Emma who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Great family and amazing horses | All the horses were well looked after and so obviously cared for, and beautifully trained. All seemed very fit, heathy and easily managed the rides. We were all matched perfectly with opportunities to ride other horses. I really felt listened to. The opportunities for fast riding were fun and you felt very safe. A great holiday for experienced riders.

Mariia (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Horseback safari in Namibia | I had a good time riding 2 times a day. Highly recommend to ask as for your horse safari guide name of Anna, or Jana / Rebekka.

Luan who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Amazing food & mountain riding | Amazing mountain riding through forests, open plains, sheep trails and rocky paths. If you love long days in the saddle and adventure riding this trip is for you!

Justine who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Believe the hype - this is a fabulous trail! | The riding is well paced. Much of the 200km is at walk due to the terrain, but the landscapes change every day and it is never dull. The canters build up over the first three days from in line, to side by side and then 'rock'n'roll'... it is a lot of fun to let the horses really go where the ground allows. The horses are a mix and I was matched well with Jafar, who was steady in walk (we were happy at the back) but had some moves on the plains! The saddles are comfortable and despite the long hours riding I did not have any stiffness - maybe as so much is at walk and the varied terrain meaning you are shifting position so much. It is a truly stunning landscape - breath-taking on some days.

Christine who has been on 8 In The Saddle rides. Hugely pleasurable enjoyable experience, in gorgeous surroundings on very well schooled horses | Having been on this holiday a few times before, you worry whether it is going to meet your expectations.

If did the holiday is run very smoothly with guests catered for every step of the way.

the riding was very enjoyable and the speed and variation just right

Alice (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Unforgettable and way above expectations! | The riding was very varied, each day was different. Most of the time is spent walking, but the horses are so forward going this is not tedious. The scenery is so breathtaking that there is plenty to look at, and there are some technical areas where the sure-footedness of the horses is really tested. The first couple of days were a bit more steady, but this gave us time to get used to the horses and their way of going. There were loads of opportunities for a good canter or gallop, and the horses were fantastic and really obedient.

The riding is not for the faint hearted, and it is fast over varied terrain. You need to be comfortable and competent to get the most out of it!

Claire (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The most amazing adventure that somehow far exceeded expectations! | I can't find the words to properly describe how utterly amazing our experience at Rocking Z was. The location, the people, the horses; all of it far exceeded expectations. There was a herd of 100 horses (with one born the morning we arrived!) all of which were known inside out by everyone at Rocking Z and were provided with 5* care. We were amazed at how they chose horses to suit each of us so well, some that intentionally looked after and gave confidence to riders, others that challenged our riding skills in a really positive way. Everything went at a pace we were comfortable with for our riding abilities. The trails were plentiful with breathtaking views and opportunities to 'lope' regularly if you wanted to and a couple of really good gallops on the all day ride which ordinarily would scare the life out of me but on an wide open track and finishing on a mountain top it was literally and metaphorically a being on top of the world moment! We had a go at barrel racing and on one day we got to be real cowboys and helped drive the herd of 60 cattle across the mountain and river to a holding pasture. Although I knew there would be more than just trail riding (although you could just trail ride if you wanted), I was absolutely blown away by the additional activities. Anna's knowledge of the workings of both horse and human bodies and the effect on riding is next level, I really enjoyed the bio-mechanics session she led. Equally Maria's 'Ride to My Focus' and Justi's 'Liberty training' were so interesting and we got to try these methods for ourselves with the RTMF being slightly emotional for several of us! (which sounds crazy but if you're horsey you'll get it!). I didn't expect to learn so much and in the words of Bridget who has worked on the ranch for 8 years, I've added some new tools to my horsey toolbox. Overall this really was the ultimate horse riding holiday.

Vivien who has been on 47 In The Saddle rides. Stunning scenery | This is the third Namibia horse safari I have completed so knew what to expect. There were many long, frequent canters that were wonderful to do, especially when the terrain opened up during the second half of the ride. We also had some super canters on the beach on the last day as the tide was out (lucky timing).

[Abbie from ITS replies: We are so pleased that you enjoyed your return visit to Namibia - this time to explore stunning Damaraland. Thank you for your lovely review.]

