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Exciting Horse Riding Holiday Spain

On this Andalusian horse riding holiday, you'll follow centuries-old bridle paths traditionally linking White Village to White Village in La Alpujarra. Discover Moorish irrigation channels and forestry tracks as you ride through an ever-changing landscape. Passing through different terrain each day, varying from mountain pastures and pine forests, to almond and olive groves.

Key information

  • Rider Weight Limit: 90 kilograms / 198 pounds for experienced riders, 75 kilograms 165 pounds intermediate
  • Horse Height Range: 14.3 to 16.1 hands
  • Tack Type: Comfortable English-type leather saddles for long-distance riding
  • Horse Breed: Purebred Andalusian horse (PRE) and Andalusian-Arabian cross horse

Meet the instructors

Dallas
Read more

Highlights

  • 5 days of riding
  • Approximate daily riding time: 5 to 6 hours
  • It is necessary for riders to be comfortable outdoors at walk, trot, and canter
  • Mountain trails through unspoilt countryside
  • Ride from village to village on century-old bridle paths
  • Pass through different terrain each day
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 6 nights accommodation

Skill level

  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Styles


5 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Spanish
Group size: 3-8 participants
Airport transfer included: Málaga Airport
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Accommodation

Check-in Time:
17:00
Check-out Time:
07:00

Accommodation will be in small family-run hotels offering twin-bedded rooms with en suite bathrooms. The accommodation is comfortable, very clean, and pleasant. Every effort is made to use the best accommodation available, most of the hotels are small, with no more than 12 or 16 rooms. There are no porter services available and most of the rooms are on the first or second floor.

Casa La Sevillana

The place was formerly the rather splendid residence of the local manager of the national electricity supply company, Sevillana. When electricity supply was denationalized in Spain and assets were sold off, the family bought the house, renovated it throughout, and converted it into comfortable and attractive bed and breakfast accommodation in the dramatic setting of the Poquiera Gorge in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in an area known as Las Alpujarras.

The views are breathtaking, snow-capped peaks in the immediate north and towards the Mediterranean Sea in the south. You can even see the Rif Mountains of Africa if the conditions are right. Set in the small, ancient, white-washed village of Bubión, Casa La Sevillana is conveniently placed a few minutes away on the country road which winds up the gorge to Capileira, one of Spain's highest villages. This is a perfect base for you who love mountains and nature.

An intricate network of paths and tracks at all levels will satisfy walkers of every ability and inclination and there is one of Spain's finest stables very close by (the owner lives in the village). Local facilities are excellent. There is ample free parking. Shops, bars, and restaurants are a stone's throw away.

Hotel Rural Los Bérchules

The hotel is run by a family team with extensive knowledge of southern Spain and many years experience in catering. On the outskirts of the village of Bérchules at an altitude of 1320 meters, the hotel is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and is the ideal location to explore the Alpujarras. You can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome at Hotel Rural Los Bérchules.

It stands on its own grounds with private parking on the outskirts of the village and within easy walking distance to the shops, bars, bank, church, and bus stop. There are 10 en-suite twin bedrooms, four en-suite single bedrooms, restaurant and lounge/bar, library, swimming pool, gardens, Wi-Fi and satellite TV, as well as Ceragem massage bed. The pool is available from June to late September.

Available on request are transport, laundry, special diets, maps, etc. The pinewood paneled lounge/bar overlooks the valley and mountains to the sea. It has comfortable sofas and a wood-burning fireplace. Light meals and refreshments can be served here and outside on the long terrace. The double rooms have en-suite bathrooms and 1.05-meter twin beds with memory foam mattresses and duvets. Each room has a balcony with a table and chairs and beautiful views down the valley.

The gardens are now established with flowers, shrubs, and trees, and the swimming pool, with its loungers and sunshades, is for the exclusive use of hotel guests. The pine-paneled dining room seats 35. Guests are welcome to exchange books from the library. Books in the lounge are about the region and its history, as well as on cooking, travel, and other topics of interest. There are also games and puzzles, maps and postcards, and information on walks and places of local interest.

La Fragua

Hotel La Fragua is situated in Trevélez, one of the few places in Spain where the environment allows to cure ham through a natural process. The hotel complements the tourist promotion with two hotels and a smart restaurant trying to keep the essence of the Alpujarra. They also contribute to preserving the local patrimony and supporting the local culture and gastronomy.

