Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Lorraine who has been on 20 In The Saddle rides. Enjoyed every step of this journey | Vasko and his team take exceptionally good care of the horses, they live freely in a wonderful environment.
Riding through the forests and mountains, constantly surrounded by beauty, nature and constantly learning about the history of the Miyak Tribe - amazing!
Unfortunately, I was not matched with a horse reflecting my riding ability which was surprising since Vasko appeared to take such care with the matching process, including discussion at the initial briefing and having an albeit short, ridden 'assessment'.
By day 4 I was both emotionally and physically exhausted (and it probably showed) trying to keep my horse up with the others! Always being at the back, on the slowest horse, never being able to partake in any races was deflating and not quite what I expected.
I did ask both Laura and Vasko if I was the problem, only to be reassured that it had nothing to do with my riding, I needed to be clear with my aids, and that my horse 'didn't want to do it'.
On day 4 Vasko called me aside and offered to change my horse, I think he realised by then that I may have liked a more forward-going horse (as per my details), whilst telling me that women my age were usually happy to be at the back!! Although I'm reasonably certain he didn't mean to offend me, to say I was somewhat surprised at this ageist comment would be an understatement.
After much reflection and soul searching I declined the offer for many reasons including that after 4 days I did have a bond with my horse Alta, I felt safe (which of course is of utmost importance), I didn't know the horse I would be changing to and knowing the last two days would be some of the more challenging and fast riding without the benefit of the slower days 1 & 2 to get used to a new ride I wanted to be sensible. And probably most of all the words of Vasko at our first briefing were that 'we don't always get the horse we want but the horse we need', maybe I had something to learn.

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

All the accommodation was clean and comfortable. The camping is very well organised, with the luxury of arriving at a camp already set up, air mattresses, fleece inners, good quality warm sleeping bags and even a pillow!

Alex and his team produced the most amazing lunches using good quality and fresh, local produce. Maybe a bit too much cheese at times. Who knew North Macedonia produced such fine wines? It was wonderful having the opportunity to taste a few. And somehow a bottle of White Ridge Gin found its way back to Scotland with me.
We also enjoyed traditional Macedonian dishes in the evenings in camp and hotels. Food was always delicious and plentiful.

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

None, as always ITS provides clear and comprehensive pre-holiday information, and answered any of my pre-holiday queries promptly.

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

None

Do you have any other feedback for us?

This is more than a riding holiday, it is an adventure and a unique personal journey for anyone who embarks on it.

Overall the whole team go above and beyond to ensure everyone's needs are met. Vasko has an obvious passion for his horses, history and cultural heritage which he shares in abundance.

There are so many highlights from this adventure, it's impossible to mention them all but include the incredible horses, people & places, the sunrise ride, amazing food, gin & wine tasting, visiting the shepherds/ sheep farms, and the fabulous Miyak welcome back to the ranch. I can 100% understand why people would do this ride more than once, maybe I will be one of these people, but hopefully first the Dionysus Ride in 2026.