Horse Riding Holidays, Spain
Spain has so much more to offer than Flamenco music and dance, bull-fights, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine, It is one of the cultural centres of Europe. It has beautiful cities and towns and wonderful countryside and coastline. There are endless tracts of wild and crinkled sierra to explore, as well as some spectacularly rugged stretches of coast between the beaches. One of the best ways to explore this diverse countryside is on horseback.The Spanish Andalucian horse is believed to be the most ancient riding horse in the world and Spanish experts maintain that it does not owe a single feature of its make up to another breed. In the sixteenth century the horses were taken to Austria to found the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and its Lippizaner horses and the Portugese Lusitano have evolved from the Spanish Andalucian. Consequently, the Spanish are justly proud of their history with the horse and today you will find this wonderful breed all over Spain justly admired for its temperament and empathy with the rider. If you ride in Spain you may well be riding one of these lovely horses.
Culturally, the country is filled with superb old buildings, from Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces to Gothic cathedrals. Almost every second village has a medieval castle so you may well ride through these old villages and soak up its history as well through the mountains and valleys which make up much of the countryside. What can be better than a few hours riding an Andalucían horse and then a glass of Spanish wine along with some delicious tapas.
More than fifty million foreigners visit Spain each year, yet you can also travel for days and hear nothing but Spanish. Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. There are many wonderful places in which to ride whether a trail in the mountains, through one of the National Parks or a gallop along the beach.
See our horse riding holidays in Spain below.
Rides
Almeria, Spain
This riding base near to Almeria can offer riding along the coast and beach. In this wonderful countryside we can offer you some first class horseriding. Programmes here can be tailor made so do not hesitate to ask if you would like something a little bit different to those listed here. Your host, Manolo is a skilled horseman whilst remaining a kind, caring and attentive host. His love of people, horses and nature is evident in his holidays and he describes horses as "our companions through life".
Andalucia Trails, Spain
This unique trekking centre centre, based in the heart of Andalucia, offers 2-8 day treks and trail rides for families, friends and singles, and from the beginner to the experienced rider.
From this base you will explore a beautiful part of Spain, riding free from traffic and walkers, following secret trails in the wonderful countryside. Your hosts' knowledge of the local terrain means that they know all the best trails to suit all abilities or rider. You will ride in remote locations.
From this base you will explore a beautiful part of Spain, riding free from traffic and walkers, following secret trails in the wonderful countryside. Your hosts' knowledge of the local terrain means that they know all the best trails to suit all abilities or rider. You will ride in remote locations.
Catalan Pyrenees, Spain
The riding centre here offers you trails in the Catalan Pyrenees and in the Natural Parks of Garraf which is 30 kms south west of Barcelona. The riding centre was established in 1992 by a farming family who still take care of livestock. The owner Xavier Pastoret has been a horse riding guide for 30 years and, together with his wife Montse and son Xavier junior, runs three equestrian centres in the area.
Catalonia, Spain
Ride out through the beautiful Catalonia countryside or along the Mediterranean coast - this destination offers a selection of fantastic riding holiday programmes. The area is full of spectacular towns and villages, surprisingly untouched by the hands of time, and the architecture still reflects the glory of days gone by. Catalonia is a wild and unspoilt wilderness just waiting to be discovered on horseback.
Costa de la Luz, Spain
Enjoy the experience of combining an exciting horse riding adventure with relaxation and socialisation, on the beautiful Spanish Coast. Your multi-talented owners, hosts and guides Steve and Caroline will do their very best to ensure you have a holiday to remember. The riding centre borders the Barbate nature reserve and offers direct access to fantastic off-road riding through unspoilt forests, as well as unforgettable days on the beach. Long wide firebreaks and twisty forest tracks ensure the park could not have been better designed for horse riding. Each day there are plenty of opportunities for long controlled canters, as well as faster gallops along the soft sandy tracks. Between canters the horses relax and walk at a leisurely pace, enabling you to take in the peaceful tranquillity of the forest.
Doņana Dressage & Trails, Spain
In this glorious setting Jose Manuel has realised his dreams and is now offering some wonderful programmes at his new equestrian centre which is located on the outskirts of El Rocio. This is a town like no other and perfectly suited to horse riders and not cars! The town is close to the coast and only an hour from Seville. The roads here are sand and you will see horses and riders making the most of the sandy open roads. Everywhere here has been made easy for the horse riders including bars with tables to put your glass when you are sitting on your horse enjoying your drink. There are horses everywhere!
Epona Dressage and Trails, Spain
This wonderful dressage centre lies just outside of Seville and suits almost every type of rider, from those who wish to combine dressage with trails through the countryside, up to experienced dressage riders who wish to experience training clinics with the Olympic silver medallist Rafael Soto. They have over 40 horses so there is something to suit everyone. Some of the horses are trained in High School Dressage movements, whereas others are more suited to the trail environment, but all are beautifully schooled and responsive. They are also an Approved British Horse Society Training and Examination Centre so you can be assured that the instruction is of the highest calibre.
Extremadura Trails, Spain
Extremadura is a region in western Spain which is a paradise for horse riders. Boasting a fabulous climate in autumn, winter and spring, with hot summers, it has excellent preserved natural reserves and historical sites, many of which are UNESCO protected. Characterised by "dehesa" - wooded pasture - it is one of the most prized destinations in Europe for bird-watching enthusiasts and nature lovers the world over. Crossing this land are wide grassy pathways or Canadas Reales, which are ancient routes used by cattle herders for moving their stock between summer and winter pastures. These routes offer safe and enjoyable trots and canters for riders on the beautifully cared for horses of your host and guide.
Friesian Dressage and Beach, Spain
Have you ever dreamt of riding a powerful and beautiful Friesian stallion down the beach, with the waves crashing alongside you and his mane flying? Then this is the ride for you! All of the horses are Friesian stallions who are really well schooled and educated, with plenty of power and expressive movement. Your holiday starts with dressage lessons in the arena to adjust to the powerful paces, before heading to the beach for fantastic canters.
Gredos Mountains, Spain
An opportunity for intermediate and experienced riders to explore the Northern and Southern valleys of the Gredos mountains. This is excellent terrain for riding, mostly open fields with magnificent views and paths that follow the course of rivers. The small villages along the trail display the architecture, traditions and way of life of the people who, isolated in this remote place, have had their characters shaped by their unique surroundings.
Sierra Nevada Trails, Spain
Fantastic trail rides led by Manolo from our Almeria horse riding destination on the southern coast of Spain. These rides are based in the Sierra Nevada national park, which is home to some of the most impressive terrain in Andalucia. With landscapes ranging from high mountains to deep river valleys and gorges and out to the stark wilderness of desert and farmland beyond, you will experience a land almost designed for discovery and adventure. These impenetrable mountainous barriers have for centuries played major roles in the historic battles and conquests of these lands; abetting and impeding military advances in equal measure.
Sierra de Gredos, Spain
Discover the beautiful Sierra de Gredos of central Spain, with it's numerous river valleys and medieval villages, whilst riding beautiful and well-loved Andalusian or cross-bred horses. Your guides have been running rides in this area for over 20 years and are very knowledgable about the area. Different trails head in various directions and there is even a centre based option for those who prefer to relax in one place.