Spain Riding Holidays
Horse riding holiday in Spain, Europe. Explore the vineyards of Ribera Del Duero. Stay in excellent hotels & dine in fine restaurants.
Castilla province is not only the heart of Spanish culture but also home to a rich tradition of wine and food. On this equestrian vacation in Spain, the horseback riding trail explores the vineyards of Ribera Del Duero on superb pure bred Spanish horses. Stop to taste fine wines at some of the oldest and most iconic wineries in Spain. Stay overnight in excellent hotels and dine in some of the finest restaurants, sample fresh local cuisine: wine and meat and good horses are the focus of this ride. Singles, families & heavier horseback riders welcome.

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from FR of Faringdon on 21/09/2023

Ride Summary

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7

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Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! :)

Day 1

Arrive in Madrid and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, there may be time to visit Sepúlveda in the afternoon. The town is beautifully situated with picturesque town walls, churches, and traditionally built houses. Dinner and lodging in La Cerca Blanca or Posada del Duratón or similar.

Day 2

Start the ride in Sebulcor, a small town that allows the most direct access to the Natural Park of “Las Hoces del Río Duratón”. Riding between Pine groves and forests of Shore, Sabinas and Junipers, the route traverses the Park. Enjoy the panoramic view of the meandering S-bends of the Duratón riverthat runs at the foot of the hermitage San Frutos. Ride through the habitat of Leonados and Egyptian vultures, kites, eagles, sparrowhawks,. Keep a lookout for the only pair of real Eagles that nest in the park. Otters, genets and other species are prevalent. Arrive in the small town of Miguel de Bernuy. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant or possibily as a picnic in the open air. After a siesta, head down the river Duratón to Fuentidueña. Dinner and lodging in La Cerca Blanca or Posada del Duratón or similar.

Day 3

Ride along the Duratón river to the point where it joins the Duero River,and head towards Peñafiel with its majestic Castle (Built in the 10th century and reconstructed in the14th century, it is a National Historical Monument). Stop for a picnic lunch in Peñafiel, home of the Provincial Wine museum, both worth the visit. Dinner and lodging is in the hotel Posada Real Castillo de Curiel or similar.

Day 4

Today's ride a circuit route around the plateau of Peñafiel, taking in views of the Valley of Cuco, then down to the Castle of Curiel, and back again to the foot of the mountain where the Castle is located. Visit to the Wine cellar of PROTOS. Dinner and lodging in the Hotel Posada Real Castillo de Curiel or similar.

Day 5

Cross the Duero river to visit the most emblematic wine cellars of the region: Pesquera, Dehesa de los Canónigos, Emina, Vegasicilia. There is also a visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Valbuena (San Bernardo) of the order of the Cister and permanent seat of the Foundation “Las Edades Del Hombre”. Stop have lunch. Finish the day in Quintanilla de Onesimo. Dinner and lodging in the Hotel Fuente de la Aceña or similar.

Day 6

This is a riding day and the route rises to the highlands. The shores of the Duero river can be seen stretching out. Enjoy lunch and return to Olivares de Duero for a wine-tasting and some more surprises. Tonight's meal is in a wine cellar in Villavaquerín. Dinner and lodging is in the Hotel Fuente de la Aceña or similar.

Day 7

Today the group rides through beautiful pinewoods towards Aleamayor de San Martin for a picnic lunch in a quiet park. At the end of the day say farewell to the horses and enjoy dinner and lodging in Covarrubias.

Day 8

After breakfast transfer back to Madrid.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

The owner breeds and competes Pure Spanish horses (PRE). The horses are Spanish, Arab X and some Andalusian X, and there are 35 excellent riding horses to choose from. They range in height from 15hh-16.2hh with some ponies available. They are all in well rounded condition and beautifully polished on a daily basis with traditional flowing manes. They are mainly kept stabled and shod all round, and very well mannered.

They are ridden in traditional deep seated Spanish saddles with soft sheepskin covers and traditional big stirrups. The bridles are mainly curb bits and the horses are ridden loose reined and respond easily to weight shifts and subtle signals. This is a very easy and relaxing style of riding similar to Western, some instruction will be given if wanted.

