THE HORSES

THE HORSES

The Horses

“The Andalusian horse is
spirited, strong, temperamental and
of unquestionable courage.
The counterpoint of these qualities is
his docility, being a very sensitive horse,
obedient, and easy to handle.
The Andalusian horse possesses,
through inheritance, a measured and
balanced command of his movements
and he is a delight to ride».

“The Andalusian horse is
spirited, strong, temperamental and
of unquestionable courage.
The counterpoint of these qualities is
his docility, being a very sensitive horse,
obedient, and easy to handle.
The Andalusian horse possesses,
through inheritance, a measured and
balanced command of his movements
and he is a delight to ride».

The Horses

Our beautiful and beautifully trained horses are a delight to ride. They are excellent Andalusian and Hispano-Arab, about 15-16hh, with a very kind eye. Very well trained, sure-footed, good-natured, well behaved, fit and fun to ride. They have excellent ground manners. We only dedicate our horses to the riding holidays, as we love the horses and the nature. We firmly believe that they enjoy the rides, despite all the hard work, and, the fact that only experienced riders join our rides, keeps them lively, willing and sensitive. They all have a basic training in dressage and they will fulfil experienced riders’ expectations. The best compliment for us is when you praise the quality of our horses.

Pure Horse Life

The horses in Gredos live as close to Nature as working horses can live. LEARN MORE

The perfect “marriage”: matching horse and rider

All our horses have a very distinctive personality and character. LEARN MORE

Riders´ requirements

Our rides are geared towards the competent rider and suit those with a reasonable amount of riding experience. LEARN MORE

What our guests say

Horses 1

“The horses were beautiful, lively and fun to ride but so well schooled that we all felt really well looked after by them. I also loved seeing how beautifully they are looked after and their herd lifestyle, which clearly makes for very happy, relaxed animals.

 

SB (UK)

Horses 2

“Maria Elena’s ability to ‘marry’ the rider with a suitable horse was most impressive. She was kind, considerate and a brilliant hostess”.

 

SG (USA)

Horses 3

“The horses were beautifully looked after and cherished and obviously cared for greatly which for me made the ride as you felt they enjoyed is as much as we did”.

 

JW (UK)

Horses 4

" Maria Elena was truly delightful, her horses were all well cared for and she really took care to partner the right horses and riders together. By far the best European ride we have been on".

 

J&A C (UK)

Horses 5

“This was a fabulous holiday – carefully planned and executed. Maria Elena inspired confidence and matched horses to riders very well. My daughter got the horse of her dreams and still talks about him”.

 

JM (Australia)

Horses 6

“Almost everyone achieved a relationship with their horse, and most of us wanted to take them home."

 

RB (UK)

Horses 7

"Thank you for giving us all such a lovely view of Gredos. Beautifully behaved horses - I want to take mine home!"

 

PN (Canada)

Horses 8

"Thank you for a wonderful week. I never expected such a super horse, scenery, food and company. Superb!"

 

DU (USA)

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PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Type of horses

Type of rider

Matching Horse and Rider

Type of saddles

Type of bridles and bits

Seat savers and saddle bags

Type of riding

Horse care

Safety

Our horses are "professionals" of the long week rides. We only dedicate our horses to this work, as we love the horses and the nature. We firmly believe that they enjoy the rides, despite all the hard work, and, the fact that only fairly experienced riders join our rides, keeps them lively, willing and sensitive.
The best compliment for us is when you praise the quality of our horses. They are excellent Hispano-Arab, Andalusian, Lusitano and Arab horses, about 15-16hh. Very well trained, sure-footed, good-natured, well behaved, fit and fun to ride. We take great pride in our ability to match horse and rider. They all have a basic training in dressage and will fulfil experienced riders' expectations. CLOSE

Type of horses



Our rides are geared towards the competent rider and suit those with a reasonable amount of riding experience. On all our trips you will be riding for about five or six hours a day and so a reasonable level of riding fitness will ensure you get the most of our holidays.
Weight limit is 90Kgs or 200lbs.
We can exceptionally accommodate riders slightly over the weight limit but only if they are fit competent and light riders.
We get some riders with little experience outdoors; some riders with only experience riding on riding holidays; we get rusty riders who need to build confidence and fitness back; fox-hunting groups; and we’ve even had Grand National Jockeys and an eventing Gold medallist at the Olympics. We sure will have a horse for you! CLOSE

