|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in Spain
Intro to Spain
Catalonia Central Spain Mallorca Southern Spain
France
Spain
Portugal
Italy
Europe Overview
|
|
|
|
|
|
Feria del Caballo - Jerez
Southern Spain
Spain
A traditional Spanish Horse Festival!
Jerez, well known for horses and Sherry, is Spain's capital for horse breeding. A "pilgrim destination" for horse-lovers from all over the world, they meet here each year at the 'Feria del Caballo' (Festival of the Horse). It started in the year 1284 as a livestock market and has developed into a show of the most beautiful horses in Spain. On the premises of the state-owned "Stallion Depot", one show or event quickly follows another while Nobles and VIP's on two and four legs parade past until early morning. The riding tour starts in Jimena, with the typical Andalusian landscape with its meadows and olive groves surrounding you. As on the Southern Andalusia Ride, you will ride through the beautiful mountains of Alcornocales National Park. Riding visits to Patriste, Alcala, Paterna, and Mojo along the way, you'll reach Jerez de la Frontera on Friday evening and participate in the Feria. On Saturday you will polish your horse and yourself, and join the parade! Stop here and there at a Bodega and drink a glass of "Jerez" (Sherry) with the locals. On horseback you're more than a simple tourist, you're part of Andalusia's world of horses and every door is open for you! Enjoy all the various horse shows of the Feria del Caballo and at the end there is then time to visit the Royal Andalusian Riding School with their Gala Show (extra cost)!
|
Meeting:
|
Jerez
|
|
Airport:
|
Jerez de la Frontera
|
|
Transfer:
|
Jerez de la Frontera pick-up at 8 p.m.
|
|
Riders:
|
Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
|
|
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations, meals, 4 riding days and 1 day riding at the Feria, entrance to the Feria and parade participation, costume rental (regular sizes).
| A | 2010 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €1475 | $2095 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €210 | $300 |
| Non Rider Rate - MAP | €850 | $1210 |
Transfer Option:
|
2010
|
Transfer from Jerez at 8 PM included
|
Rates do not include:
Meals and drinks on the Feria.Spanish hat and boots (mandatory to participate in the Feria). Entrance to Gala Show - Approx Euro 25.
Drinks and snacks on the Feria grounds.
Non rider rates do not include lunches or transfers between locations - need to rent a car.
Day 1: Arrival in Jerez and transfer to Zahara de los Atunes at the Atlantic coast (about 1.5 hours) where you will have dinner and stay overnight in a hotel right on the beach (alternate route starts in Alcala/Jimena).
Day 2: After breakfast you'll set off on your first beach ride to Barbate. Right after leaving the town, the beach is deserted and only used by the fishermen. As this stretch of the coast is under the supervision of the military, no hotels have been built, and the firm sand gives you the opportunity to get used to your horse in all gaits. In the pine forest behind Barbate, the support vehicle awaits you with the picnic. After a siesta, ride along the beach and through the pine forest above the steep coast of Cap Trafalgar. At this historic place with its old lighthouse you can see as far as Morocco. The horses stay in Caños de Meca, the riders drive back to the hotel at the Atlantic beach. Before or after dinner you may like to swim in the ocean or in the pool of the hotel.
Day 3: Along sandy trails you'll ride back to the beach where you will enjoy more canters. Only towards the end of this morning you'll reach the busier parts of the coast. You'll be pleased to stop at a beach-bar for refreshments. For lunch you'll turn inland to meet the support vehicle. Leaving the coastal pine forests behind, you'll cross a stretch of fertile land with sugar beet, cotton and bean fields before reaching the first meadows of Andalusia. The support vehicle awaits you with the picnic and refreshments. Ride on along Andalusia's meadows. The horses stay in the little farming village Los Naveros, the riders drive to Alcala de los Gazules. Dinner in a typical pub, overnight in a hotel.
Day 4: Leaving Los Naveros, you'll ride to Paterna along old lifestock trails, the "veréras", which are still running through all of Spain, and across meadows of cows and fighting bulls. Lunch stop in a "venta". There are no asphalt roads between meadows and fields, giving you the opportunity to canter again and again. Enjoy the view over the wide open landscape. Keeping a respectful distance you'll ride around herds of bulls and wild cows. The horses stay in Paterna, the riders return to Alcala. Enjoy an evening stroll through this unspoiled, typical Andalusian village. There is even a saddlery that you might like to check out. If you wish to buy the original boots or chaps for the feria parade, you will find them here! As dinner in Spain is seldom before 9 p.m. (here you'll enjoy game dishes) the "nightlife" in the village starts relatively late.
Day 5: Today you will approach Jerez. You'll leave the horses in Mojo shortly before reaching the town and drive to a hotel in Jerez. Women in colourful flamenco dresses and men in the typical "traje corto" can be seen everywhere. The whole town celebrates but the feria itself takes place on the feria grounds, which were laid out particularly for this occasion with bodegas and houses that are partly privately owned, partly sponsored by large corporations. You may spend the evening on the feria if you wish.
Day 6: Today you can explore the Feria with all its exhibitions and shows. Taste that tapas and the famous Sherry. No riding today.
Day 7: The horses are transported to Jerez for you. After you made your horse spick and span and dressed yourself in the typical traje, you will join into the parade. Do it like the locals and stop here and there in front of a bodega to drink a sherry. You might even be invited. In the afternoon, the horses will be loaded for transport back home while you will continue to enjoy the gaiety and various horse shows. You even have the possibility to visit a performance of the Royal Andalusian Riding School (entrance fee of about $45 to be paid in advance so we can reserve the tickets for you). Overnight as night before.
Day 8: Early transfer to the airport of Jerez de la Frontera.
