Equestrian Vacations

SICAB Seville

SICAB is held once a year and and includes all activities; show jumping, carriage driving, classical and country dressage, the national livestock breeders’ championship.  Also in the events are a variety of events and shows for you to watch, and even a quality horse auction!  This horse riding holiday is for any equestrian enthusiast, and is surely not one to be missed.  The quality of horses that are on display is like none other, and their elegance and grace is none other than wondrous.  SICAB Seville is a wonderful horse riding break opportunity, where you are sure to find your clarity with these horses!

For more information on a horse riding break to SICAB in Seville, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with Equestrian Escapes.  SICAB runs from the 23rd to the 28th November 2010, so book while you can!!

23rd – 28th November 2010

This fabulous horse riding holiday opportunity for beginners and intermediate riders allows you to see Spain in all its splendour, whilst taking in the charm of the Alpujarra Mountains.

The itinerary is set so that beginners can learn as much as possible with their horses whilst also enjoying the breath-taking scenery, so that when they return home the experience is far from lost on them!

You will be staying in the quaint village of Bubion where you will be most comfortable in the little quiet restaurants and bars; perfect to sit back and just relax.

Each day you will have a horse riding lesson in the morning, followed by a wonderful lunch of the local cuisine.  The afternoon will consist of a scenic hack into the entrancing Alpujarra Mountains, where there are beautiful ravines and valleys, lush pastures and streams.

You will then take a wonderful drive down to Granada, supposedly the most beautiful Andalucían city, where you can see the diverse yet historic culture for yourself, including the magnificent Alhambra Palace.  Here you could take a guided tour of the palace before your last night, and what better way is there to finish your horse riding holiday than in Granada?

At Equestrian Escapes we are happy to tailor-make a holiday that will suit you, ensuring that every holiday is a happy holiday.

Why Not Choose To Do Something Truly Amazing?

Equestrian Escapes offers first class equestrian riding holidays that are tailor-made to ensure you have the perfect holiday.  The locations on offer are of excellence so that every comfort can be yours.  The equestrian facilities are all of excellent standard, with fully qualified instructors and British Horse Society approved too and furthermore we inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you. 

What More Can You Ask For?

Equestrian Escapes caters for riders of all standards, so there’s no excuses why not to bring along your mother-in-law…

For all information on our horse riding holidays, please visit our website, or get in touch to talk about your dream holiday….

What is so wonderful about Andalucia is the extent of riding available here.  The famous Andalucian Horse has spectacularly encouraged the horsey world in Spain for years and years.  But today, Equestrian Escapes are happy to offer you a wonderful selection of horse riding holidays for riders of all standards. 

Andalucia is famous for its beautiful scenery, and beautiful horses – what a combination!  More than that, we are offering scenic beach rides, trail riding in Sierra Nevadas or  Almeria Granada, all just to get a taste of the magic of Andalucia!

Andalucia’s rich and romantic culture is difficult not to get caught up in, and you will want to soak up as much of this as you can whilst you are there.  Our holidays are designed specifically with this in mind, allowing you to get the most out of the horses and the wonderful world that is Andalucia, particularly visible through the vibrant Jerez. 

Experience The Magic Of Andalucia

If on your horse riding holiday you are looking to improve your skills on horseback to fit the elegant Andalucian style, then we can accommodate that, too.  Suitable for riders of all standards, Equestrian Escapes is delighted to offer you a broad range of fantastic Andalucian horse riding holidays, so get in touch today to book your dream holiday.

Andalucia is a fairytale land for all horse lovers.  Etched deeply in Spain’s diverse culture is the famously elegant and beautiful, Spanish horse which played a large role in the Andalucian’s everyday lives.With such wonderful weather, Andalucia is sure to make your holiday memorable.  Equestrian Escapes can proudly present to you eleven Short Stay Horse Riding Holidays and nine Week Long Horse riding Holidays so that there will definitely be one to suit you.

Short stay holidays range from Beach Rides and Mountain Trails and even riding western-style in the desert!  Or for the more laid back person, perhaps visit the vigorous vineyards and really let your hair down.  What is so wonderful about Spain is the range of fun activities that you can get up to while you are away, just a handful being visiting Jerez and it’s Feria, or even Seville‘s Feria.  And if this possibly isn’t enough for you, there is always the incredible SICAB Exhibition in Seville, the most prestigious Spanish Horse Exhibition in the world!

The Beautiful Spanish Horses of Andalucis

To top all this off, we have a holiday for all standards of riding, and particularly large options for  beginners.  Take a look at our site for more information, or contact Equestrian Escapes.

The Jerez Feria is one of the most important annual events in the Andalucian equestrian calendar. From 02 – 09 May 2010 Gonzalez Hontoria Park opened its gates to the public to showcase what is described as a Spanish Spectacular.

Jerez is home to some of the grandest families in the region, originally their wealth came from the production of fine wines and sherries cultivated in the fertile lands that surround the city. This wealth enabled the landowners to invest in impressive studs and bull-breeding farms that can be seen dotted around this beautiful old city.Dating back to 1847, the Seville feria is one of the most important festivals in Andalucia. Some of the best horses in the region travel from miles around to parade and compete at this, the oldest feria in Andalucia.

