Nigel who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. RIDING LIKE A COWBOY | I had never ridden west style, the guide was very good teaching how to ride western style, the first was like a bucking bongo, holding the reins to tight, soon was get the hang of loose reining the place picks up, on the last last day you get to ride the roller coaster its epic.

John who has been on 14 In The Saddle rides. The best riding holiday we have ever had! | This was a very special trip for us, based on approximately 30 years of trips with InTheSaddle, this one will be long remembered for the quality of the ride, food, people, the country and fellow riders. If you are an experienced rider and enjoy long days in the saddle with great variety in terrains, this is the ride for you! Great horses, tack and comfortable saddles. Lots of hill work, combined with fast canters and fantastic scenery.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're thrilled that you had such a special time in North Macedonia.]

Sara who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. A wonderful and unique experience! | The riding was mostly at walk as the terrain is very varied encompassing woodland trails, mountain paths, meadows and Steppe-like rolling hills and plateaux, however there were lots of opportunities for quite long canters from gentle canters on woodland paths to exhilarating gallops across expanses of Steppe!
The leader, Vasco and guide Ramadan were well organised and provided clear direction, and the horses were well trained and very well taken care of with equipment checked frequently to avoid chafing and other issues. I was matched with a very small Macedonian mountain horse initially, but I began to find his very short stride uncomfortable on my lower back and hips by the end of the second day, as we completed a long, steep descent of a mountain trail. Vasco the leader suggested I swap onto the guide's horse, a young Arab cross called Vranec, which was taller with a longer stride, I was very grateful as he was an absolute dream, sweet and responsive and a complete pleasure to be partnered with, this is no criticism of the other horse who was a fantastic little guy, lots of fun to ride but just rather short strided.

Justine who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. If Heineken did beach rides… Fabulous and varied trail on super fit horses - | The trail was well described in the information provided - a varied trail including some genuinely breathtaking coast line and beach rides.

The horses are incredibly fit and a real highlight for me was riding the same horse for 7 days, giving an opportunity to really get to know each other. Coming from owing a cob, I was surprised at first at the leanness of the horses - they are real athletes - so be prepared for that. They are very well cared for and it shows in how they are looked after on the trail.

The riding is fabulous. There are long days in the saddle over varied terrain. We did 105 miles over all, and 30 miles of that was at canter. One day we cantered 7 miles in total. So the more riding fit you are, the more enjoyable the ride will be. A couple of folk struggled a bit towards the end. The pace is varied, as is the terrain, and never dull. There is one flat out gallop - the long beach canters are steady but glorious. There is some technical terrain; we popped a few logs and the river crossings; ferry and kayaks add variety.

The guides were knowledgeable and looked after horse and rider in equal measure. They matched riders well to horses, getting me and my daughter exactly right - and when of the group’s horses did not work out, they managed to sort.

Dru who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Lovely holiday in northern Portugal | Good

Eva who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Colombia - Barrichara - Yariguis Extended | This was our second ride holiday with Julio and his team. Amazing horses that are so very well cared for, well trained and just truly amazing. Julio is very knowledgeable, answers all the questions we had, very accommodating - things might need to change last minute, but everything is run so so smoothly. What we also particularly liked is the contact we have before we arrived and via the chat group he sets up - there are always last minute questions and he comes back super quickly - big thumbs up for that!

As for the ride itself - there is no way you will ever get to experience we did on your own, or as a 'normal' tourist. We are far off the beaten track and it's amazing to 'join' the local life for a few days. Everyone we met were so friendly, invited us in to their homes - cooked for us, showed us their life, how they harvest what they grow etc. amazing.

The horses are unbelievably strong and sure footed and it is so obvious that Julio adores his horses and same for Wilson (groomsman). They are like his dogs! Follows him whenever they can.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your return visit to Colombia - it is such a special place].

Anne (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing week | After the first day’s ride I requested a change of horse, and they were very happy to accommodate my needs. I think I had taken a cautious approach when completing the survey about riding ability so it was my fault. Really happy with how they sorted my issue!

Katie (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Dressage paradise in Portugal | The dressage lessons were excellent. I was lucky enough to have Teresa all three days. She was a very good communicator and asked up front what my goals were. My goal was generally to improve my riding and she honed in on a few position changes quickly. The horses were extremely safe and perhaps quieter than I might pick, but I do appreciate the safety factor! They were very well schooled.

