Ride Description

You will find it difficult to believe that you are only twenty minutes away from Malaga airport situated in the remote mountains of Mijas with a panoramic view of Fuenirola - a well known resort.

There are 250 Andalusians of all age groups, being born and bred on the Finca. This is their home. They are paddocked in sheltered corrals and grouped in herds which bring out their noble natural characteristics. Living amongst them you'll notice the mares' maternal attention to their foals, the playfulness of the sire with his offspring, the basic joy of the herd in its communal closeness, the struggles of the young stallions, the charm of the young stallions in training and mostly the magnificence of the Andalucian breed.

We offer a large selection of riding programmes, from intermediate to the experienced trail rider, there is something for everyone. The large selection of horses makes it possible through the programmes to give nervous riders confidence. You always ride in a group which is considered suitable for your experience and for the requirements of any given programme. This ensures the enjoyment and safety of all participants. If you go along on the Finca trails you should have already galloped before in the countryside. The area around the finca is hilly but the horses are used to the rugged terrain.

On the Finca there are always groups riding at different levels, if you feel and would like to adjust yourself gradually to the riding conditions you have the option to start in a intermediate group and change to a more ambitious group as your confidence grows, as it surely will!

If you prefer to ride with English speakers only, then this is not the right choice for you because this is an international destination where riders from all over Europe return to again and again for a good value holiday.

Food & Accommodation

The Finca is in itself an independent small white village. There are twenty five rooms that are built in typical Andalucian style. There is also a swimming pool for those who wish to while away their siesta or top up their tan. There is safe in each room (with a returnable 10 euros deposit for the key) which enables you to safely leave your possessions while you ride.

In summer you can take your meals on the terrace in the midst of flowering bougainvilleas and join in the conversations and company of the other guests. In winter there is a large communal room with a warm fireplace for dining and socialising.

Your accommodation will vary according to your itinerary with based rides staying at the finca and on trail rides you will stay in hotels and guesthouses.

The food here is simple and substantial. For breakfast you have tea, coffee, chocolate, a selection of different breads, marmalade, jams, cheese, ham and muesli. You will certainly be set up for the day!

In the summer you will enjoy lunch on the terrace with a choice of salads and breads and in the winter a warm meal or soup is on offer.

The cuisine here is international but, of course, you will enjoy typical Spanish specialities with local fresh ingredients for your dinner. Wine, fruit juice or water is included.

Activities

The finca is situated in the most beautiful area which is rich in culture and history. You will be able to journey to Seville, Cordoba, the Royal Spanish Riding School of Jerez, Granada and the Alhambra as well as take a trip to the well known andalusian white villages.

Here you will be taken by bus to Ronda, where you can take a walk through this fascinating town and shop for typical Andalusian craftwork. Of course, you may wish to stroll around the village and enjoy watching the antics of the herds of horses or perhaps just sit by the pool.

It is possible to hire a car on a daily basis from the ranch for 39 euros per day or 22 euros per half day.

Horses

Type of horses: Andalucians

Nature of horses: Calm but forward going,

Number of horses: 250

Height of horses: 14.2-16.2

Weight limit: 95 kg/ 210 lbs

Tack type: Spanish

Further Details

Languages: English, Spanish, German

Health requirements: None

Age limit: None

Tuition: Yes

Included: Food, accommodation and riding

Not included: Flights

Travel Information

There are many low cost airlines flying into Malaga and your destination is only twenty minutes away. We can arrange free transfer at fixed times in the day. Transfers are at 10.30, 12.30, 16.30, 18.30 and 21.00. Return transfers are 10.00. 12.00, 16.00, 18.00, 20.30.

On the Rocio-Coto Donana Trail you will fly into Seville.

Car hire is cheap here and can be organised at the airport. There are also cars available to rent at the finca on a daily basis if you would like to take an excursion into the Spanish countryside.

Airport: Malaga

Airport 2: Seville

Starter Trail-Finca Based

Daily trail rides through the romantic Andalusia countryside followed by a four-day tour along the beaches and through mountain villages from the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains. This riding holiday is designed for riders who want to experience trail riding for the first time, but also want the comfort of staying in the same location each night.

