Transfer and Other Options:

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 their own transport. A free transfer service is offered between 3.30 pm and 8.00 pm. After these hours the service will be charged.
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.
Monday
Guests are welcome to join yard work and grooming if they wish, or simple enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Be ready to mount up at 10.30 aprox for your first semi private lesson, after the trail riders leave for their morning ride. Everything is quieter now, ready for the dressage lessons.. Your first session will be an assessment for your instructor who will note your good points and the areas which need to be worked on. 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 or Iberian horses. Our goal at Epona is that you get as much improvement and fun out of your lessons as possible .
After this first session , take a short break ,a drink, then change to your new mount for you private lesson.
After you have recovered a little it is time for your firs lunge session, great for improving your seat, balance and posture.
Once the lessons are over you may want to relax with a book in the garden or by the pool. You are also more than welcome to stay and sit by the arenas and watch the daily training of our horses. Vivi, our main horse trainer will be more than happy to answer any questions about our training methods and our horses.
Meet the rest of the group 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.
The afternoon is free and it 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.
Another option is to just sit and watch the afternoon lessons or other riding that may be taking part. Some guests are often keen to join these lessons if there are places available.
EVENING: Dinner at Epona, followed by a glass of cool fino or wine while enjoying some horsey conversation.
Tuesday
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, "Those Amazing Dancing Andalusian Stallions" (Ticket Price: 24 €). 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. Fernando knows many of the world famous riders. Vivi trained at the School for four years and performed frequently in the Show.
Return for lunch at Epona, followed by lessons in the afternoon.
EVENING: Dinner at Epona. Collapse with a book or some good conversation
Note: if guests have already seen the Andalucian Show at Jerez, they will optionally be able to assist to the training session on Wednesday. Wednesday lessons will be switched to Tuesday and viceversa.
Wednesday
The lessons will take place  as soon as the ride leaves.  As the week progresses so will your dressage, hopefully performing more  advanced   movements.
Today you will begin with the semi private, followed by the private session. After a break, enjoy the unique opportunity to do some  ground work. Our trainer will demonstrate  on a one to one basis, the techniques used for training  some of the more advanced  movements. Ground work is a very strong  part of the Classical Dressage style of training. 
Once your lessons are over  (or between them) feel free to sit by the arena and continue observing the daily training of    the  geldings, mares and stallions, from young and green to very advanced. We also train and exercises   the school Masters periodically  to keep them sensitive and in good shape for guests to enjoy and get the most benefit out of.
Thursday
Same as Monday,  including  your  second lunge session.
Friday
Morning enjoy your last lesson. By this time you might be performing some of the more advanced moves ( this will depend on the riders ability).
Last lunch at Epona is the famous Paella accompanied by the not less famous and popular Sangría!
In the afternoon , after a well deserved “siesta”, get changed in to your City finery ready to hit Seville. The first stop, on 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 15 dancers of national and international fame, traditional singers and wonderful flamenco guitar.
After a short walk, we will arrive a at an excellent restaurant providing both Spanish and International cuisine for the last dinner of the holiday and some superb Spanish wine.
Saturday
After breakfast ,a little earlier than usual mount up for your last lesson ,then it´s  time for good byes and  last minute pictures of your new friends , animal and human.
Transfers to the train station and the airport are complimentary, the last trip  will be running at 11.00 am.  (lo mismo que en el train and train)
Have a nice journey home, we hope you enjoyed your stay at Epona.

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:		According to riding level - 4 hrs per day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Jumps |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate to Strong Intermediate
Weight:		Max 180 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 2 riders

Your instructors for the week are
    * Chief Instructor: Catalina Garcia Dow
    * Master Horse Trainer: Viviana Garcia Dow
    * Senior Instructor: Karin Borg

WHAT IS CLASSICAL DRESSAGE?
From it's origin in Ancient Greece with Xenophon, until the present times embodied in the four European Schools of Equestrian Art, Classical Dressage has evolved into different styles, but always maintaining the same goals: To achieve beauty and perfection in the performance of dressage and High School movements only possible through harmony, balance and complete communication with the horse.
Classical Dressage went beyond admiring the rider for his courage and skill as a soldier but gradually started to appreciate other talents such as feeling and sensitivity elevating horsemanship to a new level: horses began to "dance" and Dressage gained the status of a new form of Art. Comparable to Ballet, it requires the technique and strength of the athlete , but also the sense of feeling and aesthetics which, when performed correctly will succeed in moving the spectator. At Epona we have 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 2 to 4 riders.

The excellent facilities including a large covered school will make your lessons more enjoyable.The Epona instructors are qualified by the British Horse Society and the Spanish Equestrian Federation which means that they are trained to always have the horse and rider's safety at heart. Moreover, when it comes to Dressage the knowledge gathered having trained under many masters of various nationalities has allowed them to form their own training and teaching techniques, where the pupils learning and enjoyment is the main priority as well as safety and the horse's wellbeing, while always keeping in mind the principles and objectives of Classical Dressage.Beginners will hugely benefit from the lessons because although things are kept simple, you know that your basic skills will be correct and solid, enabling you to persue whichever discipline youchoose down the road. At a more Basic level, lessons will focus on the riders balance, seat, position and control, while at the same time gaining confidence in the three basic gaits, walk, trot and canter.
When working with more experienced riders, instructors will be giving guidance towards riding your horse in a correct outline, straightness, balance, rhythm, etc. As the week progresses lateral movements such as shoulder in, travers, renvers, half pass, and depending on the riders level and ability, flying changes, pirouettes, etc. High School work for advanced riders will be paid separately as private lessons.

* 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