Jane's Wilder Ways Testimonial (2025 Season)

I booked a week's riding holiday as part of my 70th year's celebrations.  With some trepidation as I wasn't sure I was fit, strong or brave enough,  but was determined to give it a try.  

I've ridden since a small child, It's many years since I've had my own horse, but I have been riding again pretty regularly over the last few years.  But an hour or two at a time, on fairly gentle hacks. So a whole week at Wilder Ways felt like a big step up.

I can honestly say that I have come back a different person,  in a really positive way.  

Firstly,  you never do forget how to ride. Your body really does remember how to do it. The trick is learning to trust that. That is exactly what Wilder Ways taught me.  There were no lessons,  no lectures, just good common sense,  gentle encouragement and calm expectations of my abilities.  

Nikki and Cara matched me with a lovely mare, perfect for my level of expertise and confidence.  Over the week, Raven and I really got to know each other as I was shown a whole new way of looking at everything.  I learned to listen to my body and shut out the negatives that a lot of women carry around.  You know, the, " you're too old", "you can't do it" , "you'll get too tired" , "you'll slow everyone else down " etc, etc. That week in May , I found the inner me that had been in hiding for a while. No longer an ageing granny, but an Amazon! 

I galloped flat out on beaches, climbed my horse up and down steep trails, rode bareback into the sea and swam with the horse under me, did horseback archery at the canter, and re-learned all the wonderful ways to care for my horse. All with the quiet, persistently  positive atmosphere that Wilder Ways exudes. 

I came home feeling empowered.  I still do. And absolutely will do it again.  At 71 next time! 

Jane (2025)