Type of rider



We take great pride in our ability to match horse and rider. All our horses have a very distinctive personality and character. They are independent, generous, and they all have a very kind eye. María Elena takes great pride in her ability to match horse and rider, which is of the utmost importance to ensure you all love your horses and have the most fun, safe and memorable riding experience.
It is very important that you fill in all the information about your riding experience when booking one of our rides. We always take the time to talk to each of you individually when you arrive, but it definitely helps to choose the right horse for you. I must say that sometimes, just seeing you in person tells me which horse to give you. My objective is that by the end of the first day riding you are all convinced you got the best horse. CLOSE

Matching Horse and Rider



Most of the saddles are General purpose/All purpose Leather saddles 18”. We also have some wider trekking saddles, some dressage saddles, and some comfortable synthetic saddles for heavier riders. We check saddle fitting on a regular basis and use back protectors and cotton saddle pads. All the girths have girth sleeves or sheepskin protectors. All the saddles are equipped with breastplates. It takes years of experience, but we never have a saddle sore or girth sore in our rides. All our tack is kept in great condition with excellent leather balm and cleaned in depth after and before every ride. All our tack comes from our local tack shop and most of the saddles are Spanish made in Salamanca. We have had some riders shipping a saddle from our local supplier home. CLOSE

Type of saddles



We mostly use soft snaffles and some straight rubber or broken pelhams, depending on the age and the training of the horses. All our horses have a very soft, sensitive and light mouth. They are used to being ridden with contact, a light contact but enough to help the balance at the different paces. As often said around horses in Spain, the mouth is “the 5th” leg of a horse. .
We use English style leather bridles, with nose band, and we often add a leather fly fringe made in the local leather shop. Most of our reins are leather and kept very soft and agreeable to the hands, We do have some braded ones or rubber ones for the ones of you who like more grip. CLOSE

Type of bridles and bits



We provide cushion silicon seat savers covered with suede, upon request. Our saddles are very comfortable, but some riders are not used to the long hours in the saddle and appreciate the extra padding.
We provide small saddle bags attached to the front of the saddle, to fit the water bottler we provide and small things such as sunscreen, cameras, or light raincoat or fleece. We do not like to carry unnecessary weight on the horses as the support vehicle meets the group mid-morning for the aperitivos and at lunch so extra clothes, or books, or swimsuits can go in a day bag in the car. CLOSE

Seat savers and saddle bags



The Gredos rides offer a moderate pace with great opportunities for trots and canters. You will be riding for about five or six hours a day and so a reasonable level of riding fitness will ensure you get the most of our holidays. The Gredos rides can be tailored for private groups with mixed abilities. We can cater for families with children, strong beginners or riders who need to build their confidence or fitness, to enjoy full days riding through open countryside; or “rusty” riders who are willing to get back in the saddle. .
Segovia is our most energetic ride with long cross-country canters through open countryside. Sevilla offers excellent footing for riding and great canters through the forest and on the beach but riders need to be skilful enough to keep the horses collected, strong seat and legs will definitely help. The riding in Menorca is slow but technical and challenging due to the terrain, and not apt for riders scared of heights, but with every step you will appreciate the quality and the fitness of the horses. .
Please read the information provided in the section Horses and Riding for each ride. CLOSE

Type of riding



The Equiberia team is in charge of the care of the horses to the highest standards. The feeding, the grooming and tacking of the horses is done by the team. Mane and tail conditioner, hoof oil, fly spray, any little cuts, or bites… everything is checked and cared for. Horses spend the nights free in the fields, brough in in the morning for breakfast and tied up for grooming and saddling up. At the lunch stops we take bridles off and put head collars/halters on, and riders are welcome to do it but there will always be assistance. At the end of the day, most of the days, the horses stay in a pasture at the hotel where the guests stay. Guests usually help with the showers of the horses at the end of the day. Riders are welcome to help around the horses if they wish always supervised by the team that is in charge. All the horses are shod by a professional farrier and all four shoes have small studs for extra grip and to save the shoes for the long rides. One rider once said: “If I were a horse, I would move to Gredos and be an Equiberia horse”. CLOSE

Horse care



The first rule of safety is to implement all the routines to make every ride safe for the riders and for the horses. Our most important principle is to get back home at the end of the week with all the horses and riders in great shape. Our years of experience prove so. Our groups of average 8 riders – maximum 10 riders are always escorted by at least 2 guides, The horses and sound, fit and used to live as a herd so they get along well what allows the group to ride together comfortably, always aware of the basic rules knowing horses behaviour that will be reminded by the guides. We get riders from all over the world who are comfortable and confident on a off the horse, but as we sometimes do things in a slightly different way it is always worth explaining how we do things. When booking your ride, we will advise you the ride that best suits your wishes and your ability, and when possible we’ll try to accommodate you in a group of similar riding level to ensure safety of the group at all paces. .
Riding helmets are strongly encouraged. We can provide some but you should preferably bring your own. CLOSE

