Train and trail
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. Our combination of trail riding through the charming andalusian countryside, and quality lessons, on superbly trained Spanish horses, offer 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, you now have the holiday opportunity of a lifetime.
Our weight limit for this programme is 95kgs.
Who is this programme for?
The combination of “Trail and training” is ideal for riders of all levels who believe that trail riding is one of the best ways to have fun, make new friends and experience Spain from new vantage point whilst also improving their riding skills.
This programme is also ideal for those who feel that they are not yet riding fit enough for up to three riding lessons a day (like we offer in some of our specific dressage training courses).
During your stay with us, you can relax in stunningly beautiful surroundings away from the stresses of modern-day life. Devoting time to improving your horse riding skills, so that your confidence and enjoyment of horses, will increase greatly over the week.
Typically, our trail and training riders are adults, with no upper age restriction, who are comfortable in a steady trot and canter, along open trails on a well mannered horse.
Additionally, we can design bespoke programmes for less experienced or less confident riders subject to availability. Please don’t hesitate to ask us to help you design a suitable trail and training programme that meets your needs.
Please note: Our advanced dressage horses are reserved for our pure dressage programmes so we can’t guarantee these will be available for our trail and training programme lessons.
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, when 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 will be 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.
- 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 of all levels, from beginners to advanced dressage riders.
- Our excellent bespoke facilities include irrigated indoor and outdoor schools and exercise track, which help make your lessons dust free and more enjoyable, especially through the heat of a Seville 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 rider’s safety at heart. Viviana Garcia, owner and head instructor at Epona, 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 usually arrive in the afternoon and settle in to their hotel, a former Palace built for 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 coutryside, 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 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.
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.
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.
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 as 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.
Get ready to visit the historical heart of Seville.
Begin your visit at a charming shop specialising in hats, boots and leather goods, where you’ll find a curated selection of traditional Spanish items — the perfect place to pick up a unique memento of your stay.
From there, enjoy some free time to explore the historic centre of Seville, taking in the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the magnificent Reales Alcázares palace, and the charming streets of the Santa Cruz quarter.
If you’d like, you can also take a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride around the city. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, with countless photo opportunities and plenty of shops to browse before it’s time to meet up with the rest of the group for dinner.
Dinner will be at a traditional Spanish night market, where you can choose from 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 € 1.975 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:
- Five meals (four evening dinners in Carmona and the last one in Seville, on Friday evening).
- Supplement for single accommodation is €345.
- Non rider sharing with a companion rider €1.075
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
Testimonials
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.
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