HARRIS HORSES

This is my second visit and it exceeded by expectations. No wonder they have so many repeat visitors. Again the horses were well trained and were great schoolmasters. The teaching was again fantastic and the focus was not only on position but on how to “ride” the horse ( frequently stated by Jackie) to help you learn to let the horse know what you want by being clear in your aides. I have great respect for both Jackie and Johnny as they are “true gems” in horsemanship and the equestrian world. Added bonus is the beautiful setting of Bordeaux! You should treat yourself and book a visit!

Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled solo

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viccan2015 wrote a review May 2019

Gothenburg, Sweden8 contributions3 helpful votes

Great horsey

I have been coming here four times now and its always a pleasure coming back. Johnny is a great trainer and pushes you to become your best. They care very much for the well being of their horses and the horses are very well mannered as well. Jackie is an excellent cook so food is really great. I can not wait to return again.

Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Travelled solo

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tr71London wrote a review Oct 2018

london3 contributions2 helpful votes

Incredible experience...am going back again next spring!

This was my 2nd time visiting Harris Horses, and I am already looking to book in my 3rd visit next spring! Jackie & Johnny couldn't have been more welcoming and are such wonderful company. Their knowledge of all things equestrian is unparalleled...but is matched by their generosity in sharing it with others. I am a novice rider, and have only been riding for just over a year-and-a-half, but Jackie was extremely accommodating to all my needs, and made me feel totally comfortable very quickly. Jackie has an incredible knack for totally understanding what each of her students need - in terms of reassurance, clear instruction, but also being pushed, when needed. Her expert tuition had me doing flying changes & a diddy jump on my 4th day...although, admittedly, the magnificent Yobo did most of the work! I was travelling on my own, and stayed at the beautiful luxury accommodation, La Vieille Ferme, which Harris Horses books up for certain weeks throughout the year. You get to meet other fun, like-minded people during the group weeks, and have delicious meals cooked by Jackie too. It was even hot enough to sit by the pool one afternoon. I also had a wonderful massage with Aude, a local masseur, to help with the rather tired leg muscles... The few days away was a total tonic from the world of commuting, work and London life. You really come away feeling totally energised. There are so many great things to say, but I guess the most incredible thing for me was to be able to ride these amazing schoolmasters, who take such care in looking after (& teaching) their riders... The horses are so well looked after, and an absolute joy to be around. I learnt so much, and can't wait to take back some of it to my riding back home. Thank you Jackie, Johnny, Jo, Wizard, Ruben, and the incredible Yobo...see you all again next spring.…

Date of stay: October 2018

Value

Cleanliness

Service

Trip type: Travelled solo

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Wandra M wrote a review Aug 2018

2 contributions

Riding lessons

Outstanding experience. Jackie as a teacher was amazing. I am a timid riding and her teaching experience was clearly evident as she worked with me to work through my fears and begin to enjoy riding. Her horses were unbelievably well trained and made me feel safe as I worked on skills I thought would never be achieved. I was riding forward and cantering , without fear, after one week. I know I would be jumping, again without fear, if I had been able stay another week. Both Johnny’s and Jackie’s knowledge of horses is truly amazing. Also a beautiful area to ride!! I plan to return next year for two weeks.

Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled solo

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abbyldiamond wrote a review Oct 2017

New York City, New York3 contributions1 helpful vote

So glad I did this!!

I was in London for work and decided to book a last minute long weekend holiday to Harris Horses (1.5 hour flight from gatwick) which looked great both from the reviews and the website. The site sold me instantly as it features a photo of Johnny Harris jumping over an immense fence without a saddle — anyone that fearless and fun could teach me what I needed to know to improve my riding skills. I’m pleased to report both Johnny and his wife Jackie are not only two of the best trainers I’ve ever met, but also the kindest — they are self-made ex-pat Brit horse lovers who have spent their lives committed to the sport, and lack any of the pomp and pretentiousness often associated with it. I went solo which I was concerned about as I usually travel with my partner or friends and found their company so lovely. I was only there for three days and my one regret is I couldn’t have more time! They feed and house you and boy does she feed you well!! And I was lucky also that a batch of kittens had been born from a stray cat so got to spend the time between my lessons playing with them! On the riding: it’s 2 lessons a day and they really break down form and position in a way that makes sense, and most importantly make you feel relaxed and confident which is the half of riding!! I’ve been riding equitation hunters and jumpers for 25 years and this was the first time trainers actually gave me concrete pointers and warmup tricks that worked on breaking down my bad habits of my one shoulder creeping forward and the general “rushed” nature I can have in going into a course. Also had time to check out Saint Emilion wine country and the town of Coutras which are beautifully picturesque and a nice way to unwind between horse rides!! Google these areas you’ll see what I mean! I will definitely be back for more fun, and encourage anyone visiting or thinking of visiting France for a riding holiday to look no further than Harris Horses, I booked on a whim, Jackie responded instantly, and it’s a great deal to be fed, housed and get two horse rides for 145 euro a day! …

Date of stay: October 2017Trip type: Travelled solo

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