Miyak Tribe Trail - North Macedonia

Dru who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Good | Good

Do you have any other feedback for us?

I did this trip 2 years ago and loved it, hence the return. However, there were difference:

1. Vasco did not lead the trip as he was busy with a festival. 3 guides took us instead. They were happy to drink alcohol and play loud music from a bluetooth speaker as we were riding which I didn't think was professional and spoilt the mountain experience. (I must say that Laura the Dutch guide did not do this). I felt this wouldn't have happened if Vasco had've been there somehow, but who knows.

2. A large Dutch group came on the tour bringing up the number to 14 which is far too big, plus they all knew each other well. They partied hard, spoke in Dutch (yes I know its their language) - however this excluded the English speakers to a small group of our own and the guides knew them and always were chatting to them and drinking with them, so it felt like it was their holiday and not ours. They played loud rap music well past midnight on the first camping night which didn't fit well with the ambience of being in the mountains. Again I'm not sure if this would've happened had Vasco had been there.

3. For some reason there were virtually no canters on the second day so we arrived very late at our hotel and ended up eating really late. The previous trip we did lots of canters on that day and arrived at a sensible time. Then there was no water / pressure……..

I wouldn't do this trip again, which is a shame, but it is what it is.

[Olwen from In The Saddle replies - We are sorry that your experience on this trip did not match up with your first visit. We have discussed all your concerns with the ride operator. Vasko guides the majority of rides but is not guaranteed to guide every trip. Sherpa Horse Riding take very seriously your report that a member of staff was drinking alcohol during the tour. This is not acceptable. It has already been addressed internally and steps have been taken to ensure it does not happen again.
We have been informed that the group size can go up to 14 or even 15 on occasions and the ride operator feels they have sufficient horses and guides to ensure that this is safe. There is also often a party atmosphere in the evenings but if anyone isn't happy with this then they can move your tent to a more quiet spot.
Again we are so sorry that your return visit wasn't as good as the first time. Many people do this ride year after year but we do know that a different group can make a holiday feel quite different.]