Customer Comment: SHOWJUMPING & TRAIL RIDING, Portugal

"I have to express my deepest gratitude for absolutely the best vacation I have ever had.
The riding experience was delightfully better than I could have ever imagined. I have ridden all my life, and was not expecting such exceptional quality. The horses are wonderful; with several that I would like to take home. The trainers are truly skilled with a strong knowledge base and a gift for teaching.

The facilities are impeccable with every attention to detail.

Aside from the equestrian aspects, the lodging, food, and hospitality were absolutely five stars. Everything was meticulously clean. The food was amazing, consistently. A lovely farm in an exquisite setting where my every need and wish was catered to with intent. Antonio, you are exceptionally gracious, as is each and every person there.

I have to impart a special note about the trainers who are integral to the excellence of my vacation. My experience with all of them was superb. Joao is truly remarkable, and somehow taught me more about jumping in one week than I have learned in years of riding with other trainers."

Ms Stout. Washington, USA. September 2008

Click here for Horse riding holiday: Show jumping & Trail Riding in Portugal

Customer Comment: Mr Gibson, South Africa, September 2008

Dear Clementine & Estelle,

I meant to write earlier, but I don't seem to have had a spare moment since returning from SA.

We had a fantastic holiday - and I'd like thank you (Estelle particularly) for recommending Triple B. The duration and pace of the rides was exactly right for us. The setting is superb - it's been difficult going back to work in crowded Victoria Street. The guides were knowledgeable about the local wildlife as well as being able to spot the game. Part of being on horseback was the chance to look down and look at animal tracks and droppings. The mix of nature lesson, conversation and canters along sandy tracks was just right. We played polocrosse (twice), herded cattle, and there was even a stop at the local primary school when the children came out to sing to us.

Beyond the riding - the whole Triple B experience was very good. The meals around a single table were an unexpected opportunity for conversation with an interesting mix of guests. I was delighted by how well my son Alex (15) joined in. My daughter Celina (10) didn't find the dinner conversation so interesting, but she was tired enough to curl up with the Ace the ranch cat on the sofa in front of the log fire. Shane and Laura were also kind enough to introduce Celina to their daughter Jess and invite her on a family ride with other children. There was a memorable evening looking at the stars (a once in 10 years chance to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn together), an afternoon trip to Entabeni Game Reserve for a game drive (lions, elephants, rhino and others but sadly no leopard), and a shopping trip in Vaalwater.

The personal involvement of Shane and Laura in the ranch was evident throughout the week. They even came in on Sunday afternoon especially to say goodbye!

The transfers to and from the airport contributed to a stress-free week. Both drivers were very good. If I have one grumble it was the use of a saloon rather than an estate car when it was predictable that we would have 3 large suitcases.

Even BA contributed to an enjoyable trip. The flight out wasn't full and we benefitted from empty seats between us. The return flight was full, but we were upgraded!

I'll definitely think about going back - maybe with a few days in Durban or Cape Town. I also still fancy tackling an expedition or a trail ride although I now know that 4 hours in a single stint is my limit without better preparation. I've been looking in your brochure and I've not been to New Zealand or most of South America!

Mr Gibson - September 2008

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Customer Comment: CLASSICAL DRESSAGE & TRIAL RIDING, Portugal

"One of the most wonderful things is how much my riding has improved, although I now ride alone it is with the instructors voices in my head (more often than not shouting shoulders back!) I feel inspired to be a better rider, and it’s great to come back to your own horse and be able to put into action everything you have learnt. I hope that soon I will be able to jump so I can practise everything I have learnt from Joao too - until then I will just gaze wistfully at the photos and remember to keep my hands forwards."

Ms Law. Nottingham, UK. August 2008.

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Staff Report - Across Wales - May 2008

Most of us have dreamed of doing an epic ride and imagined ourselves following in the footsteps of people like Amie Tchiffeney ... and for those of us with our own horses; they are normally included in the dream. Last month, Abee (my mare) and I rode with two friends across Wales - from the English borders to the Irish Sea. Whilst it wasn't in the 10000 miles league, the 90 odd miles filled a week's vacation to perfection.

The ride started at Brandy House Farm, which is close to Knighton on the English border. Medina, who owns and runs the Brandy House with her husband Richard, was to be one of my companions on the ride along with a friend of ours called Karen.

Click here for the full report.

Staff Report - Brandy House, April 08, Fran Griffith

Well our escorted Brandy House weekend has been and gone. It really was a great success due to the hard work and hospitality of Medina and Richard Brock, our unbelievable luck with the weather and a bunch of great clients!

I had arrived at Brandy House 4 days earlier than the rest of the group, so I could do a final recce of all the rides with Medina to ensure that we didn't encounter any unforeseen glitches such as locked gates or fallen trees...

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Staff Report: Fran Griffith in Argentina

I was on a two-week trip to Argentina, trying out the various holidays featured in Equine Adventures 2008 brochure (it's a tough job but someone's got to do it) and was at the end of week two on a pack-trip into the Lanin National Park arranged by Estancia Huechahue. My companions on the pack trip were 3 amazing English ladies, all experienced riders. Debs the youngest of the group, was 62, her sister, Hope, was 72 and their friend, Althea, 77! I had experienced a few concerns about the prospect of sleeping on the ground using only my saddle, before I'd reached Huechahue but these were quickly stifled once I met my companions. I was 22 years younger than Althea and if she could do it - well then so could I! Indeed my concerns had proved groundless, the tents provided had stood up well to heavy rain and extreme wind on the first night and the bed made up of saddle blanket, leather and felt saddle underlay, sheepskin and 4-seasons sleeping bag was both warm and surprisingly comfortable...

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Customer Comments - South Africa - Whalley Range

Dear Lucy and Steven,

Hey ho from Whalley Range!!

It was SO lovely to receive your email on our very reluctant return to England!! It was a thoughtful and kind gesture, so typical of you both. You took such great care of us all while we were adventuring with you and your combined energy, enthusiasm and sense of fun was totally infectious... (no pills for that!!!) ...mind you, shepherding such a loquacious and loony bunch as us 8 'SAGAs' doubtless had you drawing on hitherto untapped resources!!
I am so relieved that all the horses survived safe and sound from their trip. They carried us, without exception, with generosity and courage, and engendered in us a mutual confidence and trust, whatever the challenge presented. They are a credit to your fine care and horsemanship. Of course, it goes without saying that I hold a special affection for my little horse, Khosa! I forget who said this, but it encapsulates my thoughts and memories of Songimvelo perfectly: '...in riding a horse, we borrow freedom'. Such was this safari for me.

As predicted, it was a far harder task to adjust to more mundane matters back home - like daily routines and jobs etc., and I think we are all dreaming of a future in Kruger Park!!!!
We have already got a theme tune for our next ride, (with suitable ??? lyrics!!) which we composed, to the bewilderment of our mini-bus driver, as we headed for Jo'burg airport...and I am perfecting the accompaniment!! ..death by harmonica????

Thank you again for ALL that you both did to make our adventures happy, safe, endlessly surprising. It was a TRULY AMAZING and unforgettable experience.
I leave you with this beautiful Arab proverb, oft quoted by my mother when we were small:
'The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears'.

Love to you both, Charlotte

Click here for details of the Songimvelo Wilderness Safari.