Before going out on the four-day ride you will spend a day getting to know your horse and riding in the surrounding countryside. For the remainder of your tour you will participate on a comfortably paced, four-day tour from village to village. Each night, the horses are stabled enroute, while you are driven back to the Finca for a comfortable night’s lodging.

Day 1: Arrival in Malaga and transfer to the Finca. There is no riding on this first day so you may take a look around and settle in to your accommodation.

Day 2: After a good breakfast, introduction to the horses and explanation of the Spanish riding style. Today you will have a morning and afternoon trail ride, each about 2.5 hours. Lunch and dinner at the ranch.

Day 3: Today is the first day of the four-day trail ride. After breakfast you begin your journey. You travel through the shade of pine tree forests and over the mountains of the Sierra de Mijas to Alhaurin El Grande. You have breathtaking views over the busy Costa del Sol and the city of Malaga with its harbour, to which the back country with its hills and small scattered villages forms an astonishing contrast. On the way you have a picnic lunch. Later the horses stay in a corral close to Alhaurin. For dinner and overnight you’re again back at the Finca

Day 4: Only a few miles from the touristy and fully developed coast time seems to stand still. You ride past small farms where donkeys and mulis are still used as a means of transportation. Here you find endless orange and lemon plantations. In spring you can admire the magnificient almond blossoms. Lunch is in a venta, a small, typical restaurant close to the town of Coin, before you ride on towards the Rio Grande, the “big river” which runs water throughout the year. The horses stay here overnight and you return to the Finca.

Day 5: Andalusia’s backcountry is romantic and peaceful, the exact contrast of the Coast. The Andalusian people are hospitable and everywhere you receive a warm welcome. You ride along old cattle drive trails until you meet the support vehicle which carries lunch for us. In the late afternoon you reach one of the typical white mountain villages – Casarabonela – where the horses stay overnight. You are again driving back to the Finca for your overnight stay.

Day 6: Today the hills become mountains. Through pine forests you cross the Sierra de Alcaparan and the Sierra de las Aguas on soft, winding forest trails and enjoy great vistas over green valleys and endless mountains ranges with few scattered villages. Before you reach Ardales you stop for a picnic, then the horses are loaded in the trailer and all drive back to the Finca.

Day 7: Today’s ride takes you to the coast. Broad sandy beaches, several miles long where you only meet a few fishermen are typical for this part of the Atlantic Coast. Right after breakfast the horse once more are loaded in the trailer and you are on the way. Close to Tarifa the ride takes you across the pastures of the famous black bulls until you reach the Atlantic close to Zahara. Lunch (not included) at a beach restaurant. Then the beach is yours! Just like you the horses only wait for the command for a brisk gallop. Beaches several miles long invite for long canters! In between you can walk your horse into the waves to cool down. After about six miles, close to Barbate, the horses are again loaded in the trailer and you drive back to the Finca.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport in Malaga and departure. No riding on this last day.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Intermediate to experienced

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: Varied to suit programme

Departure dates: Sunday departure all year around. For min of 4 persons different starting day is possible

Pricing: Our programmes include transfers to and from Malaga airport at fixed times Room and full board at the finca.

Price-High Season: £595.00
Price-Low Season: £555.00
Single supplement: £115.00

High Season:16 March - 1st November
(Always Sunday start)

Low Season: 1 January-24 March
9 July-25 August
5 November-31 December

Finca Based Half Day Programme

This is a programme which combines riding for two to three hours a day leaving you the afternoon free for excursions. This programme would suit those who wish to holiday with their non riding friends. The riding is not suited for beginners.

You enjoy the mornings on the back of an Andalusian and spend your afternoons at the historical sites of Andalusia. You will be able to enjoy the surroundings of the`Finca´ with lots of time for journeys to Sevilla, Cordoba, the Royal Spanish Riding School of Jerez, Granada and the Alhambra as well as a trip to the white villages, typical to this area. On this programme you will be taken by bus to Ronda, where you can take a walk through this fascinating town and shop for typical Andalusian craftwork (dinner not included in Ronda)

The programme is flexible so you are able to ride twice on one day if you prefer leaving you a whole day free for an excursion on another day.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Intermediate to experienced

Type of ride: Trails

Total riding time: 2-3 hours per day

Departure dates: All year around

Pricing: Price includes full board including table wine, 15 hours of riding, transfers from and to Málaga Airport at fixed times, bus trip to Ronda. Does not include a two day horseriding trip or a beach ride.

