Classical Dressage and High School Training

Sunday: Arrival after 4 PM, settle into your accommodations and enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant in Carmona.

Guests arrive in the afternoon, either using the complimentary pickup from the Santa Justa train station at 4.30PM or by means of their own transport. Carmona, one of the famous white villages of Andalusia, is the oldest continually inhabited village in Europe and as you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, you will feel and breath the spirits of ancient cultures (Iberians, Visigoths, Phonecians, Romans and Moors) in the innumerable examples of their architectural influence in the churches, towers, palaces and mansions as well as in the inherited customs. After you are settled into your accommodations, you may appreciate a dip in the pool or perhaps discover the pleasures of the Spanish afternoon “siesta” after a tiring journey.

In the evening, you will be joined at your hotel by one of the hosts, for a welcome dinner, where you will meet the rest of the members of the week’s group and where you may clarify any last minute questions about the weekly program. This will be your first opportunity to savor the delights of the local cuisine which still makes full use of ingredients which compose the famous healthy Mediterranean diet, olive oil, garlic, onions and vegetables. After some friendly conversation, you are free to spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, and to relax before the beginning of what we hope will be an unforgettable week.

Monday: 1 semi-private lesson (1 hour), 1 private lesson (45min) and 1 lunge session (about 30 min)

After breakfast at the hotel and a quick transfer to the Hacienda, be ready to mount up, after the trail riders leave for their morning ride. Everything is quieter now, ready for the dressage lessons. Your first lesson will be an assessment with your instructor, who will note your good points and the areas which need to be worked on. It is also the first chance for you to get used to your horse and the more sensitive style of riding required for the Andalusian and Iberian horse. The goal at Epona is that you get as much improvement and fun out of your lesson as possible. After this first session, take a short break, then change to your new mount for your private lesson. After you have recovered a little it is time for your first lunge session, great for improving your seat, balance and posture.
Once the lessons are over, relax with a book in the garden or by the pool. You are also more than welcome to stay and sit by the arenas and watch the daily training of the horses. Vivi, the  main horse trainer will be more than happy to answer any questions about the training methods and horses. Meet the rest of the group for lunch in beautiful dining room, where you will have your experience of typical Andalusian home cooking, courtesy of our resident cook and sample our excellent local house wine.

Tuesday: Visit to the Royal Spanish Riding School in Jerez to watch their training session, 1 semi-private lesson in the afternoon

Early breakfast and pick up at the hotel at 9.00 a.m. before leaving for Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, one hour and a half away by car. Jerez is internationally renowned for its production of sherry and brandy. However, the main attraction of the day will be the visit to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, an equestrian performance titled, “Those Amazing Dancing Andalusian Stallions” (Ticket Price: 27 €). Here you will have the privilege of seeing the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best, at home in the breathtaking setting of their 18th Century palace and the riding hall. They will be performing piaffe, passage and the airs above the ground (courbette, capriole, etc) in a spectacle of light, music and color, comparable only with the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Fernando is well known at the school and is good friend with many of the world famous riders. Vivi trained at this school for four years and frequently performed in the show.
Return for lunch at Epona, followed by lessons in the afternoon.

Wednesday:  1 semi-private lesson, 1 private lesson and 1 ground work lesson: training for Piaffe, Passage and/or Spanish Walk

The lessons will take place as soon as the trail ride leaves. As the week progresses so will your dressage, hopefully performing more advanced movements. Today you will begin with the semi private lesson, followed by the private session. After a break, enjoy the unique opportunity to do some ground work. The trainer will demonstrate on a one to one basis, the techniques used for training some of the more advanced movements. Ground work is a very strong part of the Classical Dressage style of training.

Once your lessons are over (or between them) feel free to sit by the arena and continue observing the daily training of the geldings, mares and stallions, from young and green to very advanced. We also school and exercise the schoolmasters periodically to keep them sensitive and in good shape for guests to enjoy and so they may get the most out of their lessons with them.

Thursday: 1 semi-private lesson, 1 private lesson and 1 lunge lesson

The same as Monday including your second lunge lesson.

Friday: 1 private lesson with Rafael Soto* in the morning and 1 ground work lesson.

The same as Wednesday. By this time you might be performing some of the more advanced movements (this will depend on the rider’s ability). The last lunch at Epona is the famous Paella accompanied by the not less famous and popular Sangría. In the afternoon get changed into your city finery ready to hit Seville for a classical Flamenco Show (ticket price 35€). The show features over 12 dancers of national and international fame, traditional singers and wonderful flamenco guitar.

After a short walk, you will arrive at an excellent restaurant providing both Spanish and International cuisine for the last dinner of the holiday and some superb Spanish wine.

Saturday: 1 semi-private lesson in the morning, departure before noon

After breakfast and a quick transfer to the Hacienda, you will mount up for your last lesson where you will be able to confirm everything you have worked on during the week. Afterwards, it’s time for  good-byes and last minute pictures with your new friends, animal and human. Transfers to the train station and the airport are complimentary. Last trip will be running at 11.00 am. Have a nice journey home, we hope you enjoyed your stay at Epona.