Meet our Guide: Rudi Stolz

Rudi Stolz is the guiding force behind our rides based in Catalonia, Spain. He loves nothing more than to proudly show off the stunning Catalan landscapes he loves from the back of one of his gorgeous steeds. Read on to find out all about what makes this Globetrotting guide tick.

How long have you been running your riding outfit in Catalonia? And what was the background, history, reason for starting?
We love horses, we love nature and we love Catalonia. More than 20 years ago, we established horse trail rides in Catalonia that covers the area between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. Since then, our highly qualified team have offered horseback rides in harmony with nature, in an ecological, sustainable and respectful way!

How many guest horses do you have?
A choice of around 50 lovely and reliable Andalusian and Spanish horses are waiting for you, to make your riding holiday a unique experience!

Describe your herd of horses in four words:
Spirited, gentle, reliable, surefooted – “power-horses”.

What is the philosophy or ethos behind your horse-riding experiences?
Horseback riding combined with pure nature, Catalonia is a beautiful region!  Our aim is to give you a unique riding holiday – an experience that will put a smile on your face long after your holiday.

What do you love most about your job?
I particularly love the experience to interact with humans and horses. And to have the chance to work in beautiful Catalonia, it’s just a dream come true!

What is the most challenging part?
Setting up new trails is very challenging. It’s like resolving a puzzle. But at the end very satisfying when clients are happy with the chosen new rides.

Why should globetrotters sign up for this ride?
If you want to get away from everyday life and experience a true adventure trail in harmony with beautiful nature and a thousand year old culture, you have found the perfect place! Become immersed in an undiscovered corner of Spain, with alpine Pyrenees, mysterious table mountains and the Mediterranean Sea in this unique landscape in the heart of Europe. Beach rides at sunrise, adventures in the Pyrenees, canters across wide plains and riding in fairytale forests! Catalonia offers variety and a climate that invites you to ride all year round. Our riding holidays cater for every taste and every riding level!

A tip that every globetrotter must know before signing up for this ride:
Our rides have different riding and physical conditions. Sign up for the ride that best suits you!

Finish this sentence: Don’t leave home without…
An open-minded sense of adventure and a positive attitude! Apart from this: sun cream, riding helmet, outdoor clothes, good hiking boots.

What has been the most memorable or significant moment of your guiding career?
Getting a “wild” horse and seeing it change into a nice and reliable horse after training with us.

Anything else you would like to add?
“Vamos galope!”

If you’d like to ride side by side with Rudi and explore Catalonia, check out the Andorra Trail, the Catalan Coast Trail, the Bandit Trail and the Catalonia Ride.

You can also meet one of Rudi’s horses, Feriol, here.