Horse Riding Holidays in Andalucia Southern Spain

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Las Alpujarras

Bubión

Capileira

Map of Las Alpujarras

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wrote in their article, 'The Spanish High Life', "her determination to make everything as much fun as possible is only superseded by her love for her horses".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

You will climb the high mountains of Sierra Nevada and pass through its beautiful foothills; the woods, water and valleys of the La Alpujarra.

We are offering two different rides. We ride from village to village, staying in little hotels along the way, eating in local restaurants, stopping for picnics beside rivers or on hillsides carpeted in sage, rosemary and thyme.

Dallas has chosen a selection of trails which offer an amazing diversity of terrains, views and flora. Whichever ride you choose, you will follow ancient bridlepaths and drovers routes, many of which have been in use for a thousand years or more, as have the terraces and irrigation channels they traverse. Through parts of the mountains there are more recent dirt tracks providing plenty of opportunities for canters and gallops, as do some of the river beds on the spring and autumn rides.

The paths in many places are built into rock and on some of the steeper descents it is necessary to lead your horse. Likewise it is necessary to lead the horses through the narrow village streets.

Here you can forget the pressures of daily life and ride all day, meeting only the occasional shepherd or farmer. No fences or tarmac roads, a wonderful sense of freedom and space, rarely found in Europe today.

As Horse and Hound Magazine said, "Great horses, fantastic scenery, a never-to-be-forgotten week".

An ancient land of pine forests and alpine meadows, wooded valleys and gorges, almond, olive and orange groves, La Alpujarra is the name given to the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Its natural splendour and heritage, harking back to times forgotten, is legendary within Spain.

We follow ancient bridlepaths and valleys where the horse, mule or oxen still pull the plow and thresh the harvest. Each day of the ride we pass through different terrain; from mountain pastures and pine forests to almond and olive groves.

Here is an opportunity not only to discover spectacular landscapes and awe-inspiring scenery, but also a culture where tradition remains very much part of everyday life.

The average riding time per day is between five and six hours. There are plenty of opportunities to canter or gallop, but we do sometimes have to lead the horses on foot as we penetrate the heart of the mountains.

No matter what the pace, it is, always, a most beautiful and inspiring ride.

Sierra La Contraviesa lies between the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean Sea. These mountains have an extraordinary range of scenery, views and vegetation, all of which we will experience at first hand. We trek along old Roman and Moorish bridlepaths, tracks and riverbeds; always through beautiful, unspoilt countryside.

With the semi-tropical coast so close-by, Spring starts as early as February and wild flowers bloom through to June. Late autumn is also very mild. Here you can ride from winter to spring and from spring to summer, and then back again, in a week.

Small farms dot the lower slopes, cultivating almonds, olives, figs and grapes. Little has changed over the centuries here: mules and oxen still pull the plough and horses provide the transport.

The pace of the ride is determined by the terrain: on two days paths are narrow and there is a lot of climbing, on the other days there are opportunities to canter and gallop. Where the paths are steep it is necessary to dismount and lead the horses.

The inclusive price for all rides, per person is £890; the single accommodation supplement (for single clients occupying their own room in the hotels) is £140.

Prices are inclusive of • Seven nights accommodation in twin-bedded rooms • All breakfasts and lunches • most dinners (see note below) • Horses • Guide • Luggage transfers • Support vehicle • Airport transfers

Prices do not include • Airfares • Personal and Medical Insurance • On one night dinner is not included. • 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 small, family-run hotels and hostals, in twin-bedded rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Most of the hotels are small, usually with no more than twelve rooms. They are comfortable, clean, pleasant and friendly.

Every effort is made to ensure the best accommodation available, but please bear in mind that you will be staying in rural hotels, often in remote, mountain village locations. Services offered are reasonably simple: you should not expect porters or elevators, for example.

Andalucía has many wonderful delicacies and La Alpujarra is particularly famous for its air-cured hams, cheeses, trout and mountain honey. A special effort is made to enable the visitor to sample the different local dishes, ordering what each place cooks best.

Some days lunch will be in a small village, on others we will take a picnic. Vegetarian (or other dietary requirements) can usually be catered for.

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.