Derek Ann and Jill

Thanks yet again for another memorable holiday. Not even the rain could spoil it!!

Every day was different with lovely horses, fabulous new rides, good company and wonderful food - although how you cope with my sister I'll never know!
 

We loved every moment as usual and are already booking flights for the next time.

See you then,

Jayne xxxxx

Thank you!

We came back in april for the 4th time  and had yet again a fantastic time.  If anything it just gets better, new horses, new rides, the food was lovely, great company, everybody made us feel so at home that we didn't want leave !!

The confidence that Derek gives you by matching the perfect horse to the rider is just incredible.  We all came away feeling that we really could ride !!!!! 

Thanks all three of you, we will be back in October !!

Vanessa Courbet
 

As complete beginners my wife and I decided that learning to ride would be a perfect adventure for our honeymoon! We could not have chosen a better place to visit. Derek, Ann & Jill were superb company, thoughtful, skilled, fun and just the best hosts we could have ever hoped for! The horses were all amazing, well cared for and seemed utterly happy! Oh and the scenery was stunningly beautiful!

The truth of the matter is that before I went on this holiday I was scared of horses! I had only ever been on one previously and it absolutely terrified me. The reason I mention this is because a miracle happened while on holiday. Not only have I overcome my fear of horses I am now completely and utterly sold on riding. We class everyone involved in our holiday as miracle workers.

Within 3 and a half days, with no previous experience whatsoever, we were taught how to walk, sitting trot, rising trot, canter and (for a very short time) gallop! My knowledge of the equine world is limited but I feel that to learn so much in such a short space of time really is a huge achievement not only for myself and wife but for Derek, Maureen and Jill. They made learning to ride was so much fun it didn't seem like hard work at all.

I would recommend French Riding Holidays to anyone .. I have already! Both myself and my partner had the most fantastic time and it was an experience neither of us will ever forget. The best recommendation I can give you is that we didn't want to leave and we want to go back as soon as possible!

Paul and Becky xxx
 

This is my 6^th visit and Kelvin’s 7^th visit which I think confirms that it’s a great holiday with great people and exceptional horses.
 

Thanks for a wonderful holiday. Miriam arrived on Saturday terrified to canter – by Friday cantered a mile along the valley with a smile!  Derek is a fantastic confidence giver.  Thanks to the ‘girls’ too for the food and good company.  We have seriously enjoyed our holiday and can’t wait to return.  We will tell our friends back home.  Super for Elizabeth to have such good company too with the other guests and visitors and Jill, Anne,Kath, Celine, Derek…
 

2^nd year with Derek and Anne, joined by the ‘quiet’ Jill this year: another year of staying on and having a great time.  Record-9 horses in 10days-Georgina.  Aching backs, sore buns and scratched arms – what a great holiday!  Thanks Derek-the horses were brilliant as always and thanks to Jill and Anne for the fantastic food and memorable picnics. 

Hope to see you all soon x x
 

We have had a lovely time, good company food and sunshine, not looking forward to going home to rain in England. 

Thanks again love Dianne & Alan
 

Many many thanks for a fantastic holiday, the company, riding, scenery, horses, wine and food were all brilliant! Thank you Derek Anne Jill (for taking such good care of Sophie whilst riding, she learnt so much this week and really enjoyed) also thank you to Louise for all her hard work and lovely picnics.  See you next year.

Thanks again Phil,Lynne * Soph x x
 

Brilliant holiday, fantastic time on riding with great horses.  I learnt lots from riding skills.  The food is great.  I really enjoyed being here and I’ll be back in a few months time. 

Thanks Derek Jill and Louise P>S> Wine was great!
 

I think I hold the record so far – three visits in four months which says I must like it here…… the highlight this visit Louise checking something off her list, involving the summer rain, dancing and more….see you again soon.
 

The best ride is ‘Kelvins’ with Opal’s corner added in!  This is our third time and enjoyed brilliantly as ever.  5 different horses in 7 days for me (Steve) Thank Margaret for Ben.  Keep up the good work and see you soon! 

