Where Horse and Rider Dance
Under the guidance of world-class instructors, surrounded by peaceful countryside and vibrant culture, you’ll learn to dance astride impeccably schooled Andalusians. This is an unmissable opportunity to develop your riding skills in the heartland of the Spanish horse. Beyond the arena, you’ll witness a magnificent performance at the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, soak up the atmosphere in Seville, and enjoy the Garcia family’s generous hospitality at their idyllic hacienda.
Trip Highlights
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Brushing up on your riding foundations or honing new skills during lessons with top-tier instructors
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Learning to dance to the majestic rhythm of the revered Andalusian horse
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Discovering the pleasures of the Spanish afternoon siesta
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Witnessing the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best in a mesmerising performance
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The amazing feeling of riding advanced movements like the piaffe, passage and Spanish walk
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Savouring Andalusia’s renowned Mediterranean cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner
• 7 days, 6 nights (5 riding days)
• 8 days, 7 nights (6 riding days)Riding levelBeginner • Intermediate • Strong Intermediate • Advanced Centre-based You ride out from the same destination every day.
Details
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Riding levels
Intensive Training: beginner to advanced.
Classical Dressage & High School Training, and Rafael Soto Clinics: strong intermediate to advanced.
Please be advised, if booking either Classical Dressage or a Rafael Soto clinic, we recommend you have a keen interest in Classical Dressage.Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
English dressage saddles and bridles.
- Horse breed
The majority of the horses are Andalusians, or Andalusian crosses; there are also a few warmbloods.
- Accommodation
Hotel accommodation at Alcázar de la Reina in the heart of the historic centre of the old part of the city of Carmona, just a 10-minute drive from the Hacienda.
- Pace
The pace varies from a walk right through to a canter.
- Weight limit
Intensive Training: a maximum of 85kg / 190lbs
Classical Dressage & High School Training, and Rafael Soto Clinics: a maximum of 80kg / 176lbsIt is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
Intensive Training: a maximum of 6 riders.
Classical Dressage & High School Training: a maximum of 2 riders.
Rafael Soto Clinics: a maximum of 4 riders.
Please note, itineraries run simultaneously. - Minimum age
14 years of age
- Time in Saddle
On average, 3 to 4 hours daily.
- When to go
The Hacienda is open to guests year-round, except for the Christmas/New Year holidays and the 3rd and 4th weeks of August.
- Languages
Instructions spoken in English.
Guides speak Spanish and English.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- All riding activities outlined in the itinerary
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and lunch each day
- Dinner on the first evening only
- Guided visit to Jerez (excluding show ticket)
- Transfers to/from Santa Justa Train Station on the first and last days of your ride
- Transfers from your hotel to/from the riding centre each day
Excluded
- International or regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Staff tips
- Dinner from Monday to Friday - your hotel is within walking distance to restaurants in Carmona so you’ll have your pick of amazing locations to eat
- Tickets for the horse show in Jerez (approximately €33 EURO)
Departure dates and prices
Ride length
• 7 days, 6 nights
• 7 days, 6 nights (5 riding days)
• 8 days, 7 nights (6 riding days)
Riding level
Beginner • Intermediate • Strong Intermediate • Advanced
Booking fee
A fixed Booking Fee of €90 EUR
Payment plans
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Accommodation types
Single
Private accommodation for one guest (room, tent, or similar). A supplement may apply on departures where a sharing option is available.
Share
Willing to room share with the same gender or travelling with a companion.
Couple share
Sharing a bed with companion.
Non-rider
Sharing a room with a riding companion.
Per person
2026
2027
Rafael Soto Clinic 2026
8 days, 7 nights with 6 riding days.
Please enquire for specific dates.
Classical Dressage & High School Training 2026
7 days, 6 nights with 5 riding days.
Arrive Sunday, depart Saturday.
*This ride is offered weekly, year-round.
Intensive Training 2026
7 days, 6 nights with 5 riding days.
Arrive Sunday, depart Saturday.
*This ride is offered weekly, year-round.
The fun bits
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of €90 EUR
- All bookings are charged in the local currency of the ride destination.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Please note
Solo travellers will be required to pay the single supplement rate.
