Los Alamos - Spain

Joanna who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Lovely forward going horses | I rode two horses during my holiday who were both forward going and a great match for me - I feel I got exactly the type of horse I like to ride who also enjoyed being at the front like I do.

I felt the riding in the forest became a bit samey - although the forest was beautiful with all the spring flowers out. The beach riding was fab and a real highlight

The horses were all lovely and well cared for. The riding operation is well organised by Rachel.

Whilst I understand that the amount of riding offered was as advertised I personally would have liked a bit more riding for a week's holiday.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your thorough feedback. It is great that you enjoyed your allocated horses and rate your week as Good overall. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your holiday.]

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

Breakfast is help yourself and quite limited but I understand that breakfast is not a big deal in Spain.

The towels in the room were worn, off white and looked old.

The food catered well for dietary specifics. The puddings were mostly shop bought- it would be nice if a range of fresh fruit or a cheese platter was offered some nights.

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

The only thing to mention is how bad the mosquitos are - whilst the info said to bring antihistamine if you need it which I did, you need good quality insect repellent such as Jungle Formula here which I would associate with packing for a more tropical climate than Spain.

Do you have any other feedback for us?

Any other comments?
This holiday has a very high percentage of returning guests. I was the only first time guest in my group and I do not feel that everything was explained fully to me, rather was left to the other guests, all of whom has been to LA multiple times. The other guests talked constantly about their previous stays which spoiled the first time experience for me (constant comments about where we would canter, which cafe we would go to and what we would eat there which became rather irritating) The age profile of the other guests was quite a bit older than me too. Of course this is beyond ITS control. However LA has a very set formula and timetable - if this was mixed up a bit more with some different options I would return on the basis that the horses were amazing. However I rather got the impression that this tried and tested formula works for them and is unlikely to change. If you want good predictable riding and lots of relaxation time then this is a nice option.