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Segovia Trails

Overview

The province of Segovia is located in Central Spain, within the Meseta, the great high plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. It is situated between the provinces of Madrid, Guadalajara, Soria, Burgos, Valladolid and Avila, in the region of Castilla y Leon. These trails will take you on a journey back i…

Highlights

  • Join a journey back through history
  • Enjoy long canters and a sporty ride
  • Unspoilt Castilian countryside
  • Sporty Anglo-Hispano horses
  • Excellent accommodations including some luxury

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 10 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg / 198lbs / 14st 2lbs

Description

The province of Segovia is located in Central Spain, within the Meseta, the great high plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. It is situated between the provinces of Madrid, Guadalajara, Soria, Burgos, Valladolid and Avila, in the region of Castilla y Leon. These trails will take you on a journey back in history, across open landscapes, ancient woodlands, and through sheltered river valleys. What makes this ride so unique is the ability to combine amazing historic sites, accessible on horseback, with the open and unspoilt Castilian countryside which is just ideal for riding. Truly, you will discover history whilst at a canter!

From horseback you will discover some of the wonderful and well kept jewels of Spanish history: the castles of Pedraza and Castilnovo; the Romanesque churches of Sotosalbos and Sepulveda; the royal site of La Granja de San Ildefonso, with its grand baroque palace and its beautiful gardens. You will be lead through diverse natural landscapes, travelling from the alpine views of the Sierra de Guadarrama, to the old transhumance trails and the open grazing fields beyond. Along the ancient Valsain forests of pines, oaks, holm oaks and holly bush, where the Spanish kings used to hunt bears and wild boars and finally through the vast grain fields, the Eresma river valley and the gorges of the Duraton river nature reserve.

The terrain is excellent for traversing on horseback and here you will discover the pleasure of a well trained and fit mount, with plenty of opportunity to cover the country at a canter or even a gallop. These can be quite active rides, if the riders wish to go for it, and each one begins and ends in the medieval city of Segovia, World Heritage Town by the UNESCO. The city boasts a magnificent cultural heritage including the colossal Roman Aqueduct from the 1st century AD (one of the greatest in Europe), with 163 arches and 29m tall at its highest point. There is also the Alcazar Fortress, with its stunning views of the city, among some other great attractions.

Maria, the host of this ride, has been arranging trails in the Segovia - as well as many other regions of Spain - for a number of years. She is at home with her guests, and has an abundance of knowledge in regards to natural history and the culture of each region. This truly makes her a wonderful travel companion throughout the holiday. The Segovia rides are also led by Enrique, the owner of the stables in Segovia. He too is a knowledgeable, qualified and hospitable horseman, as well as a terrific travel companion... The assistant guides and helpers are enthusiastic, motivated, attentive and charming.

Every attention has been given to the detail of these trails, meaning that an outstanding experience can be enjoyed by all. Your hosts will go as far as they can to anticipate every little thing to ensure that you have a wonderful stay.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English tack in excellent condition, seat savers and saddle bags provided. The saddles are good quality general purpose leather saddles with deep knee rolls.

Horses

Anglo-Hispanos and Andalucian crosses

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • History At A Canter is a trail ride
  • Long Weekend Programme is a based ride

Ages

No under 18's.

Health

Reasonable health & fitness required. Must be able to cope with long hours in the saddle, average 30kms/day (longest day 40kms)

Weight

90kg / 198lbs / 14st 2lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Breakfast, aperitifs, lunches and dinners are included while on the ride. The local cuisine is excellent and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a good sample of the many different dishes produced in the area. Lunches are exquisite picnics in the countryside with set tables and chairs... a small feast everyday! Dinners at the hotels will feature a varied selection of the typical cuisine. All the drinks are included during the meals, including; Spanish red & white wines, beer, juices, soft drinks and water.

Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice.

Accommodation

The accommodations chosen for these rides are all of an excellent standard, as well as because of their special interest within the setting of the trail itself. You will enjoy some truly magical historic sites which are now incredible, unique hotels. You will stay in a selection of luxurious 3 & 4* palace hotels as well as some smaller, charming country hotels chosen for their character. All accommodation is provided in double or twin-bedded rooms and en-suite bathrooms.

In all accommodations you will be made to feel incredibly at ease, with a welcome drink, refreshing and revitalising bath or shower and many modern facilities to take advantage of.

Single accommodations can be arranged at an additional charge.

Itineraries

History At A Canter Standard accommodation.

Long Weekend Programme Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

If you wish to spend some time in Madrid, Avila, Segovia or Salamanca before or after your ride, please contact us for recommendations.

Segovia is a city of Towers, Romanesque churches, squares, steps, mansions and Renaissance palaces, synagogues, porticoes, convents, gardens… it boasts a whole host of amazing monuments and an almost endless list of interesting places. You will notice, above all, the spectacular Roman Aqueduct; an engineering achievement dating back almost 2,000 years and whose colossal appearance is still intact today. The best views can be obtained from the popular Plaza Azoguejo square: the huge blocks of granite stand 29 metres tall, seeming to dwarf everything in the vicinity.