Equestrian Escapes offer a fantastic 4 night stay in Jerez over this festive period, but if you cant make it for those specific dates dont worry.. you can pick from many more. Visit the enchanting town of Ronda where you can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the narrow winding sreets. Or, explore the wonderful and historic city of Seville where the riding centre nestles in gently undulating hills of olive, orange and almond trees.

If these dont take your fancy then why not look into Barcelona, Tuscany or even Peru, the options are endless!

Many thanks to David and Kathryn Cartwright for leaving this lovely testimonial on our website

May ’10 Jerez Feria

“This was our first time with Equestrian Escapes, but it will not be our last! All arrangements were efficiently made and everything worked like clockwork. The structure of the week was expertly put together – we would never have been able to do this ourselves. The accommodation chosen for us was first class and well positioned in the city centre, within walking distance of most of the attractions, and the hotel staff  were so helpful, kind and courteous. The riding with Alphonso was an unbelievable experience, exciting, safe and pleasurable – not to be missed! It goes down as the best holiday ever!” David and Kathryn Cartwright

Equestrian Escapes’ Horse Riding Holidays

If you are looking for a holiday that is a bit different, and carries with it a sense of adventure, why not book a horse riding holiday?  Equestrian Escapes offers a wide variety of horse riding holidays, from Peru and Spain, Portugal and Italy, to the Uk and Ireland.  You can even take your horses with you on holiday, and learn new tricks together.  You can design your own riding plan to suit you from lessons, short hacks, half day rides to full day rides.

Riding in Berkshire

Accommodation is also varied, from pretty little B&Bs, to log cabin, quiet country hotels, to luxurious full board hotels and spas.

Here at Equestrian Escapes we are happy to discuss your perfect holiday.

Notice the white star on the forehead

If ever you feel weary, and all alone, look not to the dog but to the horse for comfort. Horses are good listeners, and will stand beside you in perfect harmony if you run your hands gently down their back, and speak with a very gentle tone. 

When I was a little boy I used to climb up to the hay barn above the stables, and perch on one of the beams above my Mother’s favourite mare.  She didn’t seem to mind, as she munched away on the hay I dropped down to her and I spilled out my thoughts, and even made up stories aloud.  This became a ritual whenever I came home from school for the holidays, and my old friend would always be there to greet me with her long black fluttery lashes and open face with a white star fixed squarely on her forehead.

At the start of the Christmas holidays I came home with so much excitement as Christmas was coming, and that meant presents!  We also had recently arranged to catch some rays on a horse riding holiday to the coast of Spain. But that night, as usual, I snuck out to the stables. I remember vividly the large wooden ladder-type staircase up to the hayloft, with slippery mould growing off it.  I treaded carefully and opened up the stiff hatch.  From there I could see the lit stable, and my special beam.  I carefully balanced along the beam and gently lowered myself into a sort of sitting position, only to look down and find the stable bare.  I couldn’t understand it and looked in the paddocks.  She wasn’t there.  In the darkness I could see no white star, and no open face.  Walking slowly back to the house I went to my Mother.  Sadly, the mare had been found lame in the paddock and had had to leave us.  I couldn’t believe it, wouldn’t!  My best friend and listener had gone and left me and Christmas was forgotten. The horse riding holiday to Jerez came and passed and before I knew it the stunning scenery and beautiful landscapes had passed me by.

As most horse lovers will already know, this is both a sad fact of life… and riding, but with riding, more acutely. The average horse lives to between 20-30 years; there are records of up to 51 years old according to many sources. So throughout a life-long riding affair it is most likely that you will suffer a loss more than once.

When Christmas day finally rolled around the corner my mum gave me a massive hug and told me how sorry she was. She knew deep down I wasn’t interested in opening presents this year but still she told me she had something for me to remember our mare by, and it was perched on the beam in the hay loft. I reluctantly walked outside into the cold and made my way over. The cold bit my arms and I hugged my T-shirt for warmth. I walked up the wooden stairs and climbed through the hatch only to see nothing on the beam. It was the first time I had been here since… So I sat down and pondered, staring dead ahead at the opposite wall. I could practically hear Angel Eyes below me. All of the memories came rushing back and as I looked below I could see her with her blotchy coat of brown and white. Except… no star on her forehead? I dropped down gently and put my hand on her cheek as I examined her closely. This wasn’t Angel Eyes! Mum opened the door to the stables and smiled. I wrapped my arms around her and my Christmas was saved.

What is it about the English as soon as the sun comes out?  They slap on their factor fifty, roll up their sleeves to reveal pale and pasty bingo wings, and get all excited about the countryside!

Well, that was me, except I got REALLY excited.  On a whim I took my wife’s laptop into the garden and started surfing the internet for horse riding holidays.  The web pages were endless and I didn’t know where to begin!  Being almost computer illiterate I looked for something respectable, easy and accommodating – and there it was; Equestrian Escapes.  As I navigated my way through their clearly thought out website looking at the endless opportunities I could embark on, imagining myself in these beautiful pictures, I breathed a sigh of relief as my face began to spread into a grin.

