Spain: Andalusia and its equestrian tradition

By: Maribel Estefanell Posted: 11/03/2022

Andalusia is a benchmark for the equestrian world. It is the cradle of the Purebred Spanish horse, which originated from Jerez and spread throughout Andalusia. Equestrian tourism has boomed here thanks to the climate and diverse landscape of this region.

In this article, you will discover the significance of the Andalusian horse and we will inform you about two riding holiday operators and what they have to offer in this part of Spain.

Andalusia, a land of purebred horses

Also known as the Andalusian Horse, the "Pura Raza Española" (PRE) is noted for its beauty, elegance and brio.

It is descended from the horses of the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years, and is considered one of the oldest equine breeds in the world.

In the mid-sixteenth century, King Philip II laid the foundations for what is now considered the Purebred Spanish. The monarch built the Royal Stables of Cordoba on the banks of the Guadalquivir with the aim of breeding the best stallions and mares.

Besides, the Andalusian horse has been used to develop many other breeds, especially in Europe and the Americas.

In 1972, the National Association of Spanish Horse Breeders (ANCEE - Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos Españoles) was established in Seville as an official bod.

The Andalusian horse is generally docile and smart, and has an obedient nature, making it easy to train from the beginning. Its personality is one of his greatest virtues. Many people would expect Andalusian horses to be feisty or hard to handle. However, they are often spoken of with respect for their amazingly calm demeanour.

With this horse, you can venture through spectacular mountains and backcountry, visit remote villages or enjoy a breathtaking sunset on the sandy beaches of Andalusia.

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

Based in Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, this Foundation is a Spanish dressage institution. One of their main objectives is the preservation of Classical and Country Dressage, and the Andalusian horse.

In 1973, his Majesty King Juan Carlos I – then Crown Prince of Spain – awarded the founder, Don Alvaro Domecq Romero, the “Caballo de Oro” (Golden Horse) trophy in Jerez de la Frontera in recognition of dedication to, and work carried out in favour of, the horse.

In honour of this award, the foundation presented the famous show “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”.

The unique show, “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”, is an equestrian ballet accompanied by quintessential Spanish music and 18th century styled costumes, all put together and choreographed using movements based upon Classical Dressage, Doma Vaquera (country-style riding) and traditional equestrian chores.

We work every day to spread and promote equestrian art, horse breeding and derived industries.

Besides the horse exhibition, we recommend that you visit the facilities: the Recreo de las Cadenas, the Museum of Equestrian Art, The Carriage Museum and, especially, the octagonal building of the Stables and the Picadero (indoor arena).

Riding holiday operator in Andalusia

No matter your level of riding ability, in Andalusia you can enjoy an unforgettable horseback riding vacation.

On the website of AGETREA, the Andalusian Rural Tourist and Equestrian Entrepreneurs’ Association, you can find a number of activities and horseback riding vacations in the eight provinces of Andalusia.

We have selected two riding holiday operators, Los Alamos Equestrian Holidays and Horsebackriding in Spain.

Los Alamos Equestrian Holidays

They are located near the small hamlet of San Ambrosio, a small costal village on the Costa de la Luz in Cádiz, in Andalusia.

Is a family run business and as much as such riders will be treated as though they are one of the family too. your accommodation is at the beautiful Spanish Finca Jacaranda, situated in its own grounds with swimming pool, terraces and gardens.

Their stables are just a short walk away from your accommodation. Every morning, after a hearty breakfast, you'll take a 10-minute walk to the stables, where you will find your horse tacked up and ready to go.

Rides through beautiful natural scenery with trails taking you along deserted, golden sandy beaches and explore miles of sweet smelling natural pine forest.

What is their Equestrian Tourism offer like?

Los Alamos sits on the edge of the spectacular Natural Park of La Breña y Las Marismas, consisting of forest, salt marshes, steep cliffs and miles of sandy beach.

Their riding holidays run from Sunday to Sunday and at certain times of the year they also offer shorter rides from Wednesday to Sunday. Their programs have been carefully designed and there’s an option for every level of experience in similar routes.

Each ride is varied and different, they don’t set a strict daily itinerary because they like to choose the right ride for the right day. All the rides leave from their stables and then you return to the villa to rest and enjoy the facilities.

On Thursdays, the horses have a day off. That day, you will visit the city of Jerez de la Frontera and the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation, where you will enjoy the show called "How the Andalusian Horses dance".

Depending on where you want to ride, you have three options: forest, beach or countryside rides.

Option one: Forest rides

The forest consists of 5000 hectares of mainly umbrella pine and eucalyptus trees, giving a unique fresh aroma. The forest stretches out along the hills and cliffs, offering stunning views over the African coast and the beaches of Cape Trafalgar.

