Overview
This program offers an unrivalled combination of six shared dressage lessons, on highly trained Spanish horses, two lunge lessons and four private lessons, with the world esteemed Olympic silver medalist, Rafael Soto, all alongside the culture and heritage that makes the Andalusian region of Spain so special.
This program is only run over pre-set dates and has a maximum number of five riders per clinic. As a result, early booking is highly recommended.
You have probably have heard of Rafael Soto as his charisma has earned him the respect and popularity of Dressage enthusiasts and fellow riders alike the world over, not to mention he is a Spanish Olympic Team silver medallist (Athens 2004).
Riders can enjoy the pleasure of riding superbly schooled horses and experience trainers who have vast experience and the highest qualifications.
Sample the Spanish hospitality and immerse yourself in the delightful Spanish culture. Your tour also includes a visit to the famous Spanish riding school in Jerez.
Accommodation and Meals
You will be staying in the charming medieval Andalusian hillside town of Carmona with cobbled streets and a quaint town square. The only noise that you’ll hear at night is the chiming of the church bells. The Hotel Alcázar de la Reina is centrally located and is a lovely superior hotel, which is tastefully decorated with a pool, two restaurants and a bar. The town is pleasant to wander around at night and easy walking distance to many restaurants and tapas bars. A great way to finish the day after a hard days riding is to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or Sangria in one of the many bars or restaurants. Carmona is just a short 15-minute drive from Epona.
The hotel in Carmona provides a hearty breakfast with plenty of choices. Lunch is local delicious home cooked food at the farm with two courses including local wine.
Every Friday the cook makes traditional Spanish Paella and Sangria as for most this is the last meal at the farm and it’s a chance to celebrate a wonderful week of horses and newfound friends.
After you have eaten a large breakfast and a good lunch a small tapas and a glass of local wine in a local restaurant in the evening is all that is required to finish the day.
Details
- Clinics on set dates – Email us to check available dates
- 4 x 45 minute private lessons with Rafael Soto, Olympic silver medalist
- 2 x lunging sessions to improve your classical seat
- 6 x group lessons with the equestrian centre’s resident instructors **these lessons will determine the level and most suitable mount for you to gain maximum benefit out of your lessons with Rafael Soto.
- Arrive Sunday & depart Sunday
- 7 nights / 8 days and 6 days riding
- Suits elementary to advanced riders
- Centre-based so no packing and unpacking
- Weight limit 80 kilos / 176 lbs
Riding Ability and details:
The ‘Dressage Clinic with Rafael Soto Program is ideal for riders who have an elementary understanding of dressage to advanced dressage riders.
Rafael is not only a superb rider and trainer of horses, but he is also a highly skilled teacher of riders. Rafael has a great eye for detail, he knows all the horses extremely well, and his positive teaching style brings out the best in all his riders, regardless of their current abilities.
This program is designed for those who have a great passion for Dressage and who want to progress their ability and understanding in a safe and supportive environment. Typically, the ‘Dressage Clinic with Rafael Soto Program riders are adults, with no upper age restriction, who are passionate about learning more about Classical Dressage
Many participants have visited before, often on our Trail and Training or Intensive Dressage programs. Many others are first time guests to Epona, who want an unrivalled dressage experience and who have a desire to take their pleasure or competition riding and knowledge to the next level.
Private, semi-private and group lessons with 2-3 in a lesson.
Type of Tack:
The saddles are comfortable English saddles. Riding helmets are compulsory.
Dates and prices: (Check with us for dates)
Rafael Soto Clinics: Sunday to Sunday –
2026: €3235.00 euros per person twin/double share
20-27 September 2026 (two spots available)
October 31-07 November 2026 (two spots available)
01-08 November 2026 ( two spots available)
2027: €3335.00 euros per person twin/double share
January 31- February 7 2027 (Full)
February 28-March 07 2027 (two spots available)
March 28-April 04 2027 (one spot available)
December 05-12 2027 (all spots available)
*If demand is high, further clinics may be added. Clinics sell out so please get in touch if you are interested.
Rates:
The rates are based on the Euro and subject to currency fluctuation. We use the ANZ sell rate to convert from the Euro to the Australian dollar.
Please contact us for the most up to date pricing for your riding holiday or you can Check the Euro sell rate to get an indication of the cost.