Price-High Season: £476.00 Non Riders: £380.00
Price-Low season: £435.00 Non Riders: £350.00
Single supplement: £100.00

High Season : 16 March - 1st November

Low Season: 1 January-15 March
9 July-25 August

Finca Based Full Day Programme

The rides will vary daily taking in the mountains and the coast of Mijas.
For our professionals the Full Day programme comprises of expanded "Star" rides in the morning and in the afternoon by the mountains of Mijas through trampling paths to valleys and forests of eucalyptus where in the summer red oleander flourishes. The itinerary may vary.

A two day ride over the mountains to Alhaurin where the horses stay overnight in a corral close to Alhaurin. For dinner and overnight you are back at the Finca.The following morning you are reunited with your horse and a ride along the river passing Fuengirola then back to the finca.The refreshments are provided by two saddlebag picnics.

One morning the horses are transported and you are taken by bus along the Costa del Sol passing Marbella and Estepona, the historic Rock of Gibraltar and weather permitting the unique views of the coast of Africa. The drive passes Tarifa, following the Atlantic coast along to Facinas.

Here your ride begins by the finca of the famous combat animal breeders "Nunez", whose black splendour you can admire at a safe distance. Over Vereas, the old cattle trails of Spain, past sunflower and cotton fields passing the large herds of the "Retintas" (large Spanish breed of red cows).You will reach the small fishing village of Zahara de Atunes where your horse can rest and you can refresh in a hotel directly on the beach and prepare for the beach ride. You can take a lunch break (not in inclusive price). We suggest you try the local speciality of fresh tuna.

The afternoon begins on the broad white sand beach. (which is only visited by a few individual fishermen during the summer months) inviting you to a long expanded gallop. Occasionally you and the horses can have a little bathe to cool down then on to the village where you and the horses will be loaded and shipped back to the finca

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Intermediate to experienced

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: Full day rides

Departure dates: Sunday Departures. All Year

Pricing: Our programmes include transfers to and from Malaga airport at fixed times,room and full board at the finca.
Full programme as stated in itinerary.
On arrival and departure day there is no riding.

Price-High Season: £535 Non Riders: £380
Price-Low season: £495 Non Riders: £380
Single supplement: £135.00

High Season: 16 March-1 November 2008

Low Season: 5 November-31 December 2007
1 January-15 March 2008
2 November-31 December 2008

Zahara Trail

The triangle between Ronda, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean offers ever changing, spectacular scenery. This is horse country! The trip starts on the beaches of the Atlantic coast where you can get used to the horses in all gaits. Turning inland, you'll ride through the coastal pine forests and across large meadows with herds of bulls and wild cattle. You will then head for the mountains and ride through the natural reserve Alcoronocales with its canyons and cork oak forests. At 3,000 ft you have a great view of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The itinerary may vary.

Day 1: Arrival at Málaga Airport and transfer to the Finca. You spend the night either at the finca, having breakfast in the morning, or will be driven directly to a hotel (approx. 3 hours).

Day 2: You start the tour in Caños de Meca, riding along sandy paths through shady pine woods towards Barbate, a typical andalusian fishing village. On our way your support vehicle will await with a tasty picnic. Between Barbate and Zahara a wide beach, deserted except for summer and frequented only by fishermen, is expecting you. You will notice the horses ar anticipating some long gallops and refreshing rides through the waves. At good weather you will have a high visibility upon the African coast. Your horses stay in Zahara and you will have plenty of time for a refreshing bathe in the ocean. You will have dinner and stay overnight at your hotel in Zahara.

Day 3: During our ride small sand coves alternate with steep cliffs, these we will see on our way through the costal pine woods towards Bolonia. Bolonia is a picturesque little village, where you can visit the roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. After having an appetising picnic, you will continue riding past cottages and farms on ancient cattle trails towards Facinas, where your horses will stay overnight. You will be driven back for dinner to our hotel in Zahara.

Day 4: In the morning, enjoy a few nice canters before reaching the Almodovar Reservoir. Noisy creeks rushing down from the mountains make the air fresh and cool. Here, far from everything, the support vehicle awaits you with a picnic.The whole valley has been declared a bird sanctuary and is home to several rare species. At the end of the day you reach Los Barrios, only 6 miles from Gibraltar. Here the horses will be put up for the night. Riders are driven a short distance to the hotel in Alcala where your luggage awaits you.

