1800m which then gives way to grassy valleys , meadows & mountain tops full of wild flowers, herbs , butterflies & insects. Skylarks are everywhere & we saw eagles , wild boar, deer, chamois, wild horses & even a couple of bears. The vistas are huge.
The meadows are grazed by sheep which are milked by hand twice daily for cheese production. The flocks of sheep are minded by shepherds & huge dogs to protect them from wolves. We often ate lunch in the sheep farms & were lucky enough to see the milking & cheese making processes. Vasko worked on the farms as a boy & gave us great insights into the way of life.
An added bonus to this ride is learning about the long & interesting history of the region & the Miyak people. Vasko was born & bred in the area & his family have been there for centuries. He`s extremely knowledgeable about the past & is keen to pass this on to visitors.
The modern day history is no less interesting.
We've been on a fair few riding holidays & this is up there with the best. The horses & riding were first class as were the organisation & the Sherpa team. The location was breathtaking . If you`re riding fit , adventurous & up for some excitement you`ll have a blast.
Thanks to Vasko, Shaipe, Davide, Beatrice,all the team & the lovely Sherpa Shenanigan crew for an amazing holiday.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your great feedback! We are so pleased to hear how much you enjoyed the Miyak Tribe Trail.]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   26 June 2022

Ricky who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. An exhilarating adventure from start to finish | This was the second In The Saddle riding holiday that my wife and I (both experienced riders) have been on. The first trip to Mongolia was incredible with lots of open gallops, well-cared-for horses and great accommodation. We were worried that we would struggle to find another riding holiday that was as fast and adventurous, but the North Macedonia Miyak Tribe Trail sounded like the closest option. I am pleased to say that it exceeded all of our expectations. It is an exhilarating adventure from start to finish. The terrain is mountainous which means long climbs and descents in walk over varied terrain with amazing views (including sunrise over a valley on one morning), and lots of short to medium-length fast gallops. There are some long days in the saddle so a good level of fitness is required, but the saddles are comfortable, the horses sure-footed and incredibly well looked after. Vasko and his team would stop multiple times throughout each day, checking tack and girth straps, etc., to ensure the horses (and riders) were comfortable.

The accommodation was very comfortable and the food was fantastic, plentiful and met all of the group's dietary requirements. Vasko the trail lead and his team including David and Beatrice were great, supportive and fun to be around. Before we started on the trail Vasko also organised a tour of Skopje as well, which we all appreciated as it was nice to know more about the country, its history and traditions.

We cannot recommend this trip enough and we plan to go back in the future!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you so much for your feedback and it's great to hear how much you enojoyed your holiday to North Macedonia!]


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   12 June 2022

Jane who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Full of wonderful surprises | yes, exceeded expectations. Vasco took great care of his horses - those of us who have a horse, and we had an experienced vet in our group, could see the condition of backs, legs, mouth etc was excellent. The tack fitted well and great care was taken to ensure that girths/cinches were checked several times during each day's ride to accommodate up and downhill work - often very steep.
The horses were watered and fed appropriately and were all very fit and happy.
This is so important for MY enjoyment - to know the horse that is working under me is a fit, sound animal and has received the best care possible.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   12 June 2022

Augusta who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. N Macedonia | Beyond expectations in every way. I have been on many riding holidays , this is right up there at the top of the list. Wonderful attention paid to match us perfectly and all through the ride attention was paid to the horses and us. Even when plans had to be changed due to the weather it was all arranged with little fuss and continued to make the ride on of the most thrilling I have been on HIGHLY recommend.


Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Miyak Tribe Trail

5 star rating   12 June 2022

Annalise (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Exceeded expectations, with excellent group of people. | The terrain and vegetation, forests etc were just what I was hoping for.


43 reviews    1 2