North Downs Horse Riding Holidays

"Thank you Emma and Becky for your hospitality and for giving us such a wonderful relaxed holiday. Your personal touch is very much appreciated, and you both work very hard at making your holidays extra special. We can definitely recommend this holiday to people who are nervous. Not only have we gained more confidence riding, but cantering in open spaces too. We will treasure the lovely memories, and the quality time spent riding with our dad, Eddie and his partner Jane in the beautiful Kent countryside and quiet lanes". Jenny Everett and Debbie Newell, September 2009

"Thank you all so much for a fantastic weekend really enjoyed it, hope to be back again sometime thanks for your wonderful hospitality" Gill and Junior June 2009

"Just a quick note to thank you all for making my stay so special again!" Ronnie and Herbie June 2009

"Fantastic weekend, will definitely be back next year. Very well organised and lovely staff. Would recommend to everyone" Ronnie and Herbie - September 2008

"Back again!! Yet again the best time ever. Thank you for making our holiday so special, I fully recommend this to everyone" Jacqui Adams-Hooker and Jazz- September 2008

"Had a brilliant few days, not sure whether me or my horse enjoyed it the most! Just what we needed - would thoroughly recommend it to other." Emma Gardner June 2008

"A really great weekend - thank you. Fab riding, excellent hospitality and great company - what more could you ask for. P.S looking forward to the next trip". Simone Potton June 2008

"Great weekend. Conquered my fear of cantering in open fields! Slept like a dog and enjoyed the company" Debbie Turner June 2008

“Wonderful countryside and great hospitality, thankyou” Lesley Hazell

“What a fantastic weekend, amazing views and rides and hospitality, far exceeded expectations, we will definitely be back” Cheryl Foreman

“A perfect weekend, most generous hospitality, a real feeling of home. Most importantly a thoroughly well organised and safe ride. A big thankyou to Becky and Emma for wonderful guides and gate opening and an even bigger thankyou to Charles for the wonderful backup support” Angela Pearson

“Really, really enjoyable, I will definitely do it again” Jane Stovold

“Fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed it, will definitely recommend it” Jackie Davis

“We had the greatest time ever” Claudia Nacke

“Thankyou for a fantastic weekend” Selena and Camilla

“Spud and I have had the greatest time, very well looked after” Janet Berlin

“Had a lovely time, really felt at home, hope to see you next year” Linda and Tia

“Great riding and company would definitely come again. Fab” Marie and Rosie

“A wonderful three days. Haven’t had so much fun since my 1st Pony. Great riding country, lovely people, highly recommended.
Thankyou Charles, Emma and Becky” PaulineYea.

Arizona Riding Holidays

"I can’t praise this holiday enough, it was magic. For any former riders out there who can’t ride now because of mobility problems this place was perfect and if you can ride it’s just as great." Gwen & Paul Kitching March 2009

"I had a fantastic trip, the ranch is really lovely. Totaly accessible, and so friendly. I felt safe all the time I was there, even though there are no locks on any bedroom doors!

Riding is tailored to the client needs, and I had some incredible rides. 1 - 1.5hrs each ride, one morning and one afternoon. (My horse who I had all week is called Wrangler!) - he is a Missouri Foxtrotter with an interesting range of gaits including pacing. His lope is very comfortable, I am sure that his trot/pace would be comfortable if he would decide what he was going to do not chop and change! There is no pressure to ride, so if people decide they dont want to - no problem." Dot Johnson

“This holiday has been one of the best times since ending up as a paraplegic
full time wheelchair user. It took me out of my comfort zone both mentally
and physically and I achieved so much.” Diana Pointer

Pyrenees - Winter Transhumance
"Thanks again for setting up this great holiday." Brian.

"The riding was quite amazing and the English got on very well luckily quite a lot of them were fluent in French unlike me which really helped with the other people in the group. All in all though the most tremendous experience and I am very glad that I did it." Kathy

"The Transhumance was a fantastic experience. I would definitely like to do the return trip in Spring, probably in 2009." Rachel

Iceland Riding Holidays

"I had a great time thanks - it was just over too quickly! I ride icelandics back here so it was great to see and ride them in their home land. It was a great experience to do a round up for the first time too.
Many thanks for everything". Katy Day September 2009

"Excluding the BHS rides, it was my first solo trip. I was a bit anxious about going alone and when I found out there were no other English riders I wondered if I'd made a mistake. In fact they were all Scandinavians and each with a friend! However, I need not have worried. English was the common language, I was included in every aspect and it was a really great group! The ride along the beach was fabulous! Horses were excellent! Guide - excellent! Accommodation - good. Food - good. Weather- good. I have already studied the website for my next adventure! Thanks to you and Becky for advice and for booking the hotel (good) and the Is Hestar ride. Best wishes, Sue" Sue Hawking 21 June 2009

"Thank you both so very much for organising my FANTASTIC trip to Iceland. Everything was organised for me, especially as I had a nasty fall off my own horse and my doctor advised me that 8 weeks prior to the trip, it was not going to be a sensible idea for all that riding, so you organised everything for me, no fuss. I had the most amazing time. Thank you both very much for everything. Please send me details for next years ride" Sue Postans June 2009

