Transfer and Other Options:

This is a seven night, six day riding program - commencing Sunday after 4.00 p.m., ending Sunday before 11.00 a.m.
The training consists of:
3 Lungeing sessions to improve classical seat
6 group lessons with our Chief Instructor, Catalina Garcia Dow BHSII, ABRSTC
These lessons will determine the level and most suitable mount for maximum benefit during the 4-45 minute private sessions with Rafael Soto.

Participants will also have a chance to sit in and observe the lessons of the other guests.

OTHER PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:
Visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art at Jerez de la Frontera.
Flamenco Show and dinner in Seville.
Last night cocktail/conference with Rafael and staff, where progress will be discussed and all participants will be presented with a Diploma and a signed portrait photograph with Rafael.

Sample itinerary

Day 1:  Sunday  Guests arrive in the afternoon (after 4.00 p.m. earliest arrival time) either by pick-up in the airport or train station in Sevilla (10 - 20 minute drive) or by means of your own transport. Meet your hosts and get to know your way around. You may appreciate a dip in the private pool, or perhaps discover the pleasures of the Spanish afternoon "siesta" after a tiring journey. In the evening, you will be escorted to 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, inside the ancient fortified walls, 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. Later, possibly under an indigo sky or in the interior of a centuries-old olive oil mill, you will savour the delights of the local cuisine which still makes full use of ingredients which compose the famous healthy Mediterranean diet, olive oil, garlic, onions, vegetables and fruit.

Day 2: Monday  Guests are welcome to join and groom the horses if they wish, or simple enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You start with a private lunge lesson and then a small group session with head instructor Caty Garcia in the covered arena. The lunge horses are so solid and rhythmic that you only have to pay attention to your positions and transitional cues. On of the goals is to match each rider with the perfect horse for the week. With the number of highly trained horses among the 60 that are available, everyone will end up with the perfect mount. Caty is a talented and experienced instructor who has worked with many international competitors and holds some of the most coveted certifications in Europe. She will be persistent and committed that all work is done properly and in a manner that keeps the horses happy and working toward the goal of Rafael's lessons later in the week.

Day 3: Tuesday ROYAL ANDALUCIAN SCHOOL OF EQUESTRIAN ART
Early breakfast at 8.30 a.m., leaving at 9.00 a.m. for Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, one hour away by car. Jerez is internationally renowned for its production of sherries and brandies and your trip will include a visit to a famous wine shop where you will be able to sample some of the different local varieties. 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: 23 €). Here you will be privileged to see 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, only to be compared with the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Here you will first meet with Rafael Soto, who is an instructor at the school. He will show you around the stables and give you some background information of the school, the horses and the training methods they us.
EVENING: Dinner at Epona. Collapse with a book or board game.

Day 4: Wednesday Today you will graduate to full bridles and begin to attempt some of the finer movements of the capable horses. This means full instruction in how to hold the double reins and the different uses for the snaffle and curb bits. For those who have never ridder a passage, piaffe or flying change, the experience can be a bit overwhelming at first. Lots of smiles, laughs and even shouts of joy are common.

Day 5: Thursday  More instructions in the morning that may include another long lesson and then in the afternoon we all go into Seville to explore the old part of town. In the evening we go and see an excellent Flamenco show, before returning home and to get ready for the two big days to follow with Rafael Soto.

Day 6 and 7: Friday and Saturday Soto clinics
Today is the day that Rafael will be at Epona. Each student has two scheduled private lessons with him today and again tomorrow. You can feel the excitement in the air. Rafael starts with talking you through the basics. Then, as the lessons progress, you try your hand at the upper-level movements - also concentrating on lateral movements to engage your horse. You may start with a bit of a walk and then a forward trot, using leg yield and shoulder-in. After concentrating on straightness on the long sides, bending correctly on the corners and many transitions within gaits, you may start your canter work, using counter canter as a gauge for your riding.
Towards the end of the lesson you may be encouraged in the upper-level movements. A lot of preparation times is used depending on the needs of the individual rider. Shoulder-ins begin at the of the short side, which makes transitions much smoother and easier on the horses. By Saturday afternoon you should all be doing flying changes on a serpentine - topped off with a few steps of passage and piaffe and , of course, you will try the Spanish Walk on your Andalusian horse.
The lessons end with a ceremony and diplomas for the riders.

