Extremadura - Spain

Pilgrimage to Guadalupe Monastery

5 star rating   22 April 2023

Daryl who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. The trip was just fun, beautiful and so relaxing | So the horses were clearly Emilios passion, they were happy, well cared for, well fed and I watched them being groomed and checked twice a day. This is the most important issue for me as I am a stupid animal lover and can't cope with care anyless than my level of obsessional.
The care and attention we had from Manem was also exceptional and her lunches were amazing ... so much so that I had to stop being a pig as I couldn't bend in the middle to get back on my horse!
More conversation from Emilio about what we were seeing and riding through would have helped - I kept taking photos of the tourist plaques so I could check up when we arrived back at the hotels, but think the odd stop and explanation of what we were riding through would have made the trip.I wonder if they made some short videos we could watch before we left?
Some days were very long - but I think that may be to do with my next comments over which you and Emilio have no control and I accept that.
Your guide states that this was a ride for advanced intermediate and expert riders and clearly states what this is.
We had one rider who had not ridden for 12 years, one who rode a couple of times a year and another who only rode on trail ride holidays and thought it was OK to canter past other horses on a loose rein.
I expect Emilio like me could see injuries - kicked humans and horses....I think my job makes me prepare for the worst.
I believe we had slower rides than usual and as a consequence one evening I walked into my hotel room at 20:35 for a 21:00 dinner! My partner asked me why I was talking to him on speakerphone .." I am pulling my knickers and socks on at the same time" was the reply
I must stress that this in no way detracted from my enjoyment - I loved the riding and the scenery and as I have my own horses I don't need to canter!


The Riding

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

The Accommodation

How would you rate your room(s) for comfort and facilities?
4 star rating
How would you rate the standard of the food?
4 star rating

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

Many of the hotels were very rural and so food was basic, it was fine, I was never hungry. Breakfasts were challenging at the frst hotel as we were ignored by the waitress and had to demand tostadas !
Manems lunches were legendary....
The rooms were all clean and comfortable and staying in the monastery on the last night was truly magical and a privilege


Before Your Holiday

Did you have all of the information you needed to:

Plan and prepare for your holiday?
5 star rating
Feel comfortable about your transfers and what to expect?
5 star rating

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

Not at all - we had 2 Americans in our group who have taken your details as I told them how thorough and slightly obsessive you are and that I will always book with you if I can.
Rebecca - you may receive an email from them or the German woman!


How could we improve the way we handled your booking and payment?

It was all perfect thank you