Horseback riding in Spain is an ancient art which contributed enormously to their military success and helped them become the most powerful country in Europe in the 16th century.  It was their magnificent Arab, Andalusian and Barb horses which enabled them to conquer mighty empires in the Americas like those of the Aztecs and the Incas.   Vast wealth from plundering the treasures of America enriched Spain and began a prosperous period when art and architecture flourished for centuries.  Travelers can still wonder at the artistic glories created during this period.  Today riders see picturesque medieval castles and traverse ancient, walled towns.  This is the land which fostered great artists like Picasso, El Greco, Velasquez and Dali.  Being exposed to this enthralling history is one of the charms of riding vacations in Spain.

Equitours has developed over many years a broad choice of excellent and well tested equestrian vacations.  You can ride from the Mediterranean to the rugged mountains of the interior.  You can gallop along beaches in Catalonia, wind through the mountain trails of the remote Alpujarras or take dressage lessons in Andalusia.  Spain is truly a many- faceted land where the horse is still much revered.  From the Epona Equestrian Center you can visit the Royal Spanish Riding School in nearby Jerez where magnificent Andalusian stallions perform the most intricate maneuvers in dressage.  The ambiance created in this place by the exquisite architecture of the building, the costumes of the riders and the apparel of the horses is most impressive.  The precision of riders and the superb performance of the horses are breathtaking.  Of course classical dressage developed from the need to have warhorses perform athletic feats like the capriole where the horse leaps in the air and gives a mighty kick with both legs capable of smashing surrounding foot soldiers with devastating blows far more powerful than any human could give.  In those days they were as effective as modern tanks.

Spain is understandably one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.  It has a very rich cultural tradition with castles out of fairy tales, flamenco dancers, soulful folk songs, gastronomic delights, excellent climate and good safety for travelers.  On the back of a good horse you can go deep into the country off the normal tourist path and experience the vibrant heart of Spain.  At the same time you will have the opportunity to practice the sport you love on fine horses.

  Peak Season

April, May, June, September, October


  Quiet Season

January, February, March, November, December


  Low Season

July , August


  Timezone in Spain

Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)


  International Airports

Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), Barcelona Airport - El Prat (BCN)


Climate in Spain

The best time to visit Spain is either in late spring or early autumn – especially if you’re going to Andalucia or the Mediterranean coastal areas. Central Spain is best visited in October or May, and Southern Spain offers mild temperatures year round.

  Average Temperature

86 °F » 40 °F


 

Choose from 16 equestrian vacations in Spain

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The Valleys of Gredos

This horseback riding holiday in Spain passes through the Valleys of Gredos, one of the most distinctive regions of the Iberian Peninsula. River valleys, surrounded by... Browse itinerary

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Ride by local villages on the Dali Coast horseback riding holiday in Spain

Dali Coast Trail

Experience for yourself  Catalonia's wild beauty that attracted painters like Dali in the mid 19th century who drew inspiration from the spectacular coastline, the intense green... Browse itinerary

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Epona Equestrian Center

This picturesque riding center provides trail riding in the morning, and afternoon dressage instruction, making for a memorable dressage holiday in Spain. The entire Garcia family... Browse itinerary

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Epona Intensive Program

This program is designed for those who prefer to concentrate on improving their dressage riding skills. Epona's highly trained and sensitive Spanish horses and experienced instructors... Browse itinerary

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Coastal Range Ride

The Alpujarra and Coastal Range rides in the Sierra Nevada mountains use well mannered, fit horses and are moderately paced through beautiful landscape going up to... Browse itinerary

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Alpujarra Ride

The Alpujarra and Coastal Range rides in the Sierra Nevada mountains follow ancient bridle paths from village to village on well mannered, fit horses at a... Browse itinerary

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Bandit Trail

The Bandit trail is a diversified horse riding trek through massive canyons, table mountains and volcanoes - a riding paradise where outlaws once hid. The fresh... Browse itinerary

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Epona November 2018: Super trip! Fernando and team were terrific, accommodations were great, fun riding (dressage lessons and trail rides) and extra activities, excellent food. THANKS

Susan Mercer

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