Itinerary
Please note, these are suggested itineraries only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
- Intensive Training
- Classical Dressage & High School Training
- Rafael Soto Clinic
This is a six night, five day itinerary designed for riders of all levels who wish to concentrate on improving their riding skills, particularly in the dressage arena, and want to learn from the highly trained horses and top class instructors at the equestrian centre. The program includes group and semi-private lessons in the morning and afternoon, plus some lunging sessions which are excellent for improving seat, balance and posture. It may also be possible to change one or two of the lessons for a trail ride at some stage throughout the week, just for fun.
This itinerary also includes a visit to Seville on the last evening, and a guided trip to Jerez de la Frontera to see the famous Andalusian Stallions perform (day 3).
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Day 1: Arrival
Welcome dinnerArrive in the golden light of the afternoon and drop your bags in your hotel – a former palace once home to a medieval queen, tucked within the honey-stoned walls of Carmona. If you’re arriving via Santa Justa, your complimentary transfer collects you at 4.30 pm; airport pickups can be arranged any time with our trusted local taxi. Tonight, one of your hosts will join you at the hotel for a convivial welcome dinner with your fellow riders. After introductions and laughter, you’re free to slip off and rest before your immersion into Spanish horsemanship begins.
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Day 2: Assessment
2 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast, you’ll transfer to the ride centre for a guided orientation and meet the instructors who’ll be shaping your week. Your first dressage session is an assessment ride designed to refine your foundation and attune you to the sensitivity and brilliance of Iberian horses. After a short break, you’ll continue with a lunge lesson – essential, focused, balance-building. Lunch is served in the dining room, and the afternoon lesson builds quietly on the morning’s discoveries: clearer communication, straighter lines, a more fluent seat. Between sessions, relax by the pool (April–November), lounge with a book, or watch the daily schooling of the impeccably trained horses.
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Day 3: Jerez Day Trip
1 hour in the saddleA dawn start will see you bound for Jerez de la Frontera, where Andalusia’s elegant stallions reign. Here, in the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, you’ll witness the performance How the Andalusian Horses Dance – piaffe, passage, courbette and capriole in an 18th-century palace arena. (Additional ticket cost €32.50.) With hearts full and cameras brimming, you’ll return for lunch at the ride centre before your afternoon dressage lesson.
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Day 4: Refinement
2 hours in the saddleWith your body now listening and your horse now answering, today’s lessons progress into deeper work: suppleness, rhythm, lateral precision and softness in contact. Stay afterwards to watch mares, stallions and schoolmasters being trained: classical methodology, refined daily. Lunch at the ride centre precedes a beautifully paced afternoon lesson.
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Day 5: Balance
2 hours in the saddleA second lunge session is added today, sharpening your balance and breath before mounting for your next dressage lesson. This is where the finesse begins to land: subtle aids, controlled transitions, and a seat that supports rather than drives.
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Day 6: Seville Excursion
1 hour in the saddleYour final morning lesson is a culmination of everything learned: clearer feel, straighter lines, perhaps even a taste of advanced movements, depending on your level. After lunch, you’ll be presented with your diploma – a moment of well-earned pride.
Later this evening, head into Seville, a city gilded in cathedral bells and Moorish arches. Visit the famed tack shop and wander cobbled lanes. Afterwards, join the lively night-market atmosphere for dinner (at your own expense) amongst tapas, wine, and music.
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Day 7: Departure
Non-riding dayComplimentary transfers to Seville airport and Santa Justa station are available at 8.00 and 11.00 am. With your riding elevated and your heart full of Andalusian rhythm, it’s time to head home – until Spain calls you back.
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The Andalusian Horse
The Spanish horse, the horse of Andalusia. the star of the spectacle you’ll see in Jerez, “Como bailan los caballos andaluces” (How the Andalusian Horses Dance), is one of the most noble and the most appreciated animals in the world. Easy to train and truly spectacular in the development of the airs required in Classical Dressage and in the Spanish High School of Riding, the Andalusian is also very beautiful. Furthermore, its good character, elevated movements and extraordinary capacity for collection make it useful for many different types of sports and leisure activities. Because of these qualities, the great masters of equitation have always regarded it as the horse of highest perfection.
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Non-riders
If you’re not in the saddle, you’re not missing out: the region offers plenty of optional activities so that everyone — rider and non-rider alike — can dive headlong into the Andalusian spirit.