"Excluding the BHS rides, it was my first solo trip. I was a bit anxious about going alone and when I found out there were no other English riders I wondered if I'd made a mistake. In fact they were all Scandinavians and each with a friend! However, I need not have worried. English was the common language, I was included in every aspect and it was a really great group! The ride along the beach was fabulous! Horses were excellent! Guide - excellent! Accommodation - good. Food - good. Weather- good. I have already studied the website for my next adventure! Thanks to you and Becky for advice and for booking the hotel (good) and the Is Hestar ride. Best wishes, Sue" Sue Hawking June 2009

"An amazing experience - to ride with a herd of 22 loose horses across the
rugged and magnificent Icelandic terrain at speed! Wonderful horses and
friendly people" Robina Chatham August 2008.

"We had a great time, we all thoroughly enjoyed it and agreed it was a unique
experience. All of the horses were amazing and riding the tolt was an
experience in itself. All of the guides were very friendly and the
hospitality was warm and friendly.
We will have to start thinking about the destination for next year now!" Emma Saltern 16th June 2008.

“I have just returned from Iceland where I have briefly experienced the Icelandic people, their hospitality, and their horses. Emma Getliffe from Have Horse Will Travel has organised a pony camp trip to Iceland in August this year. It will be a marvellous opportunity for like minded young people to get together and enjoy life on a farm in Iceland, to find out why the country is weird and wonderful, and what makes these little horses so different. Everyone is extremely friendly, and all speak English. The people are very fond of their families, their food, and their horses. Life is idyllic and casual, and everywhere you look you will see the Icelandic horse.I do hope you too will enjoy the experience that this trip to Iceland will offer.”

Yvette Mackney
(District Commissioner Burghley Pony Club)
10th May 2007

"What can I say but FANTASTIC. I took a holiday with Have Horse Will Travel to Iceland two years ago in June 2005. If you are thinking of sending your child or going yourself for a week or two weeks riding holiday may I say that Iceland is a real experience. Not only for the beautiful horses the scenery and the food but the whole experience is wonderful.” Krystyna Murphy

Italy Riding Holidays

"I had a fabulous holiday thanks. Jess and Paulo were excellent hosts and the country just wonderfull. The weather was kind to us also. So yes it was very good and I would recommend it to anyone who can ride well." Bev Wilkinson May 2009

"Tuscany was beautiful, so exploring the area on horseback was perfect.
Accomodation, food, wine and the horses were all excellent.
Paolo and Jess were lovely people and went out of their way to make our holiday fun and enjoyable.
Probably the best holiday we have had!" David Williams, August 2008

Ireland

"At this time we cannot think of words good enough to describe today’s experience; we have had the most exhilarating ride EVER! "
Cilia Allmark & Julie Blake June 2009

Jordan Riding Holidays

"The week in Jordan was very enjoyable, the visit to the Royal Stud a delight and our guide, Mohammad looked after us extremely well." Sue

Portugal

"I'd like you to know how much I enjoyed my stay in Portugal. The farm setting was beautiful with a lovely infinity pool. The horses were lovely and it was a real privalege to ride such well schooled horses and to have individual tuition from Nuno who was patient, honest and had a sense of humour. I will definately be returning" Sue Winning, September 2009.

"Just like to thank Have Horse Will Travel for a wonderful first holiday in Portugal at Monte Aguentinha. The whole experience was; memorable, beautiful responsive horses, patient tuition from Nuno and all in a lovely rural setting" Denise Pitcher September 2009

"That was fantastic!! Absolutely loved it! Nuno is a great teacher and I was very happy with him and his horses! Talking about horses.. this is something else!" Julia Zibarova July 2009

"I have been to classical riding training in Slovenia (Lipica) and Spain, but I am most satisfied with the quality of accommodation,horses and the standard of teaching at Nuno's" Christine Chow May 2009

Slovenia
"I cannot enthuise enough on the stud farm and warmth of the people working there who gave us so much opportunity to explore and enjoy the 1000 acres of wonderful countryside" Pat Withall July 2008.

"I went to Pristava Lepena in the beautiful Soca Valley with my 18year old son in August 2007 for about 6 days. The setting is stunning, on a plateau at the meeting point of three valleys, so surrounded by mountains on all sides. The Lippizana horses are beautiful and well schooled. They are very well looked after by the owners Milan and Sylvis ,who do everything they can to ensure that guests have a great stay.  Before a hack though the hills can take place all riders are assessed by the instructor- a great girl called Moisha? who was a trainee vet. We alternated menage lessons with  rides. Lessons need to be pre-booked as there were only 4 or 5 horses. I really hope to get back to this amazing place before too long. "Hilary Napier

South Africa Riding Holidays
"The horses are in fantastic condition, very good breeding and incredibly well trained and well mannered. An absolute pleasure to have a variety of horses for all levels of riders, from complete beginners to very advanced". Desre Pickers

"Trekking with Nile Horseback Safaris in Jinja, Uganda, was the most memorable experience of my two-month trip around East Africa". Stephanie Mahon

Spanish Riding School and Piber Stud Tour

Lindsay’s Austrian experience, September 2008;

"As you are aware this has been my life long ambition and it was all, and more, that I imagined it to be.

