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A unique opportunity to be taught by the one and only Rafael Soto, who rode Invasor to win his Spanish team, the Olympic Silver Medal. He is a brilliant instructor, warm, engaging and not at all intimidating, he loves teaching anyone who shows an interest in his passion for the art of Classical Dressage.
Includes 4 x 45-minute private lessons with the Olympic Silver medallist.
Note: Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our ‘Terms & Conditions’ for full details.
5-12 February
5-12 March
5-12 November
5-12 December
Other dates may be made available on demand, so if the above dates do not suit, please enquire, especially if there is a group of you keen to book a clinic with Rafael.
Included – All the riding, all accommodation, breakfasts and lunches, welcome meal on the first night, drinks with lunch and some sightseeing.
Excluded – Flights, some sightseeing (Spanish School of Equitation Jerez, Flamenco Show Seville), dinners (except for first night) and airport transfers.
Getting There
International flight to Seville or you can take a flight to Malaga and take the scenic train or drive to Seville.
Transfer
The transfer time is only 20 minutes from Seville airport. You can either take a taxi or we can arrange a private transfer it is 55 – 60Euros per car each way to be paid directly.
All our horse riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book one of our horse riding holidays and will refund the difference should you find the same horse riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
HIGHLIGHTS
Rafael Soto
A passionate Classical Dressage equestrian, Rafael’s most important successes in Dressage competitions are:
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: 5 times gold medallist, four with ‘Invasor’, once with ‘Flamenco’.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP: Team Silver Medallist in Hickstead in 2003 with ‘Invasor’, plus two other 4th places. Top ten individual qualification in the last three European Championships in which he has participated, 1999, 2001 and 2003.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: 1998 Team 6th Place. 2002 Team Bronze Medal, Individual 6th Place.
OLYMPIC GAMES: ATLANTA 1996 Individual 7th Place.
OLYMPIC GAMES: SYDNEY 2000 Team 5th Place, Individual 12th.
OLYMPIC GAMES: ATHENS 2004 Team SILVER MEDAL, Individual 8th Place.
Rafael is the Director of the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez and trained the international Spanish dressage team. He is fluent in Spanish, English, French and German.
For many years now, Rafael has taught and worked with Epona, teaching their guests. The Garcia family feel privileged to count Rafael as one of their dearest friends. His talent around horses is well documented but what many possibly don’t know is that he is a man full of humour, integrity and empathy. “We feel honoured that he chose to collaborate with us here, at Epona, many years ago now, and so many clinics later, he has confirmed our impressions that he is a truly gifted trainer, mentor and clinician.” Fernando Garcia Carvajal (Owner, Epona)
Guests stay in the ancient historical town of Carmona at the gorgeous Hotel Alcazar de la Reina which is rated 4 stars, which has a pool, restaurant and tapas bar. This is a perfect riding holiday for anyone interested in dressage, combining great horses, excellent food, top class tuition mixed up with relaxation time and some cultural sightseeing in nearby Seville, Carmona & Jerez.
You will be based in Carmona, a short drive away from the Garcia’s home, a beautiful 19th century Hacienda nestled in rolling countryside between the historic city of Seville and the medieval town of Carmona, an area steeped in history and charm yard. Fernando and Jane alongside their daughters Vivi and Caty have been running this wonderful establishment for over 35 years. With over 30 horses to choose from, and a maximum of 10 guests at any one time, you can be sure to be matched up to the right horse for the clinic and even try a couple of others during your stay.
Their daughters Vivi and Caty are expert riders and instructors, having both trained with Rafael Soto and will be running the support lessons out with the private sessions with Rafael.
In addition to the mixed riding, there are some great sightseeing trips, which include a visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and a traditional flamenco dancing show – we promise that you will come back captivated by the Spanish way of life & riding, with a return visit in order by the time you return home!
Horses – Andalusians & Andalusian Crosses, some Warmbloods, Anglo Arabs and Thoroughbreds and some small ponies for kids.
Level of Riding & Pace – It is of great benefit to have a knowledge of Elementary level upwards to maximise the benefits of the clinics.
Tack – English.
Weight Restriction – 13 Stone 4 lbs / 85 kg / 187 lbs. Heavier riders are welcome up to 95kgs, we just need advance notice and told at time of booking to make sure we have the right horses available.
Group Size – Maximum 4.
The Hotel Alcazar de la Reina is where guests stay and enjoy the charm of the small town of Carmona, the oldest continually inhabitated settlement in Europe, where the locals are friendly and helpful and the small winding streets are steeped with history and tradition, staying at the Hotel Alcazar de la Reina, tastefully restored 4-star hotel, originally a 14th Century fortified palace.
You have breakfast at the hotel, it’s an extensive buffet with lunch enjoyed at the Hacienda between training sessions. All the food is home cooked and expect traditional Spanish fare such as olive starters, Tortillas and mixed salads followed by fresh fruit and/or cheese for dessert, washed down with a glass or two of local wine if you fancy! Evening meals: On the first night there is a welcome Tapas dinner at the hotel with your host Fernando from Epona. Most other nights you are free to eat at the hotel or any number of wonderful local eateries which the Garcia family will recommend. On the Friday night you are brought to a Flamenco show in Seville followed by a meal with one of the hosts at Epona (optional).
Horse Riding Holidays like this Classical Dressage holiday are part of the Zara’s Planet collection of Horse Riding Holidays Spain.
Please Ask About
Rafael Soto Clinic – Sample Itinerary
The training consists of 2 Lunging sessions to improve classical seat & 6 group lessons with the resident instructors. These lessons will determine the level and most suitable mount for maximum benefit during the 4 x 45-minute private sessions with Rafael Soto. Participants will also have a chance to sit in and observe the lessons of the other guests.
OTHER PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES:
Visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art at Jerez de la Frontera.
Flamenco Show and dinner in Seville.
Conference with Rafael and staff, where progress will be discussed, and all participants will be presented with a Diploma.
REQUIREMENTS:
Elementary knowledge of dressage is recommended for maximum benefit.
All our horse riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book one of our horse riding holidays and will refund the difference should you find the same horse riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
If you are having trouble finding exactly the right horse riding holiday for you from our horse riding holidays collection, please contact us directly using the form below and tell us in your own words what you would like to do and we will use our extensive knowledge to make sure we find that perfect horse riding holiday.
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