AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Equestrian Escapes

Equestrian Escapes Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Equestrian Escapes

Overall Company Rating
98%
Excellent 126
Good 3
Average 0
Poor 3
Terrible 0
Reviews Submitted: 132
Reviews Accepted: 132
Reviews Rejected: 0
132 reviews
Sort by:
Equestrian Escapes by Emma D, 13 Jul 2017
Holiday Rating:

Fantastic service, very attentive and really friendly

Having got back into riding this year, I have always wanted to ride on a beach and googled it, Equestrian Escapes caught my eye because of the pure range of holiday that they offer - plus the reviews were great. Having lost 7.5 stones I wanted to treat myself and indulge in a horse riding passion The holiday itself was epic in every sense of the word and my dream of riding on the beach was fulfilled - not surprisingly I have booked again for ...

Having got back into riding this year, I have always wanted to ride on a beach and googled it, Equestrian Escapes caught my eye because of the pure range of holiday that they offer - plus the reviews were great. Having lost 7.5 stones I wanted to treat myself and indulge in a horse riding passion The holiday itself was epic in every sense of the word and my dream of riding on the beach was fulfilled - not surprisingly I have booked again for next year.

Rating for tour operator:

I contacted via the website and I got an speedy reply from Chessy. Chessy was fantastic in explaining everything and organising each element for me - a real asset to your team. The whole process was effortless from beginning to end and it was really reassuring that I could just ask any question, no matter how silly it may have seemed - nothing was too much trouble. As I was travelling alone it made me feel very relieved and worry free.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 14 Jul 2017:

Thank you for your positive feedback. We're really looking forward to carrying you again next year.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 14 Jul 2017:

Our excellent team here know our holidays back to front. I think that the extensive knowledge they have of the products really shines through when they're helping our customers with any questions they have on their upcoming holiday.

Equestrian Escapes by Nick G, 10 Jul 2017
Holiday Rating:

Yet another perfect riding holiday organised by Equestrian Escapes

I am a non horse riding dad with a horse mad teenage daughter - so organising horse riding holidays for her are challenging - or at least was until I discovered Equestrian Escapes! Sarah and her team have now been arranging fantastic trips for us for nearly 10 years and each one seems better than the last! Great locations, first class horses and trainers, superb variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets. Sarah will only ...

I am a non horse riding dad with a horse mad teenage daughter - so organising horse riding holidays for her are challenging - or at least was until I discovered Equestrian Escapes! Sarah and her team have now been arranging fantastic trips for us for nearly 10 years and each one seems better than the last! Great locations, first class horses and trainers, superb variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets. Sarah will only offer trips to places and people they have been to and got to know themselves, and that level of care shines through. Her passion is contagious and clearly percolates throughout her knowledgeable team. Always happy to bespoke trips and cater for all levels of ability from expert (my daughter) to useless (me!). This time we went to Northern Spain, but we have been all over with Equestrian Escapes and as well as the horse experiences have loved discovering interesting new places and the non riding events Sarah so cleverly weaves into the holidays to make them even more memorable. Here's to the next 10 years, and beyond!

Rating for tour operator:

I am a non horse riding dad with a horse mad teenage daughter - so organising horse riding holidays for her are challenging - or at least was until I discovered Equestrian Escapes! Sarah and her team have now been arranging fantastic trips for us for nearly 10 years and each one seems better than the last! Great locations, first class horses and trainers, superb variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets. Sarah will only offer trips to places and people they have been to and got to know themselves, and that level of care shines through. Her passion is contagious and clearly percolates throughout her knowledgeable team. Always happy to bespoke trips and cater for all levels of ability from expert (my daughter) to useless (me!). This time we went to Northern Spain, but we have been all over with Equestrian Escapes and as well as the horse experiences have loved discovering interesting new places and the non riding events Sarah so cleverly weaves into the holidays to make them even more memorable. Here's to the next 10 years, and beyond!

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 11 Jul 2017:

Thanks Nick, you have been a pleasure to conjure up holidays for!