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You can learn traditional arts with group or private Flamenco dancing, guitar or singing lessons, or brush up on your Spanish with local language classes.
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Fancy culture over cardio? Day-trips to iconic Spanish cities like Seville, Córdoba or Granada are easy to arrange, plus there are historic towns nearby, centuries-old citadels and Moorish charm to soak up.
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For quiet days, there’s a pool to lounge by, massages to unwind with after a long stroll (advance bookings required), and even cycling or golf for a bit of low-key activity under the Spanish sun.
-
For nature lovers, guided bird-watching and nature tours — including trips to Doñana National Park and the sacred village of El Rocío — bring Andalusia’s wild side right to your doorstep.
We do recommend non-riders have their own rental car so they can explore at their leisure each day.
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This is a six night, six day riding holiday designed for experienced dressage riders with a passion for Classical Dressage and an interest in the procedures used for training horses to perform at such a high standard. A unique opportunity not easily found at other establishments, guests will have the chance to gain a feel for the sensitive Andalusians, trained to High School level, and to enjoy some of the more advanced movements performed at this level, such as Passage, Piaffe and Spanish Walk. If you are working on establishing these movements with your own horses at home, being able to experience how they should feel, and the correct aids to produce such a movement on a horse already trained to perform at this level, is a wonderful opportunity and will further your riding and understanding of High School dressage.
This program includes a combination of private lessons (one of which will be with Olympic medallist Rafael Soto!), semi-private lessons (2 riders), groundwork sessions (training piaffe, passage and Spanish walk), and lunge sessions where you’ll work on improving the classical seat. You will enjoy 2-3 lessons per day, including a final lesson on Saturday morning before you depart for the train station at 11am.
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Day 1: Arrival
Welcome dinnerArrive this afternoon and settle into your hotel, a former palace once home to a medieval queen, set within storybook Carmona. The complimentary transfer from Santa Justa station departs at 4:30pm. This evening, you’ll meet your hosts and fellow riders over a welcome dinner before easing into a quiet night and gearing up for a week of world-class dressage.
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Day 2: Foundations
2 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast and a quick transfer to the ride centre, you’ll enjoy a guided introduction before your first semi-private assessment lesson, getting to know both your instructor and the refined aids expected of your Iberian horse. A private lesson follows, then a lunge session to finesse seat, balance and posture. Lunch is homemade Andalusian fare, with the afternoon free to watch training, relax, or read on the terrace.
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Day 3: Jerez Day Trip
1 hour in the saddleAfter an early pick-up, you’ll travel to Jerez to witness the iconic performance, How the Andalusian Horses Dance, in the grand 18th century riding hall (entry ticket is at your own expense, approximately €33 EURO). Stallions perform piaffe, passage and the airs above the ground in a breathtaking display of precision and artistry. Return to the ride centre for a late lunch, then enjoy an afternoon dressage lesson.
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Day 4: Elevation
2 hours in the saddleAs your skill and feel progress, so will your movements. Today includes a shared lesson, a private lesson, and rare groundwork instruction to understand how piaffe, passage and Spanish Walk are developed from the ground up. You’re welcome to stay and observe the training of young horses through to highly-schooled masters. Lunch is served at the ride centre.
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Day 5: Seat
2 hours in the saddleA repeat of Day 2, including your second lunge session, building confidence, suppleness and classical alignment.
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Day 6: Mastery
2 hours in the saddleYour final morning lesson is dedicated to consolidating everything you’ve learned, guided by the ever-watchful eye of Olympic silver medallist Rafael Soto. Depending on your progress, you may confidently perform advanced work today.
*Please note Rafael’s teaching day may shift depending on his commitments.After lunch, return to Carmona to rest before an evening in Seville: tack shop browsing, wandering historic streets and cathedrals before dinner at the vibrant night market.
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Day 7: Departure
1 hour in the saddleYour last lesson is your chance to shine, putting improved feel, timing and finesse on display. Afterwards, you’ll receive your Classical Dressage & High School Diploma and say heartfelt farewells to horses, instructors and new friends. Complimentary 11am transfers to the airport and train station are provided.