The trail ride was also lovely and again my horse for that was fantastic. I heard from riders that did multiple trail rides that the route is very similar day to day. The trail rides are probably 95% walking which worked great for me.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your super feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Monte Velho].

Debs who has been on 8 In The Saddle rides. Everything I had hoped for and more | It was abundantly obvious that the horses were very loved and well cared for by the way they approached you of their own free-will (for a fuss) and their calm demeanor around people and each other. Mine (Apollo) was a true grent and I felt at ease with him as soon as I mounted up in the saddle. I could not have asked for a better, kinder, gentle horse.
I know it was hot, but a couple more canters would have been nice - perhaps as the ride drew to a close each day. The canters were so well balanced and you felt so "as one" with your beautiful horse that to experience it a few more times would have been lovely. There were enough "flat" areas to do this.
It was good to see that the horses got a chance to rest after an exertive stretch and had their saddles and bridles off at lunchtime and they got our left over bread after lunchtime too - you could tell this is the "norm" because they all looked expectantly" at us as we cleared our picnic away!

Rose who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Incredible. Fabulous horses and amazing landscape . | A fantastic holiday. The hosts were lovely , knowledgeable and kept us well informed.
Amazing horses , sure footed and enjoyed their job . The terrain was challenging and exciting with incredible views . This year has been very difficult and the holiday was a tonic .

[ITS replies: Thank you very much for your review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time in the Sierra Nevada mountains].

Jax (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Kambaku Safari Lodge Namibia | The riding at Kambaku far exceeded my expectations. The horses were clearly well cared for—forward, happy, and responsive without being spooky. I thoroughly enjoyed my dressage lessons with Viva, as well as the exhilarating rides out into the bush. Kambaku was the perfect riding holiday.

Gillian who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Horseback safari in Botswana | The horses are so good at their job. We enjoyed fast group canters across the planes and at no time did I feel nervous or worried about how my horse might behave . The guides were knowledgable, friendly and fun. We had one difficult encounter with a couple of groups of angry elephants. They handled this wonderfully getting us all back to camp safely.

Anna Katharina (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Fantastic Transylvanian Adventure | Lots of long, fast canters, some gallops, riding was exhilarating and safe. Absolutely stunning and varied terrain. We had brilliant guides who were amazing matchmakers and found the perfect horse for everyone. [ITS replies: Thank you Anna It is great to hear that you had such a good time and the trip was everything that you had hoped for.]

Jette Vestergaard (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) We rode in the most amazing nature in beautiful sunshine. The trip was really well put together, where we came over new mountains every day. Dallas (the guide) had homemade lunch for us every day, which we ate while the horses rested. Really nice ride with competent guides, who had a lot of focus on the safety of both the riders and the horses.

Daniela (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Best horse-riding holiday in a long time (and I have done many)! | The owner deeply care about (and understand) her horses and animals in general. This was extremely appreciated.
The owner and her attitude to the holiday were 100% authentic. We felt like in a group of friends, which is not often the case in packaged holiday.
The small group, which at the beginning I assumed was an indication of lack of success, in fact it was a great value added. Only with a small group you could experience the wildness we experienced, more people would have disrupted the natural equilibrium and would have chased animals. It is a conscious decision of the owner to have small groups and rightly so (even if this means probably less economic gain for her). This is a very valuable info for future clients.

[Abbie from ITS replies - Many thanks for your super feedback. We're really pleased that you enjoyed your adventure in Canada. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about it.]

Louise (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Great | They were wonderful horses, sweet and very sure on their feet.
I felt very safe on the horse I rode the entire trip.
The trip far exceeded my expectations.
Deb and Emerson went above and beyond to give us the experiences of trekking through the mountains and wildlife.
We were very well looked after, listened to and cared for.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Many thanks for your feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your Canadian adventure].

Marlis (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) A real wilderness adventure:-) | It was a great adventure riding in the wilderness and observing wildlife:-) Not having internet for 9 days was very relaxing.

Alice (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Incredible beauty and wilderness | Whole trip was beyond my expectations, the infinite beauty of the Yukon was mesmerising.
Very lucky with sunny weather and change in autumn colours and Northern Lights.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your super feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your incredible adventure in Canada].

