Rates Note:

Transfer and Other Charges:

Train and Trail Sample Itinerary:

Day 1:  Sunday 
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. 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.

Day 2: Monday
Mount up for the Old Hacienda Ride (now completely renovated), 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 the afternoon, 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 or dressage.

Day 3: Tuesday
Early breakfast and pick up at the hotel at 8:30 a.m. for Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, one hour and a half away by car. Jerez is internationally renowned for its production of sherry and brandy. 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: 27 €). Here you will have the privilege of seeing 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, comparable only with the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Fernando is well known at the school and is good friends with many of the world famous riders. Vivi trained at this school for four years and frequently performed in the show.

Return for lunch at Epona, followed by lessons in the afternoon.


Day 4: Wednesday
After breakfast and a quick transfer to the Hacienda, mount 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 separating one field from another and providing a natural bridleway across country. The variety of wild flowers, butterflies and birds.

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, terns and grebes, you'll emerge at an old Roman Bridge and shady eucalyptus grove. After a break and a few photographs, ride back home for a late lunch.

Lesson in the afternoon.

Day 5: Thursday 
Today we set off early to the seaside village, where sturdy Spanish horses, all in Spanish andalusian cowboy tack (montura vaquera), 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 species (some protected), such as fallow deer, boar, fox, lynx, imperial eagles, kites, vultures, storks, flamingos and herons.

You will ride down to the beach and then it's time for the horses to wet their legs and for those who want to, a canter through the surf. After the ride, we head back to Epona for lunch.

Lesson in the afternoon.

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.

Return to Epona for lunch. In the afternoon, after a well deserved "siesta", get changed into your city finery ready to hit Seville for a classical Flamenco Show (ticket price 35€). The show features over 12 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 International cuisine for the last dinner of the holiday and some superb Spanish wine.

Day 7: Saturday
We offer complementary transport to the airport and train station. First trip at 8.00 am and last will be at 11.00 am.

Have a nice journey home, we hope you enjoyed your stay at Epona.

We look forward to welcoming you back!

------------------------------------------------ 

This sample itinerary is subject to changes at tour operator's discretion.

Intensive Option Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Sunday
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.

Day 2: Monday
After breakfast at the hotel and a quick transfer to the Hacienda, be ready to mount up, after the trail riders leave for their morning ride. Everything is quieter now, ready for the dressage lessons. Your first lesson 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 and Iberian horses. Our goal at Epona is that you get as much improvement and fun out of your lesson as possible.

After a break, get ready for your first lunging sessions.

Once the lessons are over, 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.

Meet the rest of the group for lunch in beautiful dining room and enjoy your first experience of typical Andalusian home cooking (courtesy of our resident cook) and sample our excellent local house wine.

Another lesson in the afternoon.

Day 3: Tuesday
Early breakfast and pick up at the hotel at 8.30 a.m. for Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, one hour and a half away by car. Jerez is internationally renowned for its production of sherry and brandy. 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: 27 €). Here you will have the privilege of seeing 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, comparable only with the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Fernando is well known at the school and is good friends with many of the world famous riders. Vivi trained at this school for four years and frequently performed in the show.

Return for lunch at Epona, followed by lessons in the afternoon.


Day 4: Wednesday
The lessons will take place as soon as the trail ride leaves. As the week progresses so will your dressage, hopefully performing more advanced movements. After the lesson, 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.

In the afternoon: Another lesson

Day 5: Thursday
Same as Wednesday, except that today we will include your second lunge session.


Day 6: Friday
In the morning, enjoy your last lesson. By this time you might be performing some of the more advanced movements (this will depend on the rider's ability).

Last lunch at Epona is the famous Paella accompanied by the not less famous (and very popular) Sangría.

In the afternoon, after a well deserved "siesta", get changed into your city finery ready to hit Seville for a classical Flamenco Show (ticket price 35€).

The show features over 12 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 International cuisine for the last dinner of the holiday and some superb Spanish wine..

Day 7: Saturday
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 at Epona.

We look forward to welcoming you back!

Seville area

Seasons
Due to its inland location in southern-central Spain, the riding center experiences mild winters and hot summers.

Spring (May to June)
This is one of the best times to visit as the skies are clear and temperatures are getting warmer.

Summer (June to September)
June to September are the hottest months of the year but the ocean breeze makes the heat bearable.

Autumn (October to November)
This is another great time to visit as the heat starts to calm down and the conditions are perfect for riding.

Winter (December to April)
Even during the winter months it never gets too cold here. However, keep in mind that the sunrays can be quite strong and riding out, it is easy to get burnt without noticing. You should look for a total sun block, or at least factor 30+. You will still get tanned; it's just safer and recommended by dermatologists in this part of the world.