-
The Andalusian Horse
The Spanish horse, the horse of Andalusia. the star of the spectacle you’ll see in Jerez, “Como bailan los caballos andaluces” (How the Andalusian Horses Dance), is one of the most noble and the most appreciated animals in the world. Easy to train and truly spectacular in the development of the airs required in Classical Dressage and in the Spanish High School of Riding, the Andalusian is also very beautiful. Furthermore, its good character, elevated movements and extraordinary capacity for collection make it useful for many different types of sports and leisure activities. Because of these qualities, the great masters of equitation have always regarded it as the horse of highest perfection.
-
Non-riders
If you’re not in the saddle, you’re not missing out: the region offers plenty of optional activities so that everyone — rider and non-rider alike — can dive headlong into the Andalusian spirit.
-
You can learn traditional arts with group or private Flamenco dancing, guitar or singing lessons, or brush up on your Spanish with local language classes.
-
Fancy culture over cardio? Day-trips to iconic Spanish cities like Seville, Córdoba or Granada are easy to arrange, plus there are historic towns nearby, centuries-old citadels and Moorish charm to soak up.
-
For quiet days, there’s a pool to lounge by, massages to unwind with after a long stroll (advance bookings required), and even cycling or golf for a bit of low-key activity under the Spanish sun.
-
For nature lovers, guided bird-watching and nature tours — including trips to Doñana National Park and the sacred village of El Rocío — bring Andalusia’s wild side right to your doorstep.
We do recommend non-riders have their own rental car so they can explore at their leisure each day.
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No matter where you’re based, if you’re involved in the Dressage world, the name Rafael Soto will probably ring a bell. His charisma has earned him the respect and popularity of dressage enthusiasts and fellow riders the world over. Not to mention, he is a Spanish Olympic Team silver medallist (Athens 2004).
This is a seven night riding program (Sunday to Sunday). Throughout the week, the training and tuition consists of:
– 2x lunging sessions to improve your classical seat
– 6x group lessons (no more than 4 riders) with the equestrian centre’s resident instructors **these lessons will determine both your level and the most suitable mount for you to gain maximum benefit out of your lessons with Rafael Soto.
– 4x 45-minute private sessions with Rafael Soto.
Guests will also have the opportunity to sit in and observe the lessons of the other guests.
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Day 1: Arrival
Welcome dinnerCheck in this afternoon to your historic Carmona hotel, once the residence of a medieval queen and now your home for the week. This evening, join your hosts for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow riders before easing into a quiet night and the dressage immersion to come.
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Day 2: Assessment
2 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast and a quick transfer to the ride centre, enjoy a guided orientation and your first group assessment lesson to establish goals and feel for your Andalusian partner. A lunge session follows to refine seat and balance, then lunch and time to relax, watch the horses train, or read on the terrace. This afternoon brings your next dressage lesson.
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Day 3: Jerez Day Trip
1 hour in the saddleAfter an early pick-up, travel to Jerez to witness the famed performance How the Andalusian Horses Dance, set in the majestic 18th-century riding hall (entry tickets are not included in the ride price and are approximately €33 EURO per person. Stallions perform piaffe, passage and airs above the ground in an unforgettable display. Return mid-afternoon for lunch followed by a group dressage lesson.
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Day 4: Refinement
2 hours in the saddleYour riding steps up today with two group lessons focused on preparation for your upcoming sessions with Rafael Soto. Enjoy observing the centre’s daily schooling of young horses through to fully trained schoolmasters, then a relaxed Andalusian lunch before continuing your afternoon dressage session.
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Day 5: Seville Excursion
1 hour in the saddleThis morning brings another group lesson plus your second lunge session to deepen security, harmony and classical alignment ahead of your final two days of intensive work with Rafael. After lunch, return to Carmona before heading into Seville for an evening of tack shop browsing and cathedral wandering, followed by dinner at the lively night market.
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Day 6: Rafael Soto
2 hours in the saddleToday you’ll enjoy two private lessons with Olympic silver medallist Rafael Soto, working through advanced movements with improved feel, technique and confidence. Watch your fellow riders between sessions — an invaluable part of the learning experience. Lunch is served at the ride centre.
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Day 7: Mastery
2 hours in the saddleYour final two private lessons with Rafael consolidate the entire week’s progress. With his intimate knowledge of the horses and refined classical eye, expect small adjustments that create enormous breakthroughs. Afterwards, toast your achievements with cava, receive your Intensive Training & Dressage Clinic Diploma, and watch a legendary recording of Rafael aboard Invasor with live commentary. Enjoy a final evening at leisure in Carmona.
