Short Break Horse Riding Holidays in Andalucia

Dallas has been offering riding holidays on top quality Spanish horses in La Alpujarra for more than 20 years.

She came here from Britain at the age of eight, and has rarely been far from a saddle ever since. Riding since childhood and working with horses all her adult life, she established the first stables in La Alpujarra and now has more than 20 horses, all of them broken-in and schooled personally.

She also possesses a great understanding and respect for the ways and customs of these mountains. Few people are better acquainted with its hidden valleys, lost paths and ancient waterways.

Over the years she has gained a wonderful reputation for the quality of her riding holidays. Excellent horses, a lifetime's knowledge of these mountains and her own, carefully researched trails - through some of the most beautiful and rewarding riding country in the world - are just some of the secrets of her success.

All the rides are accompanied by Dallas personally and as the owner / trainer of the horses she is the ideal person to select the horses for each participant, and to give advice or assistance whenever required.

As Horse and Hound Magazine wrote in their article, 'The Spanish High Life', "her determination to make everything as much fun as possible is only superseded by her love for her horses".

Most of Dallas' "family" of horses are Andalusian or Andalusian / Arab crosses, ranging from 15 to 16 hands (there are a few heavier horses for less confident riders). Carefully chosen for their intelligence, endurance and good nature, all have been backed and schooled by Dallas and her brother, a professional dressage trainer. Most have a basic training in classical dressage. Fit, happy and strong, well used to the mountain terrain and conditions, they enjoy their work and are a pleasure to ride.

One of the most frequent comments from riders is that the quality and schooling of the horses far exceeded their highest expectations. As Dallas says, "I wouldn't have any horse on the ride that I wouldn't enjoy riding myself".

There are horses to suit different riding levels and great care is taken to select horses according to the riding abilities and preferences of each individual. It is, of course, essential that you specify your riding level and the type of horse you are used to riding when you book.

Our short break holidays run from Saturdays to Wednesdays and offer four nights accommodation and three full days riding. Saturday is arrival day and Wednesday is your departure day; on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday there are full day rides (average riding time per day is six hours).

A perfect introduction to the spectacular landscapes of La Alpujarra and the Sierra Nevada National Park, it is also an ideal break away from the pressures of daily life. Here you will ride all day, meeting only the occasional shepherd or farmer. No fences or tarmac roads, just a wonderful sense of freedom and space, one which is rarely found in Europe today.

During your holiday you will stay in the comfortable Casa La Sevillana located in the small mountain village of Bubión. The village is spectacularly situated, quiet and charming and boasts some very nice little restaurants and small bars, perfect for a relaxing evening.

The diversity of the bridle-paths and forest tracks allow us in three days to explore many of the more inaccessible ravines and valleys of this mountainous region. From the high summer pastures and streams fed by the snow melt off Mulhacen (Spain's highest mountain at 3,486 meters), down to the whitewashed villages in the valleys.

The routes are so planned that we ride over totally different terrain each day. One day we follow small paths high into the mountains, with spectacular views down to the Mediterranean, the highest peaks of Sierra Nevada all around. Other days we take slightly lower routes where the many forest tracks allow for a faster pace.

As ever, Dallas has chosen a selection of trails which offer an amazing diversity of terrains, views and flora. You will follow ancient bridlepaths and drovers routes, many of which have been in use for a thousand years or more, as well as more recent dirt tracks. On some of the steeper descents (and through narrow village streets) it will be necessary to lead your horse but there are plenty of opportunities for canters and gallops too.

On each of the three days you are guaranteed a beautiful and inspiring ride.

The inclusive price for the short break holiday, per person is £720; the single accommodation supplement (for single clients who prefer to occupy their own room in the hotels) is £90

Prices are inclusive of • Four nights accommodation in La Casa Sevillana in Bubión • All breakfasts • Lunch (or full picnic) on each of the riding days • Dinners on your arrival evening • Horses • Guide • Airport transfers

Prices do not include • Airfares • Personal and Medical Insurance • Dinner on two evenings (we are happy to recommend and make reservations for you in local restaurants) • Wines, sprits and refreshments

Most clients fly in to Málaga airport, approximately two and a half hours drive from the village of Bubión. Guests arrange their own flights.

See our Links Page for web sites of airlines travelling to Málaga from the UK.

We provide a collection service from Málaga airport, at 4 pm, on the arrival day. Please make sure that your flight arrives in good time for this; otherwise you will need to make your own way (and, unfortunately, pay your own way) to Bubión.

At the end of your holiday you will be transferred back to Málaga airport for your onward journey. The return transfer will leave no earlier than 7 am.

We stay in Casa La Sevillana, an attractive casa rural with just seven rooms. Offering bed & breakfast accommodation, it is always comfortable and clean, a pleasant and friendly place to stay.

There is every reason to expect the delightful Andalusian sun to shine during your holiday. However, there may be showers during spring and autumn. Temperatures range from 10C to 15C degrees in early March to 30C or 35C degrees in July and August.

These rides are suitable for competent to experienced riders. You should be able to control a horse outside at all paces and be able to mount and dismount without assistance.

You will also need to be reasonably fit as you will be required to lead your horse on some of the steep descents, and will need to be comfortable walking on rough ground.

When booking it is important to specify your riding level and experience, age, height and weight.

When riding, or in the vicinity of the horses, you must comply with the instructions of your guide.

It is a condition of booking that you accept that the guide is entitled to require you to dismount or to refuse to allow you to ride if, for any reason, such as ability, behaviour or health, she consideres that you may endanger the safety or welfare of the horses or any person.

While on trek your luggage will be transported for you to the next hotel en route.

Due to the high altitude the sun is strong and it is essential to have sun protection, dark glasses, long-sleeved shirts and a hat. In the evening, even during summer, the temperature drops and a light sweater or jacket is required.

Before late May and from early September bring warm clothing and light waterproofs.

Recommended items to bring include:
comfortable riding trousers
riding boots with a rubber sole (suitable for walking where necessary)
long-sleeved shirts (with collar)
rainproofs
jumper or jacket
gloves
full or half chaps
hat (a hard hat is recommended)
sun glasses (and a strap to hold them on securely)
sun screen and a water bottle

All riders must take out holiday and accident insurance prior to commencing the ride.

Spain has a National Health Service and it is highly recommended that participants from other European Union countries obtain a European Health Card (this replaces the form E111 in the UK) from their local post office which will entitle them to free medical service while in Spain. Without this clients may be requested to pay in full for any medical treatment received in Spain.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure the safety of participants and their effects, neither Rustic Blue nor the trek organiser can accept responsibility for loss of personal belongings or injury.