Intensive training
Intensive Training
This is a six night, five day riding holiday designed for those who share our passion for horses and want to spend a week focusing on training and improving communication with your horse in a relaxed and safe atmosphere.
This programme consists of eight dressage lessons and two lunge lessons across the week.
The opportunity to improve your riding skills and knowledge, on superbly trained Spanish horses, offers a unique holiday experience.
Combine this with 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, it now gives you a riding holiday opportunity of a lifetime.
Our weight limit for this programme is 85kgs.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is designed for those who prefer to concentrate on improving their dressage riding skills. Eponas’ highly trained and sensitive Spanish horses and extremely experienced instructors are world renowned. As a result, this programme attracts riders from every walk of life and from a vast range of countries.
This programme is also very popular with our many repeat guests, as it is tailored to suit your needs regardless of whether you are a competition rider, a trainer yourself, a pleasure rider or a first time rider.
During your stay with us, you can relax in stunningly beautiful surroundings away from the stress of modern-day lifestyles, while devoting your time to improving your horse riding skills so that your confidence, ability and enjoyment will increase greatly over the week.
Typically, our Intensive Training Programme riders are adults, with no upper age restriction, who are keen to learn more about Classical Dressage. Horses will be matched to your current riding ability, so whether a lifetime rider or a first time rider, and regardless of where you currently are with your riding, you will feel your skills and ability develop throughout the week.
What is involved?
Our establishment is world renowned for its depth and quality of classically trained, yet kind and generous, Andalusian horses.
At Epona we enjoy the luxury of having both horses and instructors, who between them, are capable of training guests of all levels, from advanced dressage riders to beginners.
As a result, you will enjoy dressage and lunge lessons, that are both progressive 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. Viviana Garcia, owner and Chief Instructor, is also a graduate from the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
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 horses’ wellbeing.
Their aim is to pass on this knowledge, keeping in mind the principles and objectives of Classical Dressage, regardless of whether to a first time or a lifetime 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 transfer from the Santa Justa train station at 16.30 and can arrange airport pickups at any time 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 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 well earned break, get ready for your first lunge lesson.
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 or make use of our private pool (between the months of April to November).
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.
Your second dressage lesson will be in the afternoon. The lessons are designed to improve your school work, position and dressage skills and they will also teach you how to communicate better with your horse. Group sizes are usually of 2 or 3 riders at a similar level, and never larger than 4.
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 ticket 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, hopefully performing more advanced movements. After the lesson, 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 that today we will include your second lunge session.
In the morning, enjoy your last dressage lesson. By this time you might be performing some of the more advanced movements (this will depend on the rider’s ability).
Last lunch at Epona.
An Epona Diploma is presented to all participants this day.
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 quick 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, you can 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 many shops around the city centre, so there is plenty to do before it’s 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 € 2,070 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. (If you wish to avoid paying the single accommodation supplement, please let us know, as we have an alternative accommodation option).
- 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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