Program

Here is an opportunity not only to discover spectacular landscapes and sceneries, 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.

The Alpujarra is the name given to the South of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a region of much botanical and geological importance, in an area with a rich cultural and historical heritage. On some days, there are plenty of opportunities to trot and canter, on other days, it is mainly walking (due to the rough terrain). No matter what the pace, it is a beautiful ride.

Itinerary

Day 1

Transfer from Malaga airport to the village of Bubion at the designated time. The journey will be two to two and a half hours.

While in Bubion, you will be staying in the charming Casa la Sevillana. A comfortable 19th-century townhouse with seven bedrooms with private shower rooms, a large patio, a sitting room, and a breakfast room, located in the heart of the village within minutes walk from the local restaurants and cafes. Have dinner with the rest of the riders and a briefing on the following days' activities.

Day 2: Approximately 5 hours of riding

After breakfast, you will be driven the 5 kilometres to the stables, situated above the village of Bubion at an altitude of 1.650 meters.

The first day of the Alpujarra week ride is a circular route, enabling you to acclimatise slightly to the area and the altitude. Also ensuring you and your horse are comfortable together prior to setting off for the week.

The trail takes you high into the Poqueira valley, claimed to be one of the most beautiful in the whole of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Spectacular views with the high peaks reaching over 3,000 metres at the head of the valley, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

Following a combination of old bridle paths and forestry tracks, you ride up through open mountainside and pine forests, crossing ancient Moorish irrigation channels, gullies, streams, and summer pastures watered by the snow melt.

Mid-morning, you join the main dirt forestry track, providing places for some nice trots and canters before lunch. Picnic lunch at approximately 2,400 metres in the shade of the pine woods. An idyllic spot with spectacular views, on a clear day all the way across the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains of Morocco.

Gradual descent through pine and oak woods to the stables.

Dinner and overnight in the village of Bubion.

Day 3: Approximately 6 hours of riding

Today, head east to the village of Trevelez, at 1,486 meters, the highest municipality in Spain that is not a ski resort. During the morning, gradually descend (approximately 350 meters) on forestry tracks and bridle paths. The path passes through orchards and small terraces as it skirts Capilerilla, Pitres, and Portugos, the White Villages of the Alpujarra

There are a few sections where it is necessary to lead the horses on some of the steeper descents, also through the narrow street of Portugos. After watering the horse in the village of Portugos, the path winds up through oak and pine woods to a picnic spot in the shade of the pine woods.

After lunch, you join the main forestry track to Trevelez; this track maintains pretty much the same altitude as it winds its way through woodlands and small mountain farms. There are good opportunities for trots and canters. At the end of the day, approximately a 15 minute walk down an old stone path into the village.

Overnight and dinner in the comfortable Hotel Fragua, situated in the old Berber quarter of Trevelez. Swimming pool June to late September.

Day 4: Approximately 5 hours of riding

The route continues east to the village of Berchules. Starting the morning with approximately a 15 minute walk through the streets of Trevelez, we water the horses in the village square before mounting up and head down to the river.

Crossing the river Trevelez, the centuries-old bridle path follows the course of one of the ancient Moorish irrigation channels. Leaving the irrigation channel below, we climb approximately an hour and 30 minutes through oak and pine woods to the open pasture lands of the Sierra of Juviles. Here you start a gradual descent across an open hillside with wonderful views to the south of the Contraviesa mountains and to the east of the Mediterranean and the coastline of Almeria. Picnic lunch in the oak woods above the village of Juviles.

Following lunch, the trail continues through the woods to join up with a secondary road leading to the village of Berchules. Here, you will have approximately 15 to 20 minutes on tarmac.

Overnight and dinner in the comfortable family-run Hotel Berchules.

Pool available June to late September.

Day 5: Approximately 5 hours of riding

Today, you are taking an alternative and much higher trail heading back to the village of Trevelez. Leaving Berchules, you join one of the main dirt forestry tracks up to approximately 2,000 meters. Once the track levels out, there are places for trots and canters until rejoining the bridle path through the pine woods.

Picnic lunch on the edge of the pine woods. Wonderful views over the valley of Trevelez and of the Mulhacen 3,486 meters (the highest mountain on the mainland) to the north.

During the afternoon, you descend on the bridle path through the woods to the village of Trevelez. On sections of the steeper and rockier descent, it is necessary to lead the horses for short periods.

Overnight and dinner in the comfortable Hotel Fragua. The pool is available from June to late September.

