A holiday for the discerning few

“We didn’t want a ‘pony trek’ holiday with young families, so when I found the wine appreciation ‘combo’ I knew that would restrict the applicants to the discerning few!”

Peter’s daughter, Julia, goes to a university in Canada and spends much of her vacation time with her mother. So this year Peter and Julia wanted to do something together and have some quality father-daughter bonding time.

Julia had ridden a bit at school and Peter had done the odd lesson years ago in New Zealand. This horse riding and wine tasting holiday in Bordeaux was just the thing for them. No pony trek. It’s a real horse riding holiday.

 

A pro with a broken wrist..

Peter was full of praise for Margaretha, our horse riding instructor:

“Margaretha had an accident shortly before we arrived. She was thrown off by her horse when it was savagely bitten by a huge fly. She’d broken her wrist and incurred nasty bruises. Anyone else would have cancelled our holiday but she was such a ‘pro’ that she carried on as if nothing had happened!”

So they carried on with the riding lessons

They learned more about caring for horses and picking up on the horses’ personalities.

“Every incremental small step in horse care felt memorable – we got to know the beautiful Spanish horses Beau and Duke like friends. Margaretha was such an intuitive teacher.”

“Margaretha introduced us to the horse world at our individual learning pace. We loved the way we were taught to communicate with the horses as personalities. The horses were so patient and well trained, each with their own personal history.”

“And there was not much we didn’t know about wine tasting and Madiran vines by the end of the week.”

Peter and Julia visited the local vineyards and sampled the delicious wines that Gascony and the South West are so well-known for.

“Charles was perfect for wine tuition, with his extensive experience and aristocratic style.”

And there’s more to get drunk on than just wine

Charles and Margaretha: not just dedicated tutors. They’re also perfect hosts.

“We felt included like friends and family from the moment we arrived.”

“Wonderful people in their own ways, very complementary characters. Absolutely perfect hosts, very welcoming indeed.”

“They had local friends round to supper in the evening, which made the ambience all the more special.”

Magnificent location:

“Beautiful.”

With views of the Pyrenees mountains and unspoilt countryside it’s a stunning spot. This spectacular region of France is a treat for the eyes.

New experiences:

“Our car trip into Pau and Lourdes was a day to remember, not least because I was still grappling with a left hand manual hire car on French roads!”

Skills that last a lifetime. Memories that last a lifetime:

“I will certainly continue wine tasting, and Julia has a firm foundation for the future.”

“I would certainly go back to Margaretha for further tuition given the opportunity.”

 

And for those considering this holiday, a word from Peter: “Don’t be nervous about horses. In fact if you are anxious, this would be an ideal holiday as Margaretha can utilise her equine psychotherapy!”

 

To meet Margaretha and Charles for yourself, check out their holidays here.

Visit GoLearnTo.com for more holiday ideas with a difference.