Atlantis and Green Island Trail - Azores

Green Island Trail

5 star rating   18 December 2021

Caroline who has been on 18 In The Saddle rides. Azores Green Island Trail - Fantastic ride in a beautiful island | The horses had interesting histories and unique characters, with several having been rescued from difficult circumstances. It was wonderful to see that they had become very good riding horses, highly sensitive and also sensible. They tackled steep hills with no hesitation and were enjoyably relaxed in canter. It's the kind of riding we cannot do in England - lots of climbs and descents and long canters along sand tracks. Bruno, our guide, was remarkably well informed about the local flora and a very entertaining person to spend the day with. He matched us very well to our different riding preferences and styles. It was lovely being able to ride a different horse every day, and also feel sure that each one was getting a good rest after lots of exercise.


The Riding

How well were you matched with the right horse for your ability?
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How would you rate the variety of riding, pace or terrain?
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How would you rate the overall standard of the horses, tack and stables?
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The Accommodation

How would you rate your room(s) for comfort and facilities?
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How would you rate the standard of the food?
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Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

The farm is very beautiful, with lots of character and an interesting history. We were made to feel very welcome by Christina and Claude. The food was lovely, and the whole schedule is very well organised. Everything is carefully considered and very well managed.


Before Your Holiday

Did you have all of the information you needed to:

Plan and prepare for your holiday?
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Feel comfortable about your transfers and what to expect?
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How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

We were kept up to date with changes to regulations and that was very helpful. Although the requirements for Covid testing can be off-putting, it is not as difficult as it might seem. It is quite straightforward to get tests organised. And flying on half empty planes into deserted airports made travel a much more enjoyable experience! Unexpectedly, and despite the uncertainty, it was a very good time to have a holiday.


Do you have any other feedback for us?

We loved being on an island which felt very remote, even though it's very easy to get to: looking to the north, there is nothing all the way to the arctic, and looking south there is nothing all the way to the antarctic. It's wonderful to feel so far away from everything. We really valued this after being locked down in our city centre house for so long!