Recent Guests Comments

We loved our stay and the rides at Le Bourdil Blanc.

THE RIDE

The ride was great. Really VERY special. The guide, Mr. Antoine, is a great rider, an excellent ride leader and a wonderful person.
The horses were very sound, good tempered and very easy to handle. Saddles and other tack of good quality.
The rides were very well dimensioned and with adequate alternation of gates (walk, trot and canter). Stops for lunch in restaurants or picnics were always a delight. The places Antoine chose for the rides were also fantastic. Long streaks of riding trough beautiful forests, followed by the crossing of gorgeous little villages with castles, large "maisons" and "chateaux". Riding on asphalt roads were minimal and always very safe. The people in the countryside are very educated and respected riders and horses. Not one problem in 6 days of riding. We have made many rides in Brazil and in Argentina and we can assure you that this was the best by far. As good as the rides we organize for our family with our own horses.
The alternative of staying in just one place, proved very adequate for us, since we carried a very large amount of luggage (Brazilians always travel HEAVY and we had a very formal cruise following the ride). 
We must confess that we were a little worried with rides in France because friends of ours who had ridden there were not satisfied with the horses. They told us that some rides felt like riding a carrousel (the horses did not respond to any command and followed the leader automatically) and in other horses did not have good handling or had temperament problems.
In the case of Antoine's horses, we felt at ease and handled them almost as we handle our own horses. It was a joy.
If I had to grade the rides from 0 to 10, I should award it a 10++.

LE BOURDIL BLANC

A very good place to stay. On the outside, the house is absolutely beautiful, with fantastic gardens and an incredible 18th (or 17th) century stables. On the inside, the accommodations are simple, but with a very nice home-like atmosphere. Again on the inside, the house could use some refurbishing (the shower, however, was very good), but this is compensated by the friendly, warm and informal reception we received from Jane (the owner), her employees and friends.
Cleanness is good for French standards (except for bathrooms that were above French standards).
Food, however, is something else. Absolutely fantastic, from breakfast to dinner. Bernardete, the cook, is a magician. I am particularly keen of good restaurants and very rigorous with them. I can safely say that Bernardete prepared us the best "magret de canard" I have ever tasted (and I have tasted several from great and famous Chefs de Cuisine de France). Her "tarte aux pommes" (made with the apples from the garden) is outrageously delicious. The wine and cheese selection was also excellent. In fact, every meal was a delight.
Again, if I had to grade Le Bourdil Blanc I would have to give it an overall 10. However, you must warn any potential customer that the accommodations are simple, that the house needs some refurbishing and that cleanness is good for French standards (not the highest standard, as you probably know).

Thus, we have to thank you very much for suggesting this ride. It was worth every penny. We really enjoyed it plan to return whenever possible.

Testimonial from Editor of FindaRiding Holiday

By Jo Stanford (editor of www.findaridingholiday.com)

As my taxi draws up to Le Bourdil Blanc, I draw a breath... the 18th century farmhouse is stunning. From the moment I arrive, the open-house atmosphere and tranquil surroundings puts me at ease. My host, Jane Hanslip of Dordogne Riding has put together an excellent riding holiday package. Days full of long, exciting rides are followed by evenings in entertaining company feasting on home-cooked food.
Bright and early Sunday morning we are carefully matched to our horses and by the afternoon, we are already experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of off-road rural Dordogne. The area is enchanting with its ancient chateaux tantalisingly half-hidden by trees, its forests and meadows, picturesque sleepy villages and quiet, rolling farmland.

A Private View

Jane has negotiated riding routes with chateau owners so we are honoured with a private view of this idyllic part of France. Throughout the next week we cover between 15 and 25km a day. The horses are forward going, responsive and clearly happy in their work. There is none of the nose-to-tail trekking I have experienced before. Lunch has become the highlight of the day. Twice we arrive in the stunning grounds of a chateau and I feel almost regal enjoying a gourmet picnic in such elegant surroundings. Considering the distance travelled and the often fast pace, we all cope admirably. Chef Bernadette keeps our energy levels up with mouth-watering three-course meals every evening.

