Shine Valley - Yukon

Gill (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) A fabulous adventure on horseback | The horses were ideal for the job they did. They were all good natured. The approach to horse management is very different to what we do at home and the horses were a healthy and happy herd. They did seem to spend very long periods without eating but did not seem to suffer as a result and were in good condition.

The riding was slow (never more than a walk) but through challenging country with spectacular views. The days were full with packing up in the morning, long days riding with 1-2 hour lunches and then making camp in the evening and helping with the chores. We definitely slept well!

[In The Saddle replies: Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your Canadian adventure. We're really pleased that you enjoyed it.]

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

The accommodation at the Ranch was basic but comfortable. There were very limited washing facilities at the ranch. It would have helped to be told clearly where hands should be washed and which water was for drinking.

The tents were excellent and easy to put up and the organisation of the camps very good. Again water was a problem with drinking water being in short supply. In the end I used tablets I had brought to purify water. This was not a problem but just not really expected.

The food was great with a good selection of vegetarian meals. Especially good meals included Yukon bread, pancakes for breakfast, cheese fondue, and pasta dishes. Lots of good fruit available - all very healthy!

How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

Send it first class so I don't need to get it twice!

[In The Saddle replies: Unfortunately your final travel documents were delayed due to the restricted postal service in the UK's heatwave. We're glad the replacement set we sent reached you in time by special delivery.]

Do you have any other feedback for us?

This is a fabulous holiday if you want a wilderness experience with horses. The days are long and the conditions challenging sometimes so it would not be ideal for everyone - but it was for me! We rode for 9 days and did not see anyone other than the people in our party and the man who flew the floatplane in with supplies - there are not many places in the world that you can do that.