Day 5: You ride across the hunting grounds what was once one of the largest estates in Europe, the Almoraima, home to a vast population of deer, as well as a rare and very shy species of wild goat called the Cabra Iberica. The oak forests in the small canyons are sprinkled with bizarre sandstone formations. One of them is the ‘Torero’, a rock 20m high that resembles the head of a bull fighter in amazing detail. Overnight as the day before.

Day 6: Until today you have probably been amazed by the endurance and smooth canter of your Andalusian horse. Now you can admire how surefooted they are when climbing the mountains of the National Park Alcornocales. Only by special permission you are able to enter this protected nature reserve once owned by old Andalusian nobility. These mountains are covered with cork oaks and other deciduous trees and keep the natural waters all year round, even in the summer. Rare plants, such as orchids, grow in the shade of the trees. Although this mountain range is only 1,600 ft high, it offers spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic.

Day 7: Today you have an unforgettable ride on your enduring and sure-footed horses. Inside the Sierra de Aljibe Nature Park you ride, in one day, up to the Finca Buenas Noches, situated at 1,900 ft. On a winding path at 2,900 ft you ride on to Corso de los Lobos. Picnic lunch at an elevation of 3,500 ft. Then follows a spectacular descent down to the beautiful village of Jimena. Here you say goodbye to the horses and spend the last night or drive back to the Finca at the beginning of your trip and stay overnight there.

Day 8: After breakfast transfer to the Malaga airport.

Accommodation: Accommodation is sometimes at the finca on the first and last day. On the trail you stay at typical Spanish hotels.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Intermediate to experienced

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: Varied to suit programme

Departure dates: See Pricing

Pricing: Our programmes include transfers to and from Malaga airport at fixed times,room and full board at the finca & on trail.

Price-High Season: £775
Price-Low Season: £675
Single Supplement: £150

High Season: 2008 Dates: 5-12 April, 26 April-3 May, 17-24 May, 31 May-7 June, 12-19 July, 9-16 August, 30 August-6 September, 4-11 October

Low Season: 10-17 November 2007, 29 December -5 January 2008, 8-15 March, 8-15 November, 27 December - 3 January 2009

Ronda to Zahara Trail Ride

The trip starts in the old town Ronda, located on a plateau in the mountains, and well known for its Roman viaduct and Spain's oldest bull-fighting arena. The trail takes you to the Atlantic Coast through varied landscapes. You'll ride through three National Parks, cross the Sierra de Aljibe and large meadows with herds of bulls, until you reach the endless sandy beaches of the Atlantic.

This ride is for experienced riders only, as the stages leading through the mountains are strenuous, the rides along soft trails through the forests and plains are fast at times, and you'll spend up to 8 hours daily in the saddle.

Day 1: Arrival at the airport in Malaga and transfer to Ronda where you stay overnight in a hotel or overnight at the Finca

Day 2: On the first day you ride through deep canyons that are only accessible on donkey trails, which are still being used by smugglers. Cortes de la Frontera is one of the typical white villages for which the whole region got its nickname 'Pueblos Blancos' (white villages). Time seems to stand still when you enter this village in the evening. This part of Andalusia is also an historical region: You should visit the wall paintings in the caves Cuevas de la Pileta before dinner. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 3: After descending into the canyons of the white villages you enter the naturepark Cortes de la Frontera. Soft, springy forest trails alternate with livestock and donkey trails. The slopes are covered with pine cork oak forests through which you slowly descend towards the plain. At the Puerto de Galis, the border between the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz, the horses stay for the night while you drive to Alcala de los Gazules.

The central Village Square is the heart of the village life where people meet - especially late at night after dinner. Bordered by half a dozen pubs and in safe distance from the church, every villager walks across the square at least once a day. Virtually undiscovered by tourism, Alcala is one of the few remaining typical Andalusian villages. There is even a saddlery here that you might like to check out.

Day 4: The last stage through the mountains. You have probably already admired the surefootedness of your Andalusian horse. You now ride through the nature parks Aljibe and Alcornocales, which are very rich in wild game and have been established to halt the Spaniards'passion for hunting .As no cars are allowed in the parks, you carry your lunch picnic in the saddlebags. In the afternoon you ride over rolling hills on trails that are bordered with hedgerows, opuntia cacti through large meadows and fields of sunflowers. The horses stay halfway between Alcala and Jerez while you drive back to Alcala.