All rates are based on twin/double share accommodation. Single room on application.
Includes
- Accommodation, including breakfast and lunch daily, and a welcome dinner on the first evening
- 6 x shared dressage lessons, 2 x lunge lessons, 4 x 45-minute private lessons with Rafael Soto
- Guided visit to the Spanish Riding School in Jerez – entry payable direct €32.50 euros
- Transfers to/from Santa Justa Train Station on the first day / last day at a set time
- Transfer to Seville Airport on Sunday morning at set times
- Transfers from your hotel in Carmona to Epona each day
Not included
- International and regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Spanish Riding School, Jerez entry €32.50 euros
- Monday to Saturday: evening meals and drinks not included with meals
- Activities not mentioned and visas, inoculations, additional incidentals and staff tips
- The single supplement at the Alcázar de la Reina Hotel is €345.00
Note: A deposit of 25% is required to make a booking and the final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Rates and prices are subject to currency fluctuation until paid in full.
Photos
Itinerary
This program offers an unrivalled combination of dressage lessons, on highly trained Spanish horses, including 4 private lessons with the world esteemed Olympic silver medalist, Rafael Soto, all alongside the culture and heritage that makes the Andalusian region of Spain so special.
This is a unique program that will not be found anywhere else.
Other highlights include a visit to Jerez and the Andalusian School of Equestrian Art with the spectacular horse show and an optional visit to Seville to see a Flamenco show and enjoy some tapas at the local Lonja del Barranco Market in Seville. Don’t forget to try some local Sangria to quench your thirst.
Many riders love to take a dip in the hotel pool after a long days riding. Afterwards spend the evening wandering the ancient cobbled streets of Carmona and dining outdoors in one of the many local restaurants.
Day 1: (D) Sunday
On arrival in the beautiful city of Seville, meet at Santa Justa train station in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. The Hotel Alcazar De La Reina will be your home for the week. This lovely superior hotel is nestled in the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful medieval town of Carmona and is centrally located to many restaurants and shops.
A complimentary pick-up from the train station in Seville is at 16.30 pm. Transfers at other times (and days) from the train station and the airport can be arranged in advance for an extra cost.
Later this evening, you will be joined at the hotel by one of the Epona hosts, for a welcome dinner, where you will meet the rest of the week’s riding members. After some friendly introductions and conversation, you are free to spend the rest of the evening at your leisure and to relax before the beginning of an unforgettable week.
Day 2: (B, L) Monday
You will be collected from the hotel this morning and on arrival at Epona, you will have a short guided tour and chat to your instructors.
Your first group lesson will be an assessment for your instructor, who will note your good points and the areas which need to be worked upon. It is also the first chance for you to get used to your horse and the more sensitive style of riding required for the Andalusian and Iberian horses.
Today, you will also have the first of your lunge lessons which offer a wonderful opportunity to improve your seat, balance and posture.
Once the morning lessons are over, relax with a book on the terrace or in the comfortable guest lounge. You are also more than welcome to stay and sit by the arenas and watch the daily training of our horses.
Meet the rest of the group for lunch in the beautiful dining room and enjoy your first experience of typical Andalusian home cooking and sample our excellent local house wine.
Afternoon – Dressage lesson
Day 3: (B, L) Tuesday
Early breakfast and pick up at the hotel at 8:30 a.m. for the drive to Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz.
Jerez is internationally renowned for its production of sherry and brandy. However, the main attraction of this day will be the visit to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, and to see an equestrian performance titled, “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”.
Here you will have the privilege of seeing the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best, at home in the breathtaking setting of their 18th Century palace and the riding hall. They will be performing piaffe, passage and the airs above the ground (courbette, capriole, etc) in a spectacle of light, music and colour. (Vivi Garcia trained at the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre for four years and frequently performed in the show. Vivi’s mentor and trainer for the final two years were Rafael Soto.)
Note: An additional cost for the entrance ticket of the “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” performance is €29.
Return for a late lunch at Epona.
Afternoon – Group Dressage lesson.
Day 4: (B, L) Wednesday
As the week progresses so will your dressage, performing more advanced movements and to a higher standard.
Today you will have two group lessons (morning and afternoon) and you will be working on some of the exercises you will encounter during your Rafael Soto sessions. This is so you are fully prepared to get the very best out of all four of your private lessons with him.
