DONANA DRESSAGE INTENSIVE - SPAIN
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This riding holdiay is based at a Classical dressage centre is found in a beautiful corner of Andalusia thirty minutes from the historical and cultural city of Seville. Bordering the famous Doñana National Park on the Costa de La Luz, the Hacienda is surrounded by old olive groves. Here you can take Classical riding lessons on beautiful schooled Purebred Spanish horses. Lessons are given by renowned and experienced Instructors in the Classical field who pay full attention to each individuals' goals and abilities. Training of the centres' horses from backing to High School movements take place in the afternoon and all are welcome to watch. After the morning lesson you can relax riding out in the wonderful forests and famous area of El Rocio. Or, you can relax by the pool, enjoy the Hacienda and its surroundings or visit many of the local attractions.
NOTES - DONANA DRESSAGE INTENSIVE
The centre is open all year round with the exception of 23 December to 31 January. Arrivals are on Sundays but variations are possible. Guests are asked to either arrive before 2pm or after 6pm. The combined intensive program consists of six shared lessons spread over 5 days of the week. Guests hack out three evenings a week for two hours.
Horses and Riding
Instruction is led by Johanna Beattie Batista. She has been dedicated to the equestrian world from a very early age. Her knowledge of Classical riding has been gained from wide sources over many years including the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez (Spain), Nuno Oliveira in Portugal, The Cadre Noir (Saumur) and Michel Henriquet in France.
All lessons are given on schooled purebred Spanish horses. Our goal is that each rider will achieve a clearer understanding of classical methods based on the principles of the old masters aiming for lightness, elegance and harmony horse through precise aids and awareness of the individuality of our partner, the horse. Emphasis is placed on developing the rider’s seat to enhance his sensitivity. Careful preparation tailored to each horse enables the advanced rider to ride lessons of the highest level (such as piaffe, passage, flying changes) on the finely schooled Andalusian horses and to get a feel for true collection. Lessons are given by Sarah-Jane Clarke. Limiting the number of guests enables us to personalise each individuals training path during their stay. Should guests require further instruction or help, private and lunge lessons may be arranged (time permitting). Additional learning resources such as DVDs and videos can start popular discussions in front of the fireplace.
Hacks out take place at our neighbouring yard in the beautiful surrounding countryside of Aznalcazar. This provides the ideal opportunity to think about your previous lessons and to relax or have a thrilling canter through a Mediterranean pine forest.
Four hour excursions take you further a field into the Andalusian countryside and surrounding villages. Expert guides can answer your questions on local history, flora and fauna famous to the Doñana National Park. Also included on the excursions are visits to Spanish stud farms, famous churches and buildings of architectural importance. A light lunch at a bar along the way is included to give you a real feel of the region.
Accommodation
The holiday includes seven nights shared accommodation in a large house which has been decorated in the typical style of a Spanish Hacienda. The rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated, consisting of twin beds with a private bathroom. The water is heated by solar heating. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities. In the evenings you can relax in the salon with a glass of wine or watch television which includes digital channels.
Other Activities
Non riders are welcome at the hacienda and will find many relaxing activities to amuse them. Your hosts can advise you on visits such as the nearby Royal Spanish Riding School of Jerez, Cadiz, visiting sherry bodegas and other activities special to this area. Bikes can be rented from the Hacienda. Golf can be arranged at the nearby golf course which is also the same base as the hacks out. Visits to the Doñana National Park the largest bird resort in Europe for bird enthusiasts, 4 x 4 trips, or, just relax by the pool. A hire car is a good idea if you wish to explore the area in the afternoons and evenings, whilst not in the saddle.
GETTING TO Seville Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 13 st/176 lb/80 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Accommodation on a full board basis, with wine with meals, all riding and English speaking instruction/guiding as indicated above, all local taxes.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to and from Seville airport and transfers from Seville to the hacienda, drinks, lunch on Thursdays and excursions off site that are not part of the hacking program. Return transfer payable on site.
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