Thanks Derek, Anne, Jill, Louise, Christiane…x
 

Surpassed all expectations. Fantastic riding, with fabulous horses. The food was incredibly good and Derek, Jill, Anne and Tim were such good fun. Manda is delighted she won the ugly foot contest, she thinks it should be a regular event.  We are really going to struggle with leaving!  If they’ll have us we’ll be back!

Thank you for a great break.  P.S. Foals are beautiful!
 

Scenery magnificent, the horses wonderful, the food and wine lovely.  The company and the entertainment superb!  I hope everyone has as good as time as I have!
 

This holiday gets better every time!! After returning from our fourth visit, we want to still be in Asprieres! Thank you to Derek, Gill, Anne and Tim, who made our holiday worth wile. We were matched perfectly to our horses. Mom fell in love with Cahiba,Dad actually looked like a good rider on Hazel and Kajoline, and Palangi, Paloma, Stella and Kajoline were great for me. The food was great, company lovely, and riding spectacular. Thanks again,

John, Bev and Georgie.

(Persuasion to come back is going well!!!!!) 
 

Wow! Wow! Wow!  We had a fantastic time, the whole package is wonderful.  The food is first class home cooked food, four and five courses, all freshly made with quality ingredients, very tasty indeed and the wine is also excellent and flows throughout the meal.  The riding is excellent, this was the first riding holiday my husband and I had been on, neither of us had ever ridden a horse before but felt very safe in the experienced hands of Jill, Derek and Anne, there are some fabulous sites to see on horseback and they can show you them all.  The horses are absolutely beautiful and they are obviously all well looked after and loved dearly as this reflects in the good nature and patience of the horses. The surrounding area is so beautiful and peaceful you immediately relax straight in to the country life and the French people in the area are so friendly, everyone wishes you 'bonjour' with a nod and a smile. 

We cannot recommend French Riding Holidays enough, your comfort and enjoyment is their prime concern and whether you are a novice rider or an experienced rider you will thoroughly enjoy a holiday with French Riding Holidays.   We are definitely booking again for next year and sincerely thank Derek, Ann and Jill for being such wonderfully kind people running a first class business.

 Best Regards, Suzanne and Mick Greaves xxx
 

We would just like to say thank you to Jill and Derek for a breathtaking holiday, the horses where excellent, the rides where amazing, the food was fabulous and the hospitality from Derek and Jill was fantastic !!! it was the best holiday we have ever had and there for we will be returning in august and again next Easter. We recommend this holiday 100% !!! many many thanks.
 

xx us xx
 

If you're thinking about a French Riding Holiday, look no further, this is the one. Nothing was too much trouble for a great team of people working hard to make your time in Aveyronese special. Superb in all aspects. I feel more confident about riding my own pony now.

Thank you Derek, Jill and Anne.
 

I just returned from a six day riding holiday, but my head is still in Asprieres. My friend and I were the first guests of the new season, and I will certainly be back again this year. There is nothing more I could have asked for, great company, horses, riding country, lovely (vegetarian) food - total bliss for horsey people.

Thanks to all the team, and see you again.
 

This holiday is such fun we went back twice in the space of a few weeks. A great experience in good hands. Saving up for next time. Can't say more because this Computer time-outs and won't send as we have tried many times before! A brilliant time in beautiful countryside. Thanks Derek and the team.
 

I just wanted to say thank you for a lovely few days, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, the company was great, the horses fantastic, the riding out of this world, the scenery unbelievable, everything!
 

I've been riding on and off for practically all my life, but have never experienced anything like this before, the trust and confidence in Derek’s horses made me feel like a young girl again ! I will be looking forward to my next visit (because there will definitely be a next time!) with impatience. Thanks to Anne too for catering for all my likes and dislikes (a very fussy eater) everything was perfect. Thanks again Derek it was lovely meeting you and I hope to see you again very soon.
 

