Classical dressage and High School training
Classical dressage and High School training
This is a six night, six day dressage programme designed for experienced riders who are familiar with lateral work and collection.
Guests will be immersed in the day to day riding and training that goes on at Epona. It’s a great chance to get a real feel for the sensitive Andalusians and Iberian horses, trained to High School level, and to enjoy some of the advanced movements, such as Passage, Piaffe, Canter Pirouettes, Flying Changes and, of course, Spanish Walk.
This programme includes five private lessons, one of which will be with Olympic silver medallist Rafael Soto, five semi private lessons, two ground work sessions (working on training piaffe and Spanish walk) and two lunge lessons, (working on improving the classical seat).
During your stay with us we also include cultural excursions to the heart of Seville to view a typical flamenco show and the world famous horse show in Jerez entitled “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” all whilst staying in one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the world.
This programme offers a unique combination of intermediate to advanced dressage, on highly trained Spanish horses, whilst being immersed in all that makes the Andalusian region of Spain so special.
Our weight limit for this programme is 80kgs.
Who is this programme for?
The Classical Dressage and High School programme is for experienced riders with an understanding of collection and lateral work.
This programme is designed for those who have a great passion for Dressage and who are ready to work hard for a week to really get a feel for the more advanced dressage movements.
It is also ideal for people who are not only interested in the Classical Dressage ways of riding, but also in the procedures used for training these magnificent horses.
Epona’s highly trained and sensitive Spanish horses and extremely experienced instructors are world renowned.
We are fortunate to have many horses trained to high school level, which allow our riders on this programme to truly experience the feel of the more advanced movements.
Typically, our Classical Dressage and High School programme riders are adults, with no upper age restriction, who are passionate about learning more about Classical Dressage and High School.
Many participants are trainers of horses and riders themselves. Many others are those who have a desire to take their pleasure riding and knowledge to the next level.
In this programme we try to fit all of the lessons into the morning when possible, to leave the afternoons free for those who wish to do some sightseeing in the area.
It is therefore quite popular with those who are accompanied by non-riding partners.
Our weight limit for this programme is 80kgs.
What is involved?
Our establishment is world renowned for its depth and quality of classically trained, yet kind and generous, Spanish horses.
At Epona we enjoy the luxury of having both horses and instructors, who between them, are capable of training guests to an advanced level.
As a result, you will enjoy dressage, lunge lessons and high school groundwork sessions that are both informative and safe, in purpose built training facilities, alongside like minded people, from around the world.
Our excellent bespoke facilities include irrigated indoor and outdoor schools and an exercise track, which help make your lessons dust free and more enjoyable, especially through the heat of an Andalusian summer. Our indoor arena is 20m x 60m and boasts a top level competition standard sand and fibre surface to further enhance the quality of your riding experience.
The Epona instructors are qualified by the British Horse Society, the Association of British Riding Schools and the Spanish Equestrian Federation which means that they are trained to always have the horse and riders’ safety at heart.
Over the years, the knowledge gathered (having trained in Dressage under many masters of various nationalities) has allowed them to form their own training and teaching techniques, which keep the pupils’ learning and enjoyment as the main priority, as well as safety and the horse’s wellbeing.
Their aim is to pass on this knowledge, keeping in mind the principles and objectives of Classical Dressage, regardless whether to a pleasure rider or a professional rider.
Where do you stay
Your accommodation is in a 4* hotel, complete with a swimming pool, nestled in the nearby medieval town of Carmona, one of the famous white villages of Andalucia.
Carmona is the oldest continuously inhabited town in Europe and as you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, you will feel and breathe the spirits of ancient cultures (Iberians, Visigoths, Phoenicians, Romans, Moors), in the innumerable examples of their architectural influence in the churches, towers, palaces and mansions as well as in the inherited customs.
Carmona is one of Europe’s hidden gems and is a destination in its own right. You will never tire of wandering the streets and will discover that its timeless beauty changes from sunrise to sunset. At night, Carmona takes on a magical glow that will leave you spellbound. With more than fifty small cafes and bars, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
Daily Itinerary and Cost
Guests arrive in the afternoon and settle in to their hotel, a former Palace, once the residence of a medieval Queen, which is nestled in the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful medieval town of Carmona.
We offer a complimentary pick up from the Santa Justa train station at 16.30 and can organise pick-up’s at any time from the airport with our local taxi service.
In the evening, you will be joined at the hotel by one of the Epona hosts, for a welcome dinner, where you will meet the rest of the weeks’ riding members.
After some friendly introductions and conversation, you are free to spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, and to relax before the beginning of what we hope will be an unforgettable week.
Welcome to Epona!
After breakfast at the hotel and a quick transfer to Epona, you will have a short guided tour and a chat with our instructors.
Your first semi-private lesson will be an assessment with your instructor, who will note your good points and the areas which need to be worked upon. It is also the first chance for you to get used to your horse and the more sensitive style of riding required for the Andalusian and Iberian horses.
After a short break, get ready for your first private lesson.
Today, you will also have the first of your lunge lessons which offer a wonderful opportunity to improve your seat, balance and posture.
Once the morning lessons are over, relax with a book on the terrace or in the comfortable guest lounge. You are also more than welcome to stay and sit by the arenas and watch the daily training of our horses.
Meet the rest of the group for lunch in our beautiful dining room and enjoy your first experience of typical Andalusian home cooking and sample our excellent local wine.
Early breakfast and pick up at the hotel at 8:30 a.m. for the drive to Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz.