Day 8: Sunday: After breakfast say goodbye to trainers, horses, dogs, assorted animals and friends you have made. Transfer to the Seville Airport or train station in time for your departure. (Check out no later than 1:00 pm)

The dress at the riding center is very casual, even for the visits, jeans and T-shirts or a summery dress, are fine. We do have a laundry facility you can use here, too, so you don't even have to pack too many riding clothes.

In Spring, Autumn and especially in the summer months, it can get very hot, so to avoid feeling sweaty and sticky all the time, try to stick to natural fabrics, especially cotton. There are   
many fantastic new products on the market, including full cotton seamless underwear, which is a blessing for the trail rides. Don't forget about fine cotton socks, too.

Trousers:
Of course, nothing beats the comfort and protection that proper cotton breeches or jodhpurs afford for riding, but if you don't intend to ride much after your holiday, you can get by with cotton tracksuit bottoms or leggings.

Tops:
Should be fairly fitting, and it is better to have at least half sleeves for protection to the shoulders against sunburn or low hanging branches on the trail rides. Even in the summer, they are just as cool and for the ladies, are much more "supportive" and comfortable so you can concentrate on learning in your classes. If you come in winter, it's good to bring tops you can wear in layers, T-shirts, sweatshirts and vests. Sometimes it is quite cold and suddenly it gets hot, so it's good to be able to add or subtract quickly.

Helmet:
This is obligatory by law in Spain, though not always put into practice, but here in Epona safety of our guests is our first priority, so it is mandatory for all riding. Light colours reflect the sun and keep your head cooler and cooling vents are a huge plus when riding in hot conditions. Also, some helmets come with a detachable net lining, which can be rinsed out everyday?. Fantastic! We do have a few helmets to lend, but it is much preferable for each person to have his/her own, as a good fit is essential If you are buying a new helmet, do try various different trademarks and models as they come in different shapes and you should find the one which fits the shape of your head.

Footwear:
Short jodhpur or paddock boots are the best option as they are much cooler and easier to transport, but if you are serious about your riding, we recommend that you use half-chaps along with them If you do not have riding boots and do not want to go to the expense of buying some, you must bring string shoes or boots with a small, 1cm heel and no buckles. Please note, sneakers, canvas shoes or sandals are NOT acceptable, even for beginners.

Gloves:
We recommend you wear gloves at least for the classes. We will be teaching you to ride a horse correctly on the bit which requires a good contact, and if you are not accustomed to this, plus the warmer conditions, blisters can develop on the first day, which will definitely spoil you enjoyment of the riding for the rest of the week
 

You will be living in an authentic 16th century Hacienda which is divided in two wings: the family house and the guest accommodation built around two connected patios (courtyards). The main courtyard houses the family residence, guest sitting rooms, office, tack-room and three double guest rooms and the family guest room, all with en-suite shower rooms. The working court-yard contains three further guest rooms all with en-suite shower rooms and the carriage block. Both patios are connected.

The rooms are comfortably but not luxuriously decorated, mostly with furniture that has been in the hacienda for years and from the Garcia's family. Single accommodation is possible, but a small supplement will be charged. You will find a tea and coffee tray, mineral water, towels, hair dryer, air conditioning and fan in each room.
You will also be able to enjoy the large lounge that used to be part of the live oil mill, where you will be provided with free wine and sherry. A smaller sitting room with TV, video and internet connection is also at your disposition. You will find an outdoor swimming pool and plenty of garden areas where you can sit and enjoy a good book. In the late spring and summer most of your meals will be outdoors under the shade of our unique kiosk designed by Fernando. The rest of the year you will be in the small cafeteria with views of the schools where there is usually something going on whether it's lessons or horses playing.

Meals:
Fernando has been working at the center full time for ten years and will be serving a variety of Spanish and international dishes including a delicious sea food paella on the last evening. He is also prepared to cater for special diet requirements as vegetarian, gluten allergy, etc.
We serve continental breakfasts: juice, tea, coffee, toast, cereal, yoghurt, cheese, etc; no cooked breakfasts.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Andalusian and Andalusian cross
Pace:		All paces according to riding level - 4 hrs per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    from Novice to Strong Intermediate
Weight:		Max 180 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 5 riders

