Horseback Riding Vacations in Spain

Why visit Spain on horseback?

Spain has a long-standing equestrian tradition which, combined with the country’s rich culture and varied landscapes, makes it an ideal horse riding destination.

Since its geography is very diverse, many places can only be reached on foot or horseback. Besides, most of its routes are suitable for all riding levels – from expert riders to beginners, who are starting out in horsemanship and Equestrian Tourism.

In Spain, you can start out in horseback riding or embark on a journey with overnights in equestrian inns. You can enjoy a carriage ride in the countryside or visit the magnificent herds of the famous Hispano Arabe horses to admire rural horse training.

Andalusian horse

The renowned Pure Spanish horse or Andalusian horse appeared here. This breed already existed in times of the Romans and has helped create other breeds around the world, especially in America.

Riding them, you can explore the backcountry that gave rise to this breed and enjoy the tourist services of different inns and farmhouses, perfectly adapted for guests visiting Spain on horseback.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Spain

There is something for every taste and budget, with many equestrian tourism operators scattered throughout the country.

With such a wide range of offers, it is often difficult to choose a destination and an operator. That's why we recommend that you carefully look into the company's background before hiring it.

Andalusia on horseback

In the south of Spain, Andalusia stands out for its beautiful contrast of rural landscapes. Colourful valleys, snow-capped mountains and charming white villages dotting the horizon.

In this region, we can find some renowned riding holiday operators.

Horsebackriding

If you want to explore the most amazing places of Andalusia, we recommend that you contact Horsebackriding, member of the Guarantee Fund for Specialised Tour Operators GGTO.

Marion Aerts – owner of this equestrian centre specializing in horseback routes – will tell you, very enthusiastically, that fifteen years ago I met Manolo in his riding centre in Andalusia and I launched Horse riding holidays in Andalusia.

From their rural house in La Balsa, they sale horse riding holidays throughout Andalusia and in the Pyrenees, where they have several equestrian centres.

These are the centers that have:

• Almeria: Here your host has devoted his life to this profession: professional trainer, equestrian tourist guide, vice president of the Association of Equestrian Tourism in Andalusia, he worked for the European project for Equitour the development of horse riding in Catalonia and Minorca.
• Málaga: The ranch is situated in a little white town in the hills of Mijas and is home to 200 Andalusian horses.
• Alpujarras: A riding centre established in 1993. One of the leading and most well-known equestrian centres in Andalusia. On offer are challenging rides in the glorious mountain scenery of the Sierra Nevada.
• Sierra Nevada: ABesides their trails, they offer riding lessons in Guadix for all levels
• Sevilla: Its hostess, the Dutchwoman Angie, makes beautiful nature trips, consisting of a green and mountainous landscape with several rivers where you can find turtles and storks. It also offers programs that eliminate fear of horses and ponies.
• Cádiz: Among their rides, the most popular one is The Virgin Beaches of Cadiz, among others.
• Catalonia: Joan and Day live in a traditional Catalan country house dating from the 18th century. Whether it be Mas de Coll or Mas Batlló, your hosts here will make you feel at home.

To find out more about their proposed routes and destinations, visit their website: horsebackridinginspain.com.

La Breña y Las Marismas Nature Park

Imagine the freshness of a forest which has 5000 hectares of umbrella pines and eucalyptus trees. Salt marshes, cliffs, and sandy beaches to ride while enjoying breathtaking views of the African coastline and the beaches of Cape Trafalgar.

La Breña y Las Marismas Nature Park a unique natural environment that will fulfil any rider’s expectations.

You can discover all these enchanting places together with Los Álamos, a recommendable local supplier.

Los Alamos

To discover the charm of this region of Cadiz, in the south of Spain and Andalusia, we recommend Los Álamos Equestrian Holidays, a local company that offers an excellent equestrian service.

It is a family business with a very careful customer service that will make you feel at home.

Horseback riding with Los Alamos

These are their horseback experiences:

• Guests stay at an old hacienda with nine rooms for up to ten riders.
• The holidays are all inclusive and the cook prepares delicious meals each day including vegetarian options.
• They carefully choose a horse for every rider that adapts to their riding abilities to make sure everybody feels safe and confident during the rides. They own 24 horses.
• The horseback riding takes place over six days, five days riding between Monday and Saturday. The riding time is four to five hours a day.
• You will make a lunch stop at a typical taverna and you can visit the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera.
• Each ride is different and the schedule is adapted to the group and the climate.
• English-speaking guides lead the groups, they have great knowledge of the local environment and are very friendly.