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 11 Jul 2017:

We really try 100% with all of our customers to offer something memorable and bespoke and so to hear that it works and has been working for 10 years is very gratifying indeed! Thank you for telling us, we really appreciate it.

Ride in the sun close to Lisbon by GM, 9 Jul 2017
Holiday Rating:

Fantastic riding holiday just North of Lisbon

After a break of a few years I discussed with Sarah what were the best options for me and the few days I had to take a break. After thinking about it I went for a 3 day break at Ride and Escape just north of Lisbon, Portugal. The team at Equestrian Escapes were excellent and organised. They advised on many aspects even the recommendation to take the train back to Lisbon - I did and it was the right choice! As for the holiday a definite 5 stars...

After a break of a few years I discussed with Sarah what were the best options for me and the few days I had to take a break. After thinking about it I went for a 3 day break at Ride and Escape just north of Lisbon, Portugal. The team at Equestrian Escapes were excellent and organised. They advised on many aspects even the recommendation to take the train back to Lisbon - I did and it was the right choice! As for the holiday a definite 5 stars. The stables, instruction and horses were fabulous. Antonio was an great instructor plus the rides out in the river or in the hills were amazing. The pictures you see are exactly what you do I've got my pictures of myself with a splashing grey horse! In 3 lessons I felt an improvement and anyone would benefit regardless of your riding level. Antonio and his wife Marisa took us to different local restaurants for lunch and dinner. We learnt a lot about horses and history of the area. The accommodation with Ingrid and Hans is excellent just a 5 minute walk from the stables. Nothing is too much trouble for them. One of the reasons I chose here was Sarah and the team plus all the repeat visits Antonio's clients make I now understand why!

Rating for tour operator:

Organised, friendly and extremely honest and helpful. They listened to what your riding ability was and advised. They also took into account where you wanted to go. Their match for me was spot on. Thank you!

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 09 Jul 2017:

Thank you Gwen for your kind words we are all passionate about riding and horses here and we try our hardest to match customers with their perfect equestrian break.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 09 Jul 2017:

Having just finished riding 3 horses myself this morning it was delightful to come in and read this feedback. I am passionate about training and believe that everyone can aspire to ride with more confidence and style and form that precious bond with a horse that life has so generously allowed us to share this planet with!!

Luxury Riding Holiday by Sue, 12 Jun 2017
Holiday Rating:

Amazing short riding break in Cheshire

I booked a 2 night 3 day riding break in Cheshire, with accommodation on site. The trip was simply faultless. The country house hotel is beautiful and offered very comfortable rooms and good food. The staff were outstanding, making every effort to make a single traveler like me feel at home. For someone traveling without a car, this place is perfect. The stables are literally around the corner, barely a 5 minute walk. I really liked that ...

I booked a 2 night 3 day riding break in Cheshire, with accommodation on site. The trip was simply faultless. The country house hotel is beautiful and offered very comfortable rooms and good food. The staff were outstanding, making every effort to make a single traveler like me feel at home. For someone traveling without a car, this place is perfect. The stables are literally around the corner, barely a 5 minute walk. I really liked that the riding school has an indoor arena, very useful for the 2 out of 3 days I was there as it was wet. The riding experience itself was exceptional. I needed to progress on to cantering and I simply could not do it back in Singapore. Sandra's team of instructors got me to canter in only 3 lessons! I could hardly believe I was able to do it but everyone at the riding school was so encouraging. The quality of instruction and the horses I think allowed me that breakthrough. The icing on the cake was being able to go on a hack and actually practice the canter - simply amazing!! A big thank you to Sandra, Chris, Laura and of course the priceless darling Red.

Rating for tour operator:

It was at the suggestion of Sarah and Matt at Equestrian Escapes that I ended up in Cheshire, as they said the standard of instruction was very good. Indeed it was. They tailor made the break for me to suit my standards and what I wanted to achieve, and I really appreciate that aspect of this tour operator. They gave me specific instructions on how to get to the hotel, allowing me a very smooth journey from London. Would not hesitate to use them again.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 13 Jun 2017:

Many thanks as horse experts and instructors we take pride in being able to advise our customers to the highest of standards.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 13 Jun 2017:

Thank you again. We aim to provide a professional and comprehensive service for our customers no matter what their riding ability.

