Dolphin Trail
16 February 2025
Cape Gourmet Wine Trail
14 February 2025
Jaana who has been on 15 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic riding, very good food & wine, but the holiday name may be a bit misleading | The riding is the real highlight of this holiday. The horses are extermely well looked after and a joy to ride. Marie is a great guide, not only for the riding but she knows so much about the area and the places and nature we see, and has a skill to tell you all about it in a very passionate manner.
Lodge Stay
14 February 2025
Yvonne (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Horse safari | Being on horse back really is the best way to experience the African bush and to see the game. As the horses roam in the reserve both the horses and the game were very relaxed in each others company and we could get so close to the game. It was a magical experience. The horses are very well schooled, they are happy and relaxed too which makes for a great riding experience.
Lodge Stay
12 February 2025
Anne who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Magical Horseriding Safari - Up close and personal with wildlife | I stayed 8 nights at Bushwillow part of the Ant's Lodges group. The horses are impeccably well cared for and not skittish but forward going. The Guides are brilliant at matching the horse to the rider and their ability. They make every ride interesting and share their incredible knowledge of the wildlife, flora and fauna whilst having plenty of fun riding (depending on the group those experienced will be catered for and may go on separate routes). Small numbers so I didn't feel left out as a solo traveller.
We rode out to different areas twice a day (optional) and had Sundowners at beautiful spots - this is the best bit of the day when you untack your horse and release them into the wild to live with the other animals, whilst you watch the sunset with drinks/snacks in comfy chairs. The horses come back for breakfast in the morning 🙂
We got to ride up to Ant's Hill and Ant's Nest so it was great to see the other Lodges too.
As an experienced rider I was well catered for and enjoyed every single moment and didn't want to leave.
Lodge Stay
11 February 2025
Ali (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Like a dream- Just amazing- what an experience! | It is a tough life for the horses, but we loved the fact that they are let out to run in the reserve and they are well cared for- we were encouraged to watch them being fed and groomed, which we did and enjoyed - the quality of their hay and amount of hard feed given was great, plus the individual attention given to each horse was excellent.
Lodge Stay
11 February 2025
Carla (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Memorable riding adventures | Riding was fun most of the time and it’s an incredible experience to ride within the habitat of and get so close to the wild animals and be part their world at the reserve.
The guides and volunteers were interesting, knowledgable, humorous and did everything they could to create a great experience for the guests.
They work incredibly hard to make the reserve run smoothly and work well.
Lodge Stay
11 February 2025
Joanna (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience | Excellent
Serengeti Migration Safari
8 February 2025
Emily who has been on 27 In The Saddle rides. An exhilarating expedition across the Serengeti | Amazing scenery from grassy plains to woodlands with plenty of opportunities for long canters whilst surrounded by the migrating wildebeeat, zebra and antelope.
Tara and Jo are excellent and very knowledgeable hosts. The horses were remarkably fit, healthy and sure footed and really know their jobs.
[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your super feedback. We're really pleased that you enjoyed the Serengeti Migration Safari].
Monte Velho
8 February 2025
Celia who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Fabulous location, beautiful horses, excellent instructors | This is my second visit. It was even better than the first. The instructors either have amazing memories or more likely they keep notes of clients and horses so they know what to work on and which horses will help you improve. I joined the Pia Wellberg seat training group which was really beneficial. Pia coaches alongside the Monte Velho instructor to correct rider position, it made a huge difference to have two experts help me.
[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your return visit to Monte Velho].
White Stallion Ranch
6 February 2025
Hope who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Tombstone and White Stallion | It was amazing and I loved every second of it!!
Tombstone Monument Ranch
2 February 2025
Hope who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Tombstone and White stallion | It was amazing and I loved every second of it!!
Villa Based Ride
2 February 2025
Christina who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Mother and Daughter January break | Horses were fantastic - well trained and responsive! I have been dreaming of riding an Andalucian for years and rode 2 beautiful ones; Habano & Hercules! My daughter really enjoyed Gordi, Harry & Sofia; so we had Sophia riding Sofia! Beach riding surpassed expectations and was made even better by Rachel taking some fantastic photos that we were able to purchase digitally which were great souvenirs! The forest rides were great too with amazing views. I really enjoyed lots of opportunities to canter and gallop as I no longer have a regular ride at home. Our guides Jose and Roberto (and others!) looked after us so well even when the weather was not ideal at the beginning of the week.