Day 5: The large-scale landholdings of the bull and horse breeders are located in the triangle between Alcala, Jerez, and the coast. You ride across large meadows with fighting bulls and cows with their calves. One meadow is often several miles long. Spring is spectacular in this area as the meadows are covered with wild flowers and are very lush and green while they dry out during the summer. You will certainly meet 'vaqueros', Spanish cowboys who spend their days in the saddle looking after the cattle on these large ranches.

You stop for lunch at a 'venta', a typical country restaurant, just below the old Moorish fortress Medina-Sidona. On wide sandy trails and the livestock trail Paquiri named after the famous matador, you ride to Los Naveros where the horses spend the night. You drive to Zahara de los Atunes on the Atlantic Coast. The next nights you will spend in a hotel right on the beach where you can enjoy a swim in the pool or the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 6: In the morning you ride through meadows and fields of sugar beets, beans, cotton, and the bright yellow sunflowers.The support vehicle awaits you as usual with the lunch picnic and today you will need to fortify yourself for the fast rides on the beaches.You will soon note that you're reaching the beach in Conil: Feel the anticipation of your horse! Except for very few stretches, the beaches are deserted.

You enjoy long canters and gallops on yellow sand and into the blue waves of the Atlantic! You ride along the coast on sandy trails and through pine forests, past Cap Trafalgar where Lord Nelson fought his last sea-battle, to Caños de Meca. You drive back to the hotel in Zahara. At the beach you can see the small fishing boats that deliver their catch every day to the local hotels. Enjoy these Atlantic delicacies for dinner.

Day 7: Another day on the beach awaits you. First you ride along sandy trails through the coastal pine forests and around the fishing village Barbate. A seven mile long stretch of deserted beach invites you. This area is under the supervision of the military; so, no hotels have been built. In a fast gallop you reach Zahara where this wonderful ride comes to an end. Here you have a farewell dinner, say goodbye to your new friend and spend your last night.

Day 8: After breakfast transfer to Malaga.

Accommodation: First night in Ronda where you stay overnight in a hotel or overnight at the Finca. You will stay in a typical spanish guesthouse on night two. Nights three and four are spent at Alcala, one of the few remaining typical Andalusian villages.

The next nights you will spend in a hotel right on the beach.Your final night is spent in Zahara.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Experienced and riding fit

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: Long hours in the saddle - up to 8 hours riding a day.

Departure dates: 20-27 April, 4-11 May, 11-18 May, 25 May-1 June, 8-15 June, 6-13 July, 20-27 July, 3-10 August, 24-31 August, 14-21 September, 21-28 September, 28 September-5 October, 26 October-2 November 2008, 23-30 December 2007, 2-9 March. 2-11 November, 21-28th December 2008

Pricing: Our programmes include transfers to and from Malaga airport at fixed times, room and full board at the finca & on trail.

Price-High Season: £825
Price-Low Season: £715
Single Supplement: £175.00

High Season: 20-27 April, 4-11 May, 11-18 May, 25 May-1 June, 8-15 June, 6-13 July, 20-27 July, 3-10 August, 24-31 August, 14-21 September, 21-28 September, 28 September-5 October, 26 October-2 November

Low Season: 2-11 November, 21-28th December

Ronda and the White Villages

If you believe, you have got to know every horseriding possibility in Andalusia, we have a surprise for you! Unique mountain scenery with mountain ranges, overflown by golden eagles and unspoilt valleys. On stony paths you will scale the Ronda plateau, descending afterwards on the western side of the `Serrania De Ronda´ (Ronda mountain range) towards the agricultural plain between Arcos de la Frontera and Villamartín.

Riding through the natural preserve of Grazalema, known throughout the world for its 200 different bird species, you will come to enjoy a panoramic view upon El Gastors reservoir. You will take a swim in the crystal-clear waters the lake of Jimena has to offer us and get astonished by the performance of Andalusian horses.

You can combine this tour with the Starter trail, enjoying a two-week horseriding experience. The itinerary may vary.

