Note: Riders near the 95kg weight limit, please note we just need advance notice and told at time of booking to make sure we have the right horses available.

Day 1
Guests arrive in the afternoon either by pick-up at the airport or train station in Seville (10 – 20-minute drive) or by means of their own transport. A free transfer service is offered at pre-set times (3.30pm and 8.00pm from the airport and 4:30 pm. From the Santa Justa Train Station). If you can’t or don’t wish to be picked up at these times, the service will be charged, and needs to be booked well in advance).
You will then be escorted to your hotel in the nearby town of Carmona, one of the famous white villages of Andalucia. Carmona is the oldest continually inhabited village 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.
After you are settled in, you may appreciate a dip in the pool, or perhaps discover the pleasures of the Spanish afternoon siesta after a tiring journey.

In the evening, you will be joined at your hotel by one of the hosts, for a welcome dinner, where you will meet the rest of the members of the week’s group and where you may clarify any last-minute questions about the weekly program. After some friendly 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!

Day 2
Mount up for the Old Hacienda Ride (now completely renovated), a relaxed hack 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 watermelons in late summer. The ride takes you past impressive 16th and 17th century Haciendas and Cortijos, which have stood here since the days when Cervantes rode these same trails, collecting olive oil taxes. Return to Epona for lunch.

Equitation lessons will take place in the late afternoon when life is a little cooler. It’s a great chance to improve your schoolwork or dressage.

Day 3
Early breakfast and pick up at the hotel at 8:30 a.m. for Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, one hour and a half away by car. Jerez is internationally renowned for its production of sherry and brandy. However, the main attraction of the day will be the visit to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, an equestrian performance titled, “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” (Ticket Price: 27 €). Here you will have the privilege of seeing the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best, at home in the breath-taking 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, comparable only with the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Fernando is well known at the school and is good friends with many of the world-famous riders. Vivi trained at this school for four years and frequently performed in the show. Return for lunch at Epona, followed by lessons in the afternoon.

Day 4
After breakfast and a quick transfer to the Hacienda, mount up and set off across country for the Roman Bridge. Depending on the time of the year you could be riding through fields of sunflowers, wheat, cotton, oranges or peaches, through olive groves with ancient trees still carefully tended and nurtured. It is a countryside where there are very few fences.

A landscape rich with patchwork of different crops, still rotated year by year as they have always been, with wide headlands of uncultivated land separating one field from another and providing a natural bridleway across country. The variety of wildflowers, butterflies and birds.

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, terns and grebes, you’ll emerge at an old Roman Bridge and shady eucalyptus grove. After a break and a few photographs, ride back home for a late lunch. Lesson in the afternoon.

Day 5
Today we set off early to the seaside village, 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 bordering the National Park of the same name, one of Europe’s last true wilderness regions and one of the largest wildlife reservations in Spain. The ride will take you over the golden dunes, brushing through fragrant wild lavender, rosemary and thyme. The area is home to many species (some protected), such as fallow deer, boar, fox, lynx, imperial eagles, kites, vultures, storks, flamingos and herons.

You will ride down to the beach and then it’s time for the horses to wet their legs and for those who want to, a canter through the surf. After the ride, we head back to Epona for lunch. Lesson in the afternoon.

Day 6
We set off across open country for our last hack of the week, through olive and orange groves, 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. In all our years here, we have never had a farmer object to us crossing his land. On the contrary, they are always pleased to see us. In Andalucia everyone understands and loves the horse. Eventually we arrive at the fields. Return to Epona for lunch.

In the afternoon, after a well-deserved “siesta”, get changed into your city finery ready to hit Seville for a shopping and sightseeing. In the evening, we will arrive at an excellent restaurant providing both Spanish and International cuisine for the last dinner of the holiday and some superb Spanish wine.

Day 7
We offer complementary transport to the airport and train station. First trip at 8.00 a.m. and last will be at 11.00 am. Have a nice journey home, we hope you enjoyed your stay at Epona. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Please ask about

• Additional afternoon lessons

• Additional non riding activities (massage, golf, tennis, Spanish lessons, Spanish guitar lessons, Flamenco lessons course of 3 – 150€)