Vanessa
 

Well the guest book was what sold me the holiday, so it's only fair that I should leave a message as well! Believe me, all the excellent guest comments are true! Fantastic horses and riding in a beautiful area. Three days just wasn't long enough. Great food and company as well. Thank you so much Derek and Anne. We'll be back!
 

For somebody who has spent years plodding on the only few miles of bridleway available near home [walk & trot only!], the Aveyron was a revelation. With seemingly endless off road riding on deserted bridle paths, this was another world. The roads, when you have to use them, are very quiet. Every village you pass through is so quiet and unspoilt it is like travelling back in time. Everyone who rides should go to French Riding Holidays. Would I go back? Yes please!
 

The best just got better! We had such a great time in March that we had to return and were bowled over yet again. All previous comments still stand! Fantastic situation, beautiful horses, lovely friends (special thanks to Ann and Anya for the specialist meals and picnics - I don't know how you did it!) And of course, Derek. Thank you Derek for keeping me safe again, sorry about the tree! Made everyone else laugh though!! Now going to be at least an annual event, looking at flights already see you next year.

Love from Jayne xxxxx
 

It is very rare that I am lost for words!! BUT I know that I will find it very hard to express just how much I have enjoyed both of my holidays in Asprieres. Having read all of the messages from other guests there is no need to stress just how great the scenery, accommodation, food, wine and weather are - all amazing!! And as for Derek and those horses they now all feel like part of the family! As a very inexperienced rider I expected to feel the need for another holiday to recover from full days in the saddle, but it turns out that with the help of long lunches and the chance to chill around the pool the mixture of relaxation and exhilarating canters is just perfect! Until now i hadnt returned to a holiday destination - the world is a big place to try and see it all, but there will be more French Riding Holidays to come - see you soon 'Uncle' Derek!
 

Having owned and run a riding establishment many years ago in Cornwall and enjoyed competing with my own horses, it was a new experience for me to go away for a riding holiday. I must admit to having felt a bit apprehensive about riding new (to me) fit horses over unknown terrain but was put at ease immediately by Derek who has a wonderful intuition for matching horses to riders. At the end of a week's holiday I felt I had known Derek and Jill for ever and couldn't wait to return. So - in June of this year, I again enjoyed a superb week with some excellent gallops in the company of Derek who could not have been kinder or more considerate in paying attention to the needs of the rider. The horses were responsive and happy. What more could one want - delicious food (and wine!), exceptional horses and the company and hospitality. I thank you both and hope to return next year.
 

An excellent holiday, thank you too all. We had a fab time! Food and accommodation was out of this world, our thanks to Rebecca for putting up with us. And what can we say about the riding, it was Brilliant!! Beautiful views, long canters, potential for fab weather and wonderful horses. What more could we have asked for! Then along came the wonderful picnics! Derek improved all our riding and boosted our confidence levels. And we all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play horse ball! All in all a wonderful holiday and we would definitely recommend it!
 

Just wanted to say thank you for the great riding holiday last week. I had such a great fun with the horses and all the hosts, surely will go back again.
 

Surreal Experiences
 

We have just got back from the most amazing and brilliant holiday ever. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Derek, Jill and Catherine for making it such a fun filled week. In Derek's capable hands we novices did things we have never experienced before and will always treasure. From being very nervous on day one both Harry and me soon relaxed and were more than willing to put our trust in Derek and the wonderful horses he chose for us. To see the bond between Derek and his horses, the love and care he shows them and also the genuine concern he has for his guests and their needs was awesome. Our thanks for the sumptuous picnics, I must try and get some of those wine carafes here in England, they just never seem to run out no matter how much you drink! We can't remember the last time we laughed so much, Jilly you really should be on the stage you are a born entertainer. We have got such wonderful memories that we really will treasure forever. We have already decided on the plane home that we cannot possibly wait until next year before coming back and are looking to get back in the next couple of months. Thank you all so very very much, there is not one single thing we would change about the holiday, not one.

