Epona Soto Clinic

Introduction
Southern Spain Spain
Dressage clinic week with Rafael Soto!

Who in the dressage world has not heard of the Spanish Olympic Team Silver Medallist Rafael Soto? His charisma has earned him the respect and popularity of Dressage enthusiasts and fellow horseback riders alike, the world over. That final gesture and enthusiastic 'There you have it', followed by the flamboyant Spanish Walk performed by his equine partner 'Invasor' as they leave the ring, has become their trademark, and provokes uproars of applause and attracts audiences wherever they go.

What most people don't know is that the spectacular 'Invasor' was a difficult horse in his youth and was rejected by other riders as 'impossible to train' due to his immense size and strength.
Besides being a brilliant Spanish dressage rider, his teaching techniques are equally impressive combined with his exceptional personality and endless knowledge. Rafael is completely fluent in English, French and German.  Amazing is his command of technical equestrian terms and vocabulary. Obviously, language is a prime element in communication, but Rafael not only talks, he transmits and demonstrates in such a way as to make understanding very easy, encouraging and energizing his pupils into achieving more than they believe possible.

Whoever participates in one of his clinics will end up thoroughly satisfied. Rafael is a very friendly, unpretentious person who enjoys making new friends who share his passion with to his pleasant and extroverted character. 

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Accommodation is included at the Alcazar de la Reina.
This is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of the historic center of the city of Carmona, just a few minutes drive away from the Hacienda. The hotel is full of history, charm, and elegance while at the same time comfortable and modern, and is located at only twenty minutes distance from Seville International airport. It offers breathtaking views over the fertile valley, the Vega de Carmona, all the way to the great river Guadalquivir, and the Sierra Morena mountain Range behind. The name of the hotel comes from the Moorish term Alcazar, meaning a fortified Palace, and the Spanish, Reina, or queen. Therefore it is the Queen's Palace.
The building was originally erected by the Moors in the 13th century as a fortress adjunct to the Puerta de Cordoba, in an era when the town was one of the most important caliphates of Andalucía. The Palace, totally restored in the 1990s in the original Mudejar style, and refurbished in 2007, boasts spacious and elegant lounge areas and patios, a outdoor solarium with salt-water swimming pool, and a total of four different options for dining: The Tabanco Restaurant, the Terrace Bar, the Tabanco Tapas Bar and the official Guinness Irish Pub.
The rooms are ample, airy, comfortable and very tastefully furnished and feature two large (1m wide) single beds (for double occupancy beds are placed together, for twin, they have a space between), a full en-suite bathroom (tub and shower) with hair-dryer, air-conditioning and central heating, Satellite T.V., a safe and a minibar (consumption not included in the price).
Wi-Fi internet is available in all the public areas.



Other services available in the hotel, which may be of your interest but  not included in the program:

• Room Service
• Private Parking. There is a small basement car park which has to be reserved and a fee charged. However it is awkward to manoeuver and there is normally ample parking space  in the street in front of the hotel, in full view of the lobby and an outdoor parking enclosure a few meters away from the front entrance.
• Laundry and dry cleaning service
• Treatments (upon request and subject to availability)
• Business centre: fax and photocopy service.
• International magazines and newspapers
• Swimming pool towels
• Florist  (upon request and subject to availability)
• Outside of the normal transfer times, shuttle service to/from airport and train station

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
We are an Approved British Horse Society, Training and Examination Centre since 1985. We are used to training people of all abilities, from novice to advanced High School work. We are, therefore, happy to split riders into various groups and adapt our program as necessary to suit both experienced and less experienced riders.

Horses
Our horses are the most important thing for us. They are the ones who truly make this Equestrian Vacation something unique. There are over 60 horses of different breeds, shapes, sizes, levels of training and temperament. With this large number we can match each guest with the ideal horse. There is also the option to change horses if the horse and rider are not getting along.
Most of our horses are Andalusians or Andalusian cross breeds but we have lots of others breeds such as Warmbloods (Hannoverian, Holsteiner and Oldenburg), Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds, different breeds of ponies and others.
But most importantly we would like to emphasize the good nature and willingness of all our horses. We have no kickers or biters and besides their training and work, we think they are all special in their own way; they are all individuals and so they are treated as such. Our horses are a part of our family.

Staff
Every instructor is fully qualified by the British Horse Society, Association of British Riding Schools and the Spanish Equestrian Federation. They all speak Spanish and English.
All ride leaders and assistant ride leaders hold diplomas from British Equestrian Tourism and the Federation of International Equestrian Tourism (FITE). You will only be taught or led by bilingual staff (some multilingual). All ride leaders carry mobile phones to summon rapid help in the unlikely event that this is necessary.



Facilities
Olympic size dressage arena (60 x 20 m)
Covered floodlit school with sprinklers (42 x 22 m)
Additional floodlit dressage arena (30 x 15 m)
One multipurpose large arena (50 x 50 m)
A lunging ring (20 m. Diameter)
There is unlimited "hacking" in beautiful countryside. You can ride days and weeks, without stepping on a single inch of pavement and without finding a single fence or gate.  

Hard Hat
It is obligatory by law in Spain to wear a riding helmet for all riding activities. We do have a few helmets out, but it is preferable for each person to have his/her own, as a good fit is essential.

Itinerary


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.

Rates and Dates for Epona Soto Clinic

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Carmona
Airport: Seville
Transfer: Included from Santa Justa train station.

Climate:
                                                Seville area