Horse riding

With its rich variety of landscapes and consistently beautiful scenery, Las Alpujarras and the Sierra Nevada mountains offers some of the most spectacular horse riding countryside in Europe.

Less than one hour from the Mediterranean sea and with more than 20 peaks over 3,000 metres the region boasts many diverse micro climates, flora and geological formations.  Riding through this landscape is an unforgettable experience.

Explore the ancient Moorish bridle paths linking the picturesque mountain villages and terraced farms of the Alpujarras and follow the old droving routes and paths over the high Sierras.  Experience the wilderness and beauty of the mountains, their vastness and ever-changing panoramic views.

There are three organisations providing horse riding services in and around Órgiva.  Two of these are based in the mountains and one just up the road from Rural Paradise.  The latter offers rides around Órgiva and in particular along the Río Guadalfeo valley.

John Bishop (of UK comedian and television fame) spent time at Caballo Blanco and wrote an article for the Guardian newspaper, see here.

We are happy to make bookings on your behalf or you can contact the service providers direct.

 

Pegasus Riding Centre

The Pegasus Riding Centre is located just a short walk from Rural Paradise along the same road, Camino de la Estrella, in the direction of Órgiva.

The centre is run by horse lovers, for horse lovers.  Their objective is to provide a full horse riding experience for locals and visitors to this, one of the most beautiful areas of Spain.  Whether you are looking for just a gentle session in their arena or a more adventurous trek through the valley, they would love to welcome you.

Enjoy a morning horse ride through the scenery made famous by Chris Stewart in his book “Driving Over Lemons”.  In the evening, maybe try some fancy footwork in their arena and watch the sun go down over the spectacular mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Lújar ranges.

Their highly qualified instructors are happy to teach both complete novices and more experienced riders alike.  Everything from how to take your very first steps on horseback right through to Showjumping or Dressage.

For more information please look here.

Caballo Blanco Horse Riding & Trekking Centre

Sarah Vesey established the riding centre in 1993.  Since then it has grown to become one of the leading and most well known equestrian centres in Andalucía.

They offer horse riding holidays in Spain´s most southern mountain range.  They are situated on a small plateau at a height of 1,200 metres above the spa town of Lanjarón.  Wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, hills and Sierra Nevada mountains are evident in all directions.  You can even see the coastline of Africa on a clear day!

Their horses are fully trained to be ridden either western style or traditional style.  They have a wide choice of horses of varying ages to suit the beginner and advanced rider.

Short treks of an hour or more available daily.  Riding lessons are available by the hour.  

Easy hacks or challenging trail rides, there is something here for all.  They have a varied choice of ride from 1 hour to a 8 day multi-day trail ride high in the mountains.

For more information please look here.

Sierra Trails

Enjoy top quality well bred Andalusian horses that are responsive, happy and well cared for.  Their horses are their way of life, not just a business.  Pure bred Andalucían (PRE) and Andalucían Arab or Sport horse crosses, ranging from 14.3 to 16.1 hands.  Some of the horses are home bred, others came as youngsters, most of them stay with them for life.

Spring, late summer and autumn explores the ancient Moorish bridle paths linking the picturesque mountain villages and terraced farms of the Alpujarras.

Summer follows the old droving routes and paths over the high Sierras.  Experience the wilderness and beauty of the mountains, their vastness and ever-changing panoramic views.

The stables are open all year round, subject to weather conditions and availability.  The day rides are of between 6 and 7 hours duration.

Prices (at time of publishing):

  • Day rides with lunch included €95 exclusive of IVA (21% VAT), minimum 2 people.
  • 2 hour hacks €40 exclusive of IVA.
  • €15 for each additional hour.

For more information please look here.