This equestrian vacation will suit those looking for relaxed, centre based, horseback riding who would like to learn more about communication with horses and experience riding bitless (optional). Riders need to be able to walk, trot and canter unaided, but the emphasis will be on immersing oneself in nature, and less experienced riders who have not tried trail riding before will enjoy this ride. The wellbeing of horses is also taught on this vacation with additional Natural Horsemanship lessons and a session with a veterinary physiotherapist and saddle fitter.
The weather in August in the region is usually a pleasant 20-30C. Accommodation is converted barn apartments with a lovely rustic feel. The yoga session in the morning is great for relaxation and there are tasty picnic lunches that include fresh seafood, quality beef, local cheese, good wine and cider.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from BR of Henfield on 12/08/2024
The daily trail rides will vary with walking, trotting and cantering through remote countryside on grassy hills, low mountain tracks, open scenic areas, forest and historic villages.
The natural horsemanship sessions take the form of groundwork lessons learning about equine body language and facial expressions, concentrating on horse wellness and also basic exercises to improve riding position, balance and the aids.
Day 1
Arrive at Oviedo airport. (2 hours) Transfer to a lovely apartment hotel in a village on the border of Asturias and Galicia. If there is time, guests can do a yoga stretching session to ease into the week. Get together dinner and briefing.
Day 2
Start the day with a yoga session. After breakfast, meet the horses and set off for the days ride (5-6 hours riding). In the evening there is a relaxation/meditation session together. Dinner.
Day 3
After yoga and breakfast, set off for a ride with a picnic lunch. The first natural horsemanship session is in the evening along with a relaxation/meditation session and dinner. (Riding 4 hours)
Day 4
Same as day 3 (Riding 4 hours)
Day 5
Same as day 3 (Riding 4 hours)
Day 6
After yoga and breakfast, set off ride for a ride and picnic lunch. Lecture and demonstration by animal physiotherapist (also a vet). Relaxation/meditation. Dinner. (Riding 4 hours)
Day 7
After yoga and breakfast, set off for a full day's riding with a lunch stop at a local seafood restaurant. Evening meditation/relaxation session, and dinner.
Day 8
Breakfast, transfer to the airport, flight home.
Itineraries may change depending on weather etc.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
There are 16 horses available to choose from on this ride and they are mainly PRE (pure Spanish) Spanish mix, Arabian mix or Appaloosa. All the horses are fit, strong and extremely surefooted in the rocky terrain. Trail saddles are used on this ride. Saddle bags are not provided but there are attachments on the saddle to secure raincoats (provided), other clothes and a small water bottle. Riding hats are compulsory and can be borrowed if you do not want to bring your own.
The riding is varied, walking, trotting and cantering through remote countryside on grassy hills, low mountain tracks, open scenic areas, forest and historic villages. The speed will be adjusted to the experience of the group, and if the group is experienced, and a fast ride is wanted, we might revert to bitted bridles.
Riders should be confident in walk, trot and canter for this ride. The minimum riding age for this holiday is 18 years old. You must be able to ride unaided in open countryside and be in control your horse when riding in a group. A mounting aid is offered but ideally you should be able to mount and dismount unaided.
The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The accommodation is in sympathetically converted barns of an old farmhouse. The apartments are self contained and decorated in a rustic country style in keeping with the rural location. Each one has a lounge and fireplace, a bathroom and equipped kitchen. Each also has heating, laundry and TV.
Vegetarians can be catered for with advance notice. Beer, wine and cider is also included with dinner. Cider in the region has been produced in the area since ancient times and should definitely be sampled.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
This ride takes place in August and this is usually a comfortable month. The climate of Asturias is heavily marked by the gulf stream. Falling within the Cantabrian belt known as Green Spain it has high precipitations all year round. Summers are mild and, on the coast, winters also have relatively benign temperatures, rarely including frost. The cold is especially felt in the mountains, where snow is present from October till May. Both rain and snow are regular weather features of Asturian winters. In coastal or near-coastal areas, daytime high temperatures generally average around 12 °C (54 °F) – 13 °C (55 °F) during winter and 22 °C (72 °F) – 23 °C (73 °F) in summer.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Spain and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
In Spain the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly
There is electricity available for charging batteries at the accommodation each evening. Wifi is available. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided if needed and is compulsory)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots with a sole with good grip)
- Waterproof jacket
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
- Heavy sweater or sweatshirt
- Informal/casual wear for evenings
- Lightweight rainwear
- Swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip-balm with sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
Provided by hosts
- Saddle bags
- Raincoats
- Riding hats
This is an 8 day /7 night /6 riding days programme available on set dates. Other dates may be available on request, please enquire.
2025: 25 Jun - 2 Jul
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 2,019 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | Small group supplement 2-3 riders | 215 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 319 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 2,375 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | Small group supplement 2-3 riders | 249 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 375 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 2,599 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | Small group supplement 2-3 riders | 275 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 409 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 28,359 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | Small group supplement 2-3 riders | 2,985 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 4,479 |
If you want to add days on to either the beginning or end of your trip, your guide will be happy to give recommendations for sights and activities in this area of Northern Spain. For example archeological sites, the painted caves known as Tito Bustillo, Altamira. This is one of the most amazing regions in the world when it comes to prehistoric cave paintings , please visit www. theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-most-magnificent-cave-art-to-view-in-northern-spain for further information. Other things worth seeing are pearls of Pre-Romanesque architectonic style churches in Oviedo, local monasteries, as well as tiny romantic, seaside villages to stay over the weekend if you want to fly home a few days later. You can read more about this area here: www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/asturias/cudillero.
European red deer and roe deer are quite common in some areas, plus fox, badgers, ferrets, martens and river otters can also be seen if you know where to look. The Cantabrian brown bear has mad a huge recovery with a rebounding population. Carnivores such as the Iberian wolf and the European wildcat can be seen as well, but take a bit more effort, a dose of patience and some luck.
Spain is a beautiful and diverse country, the second largest in Europe. The official language is Castilian Spanish but Catalan, Galician and Basque are also spoken. Territory includes two island archipelagos – the Balearics and the Canaries – and two enclaves on the North African coast, bordering Morocco – Ceuta and Melilla. The African influence can be found throughout Spain but especially in the south, for example the guitar was invented by the Spanish when they added a sixth string to the Arab lute. Music and art permeates Spanish culture, most obviously displayed in the fire and passion of the Flamenco and the stunning modern architecture found in the cities.
The famous siesta is still enjoyed by the majority of Spaniards, most shops close at lunchtime for two or three hours so everyone can escape the often scorching afternoon sun. Evening meals are served late into the evening with plenty of wine or sangria. Often meals can last two or three hours, especially if your host is serving Tapas, small and varied dishes of meats, bread, vegetables. Paella is also a delight and very popular across the country.
Spain is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Spain is +34.