Horse Riding

An Andalusian man without his horse is like a matador without a cape.
An Andalusian man without his horse is like a matador without a cape.

Horse Riding in Andalucia

An Andalucian man without his horse is like a matador without a cape. He feels stripped of an essential part of his identity that has been formed over the centuries. It is part of his life, his work, his status, his culture, his earthly possessions... his horse is central to his very being.

You have only to attend one of the many ferias and romerias that take place throughout Spain in the summer to witness the pride with which these young men, attired in traje corto or short suit, with their polkadotted, flamenco-costumed girlfriends astride behind, show off their prancing stallions and mares to their friends and relations.

Horses have played an integral part in rural life for centuries. In fact, the Andalucian horse is possibly one of the best-loved exports of this region.

Whether you want to know what's on in the way of competitions or you are simply passing through Andalucia and would like to go for a gentle ride through a forest of cork, Andalucia.com can help you find what you're looking for...

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Horse Riding

This selection of hotels and accommodation which offer horse-riding services is perfect for those who want to enjoy riding while away from home, or perhaps even start learning for the first time.… More →

For those who are looking for a bit of fun and adventure, as well as learning about the wonderful culture Andalusia has to offer, there are many equestrian ranches which offer some great day… More →

If you are interested in riding lessons, there are plenty of places to do so. From tuition for the absolute beginner to gaining a full British Horse Society (BHS) it´s all here in Andalucia! You… More →

There are numerous places to hire horses. Farms, riding schools, hotels and small stables offer a wide range of horses ranging from solid local Andalucian horses to stunning white stallions with… More →

For a real performance of the most noble and classical kind, no one should miss the magnificent stallions of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian… More →

Horse drawn carriages have always played an enormous role in Andalusia's great heritage. It has proved to be a very popular discipline within the equine community, almost more popular than… More →

Polo originates from ancient Persia from the sixth century BC to the first century AD. During the fifteenth and sixteenth century, the game was eventually passed from Persia to other parts of Asia… More →

Horses are a major attraction in Andalucía. Not only do they form an integral part of local traditions - still taking part in many modern-day fiestas, festivals and other events - they also serve… More →

Andalusia offers some stunning and unique equestrian displays, which you will most likely not be able see anywhere else in the world, and what better than visiting this richly endowed region for a… More →

To those who are perhaps not familiar with the term "livery", it is simply a yard of stables where horse owners pay a weekly or monthly fee to keep their horses on the premises and use the… More →

Many people dream of riding a horse along the beach, with their hair flying in the wind and the waves crashing around them, feeling a great sense of freedom. Tarifa´s extensive chain of white… More →

Horses are inextricably woven into the Andalucian culture. Most of the festivals in Andalucia involve the impressive Andalucian horses, famous for their long tumbling manes, great presence and… More →

Every year the beaches of Sanlucar de Barrameda in the province of Cádiz come alive with the pounding of hooves as the famous horse races take over the coast. Traditionally, the races take place… More →

The Sunshine Tour was created in the early nineties and has become the biggest equestrian winter competition in all of Europe. Its official name was the Circuito Hípico del Sol changed in 2022 to… More →

Although the breed is commonly referred to as "Andalusian", this is not the correct name but rather a term greatly used internationally by non-natives. It is slightly misguiding to use this term… More →

For a real performance of the most noble and classical kind, no one should miss the magnificent stallions of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian… More →

Breeding of the Pura Raza Española all started with the Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas (Armed Forces Horse Breeding), which comprises a set of centres belonging to the Ministry of Defence,… More →

Raid Kaliber celebrated its popular first edition in 2006, gathering national and international riders who not only participated in an exceptional sporting event but, in turn, discovered the… More →

Horse racing is not the most popular equestrian sport in Spain, let alone Andalusia, but there is a small niche for it. If you are keen on the discipline, the region offers a few racetracks that… More →

On this page you will find a Glossary of terms, which may be very useful when horse riding in Andalucia.

Andalusia is carved by many old cattle tracks flanked by hills and walls of stone, as well as bridle paths and paved Roman roads that are steeped in history. The assigned horse riding routes in… More →

Horses are an integral part of bullfighting. In the First stage of a bullfight a trumpet signals the entrance of the picadors, mounted on heavily padded and blindfolded horses, they provoke the… More →

The Gibraltar Directory of 1897 says of the Calpe Hunt. "In the winter, the (cork) woods constantly resound with the cherry cry of the Calpe Huntsman , the sound of the horn, and the deep notes of… More →

Penelope Chetwode's sole companion on her ride over the disused mule tracks and goat paths in the wilds of Andalusia in 1961 was the twelve-year-old bay mare, La Marquesa. This treasured animal,… More →

After almost eight centuries of domination by the Arabs the legacy they left Spain consists not only of some beautiful words such as algibes, almenas, alcazares that flow from the mouth like water… More →

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