Why Choose Viva Iberica?

There are many choices of holiday destination and you may not know the area

and most likely not know the people running the centre and how they will look after you.

Therefore we have drawn up this list of information you may find helpful,

but please call us if there are any questions you need to ask if you can't find the answers here.

Do you have horses that will suit me?

Do you really have horses that can cope with novices, intermediate or advanced riders or suitable for children? Can they carry heavier people as well as lightweights? Do you have a good choice of horses?

We normally have around 50 horses at the Centre with usually around half in work. As we try to limit our 'country' riding holidays to 6 riders, plus guides, and the intensive schooling courses to 4 riders, we rarely have problems in matching you with a horse to suit and that you will enjoy. Some of our smaller mares are quiet and gentle and can give children of 10 years or more a safe ride. We have some larger horses that are strong and solid, with plenty of bone and they can carry heavier people without problem. We have a mix of predominantly Spanish but also Lusitano, Hispano-Arabe and Tres-Sangres, so we can safely cover most aspects of riding. We believe we offer the unique opportunity for competent riders to be able to ride genuine 'schoolmasters' not only in the school but out in the country as well.

More information about our horses: Horses

Will the abilities of other riders affect my holiday?

If I find I have to ride with children or inexperienced riders, will my holiday be tailored to suit them rather than me?

We split rides and/or school training to suit individual riders wherever we can and with 3 guides on site and a 4th on standby there are usually no problems in taking out, or teaching, different rides/abilities simultaneously, although we do not usually take children of less than 10 years out in the country.

Who will be our guides and/or trainers?

Also, will I have help with the language? Will I have an experienced guide to lead me on rides? Will I benefit from qualified instruction?

Some of our guides and trainers hold BHS qualifications and all are members of the Spanish Equestrian Federation, carrying appropriate insurance. All but one are bi-lingual. For more information reference guides see: Guides

What safety arrangements are there when riding out (or in the riding school)?

Some of our staff have passed and hold current Spanish Red Cross first aid certificates. Guides carry mobile telephones and can access our Centre or the emergency services should the need ever arise when out on a ride. We have on hand a driver with intimate knowledge of all the rides, and a 4 x 4 vehicle, should any rider need assistance and a lift back to base, or elsewhere. The riding centre is only 2km from a comprehensive medical centre with doctors on hand 24/7 and only 8km from a major hospital with emergency services.

What's the riding out like?

Do I have to ride on paved roads, open lots of gates, cope with passing traffic or ride through towns?

The answer to all the above is NO. The riding here is just fantastic! (And our 110 acre farm/centre backs on to a nature reserve). Ride out of our centre to the east and you can ride to the far horizon and further, through a mix of vineyards, olive groves, apricot orchards, pine woods, river beds, hills and ancient goat tracks. Or ride to the south through open countryside with huge views. To the west you can ride through fruit orchards, past old ruined fincas and watercourses.  We can even add to this choice with regular/repeat guests - when we can load the horses on our 9 horse truck and take a half hour trip to an area of forests, rivers and lakes, where we ride on tracks as if in another age, canter on the sandy beach of the largest lake and picnic undisturbed in areas of outstanding natural beauty. For more information about the area: Area

Are the facilities good and what track record does the centre have?

Although the centre is based within an ancient olive and almond farm, the current facilities are new. No expense has been spared to provide efficient, clean and comfortable accommodation for the horses and excellent facilities for guests. There is a bar (and kitchen facilities), tack shop, covered/shaded and open dining areas, viewing gallery over the main (65m x 25m) school, garden and areas to relax in. We also have a 120m x 60m driving/carriage area (can also be used for riding). A smaller covered school will be completed shortly. In the summer months guests can enjoy the local swimming pool, surrounded by grass areas, palm trees, a bar and restaurant.

The proprietors have a long experience in taking out rides and teaching, first on Exmoor with rides of 12 horse or more and then from their UK (Bedfordshire) centre. For the last 4 years they have been running the current centre in Tobarra, Spain, and many riders are repeat customers.

Viva Iberica is an official riding holiday centre supported by the Regional Government Rural Tourist board (Campos de Hellin) and included in their website www.camposdehellin.com/comarca/tobarra.htm

Also a licensed riding club in the community of Castilla La Mancha No. 3917/06 and affiliated to the Spanish National Equestrian Federation. The Premises and facilities meet the latest required health and safety standards and have a Licencia de Apertura de Establecimientos issued by the Ajuntamiento de Tobarra.

What is the accommodation like and where is it?  Communication?

Excellent modern hotels (for more hotel info see: Accommodation. Although only approximately a 12 minute drive from the Centre (and we provide all transport - there are no extra costs), you are not cut off from civilisation, being only a few minutes walk from the town centre of Hellin, a thriving market town with all modern amenities mixed with old world charm (and great nightlife). If you book Hotel Emilio the air conditioned rooms also have internet connection and satellite TV, as well as direct-dial telephones and terrestrial TV as in the other hotels. There is good coverage for mobile telephones at the Centre and from all hotels, towns etc. There are post offices, banks and modern shops in the village 2km from the centre as well as surrounding the hotels.

How do I get to the centre from the airport, or hotel?

We collect and return you at the start and end of your holiday and this is included in your holiday cost (see Booking Form). From Alicante airport it's just a gentle 1 hour 20 minute ride and from Murcia (St Javier) about 1 hour 10 minutes. We collect small groups in a comfortable 4 x 4 and larger groups in a new air conditioned mini-bus. All transport to and from the centre and your hotel (about 12 minutes each way) is also included in the price of your holiday. We offer a discount off the holiday price for guests who prefer to hire a car (or arrive by road).

Will my holiday be cancelled at the last minute if other bookings drop out or cancel?

No. Even if you are the sole visitor at the time you book we will provide all our normal facilities and hospitality and you will be able to join in with the stud staff's activities at the Centre. We will ensure you have company if and when you want it and guarantee to do our best to ensure your stay is enjoyable.

What's the food like? What if I have a special diet?

Good country Spanish food, or 'English' style meals or vegetarian and we endeavour to satisfy special diets, so we ask you to let us know your preferences on your Booking Form. For more information see: Food

Are there any extras I will have to pay for?

There are no other charges than shown on your booking form. Your holiday includes airport collection and return, travel to and from hotels, meals, drinks with lunch and evening meal, your choice of riding or activity, guides etc. All we ask you to pay for at reception before checking out are any min-bar, hotel bar, internet pay card or other items that you may have had charged to your room.

And don't forget - we have fabulous horses,

genuinely exceptional riding country,

good tuition, modern facilities,

excellent accommodation and great food.