Travel

Flights to Madrid are offered by a number of low cost airlines. Transfers are included in the price from Madrid-Barajas International Airport Terminal 4. There is a Cafeteria Capprizzio by Gate 10 and you will be collected from there at 15:00pm on the Sunday of your arrival.

Flight departure on the Sunday after your ride should be booked for any time after 13.00pm.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Transfer from Madrid to Segovia, about 1-and-a-half-hour drive. Accommodation at the Hotel San Antonio El Real, a luxurious 4* hotel, built in the cloisters of an ancient monastery from the 15th century, in the heart of the city of Segovia, a 5 min walk from the Roman Aqueduct. Transfer to the Equestrian Centre to see the stables and the horses. After meeting the horses, panoramic visit of the city of Segovia by car and a welcome drink in the Segovia main square. Welcome dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Morning ride from Segovia to the forest of Valsaín. We will follow transhumance trails, such as Cordel de Santillana and the Cañada Real Soriana to get to the source of water to of the Roman aqueduct, following the reservoir waters and the Acebeda stream. Then following the Eresma river valleys, we will get to the forest of Valsaín for a picnic lunch. These forests were traditionally hunting reserves for the kinds of Castile and nowadays they are protected nature parks. In the afternoon ride to La Granja de San Ildefonso, where you will stay at the luxurious National Parador of La Granja 4*. Visit of the baroque
palace and the gardens of this royal site, built in the times of Felipe V. Dinner and night at the Parador.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

From La Granja we will rejoin the Cañada Real, at the Caserio de Gamones. We will ride on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, until we get to Sotosalbos. Aperitivo stop and visit of the Romanesque church from the 13th century. Riding through countryside of holm oaks, through the small village of Requijada, we will get to our picnic stop, near the river Cega. In the afternoon, we will ride by the Ermita de Las Vegas, and follow the Cega river to Pedraza.
This is a beautiful medieval village, with an imposing castle, charming, cobbled streets, and a charming main square. Dinner and night in the Hotel de la Villa, a 3* hotel in the heart of the village.

Day 4

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Half-day ride. From Pedraza, and we will follow ancient bridle paths. Through nearly abandoned rural villages, with a typical architecture in stone and timber. We’ll stop for an aperitivo in the country. Riding through open farming land, we will reach the plains where stands the fortress of the Castle of Castilnovo, where we will end today’s ride. Transfer to the medieval city of Sepúlveda.. Lunch in a local restaurant, the most delicious lamb roast. In the afternoon, drive to the Duraton river gorges and the jewel Ermita de San Frutos. Dinner and night at the hotel Vado del Duratón in Sepúlveda (Hotel Posada de San Millan, Sepulveda in 2025).

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

This day we follow the Duraton river, riding in the valley and the hill of los Cortos. We will stop for an aperitivo at the Duraton villlage. We will ascent towards the Sierra to rejoin the Cañada Real (wide and open transhumance trail). Picnic lunch near Enebralejo. In the afternoon we will pass Enebralejo, where we can stop to visit the prehistoric caves. Ride on to Pradena a typical mountain village. Dinner and night at the Posada del Acebo (“The Holly bush Inn”) or similar, typical family house from the 18th century.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

We will ride on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, in the Cañada Real, and through the oak forest of Pradena. Aperitif stop in the Cañada, which we will follow until we get to Navafría, a mountain village with a timber production tradition. Picnic lunch by the river Cega. In the afternoon ride to Collado Hermoso. Dinner and night at the boutique Hotel El Rancho de la Aldegüela in Torrecaballeros.

Day 7

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Morning ride passing with exciting canters in the open countryside. Aperitivo at the well-preserved remains of an old ranch, where shepherds used to stop with their flocks to sheer the sheep, during the long transhumant journeys. Short fun ride back to the stables in Segovia, crossing the Eresma River.
Late lunch at the restaurant of the Hipica Eresma. Transfer to the hotel San Antonio El Real****. Farewell dinner at the world-famous restaurant Candido, by the Roman Aqueduct.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast transfer to the Madrid airport, arriving there in time for the flight. All riders will be transferred at the same time, so if any rider needs a private transfer at a different time than the group, we will arrange an alternative transfer (at an extra cost of approx. 150€ payable on site)

Accommodation

The accommodation chosen for this ride is excellent and of special interest in this ride, including some historic sites which are very unique hotels nowadays. Therefore riders will be staying at some luxurious places, with character, and some small and charming country hotels, providing double or twin-bedded rooms and en-suite baths.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need to be an experienced, fit rider for this trail, able to manage a horse at all paces, comfortable handling a horse on the ground and fit to ride long canters and gallops depending on the terrain.

Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

Oct. 13, 2024 - Oct. 20, 2024

March 9, 2025 - March 16, 2025

April 6, 2025 - April 13, 2025

June 8, 2025 - June 15, 2025

Aug. 31, 2025 - Sept. 7, 2025

Oct. 19, 2025 - Oct. 26, 2025

Pricing

2024 £2570 $3320 €3100
2025 £2655 $3425 €3200
Included Included in the price are seven night's accommodation, meals while on the trek (including night of arrival, farewell dinner, and breakfast on the day of departure as well as beer and wine during meals only), horses, tack, guide, interpreter, support vehicle and transfers to and from Madrid.
Not included Not included are special transfers at times other than scheduled times, additional beverages and gratuities. Drinks at ‘bars’ or hotels outside the meals are extras not included in the cost. Any tips should be given to Ana, the leader of the ride, and not to the staff directly.

