AUTUMNAL ANDALUSIA

Want to postpone the donning of ‘thermals’ for winter rides a little longer? Get tacked-up ready to canter through the surf, explore the beautiful Andalusian countryside, learn new equestrian skills and develop haute ecole techniques during Equine Adventures’ 7-night Train & Trail horse riding holiday in Spain. Holidays depart Seville every Sunday throughout 2008.

From Seville, guests are transferred to the impressive 16th century, family-run Epona hacienda, offering a high level of equestrian tuition and facilities. Spend the evening strolling around the narrow streets of Carmona, Europe’s oldest continually inhabited village, before savouring the delights of local cuisine under an indigo sky. After breakfast, trail-rides allow riders the opportunity to explore stunning Andalusian countryside, passing impressive 16th and 17th century haciendas and cortijos, which have stood since Cervantes rode these same trails collecting olive oil taxes. Return to Epona for lunch followed by a refreshing swim in the pool or an afternoon siesta. Improve flatwork or jumping skills and techniques during equitation lessons, which take place late afternoon when the air is cooler. Visit Jerez de la Frontera, the world-famous centre for sherry production where the main attraction of the day is the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestra, a classical equestrian show 'How the Andalusian Horses Dance'. Watch the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best, in the beautiful 18th century riding hall, performing piaffe, passage and 'airs above the ground' such as courbette and capriole. Later, canter through surf during an unforgettable beach ride at Donana Natural Park bordering the National Park of the same name, one of Europe's last true wilderness regions and one of the largest wildlife reserves in Spain. Finally, a visit to Seville for an evening of classical Flamenco, including over twenty dancers of national and international fame, traditional singers and flamenco guitar, is a fitting conclusion to the holiday.

The tour costs from £920 p/p (land only) including transfers, accommodation, most meals, free wine with meals at Epona, guided visits to Jerez and Donana, and all riding.
Tickets for the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestra in Jerez, Flamenco Show in Seville and two meals, (one in Carmona and the other in Seville) are not included and are paid for locally.

Click here to see more Spanish riding holidays.