* Floodlit covered school, 22 x 42m.
* Two outdoor schools , 15 x 30m, one of which is floodlit.
* Jumping manege, 50 x 50m, equipped with a variety of showjumps
   - there are still some jumping horses, but the center concentrates maily on dressage.
* International dressage arena 60 x 20m.
* Lungeing ring 20m diameter.
* Pony and beginner cross-country course.
* Stable -Yard formed by 26 loose boxes and 8 stalls.
* 22 small paddocks and 3 large fields for daily and permanent turn out.
REQUIREMENTS:
Elementary knowledge of dressage is recommended for maximum benefit. 
Maximum weight limit is 75kg - 170 lbs

There are horses and instructors prepared to cater for guests of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced riders. Groups are divided so as to keep the levels similar and these usually are of 3 or 4 riders (in some occasions the groups could be of 5, in which case, the duration of the lesson would be extended). Although we are more dressage oriented, we have over 10 jumping horses from schoolmasters for beginners to National C competition level.
The dressage work that you will be doing will mainly concentrate on riding your horse in a correct outline, straightness, balance, transitions, lateral movements, flying changes (depending on your ability) etc. High School work on the stallions for advanced riders will be paid separately as private lessons.
The excellent facilities including a large covered school will make your lessons more enjoyable. All our instructors are British Horse Society qualified and speak fluent Spanish and English, so safety and knowledge are guaranteed, this way your lessons will always be fun, interesting and helpful.

The instructors:
All the instructors are British Horse Society qualified and speak fluent Spanish and English, so safety and knowledge are guaranteed, this way your lessons will always be fun, interesting and helpful.  Jane, who runs a BHS certification program, is a regional dressage judge and has trained numerous Andalusian Championship medalists. She and her daughters Caty and Vivi, are BHS and Spanish Federation certified instructors. While they teach all disciplines, they specialize in dressage and training students who plan to make teaching their profession. The instructors are particularly good with beginners and nervous riders. Caty, and at times Jane’s students of the BHS certification program, give the afternoon instruction. Many of Epona's Andalusians and Anglo Arabs are trained to a high level for the more experienced riders but the family is also especially good with beginners and nervous riders.

Fernando Garcia Carvajal - Director
Fernando is a Spanish citizen born in Guatemala. He has a University degree in Architecture and speaks Spanish, English and Italian fluently.
Rode since he was a child and competed in show jumping.Has had a complete dedication to horses for over 30 years.
Fernando is Certified by the Spanish Equestrian Federation, The Association of British Riding Schools and holds the British horse Society and International Equestrian Tourism Federation Holiday Centre Manager Certificates.

Jane was born in Scotland. She holds a University degree in Education and speaks Spanish and English fluently. She has been riding since she was a child and trained mainly in the UK.

Catalina García Dow - Chief Instructor
Caty has a British nationality but was born in Colombia. She is fluent in English, Spanish and French. She has a university degree in Advertising and Public Relations. She has been riding since she was three and competed since she was twelve. Her riding experience includes training in different European countries , such as Great Britain, Switzerland and France under international and Olimpic trainers.
She is a Spanish Equestrian Federation, Association of British Riding Schools and British Horse Society certified instructor. She has compeed in Show Jumping, Eventing and Dressage, but prefers Dressage.
Caty has also trained at the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art and at Saumur in France, home of the famous Cadre Noir.

Viviana García Dow - Master Horse Trainer
Vivi riding PRE Andalusian Sol
Vivi was also born in Colombia but has British nationality. She is fluent in English and Spanish. She started riding when she was three and started competing when she was ten, which has granted her many successes in different levels and disciplines.
She is a Graduate from The prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, having completed the four year course which honours her with the Title of “Jinete” (rider). Two of those years she was under the famous olimpic Medallist Rafael Soto, who she still trains with on a more occasional basis.
Before her education at the Royal School Vivi trained with different riders and trainers of international relevance both in Spain and the UK.
She is a Spanish Equestrian Federation, Association of British Riding Schools and British Horse Society Certified instructor.

Karin Borg - Senior Instructor
Karin was born and raised in Sweden, but speaks fluent English and Spanish.
She rode in Sweden since she was a child, then moved to Spain where she decided to become a professional rider and Instructor. She was a Student at Epona for two years and after obtaining her qualifications as an instructor and Ride Leader, granted to her both by the Spanish Equestrian Federation and The British Horse Society, she then, having shown great skills as a rider, instructor and in the care and management of the horses, came to form part of the Epona Team.
At present, she is a senior Instructor and Stable manager.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements