ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday
You will be transported from the Madrid-Barajas Airport to your inn located in the medieval town of Pedraza.  Your fellow riders will gather with you during a dinner which features Segovia cuisine and Rioja wine.

Day 2: Sunday
After your riding ability is matched to your highly trained horse; you will meet your equine partner and receive further instruction on achieving the maximum partnership with your horse. In the afternoon you will enjoy the pungent aroma of poplar, juniper, Spanish oak and pine trees as you ride beneath their shade. Your horse will then carry you across the countryside which lies under the majestic gaze of Pedraza’s formidable castle perched on a rocky crag.

Day 3: Monday
The morning is dedicated to improving your seat and your transitions.  In the afternoon, a hack in the “Cañada Real”, Queen Isabella’s XVth century green pasture highways, awaits you. The sound of your horse’s hooves on the cobblestone roads will announce your arrival in Pedraza and you will ride through the village. Don’t be surprised if some tourists take pictures of you! Afterwards, you can watch the video of your day’s lessons.

Day 4: Tuesday
The morning’s lesson agenda is lateral movements and changes of lead or for those who are ready, jumping or caveletti.  You can chat with your fellow riders about your progress during an afternoon trail ride along the captivating Castillan landscape and the scenic rim of the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains.  An invigorating gallop over open fields of grass or harvested grains will draw your day to a close.

Day 5: Wednesday
April 20 - 25 Ride - You will join the revelry at  Seville’s colorful April Fair (La Feria de Abril). A parade (Paseo de Cabbalos) of local villagers attired in full flamenco outfit ride through the city on splendid horses and beautiful carriages.   Afterward, crowds party and dance the “Sevillanas” drinking Jerez sherry, or manzanilla wine, and eating tapas. 

September 4 - 11 Ride -   You will join the residents of Pedraza in celebrating the fiesta of their “queen” La Virgen del Carrascal (The Virgin of the Holm Oak Forest). From the LaVilla, you will watch the running of the bulls.  The animals are led across the fields outside of town to prove the ability of their horseback handlers.  Even though the herders are skilled, this is an exciting, and sometimes dangerous, tradition. Afterwards, orchestras and musical groups will perform in the streets.

Day 6:  Thursday
Your final lessons occur in the morning.  After lunch, you will visit the ancient town of Segovia with its magnificent cathedral, stoic Roman aqueduct and romantic Alcazar Castle.

Day 7:  Friday
You will review your progress and practice your newly learned techniques. A rewarding relaxing trail ride awaits in the afternoon and if your mood beckons, one last fun gallop.

Day 8:  Saturday
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Barajas airport in Madrid.

Details:
Dates: Sunday – Saturday, March -  October
Riding days:  5
Meeting point: Madrid Airport
Riding ability: Novice to Advanced
Horses:  Andalusian and mixed Spanish
Group size: 4 – 10
Saddles Dressage, Jumping
Accommodations: 3*** or 4**** inn or hacienda
*Price:  $2,075 per person, double occupancy,  $280 single supplement

*Prices are quoted in U. S. dollars but are billed in Euros.  The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.

Includes:  7 nights inn or hacienda accommodations, all meals, 5 days of lessons and hacks. horse, tack, instructor and guide and transfers to and from airport.
Not included:  Air fare