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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Spain
Intro to Spain
![]() Catalonia![]() Central Spain![]() Galicia![]() Mallorca/Menorca![]() Pyrenees![]() Southern Spain
Riding in:
France
Spain
Portugal
Italy
Europe Overview
also:
Hiking in Spain
Cycling in Spain
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Learn to Ride in Catalonia
Catalonia
Spain
We offer you two options: a long stay (5 riding days) or a short stay (3 riding days).
This program is designed for people who have never ridden or have barely ever ridden and want to start learning in a secure and fun environment. During your stay, we will alternate between lessons in the morning and trail rides in the afternoon, to put what you have learned into practice.
The horses are trained to obey the voice and to work in groups. One of our experts will teach you the basics of horseback riding from a horse, maintaining control at all times of the student’s horse, and allowing to progress quickly and safely.
By the end of the program, you will be able to walk and trot in open country, while staying in balance with yourself and in control of the horse. You mays also be able to start cantering in the arena.
This is also the perfect excuse to discover the beautiful Baix Empordà and the Costa Brava from the back of a horse!
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Riding Clinic
Short Getaway
Family Vacation
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Llabià
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Airport:
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Girona
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Transfer:
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Girona train station
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
48
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodations, All breakfasts, 5 or 2 riding days according to program with qualified instructor, Tourist tax & Group transfers to/from Girona
Non-riders: All breakfasts & Accommodations. Must bring own car!
Helmets can be provided
Our instructors can speak Catalan, Spanish, English, French and German.
| A | 2023 | 7 day trip, B&B (5 riding days) | 7d / 6n | €995 | $1025 |
| Small group supplement (1 pax only), pp | €600 | $620 |
| Small group supplement (2 pax only), pp | €200 | $205 |
| Small group supplement (3 pax only), pp | €100 | $105 |
| B | 2023 | 3 day trip, B&B (2 riding days) - min 2 pax | 3d / 2n | €495 | $510 |
| Small group supplement (1 pax only), pp | €200 | $205 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
** Sunday is non-riding day
For single person willing to share: if we are unable to find another person to share the room with you within 15 days of trip departure, you must pay the single supplement fee (to be paid locally).
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2023
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Transfer included from Girona train station at set times
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€
0
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$0
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2023
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Private transfer from Barcelona airport, per car (up to 4 pax), one way
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€
295
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$305
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2023
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Private transfer from Girona airport, per car (up to 4 pax), one way
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€
105
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$110
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2023
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Discount for children from ages 12-17 years- please inquire
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€
0
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$0
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2023
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Discounts for groups from 7 to 12 pax - please inquire
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€
0
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$0
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2023
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Non-rider rate pp, per night (breakfast only - sharing room with rider)
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€
60
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$75
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2023
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Single supplement, per night (if requested)
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€
35
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$40
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Pick-up/ drop-off is included from Girona train station at set times.
Pick-up from Girona train station at 7:30pm on Day 1.
Departure from accommodation at 9:30 am on the last day of the trip.
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| A |
2023
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, B&B (5 riding da...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| B |
2023
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01/01
- 12/31
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3d / 2n
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3 day trip, B&B (2 riding da...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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There is the possibility of expanding your stay before or after the program - inquire for price (to be paid locally)
3-day clinics can be arranged at any time while 7-day clinics are running
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Rates do not include:
Private transfers, Lunches and Dinners (can be purchased locally) & Gratuities
Non-riders: Lunches
Sample Itinerary: 7-day program - subject to changes
Please note that there are no Riding activities on Sundays (rest day for horses).
Day 1: Arrival
In the afternoon, arrival at our rural farmhouse. It is located in the heart of Baix Empordà, in the middle of nature. Before enjoying dinner, we will review the program of the week. We will talk about our horses and have the opportunity to talk one by one to find the perfect horse for each rider (this individual conversation can also take place on the next day in the morning). Then, you can relax and enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner!
Meals included: none
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 2: First Lessons & Trail Ride
After breakfast, we have our first lesson. We start by learning about how to take care of the horses and how to tack them before riding. We then go for a ride in the arena and work on the riding position, balance and practice how to turn at a walk.
In the afternoon, we go on our first trail ride (2.5 to 3 hours).
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 3: Learning how to trot
This morning, we practice again how to take care of the horses and how to tack them. For our morning lesson in the arena, we start learning how to trot (rising trot) in order to practice balance and rhythm.