Ride in the sun close to Lisbon by Andar De, 19 May 2017
Holiday Rating:

Great time horse riding in Portugal with Equestrian Escapes

Fantastic mix of really exciting hacking, including through the local town with a splash in the river, with in depth and informative lessons delivered by the owner who has more than 30 years of experience and always seemed to push us to just exactly the right level. The horses are beautifully presented and very well mannered. They have buttons to push that I did not know existed. Their lateral work was to die for, if we applied the correct ...

Fantastic mix of really exciting hacking, including through the local town with a splash in the river, with in depth and informative lessons delivered by the owner who has more than 30 years of experience and always seemed to push us to just exactly the right level. The horses are beautifully presented and very well mannered. They have buttons to push that I did not know existed. Their lateral work was to die for, if we applied the correct aids, the horses instantly responded. The owner personally takes you out for the lunches and more impressively to dinner every night as some wonderful places. We have had the best fun trying out his recommended Portuguese dishes. We have already booked to return which is very unusual for us.

Rating for tour operator:

We have used this company 4 times now and on every occasion they have delivered everything asked of them. Very friendly to interact with. They recommended our Portugal holiday only after a lengthy discussion as to our riding abilities and what we wanted from our holidays. They were very impressive when they helped us out after our flights were delayed. They ensured that the riding stables were kept informed as to our tardy progress across Europe. I would be very happy to recommend them to anyone looking for a riding holiday.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 19 May 2017:

This is a perfect summary of this holiday - thank you for that!

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 19 May 2017:

Many thanks, Lindsey and I and now Matt and Chessy put 100% effort into our holidays. The best bit is when we get some praise like this, so thank you again, we really appreciate it.

Luxury Riding Holiday by Horselover478, 4 May 2017
Holiday Rating:

Enjoyable

Had a lovely time, very impressed with the riding stables brilliant instructers learnt so much and the accommadation was lovely too cant praise them highly enough for their friendliness and great service

Had a lovely time, very impressed with the riding stables brilliant instructers learnt so much and the accommadation was lovely too cant praise them highly enough for their friendliness and great service

Rating for tour operator:

All questioned i had were answered well.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 08 May 2017:

Thank you so much for your feedback.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 08 May 2017:

Thank you again.

Horse Riding in the Lakes by Churchy, 26 Apr 2017
Holiday Rating:

Horse riding break

I couldn't have asked for a better break. All members of staff was so thorough, friendly and approachable. What sets this break aside from other companies was they wanted to make your experience one to remember. When going out on hacks we was given pointers and filled us with confidence. The views was breath taken. I hope to go back end of summer.

I couldn't have asked for a better break. All members of staff was so thorough, friendly and approachable. What sets this break aside from other companies was they wanted to make your experience one to remember. When going out on hacks we was given pointers and filled us with confidence. The views was breath taken. I hope to go back end of summer.

Rating for tour operator:

Very thorough and actually offered me a package to suit.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 27 Apr 2017:

Many thanks, riding in The Lakes is a real treat!

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 27 Apr 2017:

We really try to match customers to their dream riding escape!

Luxury Riding Holiday by Lucy's mum, 25 Apr 2017
Holiday Rating:

Spot on - Fabulous trip

My 14 year old horse mad daughter and I have just returned from a 4 day trip to Cheshire. We stayed on a farm B&B, complete with horse, dogs, cats and chickens and a very warm welcome. The yard was equally welcoming and highly professional. Over the course of the 4 days my daughter had nearly 8 hours of riding and a stable management lesson, all of which were agreed in principle in advance but then tailored to her specific requirements on the day...