Types of equestrian crossings in the natural park of La Breña y Las Marismas

Los Álamos rides make their way through many miles of unspoilt pine forest, along miles of sandy beaches and out into the countryside.

On rides in the forest, you enjoy routes along hills and cliffs with breathtaking views over the African coast and the beaches at Cape Trafalgar.

On beach ride days, you ride along the edge of the forest towards the long sandy beaches at Cape Trafalgar and El Palmar. These beaches are 10 km long. The rides along the beaches are fast and exciting and leave the guests with smiles and sand on their faces.

The horseback tour through the countryside is coloured with history and beautiful views while you discover the traces and trails of cattle breeders and their animals. You visit an old monastery and cross the Andalusian village San Ambrosia, that has remained intact for centuries.

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

Catalonia and the Pyrenees

Another perfect area for equestrian tourism is the beautiful region of Catalonia. Here you can enjoy some beach rides at sunrise, adventures in the Pyrenees, gallops in spacious grasslands and treks in fairy tale forests.

Catalonia offers a wide variety of options and its climate invites you to ride all year round.

Which equestrian operator do we highlight?

Panorama Trails

If you want to make a crossing in this region to the north of Spain, we recommend doing it with them. Located in Catalonia, they love horses, love nature, and love this land and its traditions.

More than 20 years ago, they established horse trail rides in Catalonia that cover the area between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean.

Since then, their highly qualified team has offered horseback rides in harmony with nature, in an ecological, sustainable and respectful way!

Their horses are selected for their appropriate temperament and a lot of time is spent on training them, so their Spanish horses make absolutely reliable and sure-footed companions for you. Each of them has a unique character, but they have one thing in common: they are high performance athletes.

Offers its rides during the four seasons:

• Rides Costa Brava
• Catalonia Relax
• Pyrenees Rides
• Outdoor Packtrips
• Andorra Trail
• Self-guided Adventures
• First Holidays

They have many alternatives, so you can go to panorama-trails.com and discover why this Outfitter has one of the most complete Equestrian Tourism offers in Spain.

Spanish transhumance

Spain is crossed by ancient routes, along which herds of animals were herded and moved, and which in ancient times supported livestock.

Today, in these trails, you can still see Spanish cattlemen who keep transhumance alive. They spend summers in the mountains and return every autumn to the winter pastures in the lowlands.

This ancestral custom invites you to perform a trip back in time on horseback from Sierra de Gredos to Extremadura, the paradise of the holm oaks woods with rich pastures, paradigm of the Mediterranean forest in its Monfragüe National Park.

An idyllic place for cantering with their beautiful Pure Spanish horses.

Jerebeque Trails

Located in Extremadura, they offer the opportunity to experience the transhumance, an ancestral Spanish tradition. Terrific hosts with wonderful hospitality and long-standing experience… definitely this is a very good option!

They put all their effort and passion to offer you unforgettable riding holidays through the Natural Park of Gredos Mountains, where they were born. With them, you will have the opportunity to become the guardian of the ancestral tradition of the Spanish culture.

They raise their horses with care to ensure they are comfortable, reliable and safe. With them, you can discover the beautiful and almost unknown corners of this remote part of central Spain.

Transhumance crossing details

Transhumance allows you to travel in 7 days on horseback from Extremadura to Gredos Mountains in spring (North Transhumance ride) and from Gredos to Extremadura in autumn (South Transhumance ride).

This is a real experience, travelling on horseback, you follow the "Cañada Real" 75 m wide with a thousand years old, pure nature, during 200 km from Trujillo to Navarredonda de Gredos or vice versa, crossing 3 different regions in Spain (Extremadura, Castile La Mancha and Castile and León).

There are many more rides to discover on their web site. Please, go to: ridingholidaysspain.com.

Mountains, coast cliffs, sandy beaches, desert areas in the inner plateau… Spain offers thousands of different ways to enjoy horseback riding. Come and discover this country’s equestrian tradition and Pure Spanish horses.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Europe on horseback?

Europe has a lot to offer you as it has the most varied number of equestrian tourism offers in the world. Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in Europa and see all our tips and trusted operators in Spain and the surrounding area.