Reviews
912 reviews    1 2 3 4 29
Horses, Dunes & Nomads - Morocco

Horses, Dunes & Nomads

5 star rating   28 January 2024

Alexis who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic faster ride | I had a great time. I was impressed by how fit & well behaved the horses were. There was a variety of terrain and we walked in deep sand or rockier, volcanic areas, but there were lots of opportunities for long, flowing canters in the dry lake bed & river beds. Abdel was a great guide, he kept everything running smoothly. I enjoyed the overall pacing - just enough to leave us tired but wanting more!

[Abbie from ITS replies: Many thanks for your lovely feedback. We are so pleased that you had a great time in the Moroccan desert].


Kambaku Safari Lodge - Namibia

Kambaku Safari Lodge

5 star rating   26 January 2024

Hannah who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Beautiful riding retreat | The guides were so attentive, matching people to horses very carefully and always asking if we were happy with our pairings. They also did their best to keep groups to a manageable size, splitting according to ability. There are plenty of routes around the reserve allowing for sightings of various animals, heading deeper into the bush or cantering through more open plains.

[Abbie from ITS replies: We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Kambaku. Thank you for providing your feedback.]


Kambaku Safari Lodge - Namibia

Kambaku Safari Lodge

5 star rating   26 January 2024

Rachel who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Kambaku | Excellent


Tierra del Fuego - Argentina

Mitre Peninsula

5 star rating   23 January 2024

Larissa (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Inolvidable y hermoso!!! | For sure! The landscape is wild and also the weather, but the energy of this place is just incredible. If you like being outside and in totally nature with almost nobody else, it is like paradise!

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your adventure at Fin del Mundo - the end of the world.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   16 January 2024

Simone who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Everything we hoped it would be and more! | Myself and my two sons were complete beginners to horse riding. The staff at Ant's nest took very good care of us. They ensured that at all times we felt comfortable and safe on the horses that had been chosen for us. Day by day they built our confidence and our skill level. They gave us plenty of encouragement.


Monte Velho - Portugal

Monte Velho

5 star rating   14 January 2024

Anderley (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Superb horses, excellent instructors, welcoming hosts, comfortable accommodation, beautiful landscape | All good horses. Instructors quick to see best horse for each rider. Variety of horses offered to each rider. Bernardo is a really fun, dynamic, energetic and committed instructor - definitely wants each rider to be the best they can be. Laerke is a calming, clear, positive, sympathetic instructor who is able to try different approaches to get the best out of different riders. Both are excellent. The open arena is beautiful and perfectly maintained, with a very wide, crystal clear mirror which is useful for assessing yourself as you ride and to keep distance when in the arena with another rider. The 'indoor' school has open sides and a wonderful view so it is also pleasant to ride in. The trail rides were excellent as we went in a small group, led by the son of the owner or the owner himself. Several canters all together in a group and a long ride over to see the neighbours! We also rode amongst the young mares, which were loose in the fields! Lovely hosting by the father and son. [In The Saddle replies: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. It is lovely to hear how much you enjoyed Monte Velho. The covered arena has open sides, but there is also a seperately located indoor school which doesn't have open sides.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Hill

5 star rating   7 January 2024

Paula who has been on 7 In The Saddle rides. 2nd visit and amazing again! | All the horses I have ridden have been matched to my ability, forward going and well schooled. Even in a mixed ability ride they try to cater for everyone e.g. splitting for fast canters.


Los Alamos - Spain

New Year Week

4 star rating   6 January 2024

Karen who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Good | this was my second ride at Los alamos. Andrew, Rhianon and Jack absolutely amazing and could not do enough to make the stay enjoyable. however I was a bit disappointed with riding. I feel like I did something wrong when I rode in May as I was not given any of the horses I like to ride until I made a bit of a fuss about it on the last but one day. If I did something wrong in May it would be nice to be told. Also it feels like regulars get preferences on horses. [In The Saddle replies: Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. We are pleased you had a good time overall, and have followed up your comments with Los Alamos. They say you have absolutely done nothing wrong in the past, and they are sorry you felt there was preferences given. They also agree that the food at one of the bars at lunch time was not of the usual standard. This was due to staff shortages, but is now rectified.]


Monte Velho - Portugal

Monte Velho

5 star rating   5 January 2024

Cristina who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. A game changer in | Excellent riding instructors, with a variety of styles. This experience really helped me improve and realize what it means to ride a well balanced dressage horse. It's also such a pleasure to see the senior trainers riding themselves.

The hacks outside were in a very beautiful scenery. I enjoyed particularly the one with Diogo Jr. The intern guides were a bit less experienced.