My 14 year old horse mad daughter and I have just returned from a 4 day trip to Cheshire. We stayed on a farm B&B, complete with horse, dogs, cats and chickens and a very warm welcome. The yard was equally welcoming and highly professional. Over the course of the 4 days my daughter had nearly 8 hours of riding and a stable management lesson, all of which were agreed in principle in advance but then tailored to her specific requirements on the day. We were after the next level up from your average riding school, looking to extend her experience of lateral work and work to understand stride length coming into fences - technical stuff which also requires horses regularly worked to a good standard to be able to comply. In both the teaching and the horses we were delighted and the short break more than exceeded our expectations.

Rating for tour operator:

I had phoned Sarah after hours of trawling online and not finding what I wanted - she had us sorted within the day, and with the right balance of professionalism, knowledge and also empathy for what we were after. I would have no hesitation whatsoever about recommending her after this experience to anyone looking for a holiday with horses - the calibre of the horses, yard and accommodation was all first rate and spot on with my original brief. The only problem now is that having had such a good time in Cheshire we now want to try the other holidays Equestrian Escapes has on offer!

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 26 Apr 2017:

Thank you, we love the technical horsey stuff here in Cheshire - so anyone interested in improving, regaining lost confidence or wanting to move up to the next level is especially welcome!

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 26 Apr 2017:

Again thank you for your kind words, I have worked with horses all my life and I am a passionate teacher so your request was right up my street!

Luxury Riding Holiday Spain by Henryc, 24 Apr 2017
Holiday Rating:

Wonderful short break with Equestrian Escapes

Equestrian Escapes organised a 4 day, 5 night trip for my wife and I to Jerez, which included riding at a fantastic stables 10km from Jerez, trips to the Riding School, National Stud and the Gonzales Byass bodega and two wonderful 5 star hotels, one in the country and one in Jerez. Sarah and Lindsay organised everything really well, including a late change of accommodation dates which they handled superbly. I recommend them to anyone who's ...

Equestrian Escapes organised a 4 day, 5 night trip for my wife and I to Jerez, which included riding at a fantastic stables 10km from Jerez, trips to the Riding School, National Stud and the Gonzales Byass bodega and two wonderful 5 star hotels, one in the country and one in Jerez. Sarah and Lindsay organised everything really well, including a late change of accommodation dates which they handled superbly. I recommend them to anyone who's organising a riding holiday!

Rating for tour operator:

Equestrian Escapes were fantastic at organising the trip and they obviously know how to select excellent riding stables. Their advice and guidance before the trip was also invaluable.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 25 Apr 2017:

Many thanks for your kind words we really do appreciate it!

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 25 Apr 2017:

We are passionate about horses and work tirelessly to ensure that we offer a 5 star service whether it be a weekend break or a two week honeymoon!!

Luxury Riding Holiday by Poppet53, 24 Nov 2016
Holiday Rating:

Fantastic short break with Equestrian Escapes

Just had a fantastic riding holiday arranged via Equestrian Escapes. The accommodation was top notch and the local stables provided excellent tuition with a great range of horses - Penny the schoolmaster was a real star! The stables also had access to a local farm with an excellent X Country course, which is a real plus. I couldn't fault anything at all and it was great fun despite the rain!

Just had a fantastic riding holiday arranged via Equestrian Escapes. The accommodation was top notch and the local stables provided excellent tuition with a great range of horses - Penny the schoolmaster was a real star! The stables also had access to a local farm with an excellent X Country course, which is a real plus. I couldn't fault anything at all and it was great fun despite the rain!

Rating for tour operator:

From start to finish Equestrian Escapes provided a high level of service, with excellent communication. Their knowledge and attention to detail is terrific and I would definitely book with them again.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 24 Dec 2016:

Many thanks for your kind words. We work tirelessly to ensure that all of the holidays that we offer are of the highest quality offering customers a truly unique opportunity to enjoy horse riding in a safe and pleasant environment.

Equestrian Escapes responded to this review on 24 Dec 2016:

Many thanks for your feedback we really do make every effort to make each and everyone of our holidays and short breaks custom made!