Horseback riding in Southern Spain, Spain

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- Epona Rafael Soto Clinic
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Epona Rafael Soto Clinic


Itinerary for Epona Rafael Soto Clinic




The program starts on Sunday afternoon (arrival after 4 pm) and ends the following Sunday at 11 am.

The training consists of:
- 2 Lungeing sessions to improve the 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 private sessions with Rafael Soto.
- 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.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Guests arrive in the afternoon either by pick-up at the train station in Seville (10 - 20 minute drive) or by means of their own transport. A free transfer service is offered at 4:30 pm from the Santa Justa Train Station.
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. This will be your first opportunity to 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 and vegetables. 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.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at hotel in Carmona


Day 2 (Monday): First Riding Lessons
After breakfast at the hotel and a quick transfer to the stables, you will have a short guided tour and a chat with our instructors.
Your first group lesson will be an assessment for 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 house wine.
In the afternoon, you will get a dressage lesson.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at hotel in Carmona


Day 3 (Tuesday): Jerez Visit & Lesson
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, 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.
Return for a late lunch at the riding center.
After lunch, you will have a group dressage lesson.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at hotel in Carmona


Day 4 (Wednesday): Riding Lessons
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.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at hotel in Carmona


Day 5 (Thursday): Lunge Session & Seville Visit
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.
After a relaxing lunch, get ready to visit the historical heart of Seville. Here you can visit the 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. 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 centre, 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 (cost not included).
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at hotel in Carmona


Day 6 (Friday): Lessons with Rafael Soto
Today, you will get 2 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.
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.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at hotel in Carmona


Day 7 (Saturday): Lessons with Rafael Soto
You will get 2 more 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 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 ‘Intensive Training and Dressage Clinic with Rafael Soto’ Diploma while we toast with delicious spanish cava.
We will then 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!
Enjoy at your leisure the last relaxing afternoon in Carmona.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at hotel in Carmona


Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
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 and we look forward to welcoming you back!
Meals included: Breakfast



Non-Riding Activities:
Visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art at Jerez de la Frontera (to be paid extra).
Flamenco Show and dinner in Seville (to be paid extra).
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.
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Epona Rafael Soto Clinic
Tour Code: IT-SPSR30C
8 days / 7 nights
Dates : All year round

Trip Rating :
Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
CIntermediate
Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
D Strong Intermediate
Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Standard
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation

Check here for details and availability
Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 02/04 - 02/11 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Expired
A 2024 02/18 - 02/25 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Expired
A 2024 03/03 - 03/10 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Expired
A 2024 04/14 - 04/21 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Reserve
A 2024 04/28 - 05/05 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Reserve
A 2024 05/12 - 05/19 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Reserve
A 2024 05/19 - 05/26 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Sold Out
A 2024 09/22 - 09/29 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Sold Out
A 2024 11/03 - 11/10 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Sold Out
A 2024 12/01 - 12/08 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /4 Reserve
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack: English
Horses: Andalusian and Andalusian cross
Pace: All paces according to riding level - ...

Airport: Seville
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