Day 6: Approximately 3 hours

Today is a short ride. Following the forestry track through pine and oak woods, you return directly to the stables high above the villages of the Poqueira Valley. This route offers wonderful views out over the Contraviesa mountains and the Mediterranean Sea and some good opportunities for canters.

Late lunch in the village of Capileira or Bubion. Afternoon free for some last minute shopping and a well-deserved siesta. Overnight in the village of Bubion and farewell dinner.

Day 7

An early breakfast and transfer to Malaga airport.

The trails

With more than 30 years of knowledge of this region, Dallas has chosen a selection of trails offering an amazing diversity of terrains, views, and flora. The rides follow ancient bridle paths and drovers routes, dating back to the Moorish occupation and before. Many of these paths have been in use for a thousand years or more, as have the terraces and irrigation channels they transverse.

Through parts of the mountains, there are more recent dirt tracks providing opportunities for canters and gallops, as do some of the riverbeds on the spring and autumn rides. The paths in many places are built into rocks 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.

The horses

Meet the horse family. Much more than a business, the horses are Sierra Trails' way of life. Their wellbeing, care, and training are their highest priority. When not working, the horses live as herds in a free, happy, and natural environment. The horses enjoy their work, like being with people, and are a pleasure to ride.

PRE

Pure-bred Andalucian (PRE) and Andalucian Arab or Sport horse crosses, ranging from 145 centimeters (14.3 hands) to 165 centimeters (16.1 hands). Most of the horses come to Sierra Trails as youngsters and most of them stay with them for life. They have been carefully selected for their good natures (a trait of the Spanish horse) and endurance.

Happy horses

The horses are fit, happy, and strong, they lead a happy and healthy life, when not working, they are out together as a herd in the home paddock or free on the mountain pastures. In the yard, each horse has its own loose box for the colder winter nights or hot summer days. As a result, they are not sour, they work well as a team and enjoy being with people.

Correctly started

When bringing in new horses, ideally, Sierra Trails prefer for them to be un-broken and un-handled, so ensuring that they are correctly started. This initial contact and groundwork are essential for a good future working relationship with people. Most of the horses have been started, backed, and schooled by Mordecai Love.

Mordecai trained in Portugal as a classical dressage rider and has dedicated his life to working with horses. In addition to his passion for classical dressage, he is also very interested in Western training techniques.

Time and patience

A confident and happy horse is a safer horse and a better trail companion. The horses are usually backed and started between 4 and 5 years of age, it is important they are self-confident and physically strong before commencing with any schooling or trail work. Normally, the horses do not start trekking with clients until they are at least 7 years of age.

Most of the horses have basic classical training, helping to keep them supple and strong, enabling them to carry your weight with balance and comfort. They are light, responsive, and forward-going, enjoy their work, and like being with people. These are not the average riding school or trail horse, but well-bred and schooled horses, responsive, and fun to ride. One of the most frequent comments from riders is that the quality and schooling of the horses far exceeded their highest expectations.

Individual characters

There is a selection of horses to suit different riding levels and great care is taken in the selection of horses according to the riding abilities and preferences of each individual. Sierra Trails keep about 22 horses and each one has its own personality, each special in its own way. Knowing very well their different characters is essential in matching horse to rider.

The Andalusian

Also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (pura raza española), is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years.

History of the PRE

The Andalusian has been recognized as a distinct breed since the 15th century and its conformation has changed very little over the centuries. Throughout its history, it has been known for its prowess as a warhorse and was prized by the nobility. The breed was used as a tool of diplomacy by the Spanish government and kings across Europe rode and owned Spanish horses.

Conformation

Strongly built and compact yet elegant, Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails. Their most common coat color is grey, although they can be found in many other colors. They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity, and docility.

Riding ability

These rides are suitable for competent to experienced riders; the horses are well schooled and forward going. It is expected that you are comfortable riding outdoors at all paces. There are a limited number of horses available for less experienced riders, but you still need to be comfortable at walking, trotting, and cantering on a quiet horse. Please send an inquiry if you wish to consult regarding your riding skills.

You will need to be able to mount and dismount without assistance, however, there are plenty of banks, stones, and rocks en route that make for handy mounting blocks. The weight limits are:

  • 90 kilograms / 198 pounds for experienced riders.
  • 75 kilograms / 165 pounds, novice/intermediate riders

Fitness

You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to participate on one of these rides. In addition to being riding fit, you will need to be walking fit, as on some of the steeper descents, you will have to lead your horses over rough, uneven ground. Please note that these are mountain trail rides often at high altitudes, so it's not suitable if you have a heart condition, suffer from vertigo, or have trouble walking downhill.

