Equestrian Escapes Traveller Reviews

Katherine was the perfect host. I was collected from the station by her partner Martin and his lovely dog Willow, who was to accompany us on most of our rides the rest of the week. The cottage that we stayed in was cosy with a wood burning stove going 24/7 making you forget that it was mid winter. All the rooms had electric blankets, fleecy blankets and spare heaters so we did not get cold at night and Katherine made sure we had everything we needed. The riding was fantastic. On my first day, I rose Paloma, a sweet bay pony who is not only a confidence giver but fantastic fun to jump as I found out later in the week. All the horses are kept immaculately. They may not be sparkling white from being groomed 100 times a day and kept in stalls but they are happy, healthy and well cared for. I can vouch for their quality of life not just as someone who has been around horses for many years but as an equine veterinarian too. Katherine has reduced a number of horses and unless you were told this, you would never know as they are in such good condition and such a pleasure to ride. The one on one days were certainly my favourite part, getting a dressage lesson in the morning on a Lusitania stallion followed by a hack and a jumping lesson all before lunch was great. The highlight of my trip has to be when we set up a jump cross course through the olive groves and Katherine and I rode Hope and Paloma round. I would 110% recommend someone to go stay with Katherine. Just don't expect Portugese winters to be hot! Bring plenty of layers and waterproofs if you go in January as the weather was very changeable!

We booked a 6 day package with Equestrian Escapes to Normandy for the WEG and found the overall organisation was appalling. Because of their lack of ability to plan pick ups some events were missed. The WEG themselves were fantastic

Coach drivers were brilliant but directions and instructions they had were poor hence we spent a lot more time on the coach than we should have. No company rep available for the duration of our stay. Phone calls had to be made to the UK to find out pick up times from our hotel. Didn't stick to the itinerary produced, I could go on and on. Company has denied any failure on their part and have so far not even compensated us for phone charges, would never book with them again

I booked a 2 night b+b with this company and was informed prior to the booking that due to a hunt on the weds we would have to have 2 rides on the thursday rather than 1 x 2hr ride on weds thurs and friday. The friday hack was unchanged. we were offered the right to cancel but we felt we could manage 2 rides on the thursday and needed a break so went ahead. on arrival we were put in cottage on visit (we were informed this was an upgrade but as we had only been told b+b we really cannot judge this) breakfast was sliced bread eggs and porridge from cupboard if we wanted. we accepted this but were a little concerned and aggreived as we felt breakfast meant it would be prepared and cleared away in a b+b. On thursday for our first ride we were told we would not be doing afternoon ride as she felt it would be too much for us-she sent us off to a cafe that she paid for lunch BUT we were not given a chance to dispute this and possibly would have been better to ask us how we felt about doing a second ride after we had done the first. I have requested a refund for the 2 of us for the cost of the cancelled hack. the stable owner claims the horses were booked for the 2nd ride BUT that we had made alternative arrangments! she also claims she offered to come and cook our breakfast! this is completely incorrect the company though have decided to state that they can do nothing! this is appalling, 1) why would we arrange to continue with the break when we were offered the chance to cancel therefore why would we make alternative arrangments for the afternoon! I feel as though we have been completely fleeced. The company are not replying to my emails.

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