Monte Velho - Portugal

Sam who has been on 14 In The Saddle rides. Addictive Experience - I'm already booked again | The horses and instructors I had were fabulous. They were clear and calm in their manner, and I never felt belittled for not having much dressage experience compared to most of the other members of my group. By the end of the week I had progressed to some flying changes and I actually managed passage, which was totally awesome!

I learnt so much during my week there and I moved forward so much in my riding.

The trail rides were a lovely break away from the arena and I was pleased I included some of those - beautiful scenery and a physical and mental rest for me. I am trail ride fit but have never ridden in a dressage saddle and I was surprised that I actually quite sore pretty quickly from the arena riding - it is a completely different set of muscles to use!

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

This whole place is stunning and pristine.

My single accommodation in Room 4 was so lovely. Everything was just perfect and I had my own little private terrace area outside with sunbeds and a beautiful private spot with stunning flowers. I loved it and have requested the same room next year.

The food quality was good with lots of different plates buffet style, but there were a few occasions where there were not enough of some things out out to go round for the large group we had. I had also informed Monte Velho that I did not eat fish or peppers and one night they managed to serve fish as the main with a peppers dish for the main alternative dish, which I was a bit surprised at. There were enough other little plates out though so I did not go hungry. The kitchen staff were sometimes a bit hard to get hold if you wanted something such as another soft drink.

Puddings seemed to be the weak point - most nights there was some sort of rather odd tasting fruit mousse that mostly went uneaten by the group. I'm not sure if that is normal fayre or not as I believe one of our group had a very strict diet that included no milk products and no chocolate. I will find out when I return next year.

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

In The Saddle were great as always.

I would suggest that you tell people to take some small spurs if they have them, as I was not aware that I should have brought my own and had to borrow from Monte Velho - they did lend me some but I had to ask each time I rode, and they mentioned that they expected people to bring their own. It would have been good if they had been included in the In The Saddle Packing list. Also - I was a bit worried as I did not take long boots, but I took half chaps and short boots which were just fine. Again, perhaps ITS could mention that this will be fine as an option.

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

None

Do you have any other feedback for us?

What a fantastic holiday!

When I arrived I was a bit daunted by the fact that I was the only person of the large group already there that had not been to Monte Velho before and did not "know the ropes", nor was I a dressage rider.

However, I slotted in quickly with a lovely bunch of people and, like they all told me, Monte Velho is totally addictive and I have already booked to return.