There was Andalucía.  And Seville it would be!  The idea of a horse-drawn carriage showing off the city of Seville to me was the real clincher.  But, the Spanish country home, the inviting olive groves, the Spanish food as well as beautiful beaches needed little persuasion.

I am booked to go in a couple of weeks, and cannot wait!  Equestrian Escapes made a holiday made just for me, and I was able to choose from their many luxurious choices in order to make a holiday perfect for me.  I’ll let you know how the tapas tasted!

Ron Howarth

Yet another stunning day in Seville, Andalucia

Ron kindly gave us this article after becoming aware of our blog here at Equestrian Vacations for Equestrian Escapes. Soon after he wrote this and emailed it to our staff (know how you can find on our Contact Us page) he phoned up and arranged a holiday, within two weeks he was sat in Andalucia eating tapas for lunch after a great mornings riding. Now that is a good example of what we at Equestrian Escapes aim to achieve when delivering fantastic landscapes and scenery to our beloved customers. We’re here for you.

This picturesque region in the south of Spain has been a chosen holiday destination for the inspired traveler for decades. The sun soaked scenery relaxes the mind and allows true recuperation from many a busy and hectic life. I recently travelled to Faro airport from Manchester on an inexpensive Easy Jet flight. Before I knew it I had been transported from my dingey flat in Manchester to a beautiful hotel in Donana National Park. With that much wildlife and nature leaning on my doorstep I could feel the pressures of the big city sliding gently off my shoulders. It was time for a real break.

I used to ride a lot as a child but as the years past, I grew up and eventually moved away from the countryside in Berkshire where I was raised. I followed my carrer, guided carefully by my A-Levels and Univesrity and ended up for the time being in Manchester. And as many of you will know, that left little time for horse riding. I hadn’t had a holiday as long as I cared to remember so I did a quick, self explainitory search on the internet; Horse Riding Holidays. And there it was, plain as day. Equestrian Escapes, my saviour. They offer reasonably priced, well researched, quality holidays which are what they say on the packet. I was so impressed and thought as I am a writer, the least I could do is write them a short article about how much I enjoyed my holiday for their blog. So here it is.

My Break Starts Well

After a great nights sleep, I retired early on the previous night and achieved a fantastic fourteen hours sleep! That’s over twice what I’ve been getting over recent months. I ate a slpendid breakfast and set off to the stables. They all spoke English and helped me find the perfect horse. My Andalucian steed was a beautiful chesnut brown. He was a well mannered and patient horse, very pleasent to ride and not too wild but abundant with character. I found my feet again for the first time in years and felt years younger. That afternoon we hacked through Donana National Park for an hour and a half (my bum wasn’t up to much more) in the glorious sun.

Day three of my trip kept up the pace with a hack in the morning and, as I travelled in the summer I did miss the migrating birds of autumn and winter but my guide did point out a Spanish Imperial Eagle and then we went for a ride on the beach in the afternoon. What a wonderful day! Horse riding on a golden Spanish coast. How could I go home?

The next day I took a trip into Seville and visited the much documented and acclaimed banks of the Guadalquivir River. Called by some as one of the historical corner stones of Europe, I took a private horse drawn carriage tour. And was not dissapointed by the stunning bridges spanning it’s still water and the looming architecture combining centuries of culture, style and heritage.

The hotel in Seville

Halfway through

On my fith day in Spain I spent the morning and afternoon, split by a healthy lunch, having dressage lessons. I have never attempted dressage before, not even when I was younger but I really felt like I made some headway. I felt much more in control of the horse, and after attempting something outside of your immediate comfort zone (with no pressure from anyone besides myself) I felt that standard walk, trot and canter were far easier and the control I learnt followed through to my general horse riding ability.

Today I went on a memorable journey, one and a hlaf hours drive (but completely worth it), to Jerez de la Frontera. A place I will not be forgetting quickly. Especially after my dressage attempts the day before, this visit could not have come at a better time. I was going to pay a visit to The Royal Riding School. Internationally renowned for their skills on horseback, supreme training and quality bred horses they performed “How The Andalusian Horses Dance”. How I urge you to see that show in all of it’s elegance.

The painful reminder of day seven was that my holiday had flown by and already I was staring into the eyes of a nearing departure. This however didn’t come close to stopping me from enjoying a final days cultural exploration around Jerez. A truely beautiful place. And as if the holiday had not already come to a fantastic climax I sat down for a delicious local meal followed by flamenco dancing! Along with a long list of fine wines to taste and entertainment in the form of taditional dance I felt that this holiday had given me the umph I needed to keep me going when I was back in England. It would be a warm, happy time to resurface from my memories when faced by a daunting amount of articles to write with a rapidly looming deadline.

And just like that it was time to check out, and before I knew it I had landed in England. After a taxi, a wait at the airport and collecting my luggage I snapped out of my luxury trance and performed the last short leg of the journey to get me back home. Just in time to catch up before Monday. C’est la vie.

by Michael Bournon

The Holiday that Michael went on was aptly called The Magic of Andalucia just click to be taken directly to it’s itinerary.