Janet who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Excellent holiday , wonderful staff | The staff were exceptionally knowledgeable and kind. The horses were forward and we were allowed to change horses until we found the absolute perfect match although all horses were forward thinking, obedient, enjoyable and safe.
The food was adequate but the choice was limited and it was hard to obtain snacks other then chips between meals.
The accommodation was open plan which face’s challenges sometimes but it was clean, well ventilated and comfortable.
[Olwen from In The Saddle notes - we are sorry that you found the choice of food to be limited. We understand there was a change of chef the week you were there, but it is a pity you found it lacking. Normally people are very positive about the food at Ant's.
You and your daughter were staying in the Family Cottage double room and you will remember we discussed that this room is more usually booked for couples but it was all that was available for you. I am sorry if I didn't highlight that the room is open plan through to the bathroom.]

Rachel (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience, great introduction to safari | Great riding with a variety of pace, terrain and relaxation. I personally enjoyed the rocky scrambling as it is amazing what the horses can do and added variety although you’d only want a bit of it - they got it just right!

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed the African Explorer.]

Sarah who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Can I retire here? | Excellent

Dag who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. The best of times | Since I was looking for a riding experience in the most beautiful nature possible to see - Tsylos was a perfect match.

[Abbie from ITS replies: We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time at Tsylos Lodge. British Columbia is a stunning part of Canada and what better way to explore it than on horseback! Thank you for your feedback].

Ros who has been on 17 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic | I went last year in May and came again this year in August with the encouragement of friends that I met at Los Alamos in 2024. Mostly I rode my favourite horse from last year Portabello, a big chap with a most comfortable ride. I enjoy so much canters through the umbrella pines and gallops on the beach in the capable hands of our guides Jose and Roberto. Rachel in charge of the horses is very good at matching rider to horse.

Dorinda (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing horses, weather, beautiful nature, great guides | My horse was very fit, a great match with me, they really noticed my preferences. All the horses of the group where really well matched, everybody loved there horses! They really cared about there well being and we learned how to massage them which I found very nice. The nature was unbelievable beautiful.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your adventure in Sweden].

Michelle who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic, far exceeded expectations in every possible way | Excellent

Emma who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Awesome in all respects | Maria and Vasko were brilliant guides and I felt in incredibly safe hands with them. The horses were clearly much loved and well looked after. They were responsive, but well behaved and we all agreed our mounts had been fun to ride. The terrain was a wonderful mix of forests, meadows and farmland and the views were simply wonderful. We had lots of opportunities for canters. Picnic lunches were incredible and always in beautiful spots.
I felt I had a lot of saddle time, which was perfect, but we also fitted in plenty of very interesting cultural / scenic visits which really gave me a rounded experience.
The week was incredibly well organised with Maria and Vasko guiding and Katerina providing seamless back up with logistics; we really wanted for nothing and the team was always striving to meet every need.

[Abbie from ITS replies: We are so pleased that you enjoyed your adventure in Bulgaria. Many thanks for your lovely review].

Alice who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Awesome riding experience | Excellent

Gaynor who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic holiday, perfect guides and horses | Excellent

Clare who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Amazing | Had such an amazing time on my first trip, had to return with my daughter. All in instructors are very knowledgeable, kind and encouraging. The horses are so well looked after and a pleasure to ride. Cant wait to return in February.

David (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) 1st class | Absolutely brilliant! All the team really impressed me and that doesn’t happen much these days! The horses looked really well and the riding was spectacular! A big shout out to Mordecai, Jeanette and Dallas! I would wholeheartedly recommend this holiday! They even organised a fiesta for us !!!!!

Jessica (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Kyrgzstan Trek B | I was worried about not being riding fit due to work/travel commitments prior to the trip but the riding was very managable with plenty of breaks and the option to walk for periods if needed. I really enjoyed that you had the same horse for the whole ride so you got to build up a bond.

Roy (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) An unusual ride to remember | Very good horses, strong and enduring, steady in the steeper mountains and canyons.
Some days took longer than planned, mainly due to an accident on day 3 where two persons fell off under gallop and from then we took it more slowly.

Nice mix of various terrain, a bit boring sometimes when we had many days of flat plains.

In general, the culture of caring for the horses is totally different from what we are used to in western Europe, but the horses we rode were very well taken care of. Yann seem to be a serious operator.