We then go for our afternoon trail ride to put what we have learned into practice (2.5 to 3 hours).
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 4: Getting confident at a trot
Today, we continue improving on the care and tack up of the horses. The morning lesson focuses on turning while at a trot (with change of hand) and introduces the two-point position.
This afternoon, we go for our usual trail ride (2.5 to 3 hours).
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 5: Two point position & introduction to canter
After our usual practice of horse care and tacking up the horses, we go for our morning lesson in the arena. Today, we practice turning at a trot, while in a two-point position. If riders fell confident and in control of their speed, they will start learning to canter.
We go again on our half day afternoon trail ride around the farmhouse (2.5 to 3 hours).
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 6: Medieval villages ride
After breakfast, we go for a trail ride on roads that were used by Iberian and Roman horses many years ago (approx. 3 hours). The trail will lead us to Peratallada, through fields and along dry stone walls. We enjoy beautiful views of the sea, with the Medes Islands, the Natural Park of Montgrí, Pals and the Ullastret pond. We savor very special moments accompanied by our horse friends who thought us so many things during this past week.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Farmhouse in Llabià
Day 7: Departure day
Breakfast and departure.... We hope to see you soon again!
Meals included: Breakfast
Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.
Meeting:
Llabià
Airport:
Girona
Train station:
Girona
Transfer:
Girona train station
Distance:
45 km / 28 miles
Pick-up/ drop-off is included from Girona train station at set times.
Pick-up from Girona train station at 7:30pm on Day 1.
Departure from accommodation at 9:30 am on the last day of the trip.
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Tack:
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English.
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Horses:
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Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds.
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Pace:
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Adapted to the riders.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(1
to
2
out of 5) Beginner & Novice
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Age:
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Min
3
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
48
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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Riding Experience
You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain. All the rides are aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also fairly fit and riding regularly.
Participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle. There are also places on the rides where you will need to dismount and lead your horse - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day.
Riders are expected to tack up their own horses. Our guides will show you how if you are unfamiliar and will double check that tack is properly placed every day before you ride.
Horses
We currently have 21 horses, mainly Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds. They are all kept together as a herd so they have developed a close bond. All our horses live together in semi-freedom, in an area of more than 60,000 m2, featuring different environments (holm oak forest and fields with forage).
They are well-trained and cared for. We work with them daily by techniques of natural dressage and Parelli to improve horse-rider communication and thus ensure a good development of the trail.
The horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water. A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders.
Pace
We spend on average 4-6 hours on horseback per day. The pace is moderate with plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop.
Weight Limit
Max 90 kg (~200lbs). We reserve the right to exceptionally check on riders weigh. Riders far over this weigh will not be able to ride. Experienced riders over this weight might be able to ride (please inquire).
Guides
We have 4 guides (1 per every 8 riders) who have the necessary qualifications and experience guiding groups and horses. Guides are first aid trained and always carry a first aid kit with them. Our guides are all fluent in English. If you are interested in another language, do not hesitate to ask. We may have a German or French speaking guide available.
Guides always carry a mobile phone while riding and coverage is available throughout the route.
Note: A travel insurance is required to take part in this trip!
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
Torroella de Montgrí area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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58
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58
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63
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68
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74
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83
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87
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87
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81
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74
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64
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59
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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35
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35
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39
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44
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51
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58
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63
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63
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57
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52
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43
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36
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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14
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14
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17
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20
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23
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28
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31
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31
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27
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23
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18
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15
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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2
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2
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4
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7
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10
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14
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17
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17
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14
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11
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6
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2
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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4
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5
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6
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6
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6
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4
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3
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3
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4
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5
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6
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2
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The overall climate of Catalonia is similar to Southern California. It enjoys a balmy, year-round climate; not too steamy in summer and with a few cold days in winter. July and August are the warmest months and December, January and February are the coldest months.
*Send us a copy your travel insurance policy - with your reservation (or shortly after). All non-insured riders will not be allowed on the trail -- bring along a copy as well
- Helmets are mandatory and available to borrow but we highly recommend bringing your own if possible; there is no guarantee otherwise for your fit and comfort!
- We recommend wearing jodhpurs, as these protect your legs from soreness of jean seams, and you will find a light-weight, cotton pair the most comfortable during the summer months. You may want to bring two pairs.
- Your riding boots should have a sole with a safe tread and be comfortable for walking, as you are certain to lead your horse on some occasions. Paddock boots and half-chaps are the most flexible combination for comfort and leg protection than tall riding boots.
