Snaffle Travel believes the best way to see a country and its people is to explore the countryside. One of the best ways to travel and see the countryside is from the back of the horse as well as receiving good old fashioned hospitality and unique accommodation away from the busy cities and the crowds.
90% of our rides are centre based as many of our clients prefer to relax on holiday, stay in comfortable accommodation and some may travel with a non-horsey partner. You may like to combine sightseeing, experience a cooking class, enjoy a leisurely horse ride and perhaps a nature walk and get to know the locals. Most of our rides will be tailored to those wanting this type of holiday and there is generally something for the non-horsey partner to do as well.
We have visited most of the country retreats and met our horse riding partners and tried and tested the rides. Due to COVID19 we will be offering a few new places we have yet to road test, but they are popular with other riding outfitters so there is no need to worry.
Some of my best holidays have been riding holidays. I remember staying in Romania and the mix of interesting people I met, seeing the hay being cut by hand with a scythe, then dried on a wooden stoop before being transported by horse and cart once dried to the barn. It was a unique and magical place and I cherished my stay at Prince Charles retreat which is a very peaceful place. A visit to Prince George’s Meadow in Spring is a MUST when the flowers are in full bloom.
I have lived in Italy and have also visited many times and its usually busy and hectic especially in the large cities. I love to visit the Italian countryside where it’s so peaceful. Exploring the Italian countryside, savouring homemade pasta and drinking local wine. A great way to make new friends is to share a long table and meet all the guests from all around the world.
Spain is another favourite. The Tapas and homemade cooking, the beautiful weather, cobbled streets, historical buildings and wonderful sights. Don’t forget to combine your holiday with one of the wonderful festivals and the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
Portugal is very similiar to Spain and we recommend a 2-3 night stay in Lisbon with a visit to the beautiful Portuguese School of Equestrian Art with some sightseeing. Perhaps a visit to Sintra, Evora, Algarve and/or Porto.
We have visited the USA many times and have stayed on a few ranches and there is literally hundreds of ranches and we are more than happy to tailor make your travel arrangements and we can source a ranch to suit your requirements.
If you are wanting to combine a riding holiday with some sightseeing we are happy to plan an itinerary and suggest great places to visit prior to and after your riding holiday or tour and can tailor this to your budget. Anyone that has travelled with us or been on one of our tours will vouch that we know some wonderful places to visit.
We charge a itinerary planning fee for extra travel to cover our time. This comes off the cost of your holiday if we book extra accommodation, sightseeing, tours and travel insurance. Travel planning is very time consuming and its peace of mind to know you have an expert arranging and suggesting paces to visit. For me personally I know if I don’t have an itinerary planned I will waste half the day in an information centre trying to book something as the morning tour has already left or is full or spend time google searching wasting precious holiday time. If its already booked and planned you just have to turn up. A free walking tour to get your bearings is alway a good start in any city.
We are a small family run travel company and we provide old fashioned service. We want our clients to have a great time and to have wonderful lifelong memories.