Quinta do Rol
1 February 2025
Sue who has been on 15 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic dressage riding | 5 Star. Riding the beautiful and exceptionally well trained and safe Lusitano horses was a privilege. The instructors were very good at giving the right amount instruction, encouragement and praise to get the best out of me. I rode all the movements and improved as the week went on. Exactly what i wanted. The horses are extremely well cared for and the rooms, grounds, yard and arena are beautiful and spotless. Rita the owner went out of her way to ensure I was taken care of. I will be back, hopefully this year but definitely next year and will recommend this to all my friends.
Explore Winter and Ice Hotel
1 February 2025
Bob who has been on 17 In The Saddle rides. Fun! | The time spent riding was less than on many other holidays - quite understandably in view of the snow etc, and cantering along a snowy track with long live in the memory!
[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your time in snowy Sweden].
Explore Winter and Ice Hotel
1 February 2025
Beatrice who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. Great balance of a variety of winter activities | The riding did meet my expectations, though I would have enjoyed a bit more cantering through the forest. However, I appreciate the conditions and ability of some of the riders may have impacted on this.
Learn to Ride in a Week
29 January 2025
Suzy (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) A Learn to Ride in a Week holiday - my granddaughter certainly achieved this. | Met every expectation. Great place - highly recommend.
Great hosts, staff and horses. A beautiful place. Great break away from winter in the UK. I'd definitely recommend the winter months as it's still warm and lovely riding weather.
[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you so much for your feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time in the Azores.]
Mitre Peninsula
26 January 2025
Lacey (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) My most amazing adventure thus far in my life! | Argentina - the Mitre peninsula horseback ride was the most amazing adventure I have embarked on so far in my life. It was beyond all of my wildest dreams, filled with wild natural beauty for 100’s of miles with no one but me and my horse.
I found a part of myself there and left a part of my soul in that wild, beautiful, natural country in the Mitre peninsula at the end of the world, or the beginning as the locals like to think of it. Exceptional horses, wild life, beautiful shelters, invigorating weather, adventure around every bend.
The family that took us was kind, experts in horsemanship, ranch living, knowledgeable about the land, horses, history and the science exploration all around them.
This magical land will always be a part of me now. Part of my soul was left there and I will need to go back to join it every once in a while throughout the rest of my life.
That magical land is where I was meant to experience life, I felt like my best self there. I enjoyed living like we would have 100 years ago very much.
I got to help with the horses care, horse round ups, ranch trail maintenance the shelter chores, cooking, trail guiding through tough terrain, everything. I was invited to come back and help take the tours out next year. I’m very honored and excited for this possibility.
Life is so beautiful, exciting and precious.
Sending you all the peace, love and happiness the universe.
My heart is full
Love Lacey
[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you Lacey for your wonderful feedback. The Mitre Peninsula is a really special place and we are so happy that you enjoyed your riding adventure there. We really appreciate your lovely comments. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us.]
Lodge Stay
21 January 2025
Mark who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Amazing time with wonderful horses in a beautiful place | Wonderful fast canters for those like me that wanted it, but equally very respectful and accommodating for those who wanted a slower pace. We got so close to the animals, just amazing!
Lodge Stay
21 January 2025
Carla who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. A brilliant week | This was my second time at Ant's Nest and it gets better and better. All the staff are very professional, the lodge manager is extremely well organised, I rode my favourite horse from last year - and was introduced to a new favourite. Many opportunities to canter with beautiful scenery and animals close-up. Can't ask for more.
Lodge Stay
21 January 2025
Sara who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. Another wonderful trip to Ant’s Nest | As always the team at Ants took care to match the riders with the horses. I have a particular favourite and was allocated this horse .. much to my delight.
There had been huge amounts of rain in the period before we arrived and the ground was very boggy, so we had to take special care to avoid ‘sticky’ ground.
The guides and all the staff were professional and helpful.
Barichara Ride
21 January 2025
Anna who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Amazing | Julio and the team looked after us all very well, anticipating every need. The horses were well schooled and responsive, a pleasure to ride. The trip was a good mix of riding and cultural experiences making us feel like we really got to know the country and it's people. The scenery was spectacular, can't wait for my next visit.
[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time in beautiful Colombia].