Special note - insects
It doesn't matter what time of the year you choose (though obviously summer is the worst season), you will probably experience more insects, especially flies, than you are accustomed to at home. The horses are used to them, but they can be bothersome when riding, so we recommend you bring along some insect repellent for yourself.

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
 

Accommodations:

For all the programmes, accommodation and full buffet breakfast will be included at the Alcazar de la Reina, a beautiful four-star Superior category hotel in the heart of the historic and monumental centre of the old part 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 , with breathtaking views over the fertile valley, the Vega de Carmona, all the way to the great river Guadalquivir, thirty kilometers distant, 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 13^th century as a fortress adjunct to the Puerta de Cordoba, in an era when the town was one of the most important caliphates of Andalucia.

After the Moors were pushed back to their last strongholds in Granada and Málaga, in Medieval times, the Christian Kings of Castille also favoured Carmona to fix their royal residence in the region. Specifically, King Alfonso XI showed a fondness for the town, and while the royal residence in Andalusia was the Royal Alcazar in Sevilla, he housed his favourite concubine, Leonor de Guzman,  in the comfortable and impregnable  Alcazar de de la Puerta de Cordoba. When he died of the  Black Plague in Gibraltar, his only legitimate child, Pedro I inherited the throne,  but due to the constant disputes for the crown that he had to suffer from his nine illegitimate half-brothers, he maintained Leonor prisoner in the palace until her death. He also favoured Carmona and built the Alcazar del Rey Don Pedro (now the Parador) as his royal residence. However, as legend has it, during the fifteenth century,  another King of Castile, Juan II, embarking on another war with the Sultans of Malaga and Granada, sought the safest town in the province to house his beloved Queen and his heir, and keep them nearby. He chose Carmona as the most impregnable town and the Alcazar de la Puerta  de Cordoba as the safest and most comfortable residence for his family. From that time on it became known as the Alcazar de la Reina.

 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 wining and dining: The Tabanco Restaurant, the Terrace Bar, the Tabanco Tapas Bar and the official Guinness Irish Pub.

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

• 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
• Sauna, massage and beauty treatments (upon request and subject to availability)
• Business centre: fax and photocopy service.
• Wifi internet in all the public areas
• International magazines and newspapers
• Swimming pool towels
• Florist  (upon request and subject to availability)
• Outside of the normal Epona transfer times, shuttle service to/from airport and train station

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.
• Full en-suite bathroom (tub and shower)
• Air-conditioning and central heating
• Satellite T.V.
• Safe
• Minibar (consumption not included in the price)
• Hair-dryer

Room Occupancy
The single supplement fee applies if we are unable to find another rider to share.

Meals:

All breakfast are included in the price of your programme, for the Rafael Soto clinic, Monday to Sunday and for all other programmes, Monday to Saturday.

Also included is the welcome tapas supper on Sunday evening.

Lunches will be served at Epona, and will consist of freshly prepared home cooked, combining mainly traditional Spanish dishes, which give you a taste of the renowned Mediterranean diet, with some International dishes and a selection of delicious home-made desserts.  In addition, a variety of fresh salad ingredients and fruit is always available.

We can cater to most diets including vegetarian  and gluten and lactose-free, etc..

The evening meals from Monday to Friday are not included in the price.

On Monday to Thursday you will find innumerable dining option in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, from elegant restaurant to tapas bars with tables in the street.

In the hotel alone there are five possibilities, including room service, if you just feel like a quiet night resting. About two blocks walk away from the hotel, you can find the city's hub of socializing, where, families meet in the evening for coffee, tapas or an ice cream. This is the Plaza San Fernando, popularly known as the Plaza de Arriba (the Upper Square) or la Plaza Redonda (the Round Square).

Equestrian:

Olympic size dressage arena 60 x 20 m
A 42 x 22 mts covered floodlit school with sprinklers
One additional floodlit dressage arena 30 x 15 mts. 
One multipurpose large arena: 50 x 50 mts.
A lungeing ring (20 mts. 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.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

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
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 8 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 available for guests of all riding levels, from complete beginners to advanced riders. Groups are divided according to riding level and these are comprised of 2 to 4 riders (on 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/frame, straightness, balance, transitions, lateral movements, flying changes (depending on your ability) etc. High School work on the stallions for advanced riders will be paid for separately as private lessons.
The excellent facilities include a large covered school will make your lessons more enjoyable. All of 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 holds a University degree in Architecture and speaks Spanish, English and Italian fluently.
He has ridden since he was a child and competed in show jumping. He 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 Olympic trainers.
She is a Spanish Equestrian Federation, Association of British Riding Schools and British Horse Society certified instructor. She has competed 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 as 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 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