Day One
Arrive and settle into your chosen accommodation, you can stay close to the ranch in a lovely boutique hotel, or you can stay in town (15 minutes from the ranch) where in the evening you can enjoy the many bars and restaurants.
Day Two
This morning the riding will begin, you will be meeting our expert horseman and enjoying an introductory lesson to give you the opportunity to understand the manner in which these horses are ridden and trained. The programme will be flexible in order to help you with any aspect of your riding. After lunch you will be enjoy a two hour ride around the ranch to familiarise yourself with the local terrain.
Day Three
This morning you will be heading in to Jerez to visit The Royal Riding School. You will have the best seats for their wonderful display ‘How the Horses of Andalucia Horses Dance’. Here you will be able to witness at first hand the intricate training methods that have made these horses such versatile working horses. This afternoon you will be riding again (choose between a ride out on the ranch or a lesson to perfect your walk to canter or canter to halt transitions.)
Day Four
Today you will be enjoying a typical working day of an Andalucia cowboy (Vaquero) as you spend your time riding out on the ranch checking the stock and the fencing. The countryside of this region is stunning, you will be stopping in the shade to enjoy a traditional Andalucian picnic.
Day Five
This morning you will be riding again, those wanting to learn as much as possible to improve their style in the saddle can choose a lesson or there is also the option to ride out of the ranch again. No visit to Jerez would be complete without sampling some of the fine wines, sherries and brandies that has made this area famous so this afternoon we have arranged a Bodega visit along with a wine tasting. The history of the wine cultivation of this region is so closely interwoven with the equestrian culture, that you will find that many of the bodegas have their own pure bred horses, in the past these wonderful horses were a mark of the bodegas success.
Day Six
Today you will be visiting The National Stud Farm; here you will see at first hand the wonderful stallions, mares and foals that are being produced in order to promote this superb breed of horse. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy Jerez.
Day Seven
This morning you will be riding for the last time, again we offer an option either a final lesson (on probably the best trained horse you will ever ride) in the morning and then a longer ride in the afternoon or you can choose another longer day riding on the ranch.
Day Eight
Depart
Our instructor/trainer/vaquero in Jerez is one of the world's true horsemen. He was born into a family that for centuries has been at the heart of equestrianism in Jerez. Horses have played an important role on the vast farms in this productive area of Spain for years and as a small child he became totally fascinated by the training of horses wanting to understand and learn every aspect of their behavioural traits in order to work with them in a partnership based on mutual trust, understanding and respect.
He worked with his uncles in the fields of his father’s ranch on horseback from the age of 4 years old where he discovered his passion for the horse, for riding and for training this most spectacular animal. It is no surprise that he went on to become such a wonderful rider and trainer, his uncle was well known throughout Andalucia for his skills as a horseman and he gave him his first horse. He went on to compete locally in ranching competitions as a young boy and it was here he met the then World Champion of Spain who took him under his wing and continued his valuable training.
Soon he was winning national competitions and he was also developing his interest in Doma Classica (dressage riding) which complemented his already highly developed Doma Vaquero skills. He worked for five years with one of the most acclaimed professors of the Royal Riding School of Jerez and at this point his training seemed complete, he was a highly skilled rider in both important Andalucian disciplines.
He then decided that the time had come to develop the family ranch into an equestrian centre of excellence with the aim of passing on his great knowledge and understanding of horses. The response we have had to date from our customers regarding this man’s patience and training skills has been tremendous and we would not hesitate to recommend him 100%; he is a great ambassador to the equestrian art in Spain.
Prices
£1795 per person based in a three star hotel in Jerez single supplement £45 per night
£1995 per person based in a four star hotel in Jerez single supplement £55 per night
£2095 per person based in luxury accommodation close to The Hacienda single supplement £95 per night
£3995 per person based on staying at the ranch with the owners (nobility) on half board plus 3 hours of riding per day
Please note that the ranch is located on the outskirts of Jerez. To reach it from the centre of Jerez you would need to hire a car or use a taxi (20€ approx).
Short Break Ranching Introduction
Short break itineraries that include 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation and 3 riding days are also available. The short break again offers you the flexibility to choose between lessons and some really fabulous riding out on the ranch. The riding will include one lesson, two x half day rides on the ranch and the Andalucian picnic ride.
To read Equestrian Escapes reviews click on the link
For more riding holidays in Spain please click here. We also offer a wide range of horse riding holidays in the UK and around Europe.
We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.