Horses, Sun and Wine

ew cities in Spain boast the international recognition that Jerez enjoys. Thanks to its wine and sherry production the name of this city has been celebrated across Europe for many years. But Jerez offers much more to visitors than just its fine wines, it is also home to The Royal Riding School with their famous ‘dancing horses of Andalucia’ and to The National Stud Farm which dedicates itself to maintaining and improving the pure blood lines of the Spanish horse. Jerez is seeped in equestrian heritage and this holiday offers you the opportunity to combine equestrian culture and heritage with wonderful riding opportunities through the vineyards of Jerez, on the beach and in the National Park. In addition, Jerez is often referred to as the birthplace of Flamenco, so no visit would be complete without an evening in one of the city’s Flamenco Clubs. The unique blend of tradition and culture that this city offers makes it the perfect destination for an equestrian interlude!

Arrive at Seville, Malaga or Jerez airport and make your way to your accommodation in the centre of Jerez. We can offer you charming self-catering apartments or hotels from three to five stars. All of the accommodation is situated within walking distance of ‘La Plaza del Caballo’ and The Royal Riding School. Jerez offers an endless choice of fine restaurants and tapas bars so you will never be short of somewhere to sit with a glass of wine in the cool of the evening.

After breakfast this morning you will be walking the short distance to The Royal Riding School of Jerez where you will be allocated your seats for the wonderful display: ‘How the Andalusian horses dance.’ The Royal Riding School is renowned throughout the World for their breath-taking exhibition and their painstaking training methods make this show a real delight as they perform intricate and demanding movements with effortless grace and control. This equestrian ballet is set to traditional Spanish music and demonstrates both styles of Spanish Riding, Doma Vaquera and Doma Clasica.
This afternoon you can enjoy a ride around the vineyards of Jerez on beautifully trained Andalucian horses. We have horses suitable for all ages and abilities! Later relax and reflect on the experiences of the day with a glass of Jerez’s finest wine.

Today you will be traveling to The National Park of The Sierra de Grazalema. This stunning nature reserve is renowned throughout the world for its diverse populations of wild birds. It is also home to fallow deer, wild boar, flamingos, various types of reptile and many endangered species including lynx and imperial eagles. Your horses will be sturdy pure bred crosses used to crossing this type of terrain. You will be trotting and cantering through the park and a picnic lunch can be served along the route. You will travel back to your hotel later today. You really can’t visit Andalucia without witnessing at first hand the passion of the Flamenco dance! The origin of this dance is still unknown, although it is generally believed to be a mixture of gypsy and Arabic dance. However, you can’t question the passion and fervour of the performers as they combine the acoustic guitar with singing, dancing and staccato hand clapping. Definitely a night to remember!

This morning after breakfast you will be traveling the short distance to La Yeguada de la Cartuja (The National Stud Farm). Here you will be met by your guide who will explain the history of this extremely important stud. You will see the stallions, mares and foals whose breeding has been selected with painstaking care to preserve the purest of bloodlines in these exceptional examples of Spanish stock.
This afternoon you will be heading to the coast to San Lucar (a 20 minute drive) where you can enjoy an invigorating gallop along the beach. Here you will appreciate the power and majesty of the Andalucian horse as you gallop effortlessly along the golden sands and dip your hooves into the Atlantic Ocean.

This morning you will be free to visit one of Jerez’s many bodegas, take a horse drawn carriage ride through the town or you can simply relax in the central plaza and watch the world pass-by. The most famous bodega in town is Gonzales Byass Bodega, founded in 1835 and the birthplace of ‘Tio Pepe,’ which was first exported to Great Britain in 1844. Today, the impressive visitor centre sets you on a course of discovery as you learn to appreciate and savour the wonderful local wines.

You can choose to extend your stay if you would like.

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