The horses are all experienced and sure-footed trail horses with temperaments that vary from quiet and reliable through responsive to fiery and showy. With 35 horses to choose from, riders are sure to find the ideal partner for the week. The riding is mainly at a walk due to varying terrain, but there are plenty (4-6) of opportunities for long and fast canters every day. The guide, is not too keen on trotting although this is possible if requested. The riding starts late morning, after 2-3 hours a break for lunch and a siesta, a similar length afternoon ride finishes late afternoon back at the accommodation. All saddling and grooming is provided, but riders are welcome to assist with their own horse.

Rider requirements

Riders need to be able to walk, trot and canter. These horses are trained in the Spanish style and are used to being ridden with a loose rein when at walk and a light contact at canter. There are some large and strong horses, so there is a higher than usual weight limit of 105kg. Due to the long rides, it is not suitable for children under 12 and all children should be competent riders. There is no need to saddle or clean the horses unless wishing to. Assistance is available for mounting and dismounting and minimal walking next to the horses is required. Please bring your own riding helmet

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 231 lb/105 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The hotels used en route are all very comfortable with twin or double rooms and en suite shower, toilet, bidet and basin in the bathrooms. They are always located in spots of particular interest and have a local character all of their own. The meals are taken at vineyards, fine restaurants and hotels along the way. The local specialties are based on meat (often lamb or beef), sausages, cheeses and the famous red wineries of Ribero del Duero valley. Everything is fresh and locally produced. The standard of food on this ride is gourmet level.

Unfortunately vegetarian or other unusual dietary requests cannot be accommodated on this trip.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain

Climate Summary

The climate in this area is dependent on the altitude. In the valleys it can get very hot in July and August while the Sierras (mountains) are at their best then, spring and autumn are ideal for riding at while the valleys start to be pleasant in March already and are still fine in November.

Climate Chart

Health

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Please refer to your countryâs latest health guideline for travel in Spain and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Electricity

In Spain the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly

Mobile, WiFi and charging

There is electricity in the hotel rooms and camera equipment can be recharged each night. Most towns and villages will sell some batteries. If using a GoPro please ensure to get the permission of the group to be filmed.

Packing List

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384

- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)

- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)

- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs

- Jersey/fleece

- Warm jacket (depending on time of year)

- Shorts

- Long trousers (evenings)

- Long sleeve shirts

- T-shirts

- 8 pairs of socks

- Trainers

- Waterproofs

- Sarong or wrap

- Swimsuit

- Sunglasses with string

- Sunscreen

- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent

- Refillable Water Bottle - with a clip. It's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities

- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding

- Binoculars

- Toilet paper (only for emergencies while out riding)

Provided by hosts

- Riding Helmet

Recommended Reading

The New Spaniards’ –John Hooper,

‘Driving over Lemons’- Chris Stewart,

‘The Story of Spain’- Mark Williams,

‘South from Granada’ – Gerald Brenan,

‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ – Ernest Hemmingway,

‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’- Laurie Lee

‘Don Quijote de la Mancha’ – Miguel de Cervantes.

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Other Activities

Non riders are welcome to accompany the ride in the luggage transfer vehicle. Each night is spent in interesting local villages and hotels and there is plenty to do and see. The main cultural items are visited with your guide en route and non riders will of course enjoy the food and wines as much as the riders.

Other Country Information

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country, the second largest in Europe. The official language is Castilian Spanish but Catalan, Galician and Basque are also spoken. Territory includes two island archipelagos â the Balearics and the Canaries â and two enclaves on the North African coast, bordering Morocco â Ceuta and Melilla. The African influence can be found throughout Spain but especially in the south, for example the guitar was invented by the Spanish when they added a sixth string to the Arab lute. Music and art permeates Spanish culture, most obviously displayed in the fire and passion of the Flamenco and the stunning modern architecture found in the cities.

The famous siesta is still enjoyed by the majority of Spaniards, most shops close at lunchtime for two or three hours so everyone can escape the often scorching afternoon sun. Evening meals are served late into the evening with plenty of wine or sangria. Often meals can last two or three hours, especially if your host is serving Tapas, small and varied dishes of meats, bread, vegetables. Paella is also a delight and very popular across the country.

Spain is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Spain is +34.