Rio Grande Ranch, Spain
Reviews
“Very relaxing and enjoyable. Horses amazing. Owners friendly and laid back. The holiday was very good - hands on approach, gave me more confidence in tacking up and riding. The horses were ALL very well behaved, well looked after and fit. ”
Horses
Type of horses:
Andalucian
Nature of horses:
Kind temperament, courageous, sensible, well schooled and responsive.
Height of horses:
15.0 hh - 16.2 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg
Tack type:
Western
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 24 C
Forecast:
Fri - Sunny. High: 32 Low: 22
Sat - Sunny. High: 32 Low: 22
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
2010 Prices:
£366 per person includes self catering accommodation and riding.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This is a small family run business and very hands on - when guests join them for a holiday they also become part of the family. They have many animals here besides the horses including pigs, sheep, chickens and, of course, dogs and cats. Many guests enjoy being involved in the day to day running of the place and they can collect their own eggs in the morning and are welcome pick a variety of homegrown vegetables to cook.
Nestled in between the mountains, this ranch offers riding holidays from a weekend break to a full weeks stay where you can experience the breathtaking scenery of Andalucia and enjoy the rich history and culture of Spain. Horse riding in Andalucia has been a tradition for centuries, a tradition which is still very much alive today. At this ranch you will ride out on beautiful Andalucian horses, experiencing the landscapes and terrain of southern Spain and making friends with your guides and fellow riders. The ranch is situated close to Coin and not far from Fuengirola and Malaga on the Costa del Sol.
This destination caters only for small groups (2-6 people) and therefore is able to offer a hands-on approach and can meet individual needs. Riding is very flexible with shorter or longer rides, full day and half day treks available. Whilst this ride is aimed at medium to experienced riders, beginners are welcome depending on the size of the group.
On sultry Andalucian evenings the three hour sunset tour is very popular and a memorable experience. The region with its beautiful landscapes, impressive mountains and rich historic culture is a true paradise for those who love horse riding. The sandy plains, pristine rivers and lush wooded valleys are ideal for horses and there are plenty of chances to test out the renowned sure-footedness of the horses on the rockier ground. Ride along stunning mountain trails, through river-beds, amongst avocado and orange groves and watch the royal eagles soar over the pine covered back drop.
The ranch also offers an exclusive 'Sunrise Tour'. Head out from the ranch just before sunrise and see the world wake up as the sun peeps out over the mountains to the sounds of an amazing dawn chorus. See the early morning mists rising from the Rio Grande, revealing the true beauty of Andalucia, an unforgettable experience that is only available here.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Self catering accommodation is available on site for residential riding holidays in the recently refurbished cottage. Enjoy the serenity of ranch life whilst staying in a beautiful 150 year old Andalucian cottage. Refitted in original styling the cottage transports you back to a time long forgotten, where life felt simpler and less hurried. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day, whether you prefer an early morning ride or simply to relax around the on site pool & ride later in the day.
Comprising of 2 double bedrooms and 1 twin room, The Cottage also boasts a fully-fitted kitchen and a bathroom, complete with shower and bath for relaxing tired muscles or refreshing tired minds. After a day of riding enjoy the warmth of the lounge - decorated to reflect the stylish influences of the Moorish and North African people throughout Andalucia. It also features the original fire place should those cold nights draw in or if you simply want to relax and enjoy an evening in front of an open fire.
They provide towels, bedding etc. (pool towels are not provided) and leave a welcome pack for people when they arrive. The self catering kitchen has a washing machine as well as a fridge freezer, microwave etc. They provide the logs for the fire in the lounge area for when the weather cools down in the winter, two of the bedrooms have wall radiators and the rest of the cottage has oil radiators.
As this is a self-catering option, a short drive from the nearest supermarket, it is highly recommended that you hire a car for this holiday.
Self-catering. There will be a starter pack in the fully equipped kitchen and a supermarket 15 minutes drive away so you can easily stock up. You are welcome to collect and cook the eggs and pick your own vegetables.
Activities
There is a swimming pool on the ranch. The ranch is situated less than an hour from Malaga, Marbella, Puerto Banus and Ronda where there is much to do and see. Every Thursday in Fuengirola (40 minutes drive) there is a spectacular Cartujana horse show. There are often local festivals and shows including one in the local village. There are also many golf courses nearby.
Further Details
Languages: English, Spanish, Swedish
Health requirements: None
Age limit: 14 years & over with good riding skills. There is also a minimum height restriction of 140cm due to the Western saddles.
Tuition: By arrangement
Included: Accommodation and riding.
Not included: Food, transfers, flights and insurance.
Travel Information
There are many low cost airlines flying into Malaga and your destination is only forty five minutes away.
A hire car is highly recommended for this destination - this is a self-catering option where it is necessary to drive to nearby shops. This is reflected in the excellent price.
Airport: Malaga
Programme
Weekly programmes
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Andalucia, with its beautiful landscapes, impressive mountains and rich historic culture is a true paradise for those who love horse riding. The sandy plains, pristine rivers and lush forested valleys are ideal for horses. You will ride along stunning mountain trails, through river beds, avocado and orange groves and watch the royal eagles soar over the pine covered back drop. The ranch caters for small groups therefore being able to keep to a hands on approach and meeting individual needs. Riding is very flexible, with shorter or longer rides, full day and half day treks available. Whilst this ride is aimed at medium to experienced riders, beginners are welcome depending on the size of the group. The riding time is 20 hours and this can be taken in half days or full days. A programme will be arranged to suit your requirements and will be flexible. More riding can be organised if wished. There are some fabulous rides - for instance on sultry Andalucian evenings the three hour Sunset Tour is very popular and can be a memorable experience. The ranch also offer an exclusive Sunrise Tour when you will head out from the ranch just before sunrise & see the world wake up as the sun rises over the mountains to the sounds of an amazing dawn chorus. You will see the early morning mists rising from the Rio Grande revealing the true beauty of Andalucia, an unforgettable experience that is only available with these offers. Another option is the White Village Tour where you will ride into a local Spanish village and have a drink or tapas. You can also choose a picnic ride where you take a saddle bag lunch and stop off at a beautiful spot down by the river or up in the mountains. This is popular as you will be able to reach places impossible to get to in a car. The views are fantastic! |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to advanced, though beginners are welcome upon request. |
| Type of ride: | Based stay trail |
| Total riding time: | 20 hours flexible riding |
| Departure dates: | Open all year round. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |