Happy Trails
Happy Trails
Programme
This is a six night, five day riding holiday designed for those who share our passion for horses and wish to get to know this amazing part of Spain on horseback. If you have been looking for an amazing experience, you now have the holiday opportunity of a lifetime.
The programme also includes 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.
The programme runs in the mornings which allows for free afternoons to rest or enjoy the many sights this area has to offer.
Our weight limit for this programme is 95kgs.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is ideal for those who agree that trail riding is one of the best ways to have fun, make new friends and to see Spain from another angle whilst also improving their riding skills.
So although we are dressage centre, we understand that there are people who would much rather ride outside than in the arena and thus we have a holiday option for those too!
This programme is also ideal for those who feel that they are not yet riding fit enough to do a morning ride plus an afternoon lesson as we offer in some of our other programmes.
During your stay with us, you can relax in stunningly beautiful surroundings away from the stress of modern-day lifestyles and enjoy your equestrian mornings at our farm while leaving plenty of spare time in the afternoons to either relax or to discover this unforgettable part of the world.
Typically, our Happy Trails riders are adults, with no upper age restriction, and who are comfortable in a steady trot and canter, along open trails on a well mannered horse.
We can design bespoke programmes for less experienced or less confident riders also. Please don’t hesitate to ask us to help you design a suitable programme to facilitate your needs.
What is involved?
- Our immediate countryside consists of miles of open, slightly rolling land across which it is possible for frequent trots and rhythmical canters.
- You will be riding through fields of wheat, sunflowers and olive groves, punctuated by orchards of orange and peach trees.
- This peaceful landscape, where the only sound you will hear will be the horses hooves, the soaring birds and the breeze rushing through the wheat, will let your mind roll back to when the Romans cultivated this land 22 centuries ago and Cervantes rode these same tracks, collecting olive oil taxes.
- One of your rides will be in the Doñana Natural Park, one of the largest natural reservations in Europe.
- You will be riding through sandy dunes where the air is scented by lavender, thyme, rosemary and the nearby ocean.
- When you reach the virgin beach of “El Asperillo” you will encounter one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world for a long spellbinding trot and canter.
Please note: If you are not yet comfortable or confident riding along open trails or the beach, in rising trot and canter, please let us know. We can arrange a bespoke trail riding experience for you.
All our guides are fluent in English as well as some other languages.
What to do in your free time?
Andalusia offers visitors an infinity of interesting things to see and do. It is one of the regions of Spain that most attracts national and international tourists. Its cultural richness, its environmental diversity and the open and friendly character of its inhabitants are part of the magical elixir that makes Andalusia a preferred tourist destination for people from all corners of the world.
The walled city of Carmona, where you are lodged during your stay with us is a touristic attraction in itself so we suggest that you dedicate at least one afternoon to visit its many sights.
From the times of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, etc, Carmona has been a town of great importance due to its privileged geographical situation, sitting on the top of a hill, and its fortifications. From these ancient times, we are left with many vestiges of tourist and cultural interest such as its amphitheatre and Roman necropolis, its fortress of Carthaginian origin, its many Baroque and Gothic churches, its convents and palaces…
All of this and much more make of this beautiful place a gem to discover.
The city of Seville, an incomparable and vibrant destination, is less than 30 min away. Its Gothic cathedral, its famous Moorish tower, Reales Alcázares, parks, markets, its river and famous bridges, its museums, and so much more, make this city a destination that no one should miss.
Also in the area, it is very interesting to visit an olive oil mill, the Roman city of Itálica or the Arab baths in Seville.
The monumental cities of Córdoba and Ronda are just over an hour away.
If you prefer to play sports in your spare time, we have several golf courses in the area and there are companies that rent mountain bikes and organize routes in the area.
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 usually arrive in the afternoon and settle in to their hotel, a former Palace once the residence of a Queen, which is nestled in the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful medieval town of Carmona.
We offer a complimentary pick-up from the train station in Seville at 16.30.
We can offer transfers at other times (and days) as long as you let us know in advance.
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 week’s 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!
You will be collected from the hotel and on arrival at Epona, you will have a short guided tour.
You will then mount up for the ‘Old Hacienda Ride’, a relaxed trail ride around the immediate countryside, through olive groves and eucalyptus trees.
Depending on the season, you could see fields of sunflowers, wheat and cotton, as well as melons and water melons in late summer. The ride takes you past impressive 16th and 17th century Haciendas and Cortijos, steeped in history.
Return to Epona for lunch.
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 privilege of seeing the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best, at home in the breathtaking setting of their 18th Century palace and 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 ticket to the “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” performance is €32.50
Return for a late lunch at Epona.
Free.
After breakfast, mount up and set off across country for the ‘Roman Bridge’ ride.
Depending on the time of the year you could be riding through fields of sunflowers, wheat, cotton, oranges or almond trees, and through ancient olive groves still carefully tended and nurtured. It is a countryside where there are very few fences.
Along the way you may come across the river, full and flowing in spring, cool and shallow in summer, a natural heaven for wildlife, with abundant vegetation all year round. Splashing through the shallows, where you may disturb terns and grebes, you’ll emerge at an old Roman Bridge and shady eucalyptus grove.
Return to Epona for lunch.
Free.
Today we set off early from your hotel to the coast, where sturdy Spanish horses, all in Spanish Andalusian cowboy tack (montura vaquera), will be waiting to take you on the Beach Ride.
The ride takes you on an unforgettable route through the Donaña Natural Park, one of Europe’s last true wilderness regions. This area is home to many species (some protected), such as fallow deer, boar, fox, iberian lynx, imperial eagles, kites, vultures, storks, flamingos and herons.
The ride will take you over the golden dunes, full of the scents of the abundant flora, before arriving at the spectacular beach, where there is the opportunity to get the horses legs wet and to have a trot and a long canter, if desired.
Doñana Natural Park is one of the hidden gems of Andalusia and we are privileged to be able to ride through it.
After the ride, we head back to Epona for a late lunch.
Free.
We set off across open country for our last trail ride of the week, through olive and orange groves, and past farmers working the land.
How strange, in a region where there are no bridle paths the horse can wander anywhere just so long as you have respect for the crop. By now, you will realise that in Andalucia, everyone understands and loves the horse.
Return to Epona for lunch.
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 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, if you don’t wish to go to the Flamenco Show or you have already seen it , perhaps you would rather 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 also plenty of shops to visit near the city centre before it is time to meet up with the others 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.
We offer complimentary transport to Seville airport and train station. First trip at 8.00 am and last will be at 11.00 am.
Have a safe onward journey and we look forward to welcoming you back!
The total price for this programme is € 1,595 per person which includes accommodation 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
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.
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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