The going in the forest is excellent for riding, with long sandy tracks and firebreaks that weave their way through the trees and wild flowers such as lavender and rosemary.

Option two: The beach

For those of you who have already ridden on a beach we need say no more. For those that haven’t, prepare to make your dreams come true.

You ride along the edge of the forest down onto the long sandy beaches of Cape Trafalgar and El Palmar.

These beaches stretch for 10Km, giving plenty of room to let your horse show you what he can really do. The pace of the beach is fast and exhilarating and something you will never forget.

Option three: Countryside

The rolling hills of the surrounding rural area offer fantastic views as you ride over ancient drover’s roads and cattle tracks.

You ride past an old monastery and through the sleepy Andalusian hamlet of San Ambrosia, which has remained untouched for centuries.

Learn more about them on their web site: https://losalamosriding.co.uk/

Horsebackriding in Spain

Located in the mountains of Sierra Nevada, in Granada, they organize horse riding holidays in several parts of Andalusia and the Pyrenees, in Northern Spain.

From their rural house in La Balsa, Marion Aerts, owner, sale horse riding holidays throughout Andalusia, where they have several equestrian centres.

La Balsa is located at an altitude of 1200 meters in a beautiful trail riding area at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Here it’s still possible to enjoy absolute peacefulness and silence, clean air in a beautiful mountain setting away from mass tourism.

Many of their equestrian tourism offers include accommodation in here and horse rides around this beautiful corner of Spain.

This is what they have to offer in Andalusia.

Rides in Sierra Nevada

Located in the region of Guadix, in the province of Granada, the Guadix Equestrian Centre is run by Alfredo.

We feature 20 horses, 3 tracks of different levels and 12 blocks in natural cave which keep the horse in an ideal temperature all year.

Departures from the Equestrian Center has different locations, different routes per day, returning to the equestrian center to end up sleeping in our cabins and resting our horses in their stables.

You can ride through the surrounding green valleys or the clay hills of the Hoya de Guadix, and discover its Roman architecture and iconic cave houses.

We offer riding lessons in Guadix for all levels.

And if you prefer, you can go for an overnight stay on their Balsa farm, which is 25 km from the stables.

Rides in Malaga

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol, between Malaga and Marbella, Nicole's ranch is immersed in a pleasant atmosphere and surrounded by a beautiful landscape.

They have a total of 27 rustic typical Andalusian apartments distributed all over the ranch. A swimming pool invites to refresh in summer and an Andalusian patio surrounded with bougainvillea (a pretty ornamental plant with purple flowers) invites to very special homemade meals.

All its horse routes are from star rides; that is to say that you leave from the ranch each morning and go back to it in the evening to rest.

The ranch is home to some 200 Andalusian horses. Most of them were born here and grown up in the spacious corrals in herds. Well-schooled, they are waiting to show you their homeland and typical characteristics – their elegant, strong and confident ride.

Rides in Alpujarras

Sara established the riding centre back in 1993. Now itshas grown to become one of the leading and most well-known equestrian centres in Andalusia.

They are situated on a small plateau at a height of 1200 meters above sea level, in a little white town in the Alpujarras region, close to Granada.

Wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, hills and Sierra Nevada mountains are evident in all directions. You can even see the coastline of Africa on a clear day.

They offer 2-hour rides and multi-day horseback tours in the hills and mountains.

Novices and children are most welcome, as are single travellers. For the advanced rider there are challenging trails on offer in challenging trails in the glorious mountain scenery of the Sierra Nevada.

One of Sara’s tours is “The Alpujarras Ride”. In this program, you follow old paths, today in disuse, and charming valleys where the horse, mule or oxen still pull the plough and thresh the harvest.

Other rides

Besides the rides we’ve described, Horsebackriding in Spain offers trails in other places inside and outside Andalusia.

In Cadiz, you can join Jesus for an exhilarating ride through the endless beaches of Tarifa, or visit Los Alcornocales National Park and the Strait of Gibraltar, where hundreds of millions of birds cross every year on their migration between Europe and Africa. He also organizes tours to Jerez where you can visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.

In Almeria, Manolo offers different riding programs, which include a one-week program for beginners, a ride on the virgin beaches of Andalusia and a one-week trek through the Tabernas Desert Natural Park.

Finally, outside of Andalusia, Joan’s Equestrian Centre is located in the North of Catalonia, where they offer horse riding holidays in the Costa Brava and the Alt Empordà.

For more information, go to their website: http://horsebackridinginspain.com/

/ Photos: losalamosriding.co.uk y horsebackridinginspain.com /

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.

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