This trip takes place only once a year and follows a different route each time. We ask for your understanding if it doesn't run off as smoothly as our other trips. In Andalusia, customs are different and clocks tick slower. We should try to respect this.

Meeting:
Jerez
Airport:
Jerez de la Frontera
Transfer:
Jerez de la Frontera pick-up at 8 p.m.
|
Tack:
|
|
Spanish - Very comfortable Spanish saddles give you a firm seat - a simpler version of the western riding.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Andalusian Cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with some fast canters
We only ride at a walk or canter (no trot).
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
Mares and geldings are used on the ride: Hispano-Arab, Hispano-Anglo-Arab, and pure breds.
The saddles are Spanish dressage style with "box-stirrups". During the tour the horses are cleaned and saddled in the morning. Riders will unsaddle their own horses at the end of the riding day. Saddle bags are not permitted.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 onl. more
The overall climate of Andalusia is similar to Southern California: hot in the summer, pleasant and moderate in the spring and fall, and fairly cool in the winter. Rain is possible anytime, but rare in summer. The main rainy season is from the end of October to the beginning of May. The Atlantic Ocean is warm and pleasant to swim in from May to October.
|
… this list is only a guideline for you |
|
|
X = Necessary |
Check List |
|
Travel documents and Voucher |
X |
|
|
Flight tickets |
X |
|
|
Passport |
X |
|
|
Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
|
|
|
|
RIDING GEAR |
|
Comfortable riding breeches |
X |
|
|
Riding boots or ankle boots and half chaps |
X |
|
|
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
X |
|
|
Riding gloves |
X |
|
|
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
X |
|
|
Lightweight Rain coat |
X |
|
|
|
|
PERSONAL CLOTHING |
|
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
X |
|
|
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
X |
|
|
Jeans |
X |
|
|
Shorts |
X |
|
|
Underwear and socks |
X |
|
|
Pyjama |
X |
|
|
Bag for dirty clothes |
X |
|
|
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
X |
|
|
Swimsuit |
X |
|
|
|
|
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
|
Personal Toiletries |
X |
|
|
Insect protection |
X |
|
|
Personal medications |
X |
|
|
Sore cream (for the emergency) |
X |
|
|
Sewing kit |
X |
|
|
Handkerchiefs |
X |
|
|
Adapter for electric appliances |
|
|
|
Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
X |
|
|
Belt pack |
X |
|
|
Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
X |
|
|
Sun glasses with strap |
X |
|
|
Sun block |
X |
|
For the tour, we recommend regular riding clothes with jodhpurs or jeans. Mini-chaps with short boots or running shoes would come in quite handy. The atmosphere is very relaxed. Bring some long-sleeved shirts and T-shirts. A sweater for cool evenings, gloves and some kind of hat to protect yourself from the sun should be part of your luggage. Don’t forget your bathing suit, suntan lotion and sunglasses.
During the Feria you will need to dress up. We supply you with the typical “traje” consisting of high waist pants and a grey, short bolero jacket. Suitable shoes are either Spanish riding boots (can be bought locally) and jodhpurs. Bring a white shirt or blouse. Also, you must wear a Spanish hat which can be bought locally.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
| |
| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
|
mary lucas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5/20/2008
|
|
phoebe porter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7/10/2001
|
|
ken & leigh frazier
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5/21/2001
|
|
..view other reports for different trips
You will stay in two different hotels, the first three nights in Zahara de los Atunes and the following four nights in Jerez de la Frontera.
Hotel Pozo del Duque: Three Star hotel in the coastal village of Zahara de los Atunes, with pool area under palm trees. The rooms are furnished and painted in warm colours, have private bathrooms and either sea or mountain view, some rooms feature a balcony or terrace. The restaurant offers a careful selection of the best products of the Cadiz coast, such as fish, shellfish and meat. It also keeps in its cellar a great variety of different Spanish, Portuguese and French wines.
Hotel Joma: Three Star Hotel situated in the centre of the city, 9 Km from Jerez Airport, 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral and ten minutes walk from the Royal Andalusian Riding School, the Bodegas of González Byass and Domecq, the Flamenco Museum, the Bullfighting museum and the Museum of Archaeology. The hotel offers you all of the latest facilities while paying attention to the charming and intimate details which will make your stay a pleasant and memorable experience. The forty-nine rooms all boast a warm and comfortable decor, creating the restful atmosphere that will make travellers feel both relaxed and at home. All of the rooms are equipped with the following amenities: full air conditioning (cooling /heating), full bathroom, satellite television and telephone.
Breakfast will be served at the hotel, dinner is at the hotel or a typical Spanish restaurant. Lunchs during the rides will be mostly picnic style and be brought along by a supporting vehicle.
Mares and geldings are used on the ride: Hispano-Arab, Hispano-Anglo-Arab, and pure breds.
The saddles are Spanish dressage style with "box-stirrups". During the tour the horses are cleaned and saddled in the morning. Riders will unsaddle their own horses at the end of the riding day. Saddle bags are not permitted.
|
Tack:
|
|
Spanish - Very comfortable Spanish saddles give you a firm seat - a simpler version of the western riding.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Andalusian Cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with some fast canters
We only ride at a walk or canter (no trot).
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
Mares and geldings are used on the ride: Hispano-Arab, Hispano-Anglo-Arab, and pure breds.
The saddles are Spanish dressage style with "box-stirrups". During the tour the horses are cleaned and saddled in the morning. Riders will unsaddle their own horses at the end of the riding day. Saddle bags are not permitted.
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
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
|
|
|
|
Feria del Caballo - Jerez
Tour Code:
PG-ANTJ
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,095.00
Dates :
May
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Spanish - Very comfortable Spanish sad...
Horses:
Andalusian Cross
Pace:
Moderate with some fast canters
We on...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Jerez de la Frontera
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
|