Whilst writing, praise must go to our outstanding tour guide, Lynne Attwood from Have Horse Will Travel. Her knowledge of everything was amazing. She makes an unenviable job look so easy, which, we all know, is far from the truth. Thanks Lynne.

Lastly, special mention must be made to Una Harley – Chairman of the Lipizzaner Society of Great Britain. It was because of Una that we were able to enjoy the V.I.P treatment that we all received. I don’t think that I have ever met anyone like Una. Her passion and enthusiasm for the Lipizzaner breed, and for making sure that we all enjoyed ourselves was relentless. She is truly a remarkable person and sister-in-law Rose and myself feel privileged and humbled to have met her. Thank you so much Una".

What the papers say
France Magazine, October 2008 - Judy Armstrong

Let Loose With The Horses

The seasonal movement of livestock from lowlands to mountains and back again, has happened for hundreds of years. The difference here is that it involves horses. Thirty years ago, Pierre Enoff arrived in the granite village of Porta. A clutch of houses wedged between Spain, France and Andorra, it became the perfect place to cultivate his relationship with horses. He let a disparate group loose in 2,000 hectares, studied them, let them breed and live freely. As time went on, he realised certain truths: these animals could survive freezing winters and broiling heat without extra blankets or special food; they could cover difficult terrain without man-made shoes. It was about cooperation and mutual respect, and it worked. News of Pierre and his Equi Libre, or free horse, herd spread. People were fascinated by his so-called ‘bare-foot’ techniques, with modern horses living in a traditional manner. Then, 12 years ago, the French authorities built the Puymorens tunnel under Pierre’s mountains

Pierre had no choice. He found a piece of land near Toulouse, where his herd could spend winter in safety. But he had 70, sometimes 80, horses. How would they get there? “It is better for the horses to travel by foot, than by truck,” he decided. “It is better for the environment, and it is good for people to be involved. It creates a special moment, a unique relationship between horses and humans, to travel together as a team.” Finally, he created the link between Porta and the wintering field in Denis, near Hounoux, and so the transhumance started. Now the herd leaves Porta in mid December, arriving in Denis five days later. In mid May they move back to the mountains, fat, frisky and ready for summer. The very old and very young animals travel in a horse trailer; the going is too tough for the fragile or infirm. Of the herded horses, 15 have riders and the rest run free. Competition is fierce for mounted places but last winter word spread to the UK and a handful of British riders signed up for the adventure.

Days are filled with views of sharp mountains and ruined castles on rock outcrops – this is Cathar country, after all. Everyone becomes part of our journey, caught up in the thrill of the herd. To travel with a purpose, to combine adventure, animals and the outdoors is something special. But the real magic is felt by the horses being loose among us. You naturally become part of their herd.

The UK contact for the Equi Libre transhumance is Have Horse Will Travel (www.hhwtravel.co.uk, tel 01303 862996). The company specialises in off-beat equine adventures and is ATOL bonded. To enjoy the long days in the saddle, you must be a confident rider, as you will ride on all terrains. Accommodation is basic but comfortable; prepare to share. The winter transhumance takes place in mid- December, with the return trip to the mountains in mid-May. Pierre can take a maximum of 15 riders on each journey.

Trips and tips
• The Guardian
• Saturday September 8 2007
Join the herd
From December 15-21, join a herd of over 70 native horses as they set off across the Oriental French Pyrenees from the small granite village of Porta at the crossroads between France, Spain and Andorra.
Having met your fellow riders and got to know your steed, the journey traces historic paths through hilltop villages and fortified medieval castles, ending in Denis where the herd winters.
£525pp including riding, transfer from local train station, full board, and accommodation sharing a room in gîtes. hhwtravel.co.uk.
Departures

• The Times Travel Feature – Jill Crawshaw finds the best deals
• Saturday June 9 2007

• Jordan – Arizona - Iceland
A private viewing of the Jordanian Royal Family Stud in Amman and the chance to study Bedouin Arabic horses near Petra are included in a trip to Jordan offered by Have Horse Will Travel, an equestrian-holiday specialist.
The week long tour in November covers Petra, the Tomb of Moses and Wadi Rum as well as the Brooke Hospital for Animals. It costs £1,170 with half board three star hotels included, but not flights.
Ford disabled riders, the operator also organizes stays at the Stage Coach Ranch, three hours form Las Vegas, which is accessible to the handicapped. The riding programme varies from easy going to challenging. A half-board stay is £745pp.
Teenagers will enjoy camps in which you can learn to ride on tough little ponies in Iceland. The dates are August 20-24, and the cost £799pp for full board and activities. Flights are not included.
Have Horse Will Travel (01303 862996, www.hhwtravel.co.uk).