Day 1: Arrival at Málaga and transfer to the Finca. Dinner and accommodation. If you have booked the starter trail, you will stay overnight at the hotel in Casarabonela, continuing the trip on the next day.

Day 2: Transfer to the coast (approx. 1 hour) and start of the trip from Casarabonela to El Burgo. Today you ride on various paths, partly on cattle trails, meandering through the pine woods between Sierra de Alcaparan and Sierra de las Aguas. You will have an amazing view upon green valleys, never-ending mountain ranges and those scattered solitary villages, which can be seen beyond Málaga up to Sierra Nevada. After a picnic at our support vehicle you continue towards the picturesque mountain village of El Burgo. Dinner and accommodation in Casarabonela.

Day 3: From El Burgo to Ronda. The direct way leads you to a unspoilt countryside. You will probably meet only a few walkers mostly shepherds. Our support vehicle can´t follow you up to the mountains, hence you take a snack from the saddlebags, being surrounded by holms, mimosas and chestnut trees.

You continue riding towards Ronda, where you will arrive in the early afternoon. After circling around the plateau of Ronda you arrive at the stables, enjoying a last view of the town and its prominent bridge. Less than 60 ft. from the famous bullfighting arena, incidentally one of the oldest in Spain, we have found a typical cosy hotel for you. Dinner and accommodation in Ronda.

Day 4: From Ronda, one of the most known towns in the heart of Andalusia, you move on to a relatively unknown part of the andalusian countryside. Our surefooted Andalusians carry you through a landscape in constant change between cliffy mountains, olive groves and green plains. In the natural preserve of Grazalema you ride along ridges, still offering you opportunities for gallops towards the white mountain village of Grazalema. As always there is a comfortable lodge awaiting you. Having dinner in a cosy restaurant.

Day 5: You circle around the village, having a singular view upon the Tajo Canyon. You ride in a north-westerly direction on goat trails along little becks and mountain pastures and have our picnic awaiting us at the support vehicle in this unique landscape. Winding paths lead you to Zahara de las Sierras a small town at the edge of a large reservoir. On the way you enjoy panoramic views. On reaching the town you still have plenty of time for a swim at a little lake next to the stables. Before dinner we recommend an evening walk through the town with its originally arabic architecture. Dinner and accommodation at a hotel in Zahara.

Day 6: Starting from Zahara, you enter the natural preserve of Benamahona. The path descends wending it's way through cork tree woods. Not only the game stock is protected here, but the dense and old oak woods, that in summer offer you a pleasant shade. The access by car is forbidden, so you have to carry your meal in the saddlebags. You stay overnight at a hotel in El Bosque.

Day 7: Having reached the plain of El Bosque, you follow the old cattle trails, passing by small cottages, which can be found throughout the country. Now you have plenty of opportunities for long gallops. You travel alongside Fincas with their typical red cows. As horses are part of the rural life, it is pretty common to let them drink out of the wells. Villamartín is a town, which is located in a fertile area, that provides food for large parts of Andalusia. It also offers water from its big reservoirs for the water-thirsty area. Depending on the season you look upon floral meadows and cornfields in spring or lustrous lakes in autumn. You return to the Finca to have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 8: Departure back to the airport.

Accommodation: Staying at a Hotel in Casarabonela for the first two nights on the trail, a cosy hotel in Ronda for the third night. A Lodge awaits you in Grazalema for the fourth night. A Hotel in Zahara your fifth night. A Hotel in El Bosque for the sixth night.Then back to the Finca for the last night.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Experienced

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 7 hours a day

Departure dates: 17-24 May; 28 June-5 July; 20-27 September; 11-18 October

Pricing: Price is £825.00
Non Riders: £395.00
Single Supplement: £150.00

Rocio - Coto Donana

A ride on sandy trails around the nature reserve of the Coto Donana. Starting in the southwest of Seville you ride along the pilgrim routes towards El Rocio, the international town of horses. The surroundings of Donana National Parks offer pine forests and cork oak, dunes, marshland and hunting grounds. Thousands of migrant birds spend the winter here. It includes virgin sand beaches, and pine forests with sandy trails. On superb horses you ride for miles along deserted, soft trails through forests and past small lakes.

Day 1: Arrival in Seville and transfer to the hotel Dona Carmela. Dinner and a short information session.