Horses, Dunes & Nomads - Morocco

Horses, Dunes & Nomads

5 star rating   31 December 2023

Jorge who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Amazing ride and amazing place | I was assigned one of the best horses I have ridden. A beautiful spirited stallion that kept me on my toes but rewarded me a thousand fold. The gaits on these horses were amazing. You felt like floating in a cloud. That alone made this ride worth it.

Then add an amazing guide, the varied terrain, an awesome rider group, and the great food each night and it made for one of the best horse treks I have done. This may actually be a repeat and I am not a repeat kind of traveller.

Highly recommend.


Los Alamos - Spain

Christmas Week

5 star rating   30 December 2023

Martine who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. A wonderful experience | Los Alamos never fail to impress. We had yet another great stay and enjoyed every minute. The horses are so well cared for, and so well behaved. The atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming, and it was great to celebrate Christmas with the Los Alamos crew, including fellow guests. Highly recommend!


Los Alamos - Spain

Christmas Week

5 star rating   30 December 2023

Chris who has been on 19 In The Saddle rides. My third time never disappointing | Always


Los Alamos - Spain

Christmas Week

5 star rating   30 December 2023

Manna (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) 12/10 totally recommend | Rachel does a fantastic job of hearing the riders out on their wants/expectations, taking into considerations personalities of riders/horses and making matches. I started with a sweet Arab that is easier to handle to start off to get used to, and switched to a gorgeous Andalusian that taught me so much in the 3 days with him. They can switch gears up and down very smoothly and the ride throughout felt very steady and energetic.


Los Alamos - Spain

Christmas Week

5 star rating   30 December 2023

Netta who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Fabulous | I always love the riding in Los Alamos. I have never been disappointed and all the horses are well cared for.


Quinta do Rol - Portugal

Quinta do Rol

5 star rating   22 December 2023

Sabrina (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Unforgettable | The facilities at the riding centre are top notch: Viewing area, covered 20 X 40 arena, stables, lockers. The trainers Miguel and Rui are amazing and well knowledgeable trainers. The Lusitano horses are beautiful, well cared for and well trained. Such a pleasure to ride them.


Tierra del Fuego - Argentina

Mitre Peninsula

5 star rating   20 December 2023

Grace (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) AMAZING! I loved every second. The landscape is spectacular and my horse is now my Argentinian love affair (not in a creepy way). Adolfo and his team are fabulous, we all had so much fun. | My horse Cara Súcia, was independent, strong and sure footed. We connected really well and even had some sweet moments i.e I called out his name when he was off lead and he came running to me.

There were times where we traveled at a jog (seated trot) so it felt fast, and then long beach gallops which was incredible. At one point wild horses joined us. Other parts were technical, but because my horse was so sure footed and independent he always found his way and I trusted him and let him choose the path.

The riding was better than I had expected.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Many thanks for your feedback. We're delighted that you enjoyed your adventure in Argentina so much.]


Tuli Safari - Botswana

Tuli Safari

5 star rating   16 December 2023

Donna (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The most amazing and fascinationg adventure I've ever experienced in my life. | The horses were well matched to every person, the guides were superb and knew the Bush inside and out, the wildlife is non stop from large game to tiny creatures that live on the ground, the food was home made and very healthy, the people could not do enough to assist, help and cater for us. I honestly cannot fault any part of this adventure. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. We got caught in Thunderstorms and Dust storms but our horses did not flinch, I felt very comfortable with my horse and I learnt to trust him within the first hour of knowing him. The riding is not for the faint hearted and you must be of a good standard and not mind cantering for long periods as walking and cantering with the odd gallop is the norm.

The riding is on difficult terrain and at first I thought I may not be up to the standard they required, however I soon began to relax and knew I just needed to balance on the stirrups in order to enjoy the long canters. The horses are so trustworthy and fit and very sure footed. I trusted mine completely, I could have easily have taken him home and swapped him for my mare! Lovely horses with fantastic temperaments. I felt I was well matched to my horse, I thought I was a slight nervous rider so they ensured I had a very experienced horse who knew the bush and animals, I need not have worried. I found new confidence in my riding as by two days in to the holiday I was galloping without needing any reins whatsoever as I had found my independent seat again after many years of not feeling I had one.


Moolmanshoek - South Africa

Moolmanshoek

5 star rating   10 December 2023

Sylvia who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Adventure | I found the riding challenging at times due to the steep climbs and descents but the horses were brilliant. The rewards were the amazing views once we reached the high peaks.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're really pleased that you enjoyed your time at beautiful Moolmanshoek].


Los Alamos - Spain

Short Break

4 star rating   7 December 2023

Arlene who has been on 13 In The Saddle rides. Great | Excellent facilities. Friendly family atmosphere. Andrew, Rhiannin and Rachel run a very well oiled ship.