Penny who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. 4 days riding and 4 in Vic falls | First safari of the season but fantastic all the same

Natteleigh (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience! | There was a good mixture of walk trot and canter depending on the route you took each day and the terrain. The riding was a great experience and the horses know the routes very well.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback and we are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday.]

Naomi (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) An amazing experience | The instructor Ivan, was exceptional in his instruction and riding ability. We not only had the pleasure of being taught by such a knowledgeable and talented instructor but we also had the pleasure of being able to watch him school the horses from youngster's to schoolmasters. He was gentle, understanding and displayed a great level of horsemanship.
The horses welfare and wellbeing was clearly a top priority.

Sophie (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Breathing riding, scenery and people | The riding at Tyslos more than met my expectations. Each day we had a specific ride and they progressively built throughout the week. The variation in terrain and speed was brilliant, each ride was different and the only parts repeated were the most epic canter tracks. There was a lot of fast and technical cantering which was so much fun, and included a lot of different terrain which can be difficult to get at some places. The horses were beautiful and so well looked after by Magdelena and Sara. One day the horse I had planned to ride had a cut on his leg, he immediately was taken out of action, patched up, and had a few days off until he was better. It was so lovely to see how kind and caring Magdelena and Sara were when it came to the horses.
[Olwen from In The Saddle write - I am so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday at Tsylos]

Laura who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. An amazing and wonderful experience | Thoroughly enjoyed the riding on well matched, well looked after, safe horses. Our guides Silas and Canelle were lots of fun while keeping us safe and contributed to a magical experience.

Christine who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Great riding on well cared for horses. | The holiday met my expectations.

Debbie who has been on 8 In The Saddle rides. Lovely country, fabulous horses and company with some great memories | Beautiful fit, responsive horses. Exceptionally well cared for. They live out as a herd and appear to be very content. Although we were expected to groom and tack up our own horses the guides always picked up if something wasn't quite how they like things done. They also carefully checked over every horse at the end of every day and swapped horses in and out if they had any concerns at all. Both Clive and I were very well matched with our horses - 2 for me and 3 for Clive. The pace was great. Lots of walking to take in the scenery and chat but also plenty of trotting, canters and gallops. They like the horses kept in a line which means it all felt very safe and horses that don't get on so well were separated. Special thanks the Ugne and Nora our guides and Simon the logistics manager. They managed everything so well. We were so impressed with how smoothly everything ran! True professionals.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your super feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your return visit to Romania].

Andrew (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Horsing around in the Azores | My wife, Justine, and I had a fabulous time. The hospitality was warm and generous and the riding was great especially the days when we ventured further afield as it was a chance to see different parts of the island and also meant we were into the countryside from the moment we mounted up. The horses were excellent as were the guides.

Katie who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Best riding country ever | The riding was incredible. It was a like a perfect dreamlike landscape designed for riding. The country was open, no fields or gates, the wildflowers and butterflies were beautiful. The forests were perfect for riding. I was given a beautiful Arab mare who was perfectly suited to me. She was fast and responsive.

Meraney who has been on 24 In The Saddle rides. Great mix of riding and sightseeing on a beautiful green island | We had one day where the expected trip to the North of the island had to be substituted for a second trip local to the Quinta as the horse trailer was not available. This was a shame as we covered very similar ground and missed seeing another part of this very varied island. in general the riding was well thought through to give us something new to experience each day and to show off the variety of terrain on the island,

We sometimes went as a complete ride of eight guests which made instructions and speedy riding harder, especially on trails where people are inline and can't hear at the back. On the days when we split into 2 rides of 4 it was much better for all guests. They did their best to accommodate this where possible

Penny who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Going back! | Just an altogether amazing experience

Viooltje who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Disconnecting from outside world in pristine nature | The horses were exceptionally healthy and in excellent condition. They were well-fed, every minor scrape or wound was treated with cream each day, and not a single horse showed any signs of fatigue, even after eight days on the trail.

Rosamund who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Intensive and fun to work on new riding skills | I keep coming back to Alcainca for a full on riding experience. The latest Introduction to Working Equitation was no exception. Mario and Ivan break down exercises and build confidence with incredible attention to detail. Each lesson was different and aimed at improving technique. I totally recommend for a huge feeling of achievement and ideas to take home.