Jerez is internationally renowned for its production of sherry and brandy. However, the main attraction of this day will be the visit to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, and to see an equestrian performance titled, “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”.
Here you will have the priviledge of seeing the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best, at home in the breathtaking setting of their 18th Century palace and the riding hall. They will be performing piaffe, passage and the airs above the ground (courbette, capriole, etc) in a spectacle of light, music and colour.
Vivi Garcia trained at this school for four years and frequently performed in the show.
Please note: the additional cost for the entrance tickets to the “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” performance is €32.50
Return for a late lunch at Epona.
As the week progresses so will your dressage, performing more advanced movements and to a higher standard.
Today you will have a shared lesson followed by a private lesson.
After a break, enjoy the unique opportunity to do some ground work. Our trainer will demonstrate on a one to one basis, the techniques used for training some of the more advanced movements. Groundwork is a very strong part of the Classical Dressage style of training and it is rare to get the opportunity to experience first hand what is involved.
Once your lessons are over feel free to stay and continue observing the daily training of the geldings, mares and stallions, from young and green to very advanced. We also train the schoolmasters regularly to keep them sensitive and in good shape so that our guests can enjoy and get the most out of their lessons with them.
Lunch at Epona.
Same as wednesday except this is the day you will be able to consolidate everything you have worked on during the week, under the ever watchful eye of Olympic silver medalist, Rafael Soto.
Depending on your ability, you will be confidently performing the more advanced movements with improved knowledge and technique today.
*Please note that although Rafael normally comes to teach on fridays, due to his tight agenda, we can’t guarantee this is the day he will be here each week , and we sometimes have to make adjustments in our schedule.
Last lunch at Epona.
After a relaxing afternoon back in Carmona, get ready to visit the historical heart of Seville.
Here you can visit the tack shop, always a highlight, and after a short walk around it is then time for a classical Flamenco Show. The show features dancers of national and international fame, traditional singers and wonderful flamenco guitar. This Flamenco show is optional and has an additional cost of €35
Alternatively, stroll the streets around the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the palaces and mansions that are a part of this world famous city. The photo opportunities are endless and you will be spoiled for choice. There are many shops and cafes in the historic centre of Seville, so lot’s of things to do before it’s time to meet up with the rest of the group for dinner.
After the show it is a short walk to the typical Spanish night market where you can choose your own meal, from a range of Spanish and International cuisine, accompanied, of course, by some superb Spanish wine.
Today it’s your final lesson, time to shine with all you have learned and advanced during the week.
You will then be presented with the Epona Classical Dressage and High School Diploma
Afterwards, it’s time for goodbyes and last minute pictures of your new friends, animal and human.
We offer complimentary transport to the airport and train station at 11.00 am or we can arrange a taxi for you.
Have a safe onward journey and we look forward to welcoming you back!
The total price for this programme is € 2,665 per person which includes accomodation in 4 star hotel, breakfasts and lunches , all riding , welcome dinner on first evening, transfers, amenities, tours and services as described in general information.
Not Included:
- Tickets for the horse show in Jerez (€32.50)
- The Flamenco Show in Seville (35€)
- Five meals (four evening dinners in Carmona and the last one in Seville, on Friday evening)
- Supplement for single accommodation is €320
- Non rider sharing with a companion rider €995
Airport and Train Station Transfers
Epona offers complimentary transfers to and from the Seville train station at pre-set times.
Arrivals on Sunday
- 4:30 pm pick up at the Seville train station inside the main building in front of "AVIS" rent a car office.
- There is a free shuttle bus from the airport to the train station. Airport and Train Station are 10 minutes away.
- If you prefer to travel straight to your hotel from the airport, please let us know, and we can organise a taxi for you. You will pay the driver in person and the transfer time is usually less than 20 minutes.
Departures from the hotel on Saturdays only
To train station or airport:
- 8:00 a.m. first transfer.
- 11:00 a.m. last transfer.
If you require a different departure time or day from the hotel to the airport or train station, please let us know, and we can organise a taxi for you. You will pay the driver in person and the transfer time is usually less than 25 minutes to both the airport and the station.
Why choose Epona
Horses for all levels
Our large number of highly trained horses and well thought out programmes, enable us to accommodate beginners through to advanced riders.
Professional Instructors
Our qualified instructors bring a wealth of riding and training experience to the lessons.
Family business
Personal and close attention from the García family, will make you feel like a valued guest and friend.
World class facilities
Top class facilities (including covered arena) and ancient trail riding routes, are complemented by luxury accommodation in the medieval town of Carmona.
Cultural experience
Our programmes combine riding with the historical, cultural and scenic experiences our unique location offers.
Ideal riding holiday climate
We enjoy an average of 300 days of sunshine.
Unique in Spain
The only riding holiday centre in Spain officially approved by the British horse society.
35 years
We offer 35 years of uninterrupted experience in hosting and training riding holiday guests from around the world.
Testimonials
Katy Tudor
Intensive training
Came back from our 10th visit in March, and plan to go back next year. Need I say more, it´s just the most amazing place.
Helen James
Dressage Clinic with Rafael Soto
Fernando, Jane, Caty, Vivi, this has been the best trip I have ever taken, everything was perfect, the horses, the land and the hospitality.
Peter Choong
Classical dressage and High School training
Could it get any better? Great horses, fantastic instructor, wonderful meals and a real family feel. A gem to be treasured.
Contact us
Please get in touch with us for further information about our programs. To make a reservation, click here.
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