Macatoo - Botswana

Riding Safari

5 star rating   4 December 2023

Faye who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Exceptional holiday | The horses were lovely to ride. All geldings. Due to the heat you alternated between two horses daily to ensure your morning horse (long ride) did not come out again in the evening. Any difficulties with tack were dealt with straight away - I needed a couple of holes in my stirrup leathers. One skinny chap needed a seat saver. I wasn't taking that chance and took my own!!

The rides had a guide and a back up and both were happy to take your cameras for good game shots especially if the animals were dangerous!! The guide (ours was Thabo) was sensitive to the needs of rhe riders in terms of pace and style - although we were encouraged to canter in a line to avoid racing he didnt worry if this wasn't followed if riders were fine. Guide very knowledgeable and we saw many animals and birds. You could also take a vehicle trip instead of riding if you wanted to - we elected to do this for lions!

[Abbie from ITS replies: Many thanks for your feedback; we're so pleased that you had such a great time at Macatoo. One way Macatoo manage their horses' workload throughout the year is for guests to try a horse on the shorter afternoon ride and then if it is a good match, they'll ride the same horse the following morning].


Los Alamos - Spain

Villa Based Ride

5 star rating   3 December 2023

Neil who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. I thoroughly enjoyed it - thank you! | Yes!


Los Alamos - Spain

Villa Based Ride

5 star rating   3 December 2023

Christine who has been on 12 In The Saddle rides. Excellent week | Was matched with two lovely horses for the week, I like to be at the back of the ride watching everyone.


Los Alamos - Spain

Short Break

5 star rating   30 November 2023

Nina who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Every aspect of this holiday was superb! | All the horses here are fantastic and very much loved. They are so forward going but very safe too. The saddles are super comfy. The beach and fire break gallops are incredible. The riding was pure joy from beginning to end.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   29 November 2023

Lucy who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Wonderful | Rides cater to the whole group so you are rather dependent on people in your group - which, on occasion, can be a little frustrating.
[Olwen from In The Saddle replies - we do urge you always to have a quiet word with the lodge manager or horse manager if you aren't happy with the pace of the ride- because it is normally possible for something to be done.]


Los Alamos - Spain

Villa Based Ride

5 star rating   26 November 2023

Judith who has been on 15 In The Saddle rides. Great, as usual. | It always helps being given a spectacular horse to ride.


Quinta do Rol - Portugal

Quinta do Rol

5 star rating   26 November 2023

Camilla who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Now the focus was dressage, so riding in terrain was slow and calm maybe a little too quiet, but good for the horses. I have been extremely satisfied with the entire process! from the high service from Rid & Rejs to the absolutely fantastic surroundings, high service, friendliness and helpfulness and especially the highly trained horses and good instructors on the place.
I absolutely cannot recommend it enough. and I will definitely return to the same location and will use Rid & Rejs again.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you very much for your super feedback. We at In The Saddle and Melina at Rid & Rejs (in Denmark) are really pleased you enjoyed your stay at Quinta do Rol.]


Atlantis and Green Island Trail - Azores

Atlantis Ride

5 star rating   25 November 2023

Jane who has been on 13 In The Saddle rides. riding and relaxing | Having been to Christina and Claude's before, we knew what to expect and enjoyed our riding


Atlantis and Green Island Trail - Azores

Atlantis Ride

5 star rating   25 November 2023

Monica who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Just like going home | As always the team in Quinta make my riding holiday perfect, everyone works to the same objectives.


Monte Velho - Portugal

Monte Velho

5 star rating   22 November 2023

Maxine who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Fabulous! | My fourth year of visiting Monte Velho and won’t be my last. I visited for 5 days and had 6 lessons. I really benefited from the superb instruction and very tolerant schoolmasters. Each lesson I was matched with a horse which suited my ability and increasing skill level. The difference to my riding when I returned home was obvious.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoy your visits to Monte Velho so much].


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   21 November 2023

Karen who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Ant Africa safari | Excellent


Quinta do Rol - Portugal

Quinta do Rol

4 star rating   20 November 2023

Sandra (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience | The riding was excellent, a brilliant experience. However I did think the saddle cloths could have been changed they were very grubby.


Horses, Dunes & Nomads - Morocco

Horses, Dunes & Nomads

5 star rating   19 November 2023

Carole who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. Just fabulous. Definitely a bucket list holiday. | Really could not fault. Very interesting all round. Great horses with so much energy yet completely responsive at all paces. Scenery totally enthralling. Would recommend anyone who rides to out this on their ‘to do’ list.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Many thanks for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your adventure in Morocco].


912 reviews    1 2 3 4 29