Day 2: Transfer to the "Puebla del Rio" where the horses are waiting for you near the finca of the famous bull fighter Angel Peralta. You follow the tracks of "Hermandad de Sevilla" when she starts her yearly pilgrimage to Rocio. The "Camino al Rocio y a la Paloma Blanca" is world renowned and the largest pilgrimage on horseback and carriage with participation from people all over the world.

In the shadows of the wide pine forests you reach Villamanrique, a small village that serves as a stopover and is also the home for our horses for the night. After a late lunch you ride to your home for the next nights in Rocio. "El Rocio" is a small village surrounded by pine forests and wetlands in the "Parque Donana". No paved roads, just wide sandy streets. Just imagine this small village during the pilgrimage! Thousands of horses and carriages enter the town. In one of the houses here you stay overnight (shared bathroom facilities).

Day 3: From Villamanrique you ride across wide sandy trails to the "Palacio del Rey". Long canters under the pines before a last stop to re-supply the saddle bags, because the supply vehicle can not follow you today. The first highlight of the ride - when entering the Rocio, passing the large church, through the village to a copa with horses. At sunrise or twilight you may wander over to the close by Marismas with its rare species of birds and game.

Day 4: Rocio is located in the national park "Parque Donana", one of the largest and most interesting nature reserves in Europe. Here are different types of forests, travel dunes, dry regions and marshland, as well as a variety of rare animal species. The nature reserve is completely closed and nobody is allowed to enter here, the only area you can visit is "Camino al Rocio".

You have the opportunity to see this wonder of nature on an escorted tour with Landrovers (extra cost). The park keeper will show you the best places where animals can be observed: flamingos, lynx, and hundreds of birds. In the afternoon you saddle your horse for a Vuelta al pueblo (a round through the village) and the surrounding area. In the evening your dinner is at the Atlantic shore with fresh fish specialties.

Day 5: On your way to "Cabezudos" - a small village fallen into disrepair, the only resident here is a keeper - you cross the route of "Rocio chico". The village is well known not only with the pilgrimage, but also with the semi-wild horses living in the area. Your supply vehicle provides you with a substantial picnic.

Day 6: Although Andalusia can be hot and dusty in the summer, in the shade of the pine forests everything is green, and the broad sandy roads and soft ground are inviting you for long canters. Your lunch is served in a traditional venta (spanish pub) where you can try some traditional foods. You ride towards Mazagon near the Portuguese border and leave the horses very close to the beach. Enjoy a seafood dinner on the beach of Matalascanas.

Day 7: This day is filled with unforgettable experiences: one of the most beautiful beaches in the world stretches from Mazagon to Matalascanas - covered with white, fine sand, spreading about 200 m in width. On one side the Atlantic ocean washes the shore, on the other there are high and steep cliffs. You and the horses enjoy the never-ending beach on a 22 mile ride to Matalascanas. Here you say good-bye to your horses and go for a Siesta back to Rocio. A farewell party is the end of your journey.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport of Seville for your return flight.

Accommodation: Your first night is spent in Seville, with dinner and a short informational talk will be given.

For the rest of your stay you will be based at a Finca in the Rocio area. "El Rocio" is a small village surrounded by pine forests and wetlands in the "Parque Donana".

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Experienced

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: Six days riding

Departure dates: 23rd March 2008, 13th -20th April 2008; 25th May-1st June 2008; 7th-14th September;21st-28th September; 19th-26th October

Pricing: Our programmes include transfers to and from Seville airport at fixed times, room and full board at the finca & on trail.

Price- £775.00
Non Riders- £675.00
Single Supplement-£150.00

Feria Del Caballo

A traditional Spanish Horse Festival Jerez - well-known for horses and Sherry - is Spain's capital for horse breeding and a "pilgrim destination" for horse-lovers from all over the world who meet here each year at the 'Feria del Caballo'(horse festival).

It started in the year 1284 as a livestock market and has developed into a show of the most beautiful horses in Spain.On the premises of the state-owned "stallion depot", one show follows another; nobles and VIP's on two and four legs parade past until early morning. The riding tour starts in Jimena. The typical Andalusian landscape with its meadows and olive groves surrounds you.

You will ride through the mountains of the National Park Alcornocales. Over Patriste, Alcala, Paterna and Mojo you'll reach Jerez de la Frontera on Friday evening and participate in the Feria.