Once your lessons are over feel free to stay and continue observing the daily training of the geldings, mares and stallions, from young and green to very advanced. We also train the schoolmasters regularly to keep them sensitive and in good shape so that our guests can enjoy and get the most out of their lessons with them. Lunch at Epona.
Afternoon – Group Dressage lesson.
Day 5: (B, L) Thursday
This morning enjoy a group dressage lesson. Today, you will also have your second lunge lesson. By now, you will have a good understanding of the importance of a secure and balanced position.
This second lunge lesson will give you an opportunity to work on any areas that need improving and will set you up nicely for your final two days of dressage training with Rafael Soto. Lunch at Epona.
Day 6: (B, L) Friday
Today you have two private dressage lessons with Olympic silver medalist, Rafael Soto. Depending on your ability, you will be performing the more advanced movements with improved confidence, knowledge and technique today. You will be able to watch the other lessons, which gives you yet another learning opportunity, all helping to make this a very informative and enjoyable day, all the while alongside like minded and supportive fellow riders. Lunch at Epona.
Here you can visit the tack shop, always a highlight and after a short walk around, It is time for a classical Flamenco Show. The show features dancers of national and international fame, traditional singers and wonderful flamenco guitar. This Flamenco show is optional and has an additional cost of €35.
Alternatively, if you don’t wish to go to the Flamenco Show or you have already seen it, perhaps you would rather stroll the streets around the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the palaces and mansions that are a part of this world famous city. The photo opportunities are endless and you will be spoiled for choice. There are also plenty of shops to visit near the city centre before it is time to meet up with the others for dinner.
After the show it is a short walk to the typical Spanish night market where you can choose your own meal, from a range of Spanish and International cuisine, accompanied, of course, by some superb Spanish wine or Sangria.
Day 7: (B, L) Saturday
Today you will have two private lessons with Rafael Soto. This is the day you will be able to consolidate everything you have worked on during the week, under the ever watchful eye of Rafael Soto.
As Rafael knows the Epona horses so well, his four lessons will be progressive and relevant to your individual needs. Today he will help you get the best out of your horse and, most importantly, yourself. You will then be presented with the Epona ‘Intensive Training and Dressage Clinic with Rafael Soto’ Diploma while we toast with delicious Spanish cava.
We will then view the video of one of Rafael’s most legendary rides, aboard his impressive PRE Invasor on his way to winning his Olympic medal. Rafael’s commentary during the projection of this video is an experience in itself!
Afterwards, it’s time for goodbyes and last minute pictures of your new friends, animal and human. Sadly this is your final lunch at Epona. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing evening in Carmona.
Day 8: (B) Sunday
After breakfast, say your farewells. There is complimentary transport to Seville airport and/or train station at 8.00 am and the last will be at 11.00 am. If you require a different departure time or day from the hotel to the airport or train station, please let us know, and we can organise a taxi for you. You will pay the driver in person and the transfer time is usually less than 25 minutes to both the airport and the station. If you are travelling further in Spain or Europe we are happy to help with your travel arrangements having visited Spain and Europe on numerous occasions.
Other Information
Location
Carmona is in Andalusia, Spain, approximately 30 minutes by car from Seville. There is also a local bus that runs between Carmona, Epona and Seville.
Weather
Weather website: http://www.holiday-weather.com/
Activities
The cities of Cordoba (one hour away), Ronda and Granada (two hours away) are ideal for day trips. Seville is a beautiful city with plenty to see and definitely worth spending a few extra days here.
If you visit around early May you may time this to include a visit to the Jerez Horse Feria. Ask us for details and dates.
Other activities including cycling, golf, flamenco dancing lessons, Spanish lessons and massage can be pre organised.
Languages spoken
English and Spanish
Closest Train or Airport
The closest train station and airport are both located in Seville.
This holiday is calculated using Euros and is subject to currency fluctuation. We will update the final invoice 7 days prior to the final payment. This itinerary is subject to our terms and conditions and the deposit is non-refundable. Please ask for our *terms and conditions* which apply to riding holidays.
We can help with other travel arrangements including airfares, accommodation, car hire, travel insurance and other travel arrangements. Please contact Snaffle Travel for further information, riding holiday booking terms and conditions to info@snaffletravel.com.au
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