Horse Riding Holiday | Horseback Riding Vacations

FAQS RIDING TOURS WITH ‘RIDE ANDALUCIA’.

We hope that the following information will be helpful but pleased do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. ride@rideandalucia.com

Do I need to be an experienced rider to join one of your tours?
Guests participating on the set date rides are expected to be able to canter comfortably and control a horse in open terrain at all paces. A lot of the riding is steep and stony so the pace is generally moderate though there is an opportunity for some faster riding each day. On private tours, when a group of friends or family come together, we can adapt the riding with, if necessary, a slower pace and less time in the saddle per day – we will ride at a pace that suits the least experienced rider. Enjoyment from the rides can be greatly increased if you are physically fit and your riding muscles are toned.
If NON-RIDERS wish to accompany the tour, they can go in the car to the next destination and/or alternative activities can be organised for them and on some days everyone can meet up for mid-day meals. Local options – which will involve an extra cost – are hiking/walking and bird watching. A little further afield there are historic town visits, national park visits and golf courses. Please see ‘other aspects below’ and ask us for further details.

Can you arrange other aspects of my trip to Spain?
We can arrange for extensions at picturesque hotels in the white villages of the Serrania de Ronda and in the charming small city of Ronda itself. There is also the possibility of trips to Jerez to see the centre of Andalucian horses, the Real Escuela, and to sample some sherry from the famous bodegas.
We can organise –with a specialist company -mountain biking, hiking, canyoning, kayaking, and other adventure sports in and around Gaucin.

What can you tell me about the horses you use and the type of ride I can expect?
The horses are mainly local Andalucian with some Criollo and Arab crosses. They are born and bred to these mountains, sensible, well trained, good natured and light mouthed. Great attention is paid to matching horse and rider.
English saddles are used with padding on the seats for long hours in the saddle and we have both neck and direct reining horses. Each day there are some opportunities for faster paced riding. .
All rides of more than 2 hours include regular breaks and all-day rides normally include a lunch break of approximately one hour. We ride an average of 5-6 hours per day, but please consult the individual itinerary.
Groups are usually kept to a maximum of four guests but exceptions can be made for private parties.

Will I be accompanied by a guide?
Guests are always accompanied by a guide (trilingual: English/Spanish/French) who has many years experience of riding.. The guide has excellent local knowledge of Spain and Andalucia.

What can you tell me about the terrain & climate I'll experience on the ride?
Most of the riding takes place on mountainous terrain, riding up to high ridges, on wide tracks and narrower paths. The going varies from sand and grass to stony, rocky trails. There are also some valley rides. Generally views are extensive and in every direction. (Do have a look on the website photo gallery.)
In Spring and Autumn, the climate in these mountains between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Southern Spain can occasionally change unexpectedly from hot sunshine to heavy rain, although the majority of the time it is sunny and warm. In June and September it is usually dry and hot, 25 -35 deg.C

Will I be expected to help with my horse?
Your horses will be completely prepared and ready for you each morning and during the ride your guide will always be on hand to see to adjustments of tack or any necessities for horse and guest. On arrival at your destination at the end of each day’s riding every guest will be asked to help for 10 or 15 minutes until the horses’ immediate needs are catered for. Then your guide will escort you to your hotel.

Is there a weight restriction?
Due to the terrain, there is a weight restriction for riders: 85kg. With prior agreement, we allow a few heavier riders and charge a supplement for riders of over 85kg as we will take a supplementary horse for them on the trek.

What kind of food can I expect on the tour?
Guests are offered Spanish country cooking using local ingredients. The villages produce wonderful peppers, tomatoes, avocados and other salad and vegetable ingredients and the local Iberian pork that wanders the hills eating chestnuts and acorns from the cork oaks is the most popular meat. There are also sweet Mandarins, oranges, lemons, figs and cherries and many other fruits hanging from the trees in season. On some days typical ‘raciones’ and ‘tapas’ are served for lunch and your hostess in the Casa Rural cooks supper for everyone in the local bar.
Picnic lunches also consist of local ingredients and are never just a sandwich. Your guide will help you choose local wines and summer drinks to accompany your meals.

What do I need to bring with me? Do I need any special equipment?
We provide saddle bags
All guests must bring and wear their own riding helmets
A vehicle brings on guests' belongings to the overnight stops. Luggage storage in Gaucin can be organised during the ride,.
All bed linen and towels will be provided.
Following a confirmed booking, we will supply a full kit list and can provide further information regarding what you might want to bring with you on your visit to Spain

What additional costs are involved on the tour?
There are very few expenses not included in the overall price of the trip. Guests will need to bring money for:
soft drinks & alcohol (juices and water are provided while riding.).
-discretionary tips
-souvenirs.
-Guests are responsible for having an adequate, valid insurance policy including cover for all the sporting activities that they are likely to participate in. Appropriate medical insurance is obligatory.
It is understood by Ride Andalucia that guests are in a suitable condition to partake in a riding tour, are not riding against any medical advice and that guests know of no reason why they should not be participating in such a tour. Guests will be required to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the tour.

How do I book a tour with “Ride Andalucia”?
Please confirm availability with us for the dates that interest you, and send us any questions you may have. We will send you a booking form. If you prefer, you can make the booking via an agent in your own country – we can give you a list of specialist travel agents that we work with. A deposit will be required to secure the booking.

Which airport do I fly into?
Gibraltar is the handiest airport for Ride Andalucia tours and the transfer is included in the price of your holiday. NB When you fly into Gibraltar airport your driver will meet you at arrivals with your name clearly displayed. He will then escort you (and your luggage) across the border into Spain where his car will be parked, This is to avoid long queues getting in and out of Gibraltar.

Malaga and Jerez airports are both within a couple of hour’s drive and we charge a supplement for transfers. Guests who are planning to stay on after their ride may want to look into hiring a car.

Once I'm booked, is there anything else I need to do before arriving in Spain?
You can contact us at any time with any questions you have regarding your trip. We endeavour to give guests all possible assistance including providing travel notes which will contain a suggested packing list and all our contact telephone numbers etc.
Guests are responsible for having an adequate, valid insurance policy including cover for all the sporting activities that they are likely to participate in. Appropriate medical insurance is obligatory.
Guests are responsible for making sure that their travel papers (valid passport, visas where necessary…) are in order.
Taking time to get ‘riding fit’ will increase your enjoyment of the ride.

IMPORTANT NOTES
It is understood by ‘Ride Andalucia’ that guests are in a suitable condition to partake in a riding tour, are not riding against any medical advice and that guests know of no reason why they should not be participating in such a tour. Guests will be required to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the tour.
‘Ride Andalucia’ terms and conditions apply.
Guests MUST bring and wear their own riding helmets
A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the corresponding deposit.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.
Appropriate medical insurance is mandatory and the responsibility of each guest/booking agent.
It is the responsibility of the individual guest/booking agent to ensure that participants have the necessary riding skills to take part in the tour chosen.
Guests will be required to sign a responsibility release before starting a tour.