Horseback Riding in Spain

Classical Dressage Clinic with Raphael Soto

Overview

We are offering the best of dressage riding in Spain with this unique opportunity to increase your knowledge of classical dressage with instruction from a grand master.

Week-long clinics culminate in four intensive, individual lessons from Raphael Soto, an Olympic silver medalist in dressage. Soto is not only one of the world’s best dressage riders, but also a gifted and charismatic teacher.

The horses are Andalusians and Andalusian crosses. Horses for all level of riders  are available. There are beautifully schooled horses to practice basic level movements to classically highly trained horses for schooling piaffe, passage, Spanish walk, flying changes, canter pirouettes and tempi changes.

The surroundings are very pleasant and you will have an opportunity to learn a great deal about the culture of the area when you are not riding or watching the lessons.

The center is located near Seville and a visit to the Royal Spanish Riding School in Jerez is included in the program for the week. You will find the whole atmosphere conducive to furthering your knowledge of dressage.

Guests at the center will stay in the charming four-star Hotel Alcazar de la Reina, in Carmona. The hotel is located in the heart of the old town, surrounded by churches, convents and points of interest.

Food is typical, healthy Spanish cuisine using fresh, local produce, breakfast and lunches are included.

  • Overview:
    The center currently owns 30+ well schooled Andalusian (Raza Pura Espanola) and Andalusian crosses. The tack is English. Most horses are ridden in a snaffle and are used to direct rein, some are ridden in double bridles. They are very amenable and your instructor will always indicate how each horse should be ridden.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Andalusian and Andalusian crosses
  • Trip Pace:
    To suit riders
  • Tack:
    Dressage saddles
  • Weight limit:
    176lbs/ 80kg

Non-riding partners can have a great time at Epona and at the hotel in Carmona, snoozing by the pool, going for walks and bicycle rides, taking Spanish lessons or sampling the local wines. While your partner is riding there is plenty of time to explore Carmona or nearby Seville. Carmona is the oldest continuously inhabited village in Europe and Seville has got to be one of Europe's most beautiful and enjoyable cities. You'll soon get the hang of cruising the tapas bars in the warm evening air, just like the locals.

Other Activities:
As well as sightseeing in Carmona and Seville, walks in the local countryside or a swim in the Epona pool (from April to October), and a host of other activities can be arranged to keep non-riding guests entertained.

Flamenco Dance Lessons:
If you are a fan of true Flamenco dance, your visit to Epona is also a great chance to book one-to-one coaching with Eli Jara one of the finest solo Flamenco dancers in Seville. If you book in good time Eli is happy to come out to Epona to give private lessons for €90 an hour, or €60 an hour for groups of up to three.

Classical Flamenco Guitar Lessons:
If you are already a guitarist and interested in classical Spanish guitar then you will love the opportunity for a private lesson with virtuoso Juan Manuel Flores. If available, he is happy to bring two guitars to Epona to give you private instruction. Fee €90 an hour.

Land Rover Tours of the Doñana Natural Park:
Nonriders with a hired car have the chance to follow the riders to Matalascañas for the beach ride, and take a tour of the park themselves in a 4 x 4 Land Rover. The price of the 2 hour tour is 30 euro per person for a minimum of 2 people. If you do not have a rental car, a local driver can be hired to bring you to the coast for 90 euro (with up to 4 people in the car).

Golf:
With two or three golf courses within easy reach by car, there's plenty to keep any non-riding golfing spouse amused. With advance notice, bookings and even a local driver can be hired to drop you off each day.

Seville

Trip Itinerary

The clinics are six days each. The first four days riders receive six hour-long group lessons (with a maximum of 2-3 riders) in the art of dressage from a highly qualified instructor at Epona Riding Center. These first days allow you to become acquainted with the horses. It also allows you to be accustomed to the techniques used by Raphael so that you can gain the most from your time at Epona.

There are two lunge sessions to improve your classical seat. On the last two days you receive two 40-45-minute private lessons from Raphael Soto. You will also have a chance to watch the lessons being given to others which can be extremely helpful to your own learning experience.