On Saturday you will polish your horse and yourself, and join the parade.Stop here and there at a Bodega and drink a glass of "Jerez" (Sherry) with the locals On horseback you're more than a simple tourist, you're part of Andalusia's world of horses and every door is open for you! Enjoy the various horse-shows, and there is even time to visit the Royal Andalusian Riding School with their Gala Show.

1st day: Arrival in Jerez and transfer to Zahara de los Atunes at the Atlantic coast (about 1.5 hours) where you will have dinner and stay overnight in a hotel right on the beach (alternate route starts in Alcala/Jimena).

2nd day: After breakfast you'll set off on your first beach ride to Barbate. Right after leaving the town, the beach is deserted and only used by the fishermen. As this stretch of the coast is under the supervision of the military, no hotels have been built, and the firm sand gives you the opportunity to get used to your horse in all gaits.In the pine forest behind Barbate, the support vehicle awaits you with the picnic.

After a siesta, ride along the beach and through the pine forest above the steep coast of Cap Trafalgar. At this historic place with its old lighthouse you can see as far as Morocco. The horses stay in Caños de Meca, the riders drive back to the hotel at the Atlantic beach. Before or after dinner you may like to swim in the ocean or in the pool of the hotel.

3rd day: Along sandy trails you'll ride back to the beach where you will enjoy more canters. Only towards the end of this morning you'll reach the busier parts of the coast. You'll be pleased to stop at a beach-bar for refreshments. For lunch you'll turn inland to meet the support vehicle. Leaving the coastal pine forests behind, you'll cross a stretch of fertile land with sugar beet, cotton and bean fields before reaching the first meadows of Andalusia.

The support vehicle awaits you with the picnic and refreshments. Ride on along Andalusia's meadows. The horses stay in the little farming village Los Naveros, the riders drive to Zahara. Dinner in a typical taverna, overnight in a hotel.

4th day: Leaving Los Naveros, you'll ride to Paterna along old lifestock trails, the "veréras", which are still running through all of Spain, and across meadows of cows and fighting bulls. Lunch stop in a "venta". There are no asphalt roads between meadows and fields, giving you the opportunity to canter again and again. Enjoy the view over the wide open landscape. Keeping a respectful distance you'll ride around herds of bulls and wild cows. The horses stay in Paterna, the riders return to Jerez.

Women in colourful flamenco desses and men in the typical "traje corto" can be seen everywhere. The whole town celebrates but the feria itself takes place on the feria grounds which were laid out particularly for this occasion with bodegas and hourses that are partly privately owned. You may spend the evening on the feria if you wish.

5th day: Today you will approach Jerez. You'll leave the horses in Mojo shortly before reaching the town and drive to a hotel in Jerez. You have a day crossing the the land where the famous breeders of the balck buuls - the Bravos have their fincas. After riding you may spend the evening on the feria if you wish.

6th day: A short riding day takes you from Mojo to the feria grounds where the horses await the next day. As you will ride into the town, you should expect asphalt roads and traffic - but don't worry! The horses are absolutely reliable. After the lunch picnic you will participate in the feria and visit some of the many exhibitions, shows and competitions.

7th day: After you made your horse spick and span and dressed yourself in the typical traje, you will join into the parade. Do it like the locals and stop here and there in front of a bodega to drink a sherry. You might even be invited. In the afternoon, the horses will be loaded for transport back home while you will continue to enjoy the gaiety and various horse shows. You even have the possibility to visit a performance of the Royal Andalusian Riding School (entrance fee of about $45 to be paid in advance so we can reserve the tickets for you). Overnight as night before.

8th day: Early transfer to the airport of Jerez de la Frontera.

This is a special trail we make every year to give you the chance to take part in this fantastic festival. For the Feria you need the "Traje Corto" which we can help and advise you with, when you book. Spanish riding boots and hat are mandatory and for sale.

Accommodation: On the first days you stay in a hotel direct next to the beach and in Jerez you stay in a central simple hotel so you can participate on the Feria when you wish to do so.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Experienced

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: Full day rides

Departure dates: 25 April - 2 May 2008, 27 April - 4 May 2008

Pricing: Our programmes include transfers to and from Jerez airport at fixed times, room and full board on the trail.

Price- £985
Non Riders- £550
Single Supplement- £190