Featured in Equitrekking's Southern Spain episode on PBS stations and Create TV and in host Darley Newman's column in Practical Horseman magazine.

Andalucía, Spain is renowned for its warm sunny weather, friendly people, good food and natural beauty. Travel to the heart of Andalucia to a longtime British Horse Society approved riding centre run by a family who has led horse riding holidays in Spain since 1985.

With more than 60 horses and ponies at Epona Equestrian Center that are well mannered and schooled, the programs are adapted as necessary to suit both experienced and less experienced riders, so that families or groups with different abilities may ride together.

You may venture brush up on your classical dressage training or try training and trail riding, a combination of lessons and time on the trails on your horse riding holidays in Spain. Riders and non-riders may enjoy the variety of activities available from this central location, near the Seville Airport and downtown Seville, especially exploring the vibrant city of Seville with its impressive churches, tapas bars and magical winding streets.

You’ll stay at a 16th century hacienda and enjoy local food, and culture. On the training and trail riding adventure, ride to a historic hacienda, take in the freedom horseback riding on the beach and nature at Donana National Park, and ride horses through olive groves. The terrain around the hacienda is wide open and flat with very few fences, blanketed with flowers in the springtime and with a variety of interesting crops all year, such as olive groves, and sunflowers. In the afternoons, you can brush up on your riding skills by taking lessons in dressage or more general riding skills in the covered arena or schooling ring for these Andalucia horse vacations.

The equestrian facilities include a covered arena, which is particularly important in Spain where one may wish to escape the heat of the midday sun. There is also an Olympic-sized dressage arena, as well as two additional rings, a jumping arena, a cross country course, and beautiful countryside and trails. The Center also has permission to ride for up to three hours at any time over the dunes, through the surf, and along the magnificent beaches of Doñana National Park.

On the Intensive Dressage Training Adventure, riders enjoy instruction in the mornings and afternoon and may want to add in a few trail rides, just for fun. Special Dressage trips include lessons with Olympic Silver Medalist Rafael Soto and special training in Classical Dressage and High School Training, all the while enjoying Spain. The programs are primarily designed for adults but families are welcomed. The children's program varies slightly from the adult program. Young children spend more time in classes and take shorter trail rides, according to their ability. They are also encouraged to take part in the practical care of their pony.

Activities

Dressage, Trail Riding, horseback riding on the beach, Royal Andalusían School of Equestrian Art performances, language and flamenco dance lessons.

Accommodations

On this Spain riding vacation, you will stay in an authentic 16th century Hacienda that is divided in two wings: the family house and the guest accommodation and built around two connected patios (courtyards). The main courtyard houses the family residence, guest sitting rooms, office, tack-room and three double guest rooms and the family guest room, all with en-suite shower rooms. The working courtyard contains three further guest rooms all with en-suite shower rooms. Both patios are connected. Single accommodations are available for a supplemental fee. Rooms are decorated with furniture traditional to haciendas. Some rooms have original fireplaces where others have retained their original cottage feeling. You will find a tea and coffee tray, mineral water, towels, a hair dryer, air conditioning and fan in each room during these riding holidays.

Afternoons and evenings can be spent enjoying a drink and chat about the day's activities in one of two traditional living rooms. You are also welcome to visit and help with the horses under the stable yard’s supervision. There is a swimming pool open from April to November, with plenty of places to catch some sun. Guests may also be treated to wine and sherry in the large lounge that used to be part of an olive oil mill.

Food

Three meals a day are provided for guests on these riding holidays: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are cooked daily onsite consisting mostly of typical Spanish and Mediterranean home cooking. Organic vegetables and fruit are used as much as possible. Menus are varied and food is abundant, set out in buffet style so that guests can have as many servings as they wish. Vegetarian options are available. Please notify of special diets at the time of your booking. Wine is included with meals; beer and other beverages are available in the vending machines.

Area Attractions

On site, try language and flamenco dance lessons for an additional cost. There are many other activities easily available in the area, such as five golf courses around Seville and sightseeing in the cities of Sevilla and Carmona. Travelers may rent a car or arrange for transfers for an additional cost. The cities of Cordoba (one hour away), Ronda and Granada (two hours away) are ideal for day trips.