On our midweek non-riding day I team up with some other guests who have hired a car. After a bargain-hunt in the market at Bergerac, we visit Beynac with its cliff-top chateau and beautiful river views. Then it’s on to medieval Sarlat. When the end of the week comes it’s hard to leave the house that has become home and Genese, the pretty chestnut mare who feels like my own. But, Jane’s true secret to success is realising that the key to the English heart is providing top tucker... Bernadette will be missed most of all!

Fabulous riding country and it was great to ride with Antoine

Excellent guide – very knowledgeable and friendly. Antoine’s a star!
Antoine the French guide is an excellent horseman and a true gentleman I would definitely go on another riding trip with Antoine
It is wonderful riding country and I would love to return
I would just like to say that I rode the most wonderful Arab and part Arab horses which were a joy to ride
Excellent standard of horse care- horses are obviously very well cared for and loved
Overall having been on horse riding holidays for ten years, without hesitation this was the best for excellence
Remarkably the trip was everything we had hoped it would be. Several of the other guests has been on many similar holidays in the past and commented that it was one of the best
Rides… what can I say, excellent

The accommodation

A dream house – what can I say…
The manor house is delightful and Jane is a great hostess and Bernadette’s cooking simply magic. Excellent food and wine, fussy eaters such as myself well catered for
Excellent cooking, good wine and good company
I loved the house party atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday and wished I had booked for the full week

Overall enjoyment

A wonderful holiday in a beautiful setting with good company (both human and equine) and a consummate host. Basically I have now run out of superlatives to describe the experience. Divine. Thank you so much for welcoming us into your home for a glorious holiday. Your brochure and web site understated the experience. We had a fabulous time. Brilliant.
This is a really great all round holiday I was apprehensive that second time round would somehow disappoint but it just got better and better I will almost certainly consider coming back at some point. Highly highly recommended
Outstanding. All we had hoped for but dare not expect. The package is great value and everything it claims to be. The real USP (unique selling proposition) in all this is Jane who adds a great sense of occasion to all the arrangements
Thoroughly enjoyable week. Thank you for being a wonderful hostess.
The location can’t be beaten , set in the heart of the Dordogne and so close to Bergerac airport with its low cost flights
Excellent I shall come again
Thank you for a great four days. I felt very privileged to be able to ride, drink and eat in such lovely surroundings
Overall very well organised, excellent venues, scenery, food and wines
Many thanks. You are a great host and I had a lovely and memorable holiday
A thoroughly enjoyable week. Fabulous riding and a comfortable house and superb cooking to come back to. Bravo to Jane, Bernadette, Antoine and Olivier
A lovely week with great weather and a group that got on very well and enjoyed all the same things
I just wanted to thank you for making my stay at the Bourdil Blanc such fun. I really enjoyed my few days riding and consider myself very privileged to have been able to do it;
Good company, good food and wine and riding through glorious countryside, what more could anyone want
You were great Jane, you made us feel so welcome and relaxed
Jane is a wonderful hostess. Lovely rides. Lovely food
A fantastic week. Jane is an excellent hostess. I can definitely recommend this holiday
Made to feel very welcome and at home immediately
No hesitation in recommending to others
Great value
Fab week, huge enjoyment, interesting and fun people, lovely ‘country house experience’ Great care is taken to make every occasion memorable and it has been. Best of all the personalities that make the difference - Jane, Mary, Ebony, Olivier and Antoine
110% for Ebony, the wonderdog, quelle chienne magnifique
Thank you for making this such a wonderful week. The right thing at the right time. I will come back again
It was a delightful week Jane is an excellent hostess, the riding was wonderful and the food was first class
All in all very enjoyable and so nice not to have to pack and move on each day for a change.
Great holiday, merci mille fois Jane. Understand that Jane, her humour, hospitality, generosity is key to the success of the trip. She makes it all fun !
A really good holiday. The host was fantastic and the other guests charming
What a fabulous week. Thank you for taking such good care of us. Would love to come back very soon and do it all over again