Barichara Ride
21 January 2025
Stacey (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Holiday of a lifetime - just fantastic | The holiday was amazing , the country is beyond beautiful and the combination of riding, history and culture was just right. The organization of the holiday was suburb and everything was exactly as it stated it would be on the ride.
The care of the horses welfare was at the forefront of the holiday and they received everything they needed as well as affection and individual care.
It was definitely for experienced riders and you felt exhilarated when you completed the day.
The accommodation was excellent and the welcome from people was heart-warming.
Overall the best organised, enjoyable whilst challenging riding holiday I have experienced.
[Abbie from ITS replies: We are so pleased that you enjoyed the Barichara Ride. Thank you so much for your super comments].
Estancia Los Potreros
17 January 2025
Chantal (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Magical | Horses at Los Potreros are very well cared for and loved. They are relaxed and are very carefully cared for and are happy. Although I am an experienced rider, it took me a few days to get used to the way the horses are ridden. I was therefore matched according to my progress with more powerful horses as I got more secure and experienced. That said, every horse is sensational and I enjoyed every ride. It was a real pleasure to be introduced to the Paso Peruano horses. Their gait is exquisite and it was magical to ride them on the late rides each day.
[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your holiday. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at the wonderful Estancia Los Potreros!].
Estancia Los Potreros
10 January 2025
Anthony (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Five stars, from start to finish | First and foremost, I could tell the horses were so beloved and had all the care and attention they deserve. This was my first riding holiday and the days cantering through long grass in sunshine with new friends were more than I could have imagined.
Away from the saddle, I was particularly impressed by the little touches Kevin and Georgia offered, being personally greeted upon arrival, the way the tables were set at meal times etc. The social gatherings were made all the nicer with the company of Emily, Oria and Molly. Much gratitude also for the guidance of our gauchos and the care by chefs and staff at Los Pots. It’s a well-run operation up in those hills!
[Abbie from ITS replies: We are so pleased that you enjoyed your riding holiday at Los Potreros. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us].
Lodge Stay
9 January 2025
Wendy who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Absolutely wonderful | Everybody was so welcoming and helpful. You could tell they enjoyed there jobs.
There is no words to express how wonderful the place and people were.
Lodge Stay
9 January 2025
Monika who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic horse riding safari | Well cared for horses, lovely staff and guides who couldn’t do enough for good. Luxurious accommodation and great food what else can one wish for.
New Year Week
5 January 2025
Katerina who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic from beginning to the end | This is a well-run, friendly and fantastic riding holiday destination. The scenery, the villa, the food and the opportunities of riding on forward-going, well cared for horses and meet such lovely people and also not forgetting the family-run holiday, where all the logistics, food preferences and transfers and help are just so professional run are why so many of us love to come back. The riding was, at times, fast so you must be honest about your abilities and be confident in all paces and although you will be matched with a horse for your skills, that doesn't mean you should expect the horses to ride for you - this is not trekking. I would say you need to be a regular rider and have been out of hacks, not just in an arena. You will get the most thrill and enjoyment by ensuring you have worked on your experience and are ready for all the fast and slower paced riding skills required and are happy to meet new people and have a great time.
New Year Week
5 January 2025
Lisa who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Galloping Into 2025! | The riding at Los Alamos was excellent with lovely quiet tracks in the forest and fantastic canters and gallops in the firebreaks and on the beach. I had a fixed smile on my face from the moment I mounted.
Christmas Week
29 December 2024
Netta who has been on 8 In The Saddle rides. Fab as always | Yes.................I need to book another x
Christmas Week
29 December 2024
Judy who has been on 39 In The Saddle rides. Always a pleasure. | Rachel works hard to find a good 'fit' between rider and horse. This may mean riding 2 (or more) horses during the course of the week.
Christmas Week
29 December 2024
Cathy who has been on 53 In The Saddle rides. Riding through wooded dunes, exhilarating gallops along the firebreaks. Two days were ridden on the beach with the backdrop of Cape Trafalgar lighthouse, such fun. To get the best of the beach re the tides, one morning we began the ride in the dark with only the stars and moon for illumination. The horses were full of energy yet easy to control and all in immaculate condition.
[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed Christmas at Los Alamos].
Christmas Week
29 December 2024
Neil who has been on 24 In The Saddle rides. Amazing, as always | It can be quite a long time at walk between canters. It might be nice to have a few little trots to break things up a little.
Rachael who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic | Excellent