Transfer and Other Options:

Day 1:  Sunday
Guests arrive in the afternoon (after 4.00 p.m. the 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 savor 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. Mount up for the Old Hacienda Ride, a relaxed hack around the immediate countryside, through olive groves and eucalyptus trees. Depending on the season, you could see fields of sunflowers, wheat and cotton, as well as melons and water melons in late summer. The ride takes you past impressive 16th and 17th century Haciendas and Cortijos, which have stood here since the days when Cervantes rode these same trails, collecting olive oil taxes. Return to Epona for lunch in our own cafeteria where you will have your first experience of typical Andalusian home cooking, courtesy of our resident cook and sample our excellent local house wine.
AFTERNOON can be spent by the pool, or if you are feeling in need of culture, take a bus into Carmona to explore the old streets, the archaeological sites or the Roman Necropolis, the second largest in the World after Rome itself. Equitation lessons will take place in the late afternoon when life is a little cooler. It's a great chance to improve your school work, dressage or jumping. EVENING: Dinner followed by a glass of cool fino or wine over table games or TV in the lounge.

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 color, only to be compared with the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Fernando knows many of the World famous riders and you might also have the chance to see his younger daughter Vivi in performance. She is one of an elite group to be selected, in her fourth year as a student in the school.
Return for lunch, followed by lessons in the afternoon.
EVENING: Dinner at the center. Collapse with a book or board game.

Day 4: Wednesday
After breakfast, find your horses saddled up and set off across country for the ROMAN BRIDGE. Depending on the time of the year you could be riding through fields of sunflowers, wheat, cotton, oranges or peaches, through olive groves with ancient trees still carefully tended and nurtured. It is a countryside where there are very few fences.
A landscape rich with patchwork of different crops, still rotated year by year as they have always been, with wide headlands of uncultivated land seperating one field from another and providing a natural bridleway across country. The variety of wild flowers, butterflies and birds, show this is a countryside where pesticides are seldom used.
Along the way you may come across the river, full and flowing in spring, cool and shallow in summer, a natural heaven for wildlife, with abundant vegetation all year round. Splashing through the shallows, past water voles, terns and grebes, you'll emerge at an old Roman Bridge and shady eucalyptus grove. After a break and a few photographs, it is back home for a late lunch and a siesta.
EVENING: Equitation classes and dinner at the center.

Day 5: Thursday
Set off early to the seaside village of Matalascañas, where sturdy Spanish horses, most in Spanish tack, will be waiting to take you on the Beach Ride. The ride takes you on an unforgettable route through the Donaña Natural Park bordering the National Park of the same name, one of Europe’s last true wilderness regions and one of the largest wildlife reservations in Spain. The ride will take you over the golden dunes, brushing through fragrant wild lavender, rosemary and thyme. The area is home to many protected species such as fallow deer, boar, fox, lynx, imperial eagles, kites, vultures, storks, flamingos and herons.
Down to the beach and it’s time for the horses to wet their legs and for those who want to, a canter through the surf. Then it’s back to the center for lunch and a ‘siesta’ by the pool. Rest, enjoy a drink, TV, games room, or a swim before your early evening equestrian lessons followed by a traditional ’paella campestre’ under the stars, washed down with wonderful home-made sangria.

Day 6: Friday
We set off across open country for our last hack of the week, through olive and orange groves, past farmers working the land. How strange, in a region where there are no bridle paths the horse can wander anywhere as long as you have respect for the crop. In all our years here we have never had a farmer object to us crossing his land. On the contrary, they are always pleased to see us. In Andalucia everyone understands and loves the horse. Eventually we arrive at the fields of a top class Andalucian stud farm and if we're lucky get a chance to appreciate the noble and docile nature of the beautiful mares and foals grazing peacefully in the sunlight. We might even see some colts and magnificent stallions. Return to the center for lunch.
In the evening change into your city finery ready to hit Seville. The first stop, one of the best quality leather and tack shops in the city (always a popular request) followed by a classical Flamenco Show (ticket price €35).
The show includes over fifteen dancers of national and international fame, traditional singers and wonderful flamenco guitar. After a short walk, we will arrive at an excellent restaurant providing both Spanish and Internacional cuisine for the last dinner of the holiday and some superb Spanish wine.

Day 7: Saturday: After breakfast say goodbye to 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)

    -- subject to changes

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 | Jumps |
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    from Novice to Strong Intermediate
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 10 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 14

* 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.

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