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Day 8: Departure
Non-riding dayComplimentary transfers to Seville airport or train station run at 8am and 11am, with taxis available on request outside those times. Farewell, globetrotters — we look forward to welcoming you back!
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Rafael Soto Biography
Raised in Jerez de la Frontera, where horse culture runs deeper than wine in the cellars, Rafael Soto was destined for the saddle. Following his father into the art of classical riding, he began training in Palma de Mallorca as a child and was winning dressage titles before most riders learn a sitting trot. By 1982 he was Balearic Regional Champion, and by 1987 a fully qualified Spanish riding instructor, returning home to Jerez to devote his life to horses, precision, and performance.
Rafael’s ascent through the dressage ranks is nothing short of extraordinary. With his two legendary Purebred Andalusians, Flamenco and Invasor, he became a five-time National Champion, a European Team Silver Medallist, a World Championship Bronze Medallist, and a three-time Olympian. His career reached its pinnacle in Athens in 2004, where the Spanish team claimed Olympic Silver and Rafael secured his place in the history books.
Today, Rafael is Director of the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez and has trained the international Spanish dressage team. Fluent in Spanish, English, French and German, and known for his generous, joyful teaching style, Rafael remains not only a master of the art — but a true ambassador of the Andalusian horse.
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The Andalusian Horse
The Spanish horse, the horse of Andalusia. the star of the spectacle you’ll see in Jerez, “Como bailan los caballos andaluces” (How the Andalusian Horses Dance), is one of the most noble and the most appreciated animals in the world. Easy to train and truly spectacular in the development of the airs required in Classical Dressage and in the Spanish High School of Riding, the Andalusian is also very beautiful. Furthermore, its good character, elevated movements and extraordinary capacity for collection make it useful for many different types of sports and leisure activities. Because of these qualities, the great masters of equitation have always regarded it as the horse of highest perfection.
-
Non-riders
If you’re not in the saddle, you’re not missing out: the region offers plenty of optional activities so that everyone — rider and non-rider alike — can dive headlong into the Andalusian spirit.
-
You can learn traditional arts with group or private Flamenco dancing, guitar or singing lessons, or brush up on your Spanish with local language classes.
-
Fancy culture over cardio? Day-trips to iconic Spanish cities like Seville, Córdoba or Granada are easy to arrange, plus there are historic towns nearby, centuries-old citadels and Moorish charm to soak up.
-
For quiet days, there’s a pool to lounge by, massages to unwind with after a long stroll (advance bookings required), and even cycling or golf for a bit of low-key activity under the Spanish sun.
-
For nature lovers, guided bird-watching and nature tours — including trips to Doñana National Park and the sacred village of El Rocío — bring Andalusia’s wild side right to your doorstep.
We do recommend non-riders have their own rental car so they can explore at their leisure each day.
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Transfer information
Complimentary transfers are available from Santa Justa Train Station in Seville only. Pick up time on day 1 is at 4:30pm (just outside the AVIS rent-a-car office, which is INSIDE the station). If you fly into Seville airport you will need to take a shuttle bus to the train station in time for the pick up at 4:30pm. Alternatively, you can take a taxi straight to the hotel in Carmona.
On the final day, the transfer can drop you off at either Santa Justa Train Station or Seville Airport. There are two transfers available: one departing from the hotel at 8am and the other at 11am. If flying out from Seville this day, please allow at least 3 hours between your transfer pick-up time and your flight.
Accommodation
Alcázar de la Reina is simple, comfortable European 3-star accommodation – nothing flashy, but perfectly located in the historic heart of Carmona and just minutes from the equestrian centre. You’ll have valley and mountain views, an on-site restaurant that opens earlier than most of Spain, and complimentary use of the sauna. Days are spent at the family-run hacienda, relaxing on shaded terraces between rides, with a pool available from April to November.
Food
All breakfasts and lunches are included, with breakfast at your hotel and home-cooked Spanish lunches at the equestrian centre. Dinners are at your own expense, but you’ll be spoiled for choice in Carmona, with everything from elegant restaurants to lively tapas bars around the Plaza San Fernando, the town’s beloved evening gathering spot.
Reviews
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-3 rides with Globetrotting 
Carly R
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
Stories from the saddle
A Day Spent in Barcelona
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