If you say ‘YES’ to this ride in Spain, you’ll be staying in Carmona, one of the famous white villages of Andalusia. Every night and stolen moments during the day {when you’re not in the saddle} you’ll explore this hilltop town that sparkles with noble palaces and majestic Mudéjar churches.
But I’m getting ahead of myself – let’s talk about the riding. Andalusia is the birthplace of Spanish horse culture, so it comes as no surprise that on this riding itinerary, you’ll not only be mounted on the revered Spanish horse (Pura Raza Española – P.R.E. – Andalusian), you’ll actually learn to dance to its majestic rhythm with the help of highly trained teachers who are adept at teaching to every ability. There are three different programs to choose from depending on your interests and the level to which you want to take your riding throughout the week. Whether you’re a happy hacker or a highly trained dressage enthusiast, you won’t feel out of your depth and regardless of ability, you’ll leave feeling more confident as a rider.
Out of the saddle, the Spanish cultural highlights are crazy good – one morning you’ll be front-row spectators to watch the famous Andalusian Stallions perform, and your last evening will involve a road trip to nearby Seville to experience a typical Flamenco dancing show. Your hosts and guides, the Garcia family, will open their 16th century Hacienda and allow you to live and breathe their way of life – not only on an equestrian level but also through the food, lively evening entertainment and colourful village life of Carmona.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:The majority of the horses are Andalusians or Andalusian crossbreeds; there are also a few warmbloods.
- Pace:The pace varies from a walk right through to a canter when the terrain allows.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs for the Train & Trail and Intensive Training programs, and a maximum of 85kg / 190lbs for the Classical Dressage & High School Training, and Rafael Soto Clinics.
- Type of tack:English dressage saddles. For guests booked on the Train & Trail program, you will be riding in all-purpose saddles while on the trails, and Spanish Vaquero saddles covered in sheepskin on the beach ride.
- Seasons:The Hacienda is open to guests year-round, except for the Christmas/New Year holidays and two weeks in August.
- Group size:A maximum of 8 riders.
- Time in Saddle:On average, 3.5 to 4 hours daily.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for all riding abilities.
Please be advised, if booking a dressage-only program outlined below, we recommend you be of intermediate to advanced ability and have a keen interest in Classical Dressage. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:Superior hotel accommodation at Alcázar de la Reina in the heart of the historic centre of the old part of the city of Carmona, just a 10 minute drive from the Hacienda.
- Ride Length:7 days, 6 nights, with 5 riding days. There are also 3-night (Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday) and 4-night (Sunday to Thursday or Tuesday to Saturday) stays available for the Train & Trail program.
- Inclusions:
The price includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch each day, dinner on the first evening only, guided visits to Jerez and Donana, all riding specified in the itinerary, transfers to/from Santa Justa Train Station on the first and last days of your ride, and transfers from your hotel to the riding centre each day.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international or regional flights and travel insurance (compulsory); staff tips (please budget for around 10% of the ride price); dinner from Monday to Friday – your hotel is within walking distance to restaurants in Carmona so you’ll have your pick of amazing locations to eat; and tickets for the horse show in Jerez (€32) and the Flamenco Show (€35).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!The child rate is for children aged 10-12 years of age.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch each day, dinner on the first evening only, guided visits to Jerez and Donana, all riding specified in the itinerary, transfers to/from Santa Justa Train Station on the first and last days of your ride, and transfers from your hotel to the riding centre each day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international or regional flights and travel insurance (compulsory); staff tips (please budget for around 10% of the ride price); dinner from Monday to Friday – your hotel is within walking distance to restaurants in Carmona so you’ll have your pick of amazing locations to eat; and tickets for the horse show in Jerez (€32) and the Flamenco Show (€35).
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN EUR?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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Train & Trail Ride - Day 1
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Train & Trail Ride - Day 2
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Train & Trail Ride - Day 3
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Train & Trail Ride - Day 4
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Train & Trail Ride - Day 5
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Train & Trail Ride - Day 6
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Train & Trail Ride - Day 7
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Intensive Training
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Classical Dressage & High School Training
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Rafael Soto Clinic
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The Andalusian Horse
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about Dressage in Spain

Kali Gillen
‘I booked the Train and Trail last minute and am so glad I did! With such knowledgeable and generous trainers and guides, incredible horses (I rode Bandalero and Salaito) and a lovely travel group of new friends, it completely exceeded any expectations. This ride caters to everyone and anyone who loves riding. I wholeheartedly recommend doing this trip!’