- A long-sleeved shirt for protection against the sun and against scratches when riding through undergrowth.
- A light cotton scarf can help to avoid breathing in too much dust in dry areas.
- Bring sunglasses, also to protect your eyes from dust.
- We strongly recommend bringing a water-bottle which can be refilled en-route; these can be carried in the saddle-bags provided.
- Rain gear suitable for riding should be carried along, particularly during the months from November through April. It is essential that you bring good wet weather gear. Although it rains very little, when it does it is normally a heavy downpour, consequently a jacket or cape and waterproof trousers are a good idea.
- Good sun protection - gloves, sunscreen, and hat with a chin strap, sunglasses with straps!
- A swimsuit, towel, shorts, and a windbreaker should also be taken.
- A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.
- Attire on the ride daytime and evening, is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring dressier evening clothing.
- Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available - bring plenty. And make sure you have plentiful batteries.
- It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all the hotels supply it.
Don’t forget your Passport!
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Normal riding gear, no rubber boots, please |
| Light pants without any strong seams |
| Ankle-high solid shoes with flat heels |
| Long sleeved cotton shirts (sun protection) |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Light gloves, if wanted |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Lightweight jacket or vest |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
During the stationary ride, all nights are spent at the same location: a beautiful farmhouse near Llabià.
Description
Our property is a corner of peace in the heart of the Empordà, on the Costa Brava. From here discover its medieval villages between fields of sunflowers and the beautiful beaches and coves of crystalline waters only 9 kilometers away. Our property is a set of two farmhouses (dating back to the 18th century) with a lot of family history - over 6 generations cultivating the land.
Enjoy your time on the terrace, in one of the two swimming pools, at the gym, or visiting our beloved farm. You will always have free WiFi, tourist information in the area, and most importantly, a friendly and close service. There is full cell overage along the routes. Laundry is available for an additional cost.
The rooms are decorated in rural and charming style with a private bathroom with bathtub and hair dryer, TV, air conditioning, heating, and comfortable 150×200 beds. Extra beds are possible for children with an extra charge. Rooms are cleaned daily. The rooms have common spaces with books and magazines.
We also have an apartment that can accommodate up to 4 people. On the ground floor you will find the well-equipped kitchen-dining room with a hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, coffee maker and all the necessary storage. Living room with TV, sofa, wood stove, plus the entire apartment has heating and air conditioning. On the top floor a practical bathroom with shower and hair dryer, two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two single beds, ideal for traveling with children. At the back and with a view to the field there is a private terrace with barbecue, table and chairs.
Room Occupancy
We only charge a single supplement fee for solo riders who wish to have their own private room.
Meals
Only breakfasts are included in this package.
Lunches and dinners can be purchased locally.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds.
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Adapted to the riders.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(1
to
2
out of 5) Beginner & Novice
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
3
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
48
|
Riding Experience
You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain. All the rides are aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also fairly fit and riding regularly.
Participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle. There are also places on the rides where you will need to dismount and lead your horse - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day.
Riders are expected to tack up their own horses. Our guides will show you how if you are unfamiliar and will double check that tack is properly placed every day before you ride.
Horses
We currently have 21 horses, mainly Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds. They are all kept together as a herd so they have developed a close bond. All our horses live together in semi-freedom, in an area of more than 60,000 m2, featuring different environments (holm oak forest and fields with forage).
They are well-trained and cared for. We work with them daily by techniques of natural dressage and Parelli to improve horse-rider communication and thus ensure a good development of the trail.
The horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water. A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders.
Pace
We spend on average 4-6 hours on horseback per day. The pace is moderate with plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop.
Weight Limit
Max 90 kg (~200lbs). We reserve the right to exceptionally check on riders weigh. Riders far over this weigh will not be able to ride. Experienced riders over this weight might be able to ride (please inquire).
Guides
We have 4 guides (1 per every 8 riders) who have the necessary qualifications and experience guiding groups and horses. Guides are first aid trained and always carry a first aid kit with them. Our guides are all fluent in English. If you are interested in another language, do not hesitate to ask. We may have a German or French speaking guide available.
Guides always carry a mobile phone while riding and coverage is available throughout the route.
Note: A travel insurance is required to take part in this trip!
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.
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Learn to Ride in Catalonia
Tour Code:
RCSPCA01
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,025.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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