Day 1

Sunday: Afternoon transfer from the Sevilla train station at 4.30PM. Settle into your accommodations, a former palace in nearby downtown Carmona, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or an afternoon siesta. In the evening, you will be joined at the hotel by one of the Epona’s hosts, for a welcome dinner, where you will meet the rest of the week’s riders. Carmona is the oldest continuously inhabited village in Europe with narrow streets and fortified walls that hold the spirit of the Iberians, Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and other ancient peoples.

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

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel and a quick transfer to Epona, enjoy a short guided tour and a chat with the instructors.

Your first group 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.

Today, you will also have the first of your lunge lessons which offer a wonderful opportunity to improve your seat, balance and posture.

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.

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.

Afternoon dressage lesson. Dinner is an out of pocket expense through the week except for the welcome dinner on Sunday night and there are lots of restaurant options in Carmona within easy walking distance from the hotel.

Day 3

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 the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre for four years and frequently performed in the show. Her mentor and trainer for the final two years was Rafael Soto.)

Please note: the additional cost for the Jerez trip and the “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” performance is €32.50

Return for a late lunch at Epona. Afternoon group dressage lesson.

Day 4

As the week progresses so will your dressage, performing more advanced movements and to a higher standard.

Today you will have two group lessons (morning and afternoon) and you will be working on some of the exercises you will encounter during your Rafael Soto sessions. This is so you are fully prepared to get the very best out of all four of your private lessons with him.

Once your lessons are over feel free to 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. Followed by an afternoon dressage lesson.

Day 5

Group dressage lesson in the morning.

Today, you will also have your second lunge lesson. By now, you will have a good understanding of the importance of a secure and balanced position. This second lunge lesson will give you an opportunity to work on any areas that need improving and will set you up nicely for your final two days of dressage training with Rafael Soto. Lunch at Epona.

After a relaxing afternoon back in Carmona, get ready to visit the historical heart of Seville.

Here you can visit a 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, 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 and cafes in the city center, so there’s lot’s 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.

Day 6

Today enjoy two private dressage lessons with Olympic silver medalist, Rafael Soto.

Depending on your ability, you will be performing the more advanced movements with improved confidence, knowledge and technique today.

You will be able to watch the other lessons, which gives you yet another learning opportunity, all helping to make this a very informative and enjoyable day, all the while alongside like minded and supportive fellow riders.

Lunch at Epona.

Day 7

Two private lessons with Rafael Soto.

This is the day you will be able to consolidate everything you have worked on during the week, under the ever watchful eye of Rafael Soto. As Rafael knows the Epona horses so well, his four lessons will be progressive and relevant to your individual needs.

Today he will help you get the best out of your horse and, most importantly, yourself.

You will then be presented with the Epona ‘Intensive Training and Dressage Clinic with Rafael Soto’ Diploma while we toast with delicious spanish cava.
Afterwards view the video of one of Rafael’s most legendary rides, aboard his impressive PRE Invasor on his way to winning his Olympic medal. Rafael’s commentary during the projection of this video is an experience in itself!

Afterwards, it’s time for goodbyes and last minute pictures of your new Epona friends, animal and human.

Lunch at Epona.

Enjoy at your leisure the last relaxing evening in Carmona.

Day 8

Complimentary transport is offered to the airport and train station – the first trip will be at 8.00 am and the second will be at 11.00 am.

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 organize 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.

Have a safe onward journey and we look forward to welcoming you back

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur at the hosts' discretion.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

If demand is high, further clinics can be added. The November and December dates are to be confirmed.

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Feb 4, 2024
Feb 11, 2024
Mar 3, 2024
Mar 10, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $3,385

  • Non-rider Rate
  • $1,195

  • Single Supplement
  • $385

  • Transportation
  • Pickup on Day 1 from Santa Justa train station at 4:30pm is included. If arriving at the airport you can take a taxi to the hotel, cost is around 50 Euro one way.
Additional Pricing Information:
If demand is high, further clinics will be added. Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.  


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Contact Biggi Hayes

I cannot say enough good things about all members of the Garcia-Dow family; fabulous lunge lessons with Karen. Rafael Soto is magic! The ride was just outstanding.

Julie Henry