Grazia Cordella
‘This experience was absolutely magical. The people I met, the instructors, the horses, the scenery, it couldn’t have gone any better. As someone who didn’t really grow up with horses, I enjoyed every second. The instructors know your strengths and limits better than yourself and provide the right challenges each and every day, somehow squeezing out all of your energy and converting it into personal growth and satisfaction. I enjoyed my lessons with Oscuro and my trail rides with Tambolir – I trusted and loved them both. The environment felt like home: the shared lunches, the chats on the cars and rides, wandering through the stables sneaking treats in… the atmosphere was so warm and welcoming that it was really hard to leave.’

Mary McKinney
‘If you love dressage or are even just wondering what it is all about, you HAVE to do this ride! The riding centre is a slice of heaven and the horses are a dream. The instruction is superb and geared toward your experience level. I loved every second in the saddle and my riding definitely improved over the week. All of the staff are so very gracious and knowledgeable, which makes the trip so enjoyable. Do not expect to lose weight! The large lunches with typical local dishes were delicious. I met lifelong friends from all over the world and our gatherings at the pool each evening to discuss the day and share wine and tapas were a treasure. Andalusia now has a special place in my heart. I cannot wait to go back again!’

Susanne Kahler
‘I am 60 years old and if my experience with Covid and travel has taught me anything, it is to not wait any longer and get yourself out there! I had an absolutely wonderful time as a solo traveler on my first experience with Globetrotting, the Train and Trail ride in Spain. Even though most of the other riders were my kids’ ages, the group was inclusive of all our various abilities, as were our wonderful trail guides and instructor. I can’t say enough great things about Michelle Thornton, our dressage instructor, whose words are now my own personal mantra: ‘We ride to the rhythm that we want.’ All of us not only became fitter, but also much better riders. The trail rides were good fun and got a little faster as the week progressed, as did our lessons!’

Tsveta Todorova
‘This trip was a great experience for me in several aspects: I had my first dream gallop on a wild beach; the instructors introduced me to the elegant and complex world of dressage; I learned a lot more about riding; I met very interesting people among the instructors, hosts and other riders from different parts of the world; I experienced different horses with different tack, which is great for every rider; and I saw, tasted and experienced a little bit of Andalusia, which will make me return and see more!’

Katherina Brandts
‘I had such a great time on this trip. It was wonderful to be back in the saddle riding some super horses after so many years. Barry, my trail horse, was great. My dressage horse, Alacran, was a beauty and very easy to ride. I’d have taken them both home if I could!
Fernando and Jane’s hospitality was amazing. Sherri, my dressage instructor, was very patient and kind. From the working students to the instructors, the trail guides to the cooks, everyone worked together to make this an overall amazing experience. I would rate this ride as outstanding value. This was my first Globetrotting trip but I’m sure it won’t be my last.’

Kim Bourke
‘I did the five day intensive training ride, intensive being the operative word. It was testing, challenging and wonderful. The food was home cooked, fresh and authentically Spanish, but the biggest honour was being able to ride the Andalusian horses. They are highly trained and sensitive, and so much can be learnt from them. If you are just starting in dressage like me, I would really recommend doing this ride.’

Kate Riordan
‘I can not recommend this ride enough. I was blown away by the quality of the horses, landscape, food and experiences. Our buffet breakfast was expansive and provided many delicious options, but the standout were the lunches provided by the in-house cooks – each meal was diverse and followed by free-flowing wine and dessert. The horses were all impeccably cared for and trained; they were fit, healthy and very responsive, which made progressing my dressage skills very easy. The highlight of the trip was the beach ride, which I would recommend to anyone interested in beautiful scenery – the view of the trees and ocean from the cliffs was stunning. Galloping along the beach in Spanish western saddles was an experience I will never forget.
On top of everything, though, the most important aspect of this ride were our hosts: Fernando, Jane and Vivi. Within seconds of meeting them, I felt like I was part of the family. They were relaxed, positive and passionate people who truly cared about our experience and satisfaction. Fernando, in particular, is a worldly, knowledgeable man with a killer sense of humour and talking to him during our lengthy car rides to Jerez and the beach made the trips fun and comfortable. I would, without a doubt, suggest this ride to anyone. I will most definitely be back.’

Theresa Gonzalez
‘We had a wonderful time on our Train and Trail Ride in Andalusia, Spain. Our trail riding guide was wonderful, as was our dressage instructor, who gave me a lot of individual attention. Hornito was the Andalusian stallion I rode for my dressage lessons; he was excellent and I got to do the Spanish Walk and Piaffe on him! It made my vacation. I also liked trail riding through the olive groves on Bari, who was very forward moving. The lunches were delicious. The hacienda was beautiful. The accomodations were great. The Jerez School was amazing, as was the Flamenco show. My husband is a beginner rider and the instructors were very patient with him, and as a result he did well and learned a lot.’
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