Review rated by 16 Ciao members on average: very helpful
I was looking on the internet one day for a Horse Riding holiday in Spain. I found a couple, but none that really interested me. Then I went on ebay and just typed in "Horse Riding Spain". (I didnt want to spend ages on there!!!). There was a listing on there that interested me. The listing said they do riding in the mountains and desert. I didnt know Spain had a desert!
I had rode before in the costa del sol but although where I rode was very nice, I was only allowed to ride in the arena. The roads were much to dangerous to go out and the school only catered for holidaymakers who were beginners. I wanted to find somewhere I could ride out and see the area. I would class myself as a confident rider, but could not ride a horse that was too strong or excitable.
The first thing I did was too study their advert and I
saw they had reviews from past riders. This gave me more confidence about them. I also noticed that one of the reviews seemed to be done by a friend I hadnt seen in ages! I got in touch with her and she said it was her who had done one of the reviews as she had been there earlier on in the year and that I just had to go! She also said that she liked it that much that if i decided I was going then she would come with me! I contacted them and asked what sort of services they offer and if they had any horses or ponies suitable for me. Nothing too big I said as I am not very tall! They were really helpful and fully explained everything they have to offer and said they had the perfect horse for me. (Her name was Carmen and they were right, she was superb!).
I made the booking and went over there early August. I must admit, I never expected it to be so hot there, but they did say it gets hot in the desert at that time of year! The horses and ponies all looked in good condition and the heat did not seem to bother them.
After I put my things in my bedroom, which is in the main villa where Roberto and Carolina live, we set out on a gentle 1 hour trek on the first day to get me used to the heat. Then on the second day a slightly more challenging 2 hour trek up some mountains! The scenery there is stunning. They also told me this was where most of the famous western films where done. I tried to imagine myself back in the wild west, and with the scenery there, it was very easy! They also have 2 dogs who come out with the horses called Bala and Rojo. They were crazy! Running up and down mountains! The horses were obviously used to them as they didnt even give them a second look!
There is also a western theme park nearby which you can actually ride too. We went there on the Sunday morning and it is also worth a trip. They do a show at midday with gunfights and stuff and the cowboys were great riders!
The pony I rode, Carmen, was a very kind loveable pony who was very small, but this suited me as I am not very tall! The horse my friend, Jennifer, rode was Zorro. An absoultey gorgeous grey pure bred Espanyol gelding. He seemed a bit to lively for me but my friend thought he was amazing and wanted to take him home with her! The horse that Roberto the instructor rode was a huge stallion called Santana. He was also way out of my league!
The accomodation was nice with ceiling fans and air con, (which I used!). It was new, clean, neat and tidy with a view of the mountains. They dont do the big breakfasts but continental breakfast they do do was enough for me and Jennifer. It was not a 5 star hotel but great rider accomodation. Their villa was in a great place and it was less than a mile to the village. There was loads of places to eat and drink in the village and nearby. Plus all were cheap! No resort prices there!
I would quite honestly recommend any level of rider to go there. I will definitly be going back. I would also like to say a big thank you to the instructors Roberto and Carolina for everything.
Book with confidence. Their site is www.desertridersspain.com Have a look at their website. I hope they read this as they might give me a free trek next time!!!
Hi all! they charged me 55 euros per night with continental breakfast. It was 25 euros for a 1 hour ride and 40 euros for a 2 hour ride. I stayed there for 3 nights and done 4 hours riding. It cost me 255 euros which is about £180 i think! I also forgot to mention they gave me a lovely certificate at the end of my holiday which I now have up on my office wall! Glad you liked my review!!
Oh - this sounds absolutely amazing! I would LOVE to go! As it is I will just have to make to with seeing the Spanish Riding School at Wembley this weekend (yes, I'm pretty pleased about that so not complaining).
Good review, sounds great. I used to have 2 horses and I miss riding so much!I'd love to get back into it again but the idea of being stuck in an arena really puts me off. hmmm wonder can I convince my hubby to take a horse riding vacation......
17.11.2006 17:33
Hi all! they charged me 55 euros per night with continental breakfast. It was 25 euros for a 1 hour ride and 40 euros for a 2 hour ride. I stayed there for 3 nights and done 4 hours riding. It cost me 255 euros which is about £180 i think! I also forgot to mention they gave me a lovely certificate at the end of my holiday which I now have up on my office wall! Glad you liked my review!!
16.11.2006 22:27
Oh - this sounds absolutely amazing! I would LOVE to go! As it is I will just have to make to with seeing the Spanish Riding School at Wembley this weekend (yes, I'm pretty pleased about that so not complaining).
16.11.2006 17:36
Good review, sounds great. I used to have 2 horses and I miss riding so much!I'd love to get back into it again but the idea of being stuck in an arena really puts me off. hmmm wonder can I convince my hubby to take a horse riding vacation......