Epona in Spain - Individual Lessons?

[Grassstainknees]

I am considering Spain for my honeymoon next year. After many positive reviews on the forums, I want to make a visit to Epona part of our itinerary. While I would LOVE to do their week long program, I should probably spend time with newly minted and non-horsey husband. Has anyone dropped by for a half day/individual private dressage lesson?

If you have been, would I be able to get anything out of a single ride? I lease an older horse who has gone through PSG in her heyday, but is perfectly happy meeting me at my first level rider ability. I would settle for cool photos on a gorgeous horse, but would LOVE to try and get the spanish walk since I don’t have that opportunity at home.

The website mentions “appreciating differences” and “learning how to ride our way”, curious how long it took to get comfortable with their different way of going, different contact, riding in a double (i’m hoping I could have a mount that goes in a snaffle so I am not fumbling like an idiot trying to manage a 2nd set of reins).

Please let me know your experiences! I am 100% having a tourist moment and visiting the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, but I want to take it to the next level and have a riding experience as well.

[Bluey]

Have you looked at youtube videos to get an idea of what you can expect when riding Andalusians trained for high school movements?

Most of those learn to do Spanish walk when started, so most any one of those can help you learn how to ask for it.
Spanish walk is a dis-uniting movement, more like a trick, frowned on by the classic dressage of today, so not part of today’s dressage movements.
I would think there is someone in your area with old style high school trained Andalusians to get an idea of what that is like?

For what I see on videos, today’s dressage and high school Andalusians have much in common, you won’t feel out of place riding.
The old Andalusian saddles with sheepskin tops are heavenly to ride, like the most comfortable sofa.

Congratulations to you and DH to be, that trip a wonderful way to start your new life together.

[Willesdon]

Why not contact Epona directly and ask them?

From my personal experience, you could have a single lesson on a dressage school master and try for the Spanish walk. It will depend on your skill level and your ability to adapt to riding a different horse in a different horse culture. However, the opportunity to ride out in the lovely Spanish landscape is, IMO, a better bet for a single visit. You could ask if your future husband could have a go too.

[iberianfan]

Vivi Garcia was my agent when I visited Spain to find a horse. She is super. More than a year later,we are still in touch. I don’t know about Epona, but I can recommend Vivi and her mom as wonderful people. Vivi bought one of the horses I looked at, Naranjuelo. I’m positive he could Spanish walk. But I am sure she has others.

The riders I interacted with were pretty skilled. Vivi trains with Raphael Soto, so has excellent dressage training. I think you would love having some time on an Andalusian.

The village of Carmona is enchanting. We stayed in an air bnb and had a whole apartment with an outside patio.

have fun!!

[Grassstainknees]

Thanks for taking the time to write responses! I hope to have my experience at Epona to contribute to other prospective travelers in the future.