Learn to Ride in Catalonia

Introduction
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! 

Accomodation


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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


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!

Itinerary


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. 

Rates and Dates for Learn to Ride in Catalonia

Dates Note: 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

Other Info
Meeting: Llabià
Airport: Girona
Transfer: Girona train station

Climate:
                                                    Torroella de Montgrí area

• 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.