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Friesian Dressage and Beach

Overview

Have you ever dreamt of riding a powerful and beautiful Friesian stallion down the beach, with the waves crashing alongside you and his mane flying? Then this is the ride for you! All of the horses are Friesian stallions of different ages and educational levels. They are well schooled, with the …

Highlights

  • Canter down the beach on a beautiful Friesian horse
  • Discover their expressive paces in the dressage arena
  • Experience riding and handling a powerful stallion
  • Relax and stretch with yoga sessions
  • Perfect short break and non-riders welcomed

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 2 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: None within reason

Description

Have you ever dreamt of riding a powerful and beautiful Friesian stallion down the beach, with the waves crashing alongside you and his mane flying? Then this is the ride for you!

All of the horses are Friesian stallions of different ages and educational levels. They are well schooled, with the soft temperament and characteristic movements that are typical of the breed.

Your holiday starts with dressage lessons in the arena so that you can learn how to ride these magnificent horses. You must already be a confident and capable rider, but the powerful movements can take a bit of getting used to! Your instructor is local and teaches in Spanish, however, the classes are simultaneously translated so that you understand everything he tells you.

The dressage lessons are fun and aimed at elementary/medium level, including shoulder-in, transitions and plenty of canter work. The aim is to improve your general riding skills and to enjoy the energy and positivity of the Friesian horse. Group sizes are 3-5 riders and you are free to watch other lessons when you aren't riding.

After a couple of days of lessons, you transfer the horses to the beach and get to experience the freedom and exhilaration of cantering along the sands and through the surf as a group. This day is the highlight for most people!

During your stay you will be involved in all preparations with your allocated horse, including grooming, tacking up, loading for the transfer to the beach, washing off etc. It's a fully immersive experience with these stunning and sociable stallions.

In order to support and develop your riding, daily yoga classes are offered. You will be able to work on your breathing, strength, mobility and balance. The teacher is an experienced rider who, through yoga, will help you understand how your position in the saddle can be more efficient and avoid injuries.

Please note that all riders who book this tour will be asked to submit a short video clip of you riding on the flat in an arena - this helps the instructors to allocate you the correct horse before you arrive. Once you've confirmed your place on the ride your hosts will contact you directly by WhatsApp to request the video.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Quality English-style dressage saddles and leather bridles

Horses

Friesian Stallions

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Friesian Dressage and Beach Ride is a based ride

Ages

13 years or older (there are no small horses/ponies)

Health

General good health

Weight

None within reason

Food & Accommodation

Food

Breakfast will typically be a continental buffet served at your villa residence. This will usually include cuts of cold meats and cheese, fresh bread, a selection of jams and preserves, cereal, yoghurt, a choice of seasonal fruit and sometimes cakes or pastries too, as well as a choice of juices, coffee and tea.

Lunch will often be a light meal, including salad packed with local produce, fresh bread and a selection of meats and cheeses. Each day, your lunch will either be taken back at the villa or will be served as a picnic in a scenic spot adjacent to the rides.

Dinners are usually at the villa and include classic Spanish dishes with a local touch. The area is particularly well renowned for paella and tasty fresh seafood.

Accommodation

You stay in one of three holiday villas which are located 10-15 minutes from the riding centre. All of the villas have either pedestrian access to the sea, a swimming pool (depending on the season) or beautiful mountain views. The main difference between the three properties used is their capacity and they are chosen to accommodate groups depending on their dynamics and size.

Each house offers a choice of bedrooms including twins, doubles and single rooms but the villas usually have 2-3 bathrooms which are shared between all those staying in the house. The houses also feature shared sitting rooms and kitchens, as well as outdoor seating areas perfect for alfresco dining during the warm Spanish evenings.

Itineraries

Friesian Dressage and Beach Ride Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-Riders can accompany their riding partners. No activities are provided, but they can relax whilst their partners ride, or hire a car and explore the local area at their leisure.

Non-riders can also join the yoga classes.

Travel

The nearest airports are Barcelona or Valencia, with the former having most options.

Transfers are not available, so we recommend either the bus or train, however, you can also take a taxi (c. 230 Euro each way).

From Barcelona airport you can take a bus directly from the terminal to S. Carles Rapita or Les Cases de Alcanar depending on your accommodation (we'll confirm once you've booked). Tickets can be purchased online and cost c. 25 euro. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.

If you prefer the train, then you should take a bus from the airport to the train station (Sants in Barcelona or Estacio del Nord in Valencia). You then take a train to Vinaros where you are collected and transferred to your accommodation. Trains take c. 2-2.5 hours and cost 15-22 Euro depending on which city you depart from.

