Jane (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Truly incredible. | The horses at Camp Davidson were ill matched for me, I had 4 in three days and it was not until Carole couldn't ride back from Savannah Lodge to Bellview was I given Caroles horse who was much better. The ranger saddles really rubbed the inside of my knees terribly and with no option of an English saddle I did suffer. The horses were well matched to everyone else so it was probably just me, however I was also concerned slightly about their wellbeing. Unhappy yard staff means unhappy horses, of which they certainly were and we had to insist on them being washed off after returning hot and sweaty rather than just being thrown out in the "paddock" area.
Upon arrival at Two Mashatu, Carmen changed all that, super little horse, Albion Saddle and the horses were happy and very well cared for.
I am not being critical in any way really, everything was terrific, the staff, guides, cooks and all help were amazing and could not do enough for us. The absolute privilege of being able to experience so many activities throughout the 5 days was unforgettable in so many ways. The younger members of our super group are editing their terrific video and camera action which I am waiting for, I shall then forward it to you. I cannot wait to see it either. Thamba and Pelloco (sorry don't know how to spell their names!) were both fantastic and so knowledgeable and proud of their country and the flora and fauna, the information we were provided with was immense.
One thing I did think of is that a basic " I Spy" booklet could be provided to give some background info on the animals we may see, fascinating. I shall be back, especially in Botswana.
Thank you SO MUCH.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: I'm so sorry to hear about your knees - that can be so painful when they rub on the saddle. We will certainly follow up with the stables in South Africa but I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the riding up in Botswana and found a horse that you loved.]

Lynne who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Amazing experience | Very different between South Africa and Botswana. South African was a lot more “controlled” and Botswana a little freer, and very exciting

Phoebe (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Unforgettable Experience | Very impressed by the matching of horses and riders and care given to listen to clients if horses were not suitable or you needed advice on how horses liked to be ridden.
Cantering spread out in Botswana was the absolute highlight of all riding.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday.]

Ria who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. African Explorer - An incredible adventure! | The riding definitely met my expectations. All the horses were well behaved and you could clearly see they were well cared for.

Although both the horses I rode on this trip were excellent, I think my horse in Botswana (Prisma) was a stronger match as I'd requested a hunter-type build. He was fantastic and I couldn't have ridden a better horse. My horse in South Africa (Scarlet) was lovely and really tried her best, but she was very dainty and delicate and she struggled slightly to keep up with the group canters on the third and fourth days.

Lesley who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Holiday of a lifetime | I was given a beautiful thoroughbred mare in South Africa who was an absolute joy to ride, fit and forward going with a wonderful temperament and amazingly sure footed. Our guide Anneen was brilliant, professional, well informed, extremely hardworking and excellent company, she went above and beyond to ensure we all had a truly enjoyable experience.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: It's wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your holiday.]

Sarah who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Amazing | It was well-paced and the horses were forward-going and sure-footed.

Jacqui who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. African Explorer - amazing Africa | Excellent

Lee who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. African Explorer - Great!! | Yes it did meet expectations. The owners and staff were FANTASTIC and went out of their way to make my trip comfortable. Loved it. Will repeat one day.

[In The Saddle replies: Thank you for your feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed the African Explorer].

Sophie (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Experience of a lifetime | Excellent

Sarah who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. African Explorer | The riding and horses were amazing. I enjoyed the variety of paces. The terrain was very different between South Africa and Botswana so it was great to experience both. Felt I was matched well with my horses in both places, and the guides were knowledgeable which made me feel safe.

Jodie (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) African expoler | Excellent

Sarah-Lee who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Amazing | Excellent

Emily who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Absolutely Spectacular | Fantastic riding. We were fortunate enough to have a brave group and were treated to endless winding canters. Being able to spread out in Botswana and pop over fallen logs has spoiled us forever. Canters were long but steady and well balanced with walking in the heat.

The horses are wonderful, brave as can be, responsive and happy in their jobs. The evaluation in Botswana was very nice and provided the opportunity to adjust horses to the desired level.

The guides were wonderful and knowledgeable and we saw far more wildlife than we ever expected, both in the saddle and out. By the end of the trip it felt like a (very adventurous) hack out with good friends. It was a true once in a lifetime experience..except that we’re already planning to go back!! [Sarah from In The Saddle comments: It is wonderful to see that you had an amazing time on this safari and you really must go back sometme!]

Cathy who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. A great varied trip | Definitely to be recommended

Lucy (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Most incredible experience. | The riding in SA was a mixture of walk and fast paced short canters for roughly 3 hours at a time. Terrain was almost sandy, with rocky hills - the canters were fast along tracks or weaving through bushes. Great fun.
The riding in Bots was a mixture of walking and long controlled canters, riding for approx 6 hours at a time. Terrain was dusty and rocky, with a lot of thorny bushes. Canters were either in open spaces, or through the bushes. Be prepared for long canters (they go on and on!).