Instructors

Dallas Love

Location

The stunning Poqueira Valley

The stables are situated in the spectacular valley of Poqueira, above the picturesque villages of Pampaneira, Bubion, and Capileira at 1650 meters they are possibly the highest stables in Europe.

Close to the Costa Del Sol

Just over an hour's drive to the coast, an hour and 15 minutes to Granada, and a little over 2 hours from Malaga, The Sierra Nevada covers an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers in the provinces of Granada and Almeria in the south of Spain.

Incredible Sierra Nevada National Park

Sierra Nevada National park covers 86,210 hectares and the Natural Park, another 86,000 hectares, making it the largest park in Spain. With more than 20 peaks over 3,000 meters, it forms the highest mountain range on the mainland. The many microclimates have given rise to the richest botanical life in Europe. 2,100 plants have been cataloged in the park, 60 of which are unique to the area.

Bérchules

Bérchules is located on the southern slope of Sierra Nevada Natural Park, in the high mountain between beautiful places and sources of ferruginous and carbonated waters. It has a spring called Fuente Agria and is located in the hollow of the Guadalfeo River. Its white houses with flat roofs and its stepped streets, perfectly adapted to the broken terrain, make up the typical Alpujarra architecture.

The originality of its urbanism, the integration of the people in the landscape, the historical monumental resources as well as the customs and traditions make this municipality a very appropriate place for the development of rural tourism and the complementary activities that this sector carries with it. The set of all architectural, cultural, and landscape features make Bérchules an exceptional tourist destination.

The name Bérchules is derived from the ancient Arabic 'vergel' or pasture. It was a collection of wealthy smallholdings and a center for the silk trade. Mulberry trees still line one of the prettiest local walks leading to the ruins of the silk factory, with its perfect Moorish arch still intact, now a delightful spot for a picnic.

The town perches on the mountainside above the deep river gorge, the source of the Guadalfeo. Behind is the snow-capped Sierra Nevada and all around are terraced and irrigated farmlands. There are great old chestnut trees, cherry, peach, and apple orchards, and fields of cherry tomatoes, green beans, raspberries, and strawberries. You will hear the tinkling of bells of all sizes on the sheep, goats, and cattle and the jolly song of multitudes of birds.

The Moors' influence is still visible in Berchules, with its steep, narrow, cobbled streets, more comfortable for mules than for cars or humans. The higgledy-piggledy houses compete with their displays of colorful plants and there are many fountains, washing houses, and drinking troughs. There are two banks (one with a cash dispenser), a few shops, a chemist, a doctor's surgery, a library, a school, and a helicopter pad for emergencies plus several bars for tapas.

Trevélez

Trevélez is a village located in the well-known national park of Sierra Nevada and within the historical region of La Alpujarra. Trevélez is also known for its excellent hams, scenic beauties, a strategic location within the region of La Alpujarra, and also for being the highest village in Spain.

Food

Breaksfast, picnic lunches and dinners are included. The food is fresh local produce. The area is famous for its air-cured hams (jamon serrano), cheese, and trout. Special effort is made to offer the visitor the opportunity to sample the different local dishes, ordering what each place cooks best.

On most evenings, dinner will be in your hotel, normally offering a selection of 2 or 3 different daily menus. Some hotels will offer a set menu determined a day in advance and offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Lunches on most days will be a full, homemade picnic, fresh salads, local cheeses, cold cuts, home-cooked meats, dips, etc. Sierra Trails endeavours each day to provide varied meals prepared using local products. Please specify if you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies.

The following meals are included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

  • Vegetarian
  • Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
  • Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

What's included

  • 5 days of riding
  • Services of a guide
  • A backup vehicle for luggage
  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Roundtrip airport transfers at a pre-arranged time

What's not included

  • Airfare
  • Personal and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Bar bills

How to get there

Recommended Airports

Airport: Málaga Airport Airport transfer included: Málaga Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

  • A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
  • The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
  • The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
Rated: 5/10 2 reviews

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7 days / 6 nights
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Minimum group size

This trip requires a minimum of 3 participants

Wednesday April 16, 2025
(7 days / 6 nights)

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