Riding in the country, trial riding in Spain plus Tours of Castilla La Mancha, option C

Half day Riding in the Country + afternoon Tours of the Region (Option C )

See also:

Mornings - Riding in the Country.

This option may be enjoyed by novice to experienced riders, but is not suitable for beginners.

Each day the ride follows a different route, starting from the centre in the morning, and you can expect 2 to 3 hours in the saddle (this can be varied according to riders preferences).

You will ride on ancient tracks through spectacular scenery, sometimes teeming with butterflies and birdlife and rich in wildflowers during the spring, through pine woods, time-worn arroyos, through vineyards, olive, almond and apricot groves and from the tops of our small mountains enjoy huge views to the wide horizon.

On Wednesday mornings we leave you free to relax or explore the market town of Hellin (Wednesday morning market). In the afternoon you can relax at the Centre, or take a tour in the country.

The Horses

Predominantly Purebred Spanish horses, some Portuguese Lusitanos and Tres Sangres. Our horses have great 'spirit', yet are gentle and intelligent. You may learn as much from the horses as from the instructors! Our more experienced horses are capable of elevated movements and High School work as well as good extension and they move with lightness, collection and with excellent balance and cadence. More advanced riders can experience the horse of the 'masters' of years gone by.

More details of our horses can be found under the heading 'Horses' in 'Riding Holidays', or - Click here to see our horses

Afternoon - Tours of the Region

A different tour each day which could typically include; visiting a Spanish horse stud, ride in a carriage with a team of Spanish horses, visit a working bull ranch, see the source of the Rio Mundo in the mountains of the Sierra de Alcaraz, visit castles and historic buildings, wine routes and the ancient town of Jumilla, or a trip to the coast. You have the opportunity to let us know your preferences on the Booking Form and we always try to base our tours around individual tastes wherever possible.

Itinerary

Day one (Saturday)

We pick you up from Alicante or St Javier (Murcia) airport, or Albacete or Hellin train station and take you to your hotel (see booking form for times).

Depending on flight arrival times, you may have time to unpack your bags, freshen up, or enjoy a drink in the hotel’s bar before we collect you and take you to a local restaurant or to the riding centre for a 'welcome' meal, where you can meet other riders, relax, or discuss the riding or tours (options C & D).

Note that if your flight arrives after 18.00 then you may miss this first meal, but snacks are available at the hotels.

Day two (Sunday)

After your hotel breakfast we collect you and take you to the riding centre (approx 12 minutes drive) to meet your horse, ride in our school and get acquainted. After lunch you can enjoy your first ride out.

Evening

After your evening meal, at the Centre or a local restaurant, you may want to watch any of Yeguada Iberica’s horses that may be working, relax at our bar, walk under the stars, or perhaps just be taken back to your hotel, stroll around Hellin by yourselves, visit the bars and clubs, swimming pool, bowling alley, or just enjoy a walk in the park. The choice is yours.

Days three to seven (Monday to Friday)

Mornings

Riding in the Country: ride on ancient tracks through spectacular scenery, teeming with butterflies and birdlife and rich in wildflowers during the spring, through pine woods, time-worn arroyos, through vineyards and olive, almond and apricot groves and from the tops of our small mountains enjoy breathtaking views to the wide horizon.

Note: On Wednesday (only) mornings we leave you free to relax or explore the market town of Hellin (morning market).

Afternoons

A different tour each day which could typically include; visiting a Spanish horse stud, ride in a carriage with Spanish horses, visit a working ranch, see the source of the Rio Mundo in the mountains of the Sierra de Alcaraz, visit castles and historic buildings, wine routes and town of Jumilla, or a trip to the coast. You have the opportunity to state your preferences on the Booking Form and we always try to base our tours around individual tastes wherever possible.

Evenings

Day eight (Saturday)

We will collect you at a pre-arranged time (see booking form) to return you to your airport. Note that on your departure day your 'inclusive' holiday includes breakfast at your hotel but if your flight is very early you may miss this.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Fully Inclusive/Full Board 3, 4 or 7 night holidays include:

Transfer from Alicante or San Javier (Murcia) airports, or Albacete or Hellin rail station, to your hotel & return.
Choice of excellent hotel accommodation (just 12 minutes from the Centre) plus breakfast (see 'Food' reference Sunday breakfast at hotel Hellin). Transport to and from your hotel and the riding centre.
All evening and mid-day meals (except Wednesday lunch), including drinks with meals (beer/wine/soft drinks).
Your choice of riding activity (Options A, B, C, D, E or Classical Riding).
Options C, D & F include afternoon Tours of the Region.
Enjoy the facilities at the Centre (bar, sun and shade terraces etc), watch any riders in the school, enjoy walks or mountain bike in the country, explore the town of Hellin, swim at the pool in our local village of Tobarra (July and August), or simply relax at the centre.

Note: Prices do not include flights as this allows you to get the best prices from the many airlines servicing your choice of the two airports. (Or from Madrid & take the 2½ hour express

train to Albacete, where we can collect you). You always have the choice to spend some time shopping (Wednesday morning market) or just relaxing on your own or at the Centre, or walking on the surrounding tracks through pine woods and vineyards.

ACCOMMODATION

last updated 11 Apr 2009

We have chosen for you two excellent hotels in the market town of Hellin, approximately 12 minutes drive from the riding centre. We ensure you have an enjoyable holiday, good food, drink and surroundings and with well trained horses, but we put your accommodation in the expert hands of either of these two caring and hospitable hoteliers.

Hotel Hellin

On the edge of Hellin approximately 15 minutes walk from the town centre.

Rooms are en-suite. All double/twin rooms are air conditioned, most single rooms have air conditioning. TV in all rooms. Breakfast room, bar/café, restaurant.

Note that this hotel does not serve breakfast on Sunday mornings (there is a bar opposite the hotel or a late breakfast can be taken at the Centre - see 'Food' below).

A guide to the hotel is at http://hotelkey.com/hotel-hh-52-en/hellin.html

Hotel Emilio

Excellent modern 3 star (the part of the hotel you stay in is actually 4 star) hotel in Hellin approximately 8 minutes walk from the town centre.

The spacious modern rooms are en-suite & air conditioned. TV/satellite. Internet connection (you can purchase a card at reception). Room safe.

This is a modern hotel with mini-bar, breakfast room, bar/café, restaurant, but with a traditional Spanish bar and restaurant. Without exception our guests have enthused about this hotel.

See hotel's own website for more details - www.hremilio.com