Adventure vacations in Spain

Classical Dressage Clinic with Raphael Soto

Overview

We are offering the best of dressage riding in Spain with this unique opportunity to increase your knowledge of classical dressage with instruction from a grand master.

Week-long clinics culminate in four intensive, individual lessons from Raphael Soto, an Olympic silver medalist in dressage. Soto is not only one of the world’s best dressage riders, but also a gifted and charismatic teacher.

The horses are Andalusians and Andalusian crosses. Horses for all level of riders  are available. There are beautifully schooled horses to practice basic level movements to classically highly trained horses for schooling piaffe, passage, Spanish walk, flying changes, canter pirouettes and tempi changes.

The surroundings are very pleasant and you will have an opportunity to learn a great deal about the culture of the area when you are not riding or watching the lessons.

The center is located near Seville and a visit to the Royal Spanish Riding School in Jerez is included in the program for the week. You will find the whole atmosphere conducive to furthering your knowledge of dressage.

Guests at the center will stay in the charming four-star Hotel Alcazar de la Reina, in Carmona. The hotel is located in the heart of the old town, surrounded by churches, convents and points of interest.

Food is typical, healthy Spanish cuisine using fresh, local produce, breakfast and lunches are included.

  • Overview:
    The center currently owns 45 well schooled Andalusian (Raza Pura Espanola) and Andalusian crosses. The tack is English. Most horses are ridden in a snaffle and are used to direct rein, some are ridden in double bridles. They are very amenable and your instructor will always indicate how each horse should be ridden.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Andalusian and Andalusian crosses
  • Trip Pace:
    To suit riders
  • Tack:
    Dressage saddles
  • Weight limit:
    170 lbs

Non-riding partners can have a great time at Epona and at the hotel in Carmona, snoozing by the pool, going for walks and bicycle rides, taking Spanish lessons or sampling the local wines. While your partner is riding there is plenty of time to explore Carmona or nearby Seville. Carmona is the oldest continuously inhabited village in Europe and Seville has got to be one of Europe's most beautiful and enjoyable cities. You'll soon get the hang of cruising the tapas bars in the warm evening air, just like the locals.

Other Activities:
As well as sightseeing in Carmona and Seville, walks in the local countryside or a swim in the Epona pool (from April to October), and a host of other activities can be arranged to keep non-riding guests entertained.

Flamenco Dance Lessons:
If you are a fan of true Flamenco dance, your visit to Epona is also a great chance to book one-to-one coaching with Eli Jara one of the finest solo Flamenco dancers in Seville. If you book in good time Eli is happy to come out to Epona to give private lessons for €90 an hour, or €60 an hour for groups of up to three.

Classical Flamenco Guitar Lessons:
If you are already a guitarist and interested in classical Spanish guitar then you will love the opportunity for a private lesson with virtuoso Juan Manuel Flores. If available, he is happy to bring two guitars to Epona to give you private instruction. Fee €90 an hour.

Land Rover Tours of the Doñana Natural Park:
Nonriders with a hired car have the chance to follow the riders to Matalascañas for the beach ride, and take a tour of the park themselves in a 4 x 4 Land Rover. The price of the 2 hour tour is 30 euro per person for a minimum of 2 people. If you do not have a rental car, a local driver can be hired to bring you to the coast for 90 euro (with up to 4 people in the car).

Golf:
With two or three golf courses within easy reach by car, there's plenty to keep any non-riding golfing spouse amused. With advance notice, bookings and even a local driver can be hired to drop you off each day.

Seville

Itinerary Summary

The clinics are six days each. The first four days riders receive six hour-long group lessons (with a maximum of 2-3 riders) in the art of dressage from a highly qualified instructor at Epona Riding Center. These first days allow you to become acquainted with the horses. It also allows you to be accustomed to the techniques used by Raphael so that you can gain the most from your time at Epona.

There are two lunge sessions to improve your classical seat. On the last two days you receive two 40-45-minute private lessons from Raphael Soto.

You will also have a chance to watch the lessons being given to others which can be extremely helpful to your own learning experience.

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur at the hosts' discretion.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

If demand is high, further clinics can be added. The November and December dates are to be confirmed.
Additional Pricing Information:
If demand is high, further clinics will be added. Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.  


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Preferred Trip Dates

Classical Dressage Clinic with Raphael Soto
March 27, 2024
January 1, 1970
January 1, 1970
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Epona November 2018: Super trip! Fernando and team were terrific, accommodations were great, fun riding (dressage lessons and trail rides) and extra activities, excellent food. THANKS

Susan Mercer