Lots of love Anne, Nicky and Harry
 

Well. I've been back from my holiday for a few weeks now and have come down to earth sufficiently to put finger to laptop so that I may say a huge ‘THANK YOU!’ to Derek, Catherine, Chris and Rebecca (always on hand with a glass of wine at the end of day), and last, but by no means least the most beautifully responsive and endearing horses I have encountered in my relatively short time as a novice horse rider. Within 5 minutes of meeting Derek I just knew that we were in for a great holiday. After spending time riding out with him through the most stunning Springtime scenery it took no time at all to realise that he understands more about horses, and people on horses, than most of us understand about ourselves. He very quickly sensed our limits, and challenged us sufficiently without ever making us feel as if we were out of our depth. He also has an amazing knack of sussing our character and then matching you literally with your horse equivalent, for me it felt like Kenny was the left shoe and I was the right. Every day was eventful – we often laughed till we cried, we ate like Kings with the most amazing picnics, and whilst soaking up the beautiful views our skills and confidence developed by the hour, and every night was just what was needed in Chris & Rebecca’s beautiful house by the river. Great hosts, fantastic food, and plenty of chat and laughs again about the experiences that day had provided. Thanks guys, we had such a lovely time with you we almost forget we’d come for the horses! Derek – I’m coming back in October for my birthday, I can’t wait and will literally be counting the days down. I promise to switch my mobile off whilst in the river this time, and thanks again for the most amazing holiday ever.
 

Corrina
 

This is to record my great appreciation for the kindness, care and hospitality shown to me by Derek Parker during my stay in the Aveyron. The area in Spring is very beautiful with steep valleys, sharp hills and miles of riding trails. We met almost nobody and no other horses on the four days that we were out. I rode four different horses, all were very fit and well able to handle 25 miles daily if asked. They were no slouches! There was no hesitation at water, steep slopes or rocky paths. All were totally unfazed by dogs or any other animals. There is as much or as little riding as anyone could wish to do. All together a brilliant break!
 

Well, was I lucky? I booked my holiday via the internet having looked at dozens of riding holidays in different countries. Chose French Riding Holidays simply because I like France and they weren't pushy! I have just returned from one of the best holidays I have ever had. I had been having lessons for 12 months but had had 2 bad falls, one very recently, so I was a nervous rider to say the least. Keen, but very, very nervous. Within minutes of meeting Derek I trusted him totally. To see his love of his superb horses and to witness his ability to understand the riders fears , needs and abilities was very reassuring for me. Thanks for your patience Derek. It was a pleasure to be with Derek and his gorgeous horses, their friends and their animals. 10/10 for the horses, the riding, the scenery, the excitement, the fun, the picnics and the accommodation. A big thank you to Chris and Rebecca for the beautiful room with a view, and for the delicious food. Loved every moment, especially the riding and will be back for more this year!! Thanks guys.
 

Jayne
 

Laugh: I’m really excited about coming to France for my riding holiday. I am 12 and a pony addict. This holiday has made my dad want to get back in the saddle after a horrific accident. This holiday is going to be very special to me and my family.

Thank you.

A fantastic horsey holiday. Many thanks to Derek for a fantastic week. The countryside is just gorgeous and we rode for miles each day without seeing hardly any people let alone cars. My horse, a beautiful ex-racehorse named Rembuchet was exactly what I hoped, fit and happy, responsive, keen oh and very very fast when asked! I can’t wait to ride him again when we come back, because we definitely will. My partner Phil, not having ridden for long, was looking for a horse that would be fun but safe and Derek again chose him the perfect mount in Kajoline,

Phil didn’t want to give her up and by the end of the week was extremely proud to have jumped 2 ditches and 1 log – not bad for a near beginner! Beautifully cared for, keen and happy horses; gorgeous food; plenty of alcohol and good humour and countryside that ranged from woodlands, tracks and open fields perfect for galloping. A great holiday.