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

Airport and Train Station Transfers

Epona offers complimentary transfers to and from the Seville train station at pre-set times.

Arrivals on Sunday

Departures from the hotel on Saturdays only

To train station or airport:

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 | Epona Spain

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 | Epona Spain

Professional Instructors

Our qualified instructors bring a wealth of riding and training experience to the lessons.

Family business | Epona Spain

Family business

Personal and close attention from the García family, will make you feel like a valued guest and friend.

World class facilities | Epona Spain

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 | Epona Spain

Cultural experience

Our programmes combine riding with the historical, cultural and scenic experiences our unique location offers.

Ideal riding holiday climate | Epona Spain

Ideal riding holiday climate

We enjoy an average of 300 days of sunshine.

Unique in Spain | Epona Spain

Unique in Spain

The only riding holiday centre in Spain officially approved by the British horse society.

35 Years | Epona Spain

35 years

We offer 35 years of uninterrupted experience in hosting and training riding holiday guests from around the world.

Testimonials

Katy Tudor | Testimonial | Epona Spain

Katy Tudor

Testimonials | Epona Spain

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 | Testimonial | Epona Spain

Helen James

Testimonials | Epona Spain

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 | Testimonial | Epona Spain

Peter Choong

Testimonials | Epona Spain

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.

Contact form

You can contact us directly by sending us a message through this form.