Barbara who has been on 7 In The Saddle rides. Exhilarating, fun , contemplative holiday | My second time at Macatoo ( last time 17 years ago ) I had such a good time last time I was slightly concerned it wouldn’t match my last trip . I needn’t have worried as it was absolutely amazing in every way .
Lots of lovely quiet moments in close proximity to undisrupted game expertly patiently guided by Chief . Interspersed with exciting water based canters . Swimming & more peaceful water walks .
The horses were all fit , happy & very willing . We were all well matched with our horses ( we were a group of 10 ) The horses were very well cared for .

Jennifer who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Superb riding fun in Andalucia | The riding was excellent - beautiful, well-behaved horses in a perfect setting of contrasting pine forest and open beaches. Extremely well led rides at good paces suiting each type of terrain. Exciting riding, safely led. All horse staff superb both on and off the horses - helpful and friendly.

June who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic experience! | The guide was eager to ensure we were all well matched with our horses, and asked for feedback after every ride. Horses were well schooled and a pleasure to ride.

Philip who has been on 8 In The Saddle rides. Amazing adventure - fab food, horses and scenery | The horses were incredible, surefooted and fast, with incredible endurance they can go all day. The saddles are comfortable with gel pads and sheepskin - you can remove these if you don't want them. I chose to ride the same horse I rode last year on the Dionysus trail - I was pleased that I did.
One warning, you need to be fit for this holiday. We were asked to be ready at 8.30 every morning, and often we weren't arriving at our accommodation until 7pm - so long days, but worth it.

Vivienne (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) A dedicated week of instruction in Portuguese equitation (dressage) | Alcainça Equestrian provides a relaxing and picturesque environment to receive intensive instruction for improvement in equestrian ability and knowledge. The horses are stunning, all proficient and responsive schoolmasters who are clearly well cared-for. There is no doubt that the welfare of the horses takes precedence in all activities at the school.

Two lessons per day were scheduled; a one-to-one in the morning, and then a 3-rider group lesson in the afternoon, which allowed us to perform some drill work. With personalised guidance delivered by experienced instructors who are passionate in their craft, my riding skills improved rapidly and I found myself performing complex lateral movements and certain collected movements which would otherwise have taken years to achieve!

Ilanna who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Nice and lovely horses that went well in the challenging terrain up and down. However, I think it was challenging to go down the steep slopes with your horse on your side.

Sally who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Riding through the tropical Lantana! | The riding was great. We had the opportunity to ride different horses, but could also say if we particularly liked a specific one. I liked the fact they were all rested the following day if they had been on a day ride. They all knew their job but still had something about them, they were calm to handle and fun to ride.
The riding was varied both because of the terrains and the weather....lovely sunshine to torrential rain! The island is beautiful, and riding through the 'jungly' bits was amazing, the smell of the flowers was gorgeous. Our guides Bruno, Hugo & Leonie were all great, very friendly and knowledgeable and really wanted us all to have a good time.

Lottie (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Bulgaria surpassed all expectation | The riding was varied, exciting, and expertly paced throughout the holiday. Regular breaks and water stops ensured both riders and horses remained comfortable. Horse welfare was clearly the top priority at all times, with every animal treated with care and never pushed beyond its limits. The quality of the horses was exceptional, and the scenery was simply breathtaking, making for a truly memorable riding experience.

Beverley (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing Bulgaria | The riding/ countryside exceeded my expectations.. As did accommadation/ food etc

Leah who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Fabulous experience | The riding was great - we spent 5hrs in the saddle one day moving cows and that as brilliant!

Greta (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Exceptional Holiday | The horses are clearly beloved members of the family, not simply working animals. I had the privilege of riding a beautiful Lusitano mare named Mel—Portuguese for "Honey." She was tall, strong, kind, and incredibly willing. Once I found my rhythm riding English, I enjoyed every moment with her—from relaxed walks and energetic trots to canters and, of course, exhilarating gallops! Each day's ride offered completely different scenery and adventures, making every outing feel fresh and exciting. We typically spent three to five hours in the saddle, and I appreciated that horse-and-rider partnerships remained consistent throughout the week while the varying ride lengths allowed the horses plenty of time to rest and recover.