Extras

2024 - Single Supplement £255 $335 €310
Paid to Far and Ride
2025 - Single Supplement £245 $320 €300
Paid to Far and Ride
2025 - Small Group Supplement £290 $375 €350
Paid to Far and Ride
Small Group Supplement will be refunded once more than 4 riders are confirmed to ride. If less then 4 riders are confirmed there will be a supplement for the transfers from/to the airport.
2024 - Small Group Supplement £360 $465 €435
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Pick up at the airport in Madrid at 3pm and transfer to Segovia (1 1/2 hour drive). Accommodation at the Hotel San Antonio El Real, a luxurious 4* hotel, built in the cloisters of an ancient monastery from the 15th century in the heart of the city of Segovia, a 5 min walk from the Roman Aqueduct. Transfer to the Equestrian Centre to see the stables and the horses. After meeting the horses, panoramic visit of the city of Segovia by car and a welcome drink in the Segovia main square. Welcome dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Morning ride from Segovia to the forest of Valsaín. Follow the transhumance trails, such as Cordel de Santillana and the Cañada Real Soriana (aperitif stop) to get to the source of water of the Roman aqueduct, following the reservoir waters and the Acebeda stream. After a picnic lunch stop, by the Eresma river valleys, we will get to the forest of Valsaín. These forests were traditionally hunting reserves for the kinds of Castile and nowadays they are protected nature parks. Ride back to Hipica Eresma. Transfer back to the hotel. You will then be taken to visit the Royal Site of La Granja where you will visit the gardens then enjoy dinner at La Granja and transfer back to the hotel San Antonio El Real.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Ride from Hípica Eresma towards La Granja de San Ildefonso through Palazuelos de Eresma, crossing the Eresma River at the beautiful lake reservoir of El Ponton. Riding alongside the waters of the lake, riders will get to the Polo field of La Granja and enjoy an aperitif stop. Ascent to the pine forests on the hillside of the mountains around La Granja, with magnificent views of the gardens and the Royal Palace. In spring, there are beautiful waterfalls flowing down the granite gorges of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Picnic lunch at the Tejera del Cambrones farm. Ride back to the stables along the Western side of the Ponton lake. Transfer to the hotel San Antonio El Real and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

For the final riding day riders will follow the Eresma river canyon and the bird sanctuary at the Revenga lake, towards the village of Hontoria and then a quick stop for an aperitivo. After some exhilarating canters through the Tejadilla river and around the Cerrogordo hills, riders will enjoy the spectacular views of the Cathedral of Segovia. After lunch, following the Clamores river high valleys, the ride will reach a climax with the breathtaking views the Alcazar of Segovia and the old historic town. Descent towards the meadows of San Marcos where the rivers Eresma and Clamores meet, and where the 13th century church of the Veracruz that belongs to the Order of Malta stands. Lunch with the most fantastic views of the Segovia skyline. After lunch ride back to Hipica Eresma along the river Eresma green trails, say goodbye to your horses then return to the hotel.

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast transfer to Madrid, arriving at the airport approx. 12 noon. All riders will be transferred at the same time, so if any rider needs to arrive in Madrid prior to noon, all riders will depart earlier - or we will arrange an alternative transfer (at an extra cost)

Accommodation

Four nights' accommodation in Hotel Monasterio de San Antonio El Real****

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

This ride is for experienced riders who are reasonably fit, It is advisable to have trail riding experience, be able to easily manage a horse at all paces and be familiar and comfortable handling a horse on the ground. The pace of the ride will vary, but the ride includes walk, long canters and gallops depending on the terrain. A level of fitness is required as you will spend 4-6 hours in the saddle each day.

Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

March 19, 2025 - March 23, 2025

April 2, 2025 - April 6, 2025

April 16, 2025 - April 20, 2025

May 7, 2025 - May 11, 2025

May 28, 2025 - June 1, 2025

July 2, 2025 - July 6, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025 - Aug. 31, 2025

Sept. 10, 2025 - Sept. 14, 2025

Oct. 8, 2025 - Oct. 12, 2025

Oct. 15, 2025 - Oct. 19, 2025

Oct. 29, 2025 - Nov. 2, 2025

Nov. 5, 2025 - Nov. 9, 2025

Pricing

2025 £1285 $1660 €1550
Included 4 nights of shared accommodation in a comfortable and charming hotel, 3 days riding, all meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, beer and wine with meals, aperitifs, a support vehicle and airport transfers from and to Madrid at set times.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, extra drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2025 - Single Supplement £124 $161 €150
Paid to Far and Ride
2025 - Small Group Supplement £205 $265 €250
Paid to Far and Ride
Once more than 4 riders are confirmed then the small group supplement will be refunded. If less then 4 riders are confirmed there will be a supplement for the transfers from/to the airport.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.