Riding Tour in Spain -- Dressage and Trail

[ArabianRider]

I’m researching tours in Spain for next year. Several companies advertise opportunities to train and ride Andalusian or PRE horses with accomplished trainers. Has anyone on COTH had experience with these companies. I’d love to hear from you.

Advice or suggestions from people having done equestrian tours abroad?

Thanks

[seriously1]

I went to https://eponaspain.com/ and did the train and trail programme. Instructors are BHS trained and quite effective. Horses are lovely. I had a fantastic time and would cheerfully return.

[2DogsFarm]

I went to Epona waaaay back in 2012.
At that time you stayed onsite, I think now they put guests in a hotel in Carmona.
Horses were wonderful - both the gelding I rode on trails & the Schoolmaster mare I had lessons on.
DO NOT skip the visit to the School in Jerez if you go.

[seriously1]

Now, you stay at https://www.alcazar-reina.es/ which used to be a castle. Walking around Carmona is highly entertaining as there are no grids (streetwise) but it is gorgeous.

[ArabianRider]

Good feedback. Thanks. There are a number of tours on offer and, of course, I want to find the best fit that would be the most fun.

[Willesdon]

I always recommend Unicorn Trails (www.unicorntrails.com) and In the Saddle (www.inthesaddle.com) and have used both companies several times. Often, when you look more closely into any trips on offer you will discover there are several international agents agents selling the same trip - but prices vary a lot. The UK is cheaper than the US for the same trip. These two companies regularly check their overseas rides, sending staff out to ride, and when you speak to them they have excellent knowledge and make useful suggestions to help you enjoy your trip. Beyond the riding they can help with hotels, side trips etc.

Personally, I have found Portugal to be better for dressage because I really like the Portuguese way with their horses. It soft and very empathetic. I have had lovely trail rides in Spain. It is a large and diverse country, very mountainous. Both countries are a pleasure to visit.