Testimonials

Kim D., Oct. 17, 2023

Amazing experience with nice instructors, posh accommodations, excellent food and a fantastic group of ladies from all over the world to ride and bond with. Favourite memory? The beach ride at dawn was epic!


Lorraine W., Oct. 13, 2023

The only riding holiday I've ever repeated and it was just as good as the first time. Favourite memory? The sound of 10 perfectly behaved Friesian stallions cantering down the beach together! I was paired with the same horse as last time, the amazing Karolus and I got on great with him. The tack is in great condition and the saddles very comfortable. Different villa than last time and it was equally beautiful and comfortable. Fabulous garden with pool and beach view. Phillipe's food is incredible - I don't eat fish and was well accommodated with alternatives.


Lorraine W., Oct. 27, 2022

Unforgettable! Favourite memory? The feeling of the first time cantering on a Friesian! Accommodation/Food? The villa was so spacious and comfortable, Phillip's food was so fresh and flavoursome. Horses? I was happy with my first horse but was asked to swap with another rider and I was happy with the new horse too. The tack was in perfect condition. Guides? Oscar didn't speak English so Matilda and Sara translated, but he had a lovely calm and patient demeanour, the lessons were well paced, so much fun with plenty of canter, and nice cool downs for the horses. It was perfect.


Lyn G., May 13, 2022

Totally unique experience, amazing horses, wonderful hosts, villa food, etc. Excellent yoga tuition, full itinerary. The accommodation was spacious and comfortable with lovely outside areas too. The food was excellent and plentiful. Very good "ride with your mind" style tuition and yoga. (Favourite memory?) Eight black stallions together on the beach!


Ceryl J, May 11, 2022

What an experience! If you want to ride beautiful quality horses then look no further. This holiday is by far the very best and I can hand on heart say it surely would be impossible to find anything better. Favourite memory has to be 'Oke' my beautiful Friesian horse. I have never met a Friesian, let alone ridden one. These stallions are truly incredible not only in beauty and stature but a temperament like no other. If I could have I would have brought him home with me.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Friday

Riding: No riding.

Today is an arrival day. You should aim to arrive anytime from 3pm to allow time to settle in, enjoy some welcome snacks, meet the rest of your group and have a restorative yoga session to ease aching muscles after your flights. A welcome dinner with your hosts where they will also try to teach you a few Spanish words!

Day 2 - Saturday

Riding: 2 hours

After breakfast you are transferred to the stables to meet the horses. You will be allocated your horse dependent on your experience and will be expected to groom, saddle and bridle your own horse. This is a great time to bond with your mount. Your first dressage lesson will be this morning. The lessons are usually in groups of 4 riders and to start with your focus will be on getting used to the big paces of the Friesian horses. 

During and after lunch, Sara your instructor will share some 'tips and tricks' before you have a siesta. After you have rested it is time for your second lesson where you will really start to get to grips with your horse and discover how beautifully they move. After your lesson you will wash down your horse and then you can watch the rest of your group have their lessons. At the end of the day you transfer back to the villa for dinner. Another yoga session is also available during the day if you wish, but you must request it.

Day 3 - Sunday

Riding: 2 hours

Today there will be something a bit different to enjoy. You will have a shorter morning dressage lesson then a surprise activity - rest assured - it will be a very special Sunday afternoon.

Day 4 - Monday

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

The day you've been waiting for! Firstly you'll help to load your horse and then you set off for the fantastic beach at Delta del Ebro. Mount up and set off down the beach where you'll be able to trot and canter along the sand and through the surf. The sight of 8 majestic Friesian stallions thundering down the beach is certainly one you'll never forget! Please note: The beach ride is dependent on weather conditions.

After travelling the horses back to the stables it's time for lunch before your departure to the airport. 

NB. Please note that timings of the beach ride may vary depending on the season and the number of tourists on the beach, so the itinerary is just a guide

Accommodation

Each night spent in single/ twin/double rooms in a seaside hotel.
Experience Experienced

You need to be a capable rider who is confident both riding and handling a stallion. You must be competent in canter/gallop on a forward going horse in open spaces. Please note that all riders who book this tour will be asked to submit a short video clip of you riding on the flat in an arena - this helps the instructors to allocate you the correct horse before you arrive.
Minimum group size 5
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

April 25, 2025 - April 28, 2025

May 2, 2025 - May 5, 2025

Pricing

2025
Non-Rider, sharing		 £580 $735 €700
2025
Rider, sharing		 £1165 $1470 €1395
Included 3 nights accommodation, 3 days of riding, all meals from dinner on arrival day until lunch on departure day and wine with dinners.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, personal travel insurance, drinks, snacks, additional lessons, massages, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2025 - Single Supplement £82 $104 €99
Paid to Far and Ride
Single rooms are subject to availability
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.