Horse Riding in Spain

A perfect way for exploring the ‘hidden gems’ Spain has to offer is on horse back. There are many riding schools and ranches in Spain which cater for everyone from beginners to experts so whether you opt for a gentle ride through some of the stunning countryside of Asturias or a more challenging, longer holiday riding every day, you are almost assured to discover a wealth of fantastic treasures which lie undiscovered by the mass of tourists who pack the Costas each year.

Spaniards are mad about their horses and during the sixteenth century, Spanish horsemen were noted to be the best riders in the whole of Europe. If the standard of horsemanship they exhibit during fiestas and equestrian events are anything to go by, some might say that they still are. During the time when Christopher Columbus was setting out on his voyages of discovery, the Andalucian people were the only ones in Europe who used horses to round up their cattle. Taking their knowledge (and equipment) with them to the New World, they are widely considered to be the original cowboys of the Americas.

Andalucia is home to the world’s most famous breed of horse and enthusiasts from near and far come to indulge in their passion of riding 'pure bred’ Andalusians in the spectacular scenery of this part of Spain.

Riding holidays are well catered for in all regions of Spain and none more so than Andalucia with many ranches and converted farmhouses offering them to suit all riding abilities. Other activities such as cooking, painting or learning Spanish are often combined with a riding holiday to break up the days spent in the saddle, as it can be quite hard going to ride every day if you’re not used to it.

Harder riding holidays can be arranged too and will often involve setting out after breakfast, riding until lunchtime where you may stop for a lakeside picnic and a cooling dip in the water before heading off for your overnight destination at a different base. Luggage is arranged to be taken to your overnight destination ahead of you so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. The organisers of these types of holiday will usually insist on at least a basic level of riding skills and may even impose weight restrictions.

The majority of riding centres and holiday organisers in Andalusia normally use the regions pure bred Andalusian horses or sometimes an Andalusian-Arab cross breed and will select a horse which is matched as close as possible to the rider’s ability.

The wilderness of the Sierra de Gredos in Castile La Mancha is one of the least populated areas of Spain and is therefore great riding country. Medieval villages, ancient cattle trails and flower filled meadows are just some of the temptations that await the intrepid riders.

Other areas of Spain such as the Pyrenees, in contrast, have mountain paths which are so steep in places that your horse will need leading for part of the way, but the views and wildlife which can be found at the end of the track are well worth the extra effort.

The Spanish Canary Islands and the Balearics are not left out of the riding holiday scene either. For example, on Mallorca, the largest of the Balearics, a favourite overnight stop is at a 13th century monastery where you will spend the night in the comfortably converted former monks’ cells.