The riding

Lovely rides with fantastic destinations, Antoine (the guide) very knowledgeable of all the houses we passed which was great, extremely professional and very good company
Antoine is an excellent guide, very experienced and considerate, inspires confidence and respect, immediatedly had the measure of each rider and adjusted the ride accordingly,so everyone felt safe but at the same time challenged . He was aware of people's limitations but allowed them to take responsibility when appropriate. He has an instinctive feel for sussing out the group and individual ability. He is a consummate professional at his job and a pleasure to be with, who does not try to dominate the group which makes us all feel we are on a ride out with friends, very approachable and always smiling, a true asset.
A keen idea to safety without being mollicoddled
Antoine. A total star.... a pearl beyond price
Wonderful horses, thoroughly enjoyed the realness of the horses and their reactions to life
My horse was an absolute star
Loved every minute of the rides, beautiful and varied scenery
Really enjoyed the chateaux, vineyards , truffle and trout farm, great to have a good purpose to the ride
Stables. I'd be happy to sleep in them

The House

A beautiful house, was a pleasure to be here
Very relaxed and unobtrusive service
Home from home

The Food

Can I take Bernadette (the cook ) home with me ?
What can I say ? Her cooking is just wonderful
Excellent catering for veggies
The wines flowed very freely

Overall

Very good indeed
A fantastic week I will be back
Good fun holiday all round, plenty of good company and laughs. Jane good hostess and very knowledgeable
It's been a super week. Felt like a lovely house party, everyone mixed well. You are a great hostess Jane.
Far exceeded all my expectations. Loved Jane, she's a natural
I have had a really lovely time and would certainly recommend it highly to others I hope to return
As for Jane- a wonderful hostess who works hard to keep us all happy
Love it here. 2nd visit has not let me down
A memorable holiday indeed
I will give 10 out of 10 for the whole holiday. It was superb
Very relaxing and extremely enjoyable for a non rider
Everything great. I hope to be back soon .
Difficult to improve on any of it, sorry Jane

This is the best riding holiday I've been on (out of about six !) . It's been a truly superb week - great horses, great riding, wonderful countryside. And the weather ! Not to mention the food ! I could go on.... Antoine is a very very good moniteur. He only cantered when conditions were pretty safe. The private lesson was the highlight of my holiday. Best horse I've ever ridden. I'll be back, I hope.

Exceptional horses, great hacking, fabulous food. Well done

I feel privileged to have seen rural France at its very best.

We've had an absolutely brilliant week - everything was terrific . Picnic lunches, dinners and wines were excellent every day.

Antoine (the guide) was the perfect man for the job- unflappable, capable and laid-back. He's my hero. Fabulous horses. Great private lesson . Bernadette (the cook) excelled herself. Thanks, Jane for one of the best holidays ever. The whole experience was unforgettable and I can't wait to come back.

Will Bernadette adopt me?

Antoine is a very knowledgeable kind and considerate horseman. Very high quality horse and very high standard of horsecare. The landscape and local surroundings were wonderful. Fantastic cooking. Real traditional cookery, who needs to go to a restaurant?

The holiday accommodation was the best ever for a riding holiday. Jane and her hospitality second to none. Riding country beautiful. Antoine and Manuel were attentive and really cared about the horses. The horses were fit. I will be definitely be returning

A mixture of luxury and homeliness- Jane very accommodating and fun. Enjoyed having my horse ready for me, nothing too much trouble for Antoine. Stables beautifully kept. Small group excellent. Nice to go out on time. Small amount of roadwork not a problem as roads so quiet compared to UK. Lovely to see all the chateaux from the inside, wine tasting and truffle farm fascinating

Jane creates an atmosphere of hospitality that makes you feel at home as soon as you arrive, this together with excellent food and as much wine as you like both at lunch, pre dinner and dinner cannot be faulted.