Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Leah (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Miyak Tribe Trail | Excellent

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If you’re thinking about booking a tour just do it. Fall in love with Macedonian on the Miyak Tribe Trail. The organization is excellent and this trip belongs on every riders bucket list, Weather was amazing, I was worried about the heat, but the mountains are much cooler than the lowlands bear Skopje and there were days where I was happy to have layers because it was chilly. On the ride get to see views and learn about Miyak culture and history that’s unique to the region. Vasko is passionate about sharing information, he is intelligent, organized and has done his research.

Now for the support team: they were fantastic from the groom to the private chef that follows you around.

Horses are well trained, energetic and a lot of fun. There are plenty of fast canters (in a line, on a trail or road where passing is allowed, and free gallops through fields where you can race each other)

We had a group of 8 experience and confident riders. Vasko and Laura did a wonderful job of matching horses to riders considering their confidence, experience and requests.

I rode Dorian who is a playful gem. He’s fast especially when you egg him on (but not the fastest), always itching his head on you or the horse in front, herd bound and sure footed. For people who care: he’s a very handsome grey and looks great in photos. I have a quiet seat and quiet hands, he’s sensitive and easy to collect. Breaks on herd cues better than those from the rider (could just be me). Horses that can rear on command on our trip: Mishko, Sandokan, Florian and Drom (Thunder). Sandokan was the fastest horse on our ride.

Our riding team consisted of Vasko, Ramadan and Laura. Vasko has a great sense of humor. He’s strict with his team and they joke a lot. If you don’t understand Macedonian you won’t notice at all. Laura is delightful and very Dutch, direct with advice. They all pay attention on rides and care about protecting you and the horses.

Scenery was stunning. Forests, mountains above the tree line, lakes, plateaus, valleys, you want it? You got it.

Culturally, you get to visit shepherds in the mountains which was incredible. I was excited about this part before the trip, but it ended up being one of my favorite experiences. The villages are beautiful.

Food was 10/10. There was plenty of variety, all of it was delicious even on camp nights. I’m a vegetarian and was never hungry or bored. If you have a dietary restriction it can likely be accommodated. Just ask. George honors requests. I asked for borek and he delivered, I’ll be damned but it was the best borek I’ve ever had. Another guest wanted local yogurt (thick, greek style) and he was able to source some delicious stuff in Mavrovo. We also had a Shepherd give our group some from his own supply and i’ve never had anything like it. Don’t get me started on the local cheeses, Im going to dream about the cheeses for the rest of my life.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your detailed feedback, we are so pleased to hear that you had such a wonderful holiday.]