Safety



Type of horses

Type of rider

Matching Horse and Rider

Our horses are "professionals" of the long week rides. We only dedicate our horses to this work, as we love the horses and the nature. We firmly believe that they enjoy the rides, despite all the hard work, and, the fact that only fairly experienced riders join our rides, keeps them lively, willing and sensitive.
The best compliment for us is when you praise the quality of our horses. They are excellent Hispano-Arab, Andalusian, Lusitano and Arab horses, about 15-16hh. Very well trained, sure-footed, good-natured, well behaved, fit and fun to ride. We take great pride in our ability to match horse and rider. They all have a basic training in dressage and will fulfil experienced riders' expectations. CLOSE

Type of horses



Our rides are geared towards the competent rider and suit those with a reasonable amount of riding experience. On all our trips you will be riding for about five or six hours a day and so a reasonable level of riding fitness will ensure you get the most of our holidays.
Weight limit is 90Kgs or 200lbs.
We can exceptionally accommodate riders slightly over the weight limit but only if they are fit competent and light riders.
We get some riders with little experience outdoors; some riders with only experience riding on riding holidays; we get rusty riders who need to build confidence and fitness back; fox-hunting groups; and we’ve even had Grand National Jockeys and an eventing Gold medallist at the Olympics.
We sure will have a horse for you! CLOSE

Type of rider



We take great pride in our ability to match horse and rider. All our horses have a very distinctive personality and character. They are independent, generous, and they all have a very kind eye. María Elena takes great pride in her ability to match horse and rider, which is of the utmost importance to ensure you all love your horses and have the most fun, safe and memorable riding experience.
It is very important that you fill in all the information about your riding experience when booking one of our rides. We always take the time to talk to each of you individually when you arrive, but it definitely helps to choose the right horse for you. I must say that sometimes, just seeing you in person tells me which horse to give you. My objective is that by the end of the first day riding you are all convinced you got the best horse. CLOSE

Matching Horse and Rider



Type of saddles

Type of bridles and bits

Seat savers and saddle bags

Most of the saddles are General purpose/All purpose Leather saddles 18”. We also have some wider trekking saddles, some dressage saddles, and some comfortable synthetic saddles for heavier riders. We check saddle fitting on a regular basis and use back protectors and cotton saddle pads. All the girths have girth sleeves or sheepskin protectors. All the saddles are equipped with breastplates. It takes years of experience, but we never have a saddle sore or girth sore in our rides. All our tack is kept in great condition with excellent leather balm and cleaned in depth after and before every ride. All our tack comes from our local tack shop and most of the saddles are Spanish made in Salamanca. We have had some riders shipping a saddle from our local supplier home. CLOSE

Type of saddles



We mostly use soft snaffles and some straight rubber or broken pelhams, depending on the age and the training of the horses. All our horses have a very soft, sensitive and light mouth. They are used to being ridden with contact, a light contact but enough to help the balance at the different paces. As often said around horses in Spain, the mouth is “the 5th” leg of a horse.
We use English style leather bridles, with nose band, and we often add a leather fly fringe made in the local leather shop. Most of our reins are leather and kept very soft and agreeable to the hands, We do have some braded ones or rubber ones for the ones of you who like more grip. CLOSE

Type of bridles and bits



We provide cushion silicon seat savers covered with suede, upon request. Our saddles are very comfortable, but some riders are not used to the long hours in the saddle and appreciate the extra padding.
We provide small saddle bags attached to the front of the saddle, to fit the water bottler we provide and small things such as sunscreen, cameras, or light raincoat or fleece. We do not like to carry unnecessary weight on the horses as the support vehicle meets the group mid-morning for the aperitivos and at lunch so extra clothes, or books, or swimsuits can go in a day bag in the car. CLOSE

Seat savers and saddle bags



Type of riding

Horse care

Safety

The Gredos rides offer a moderate pace with great opportunities for trots and canters. You will be riding for about five or six hours a day and so a reasonable level of riding fitness will ensure you get the most of our holidays. The Gredos rides can be tailored for private groups with mixed abilities. We can cater for families with children, strong beginners or riders who need to build their confidence or fitness, to enjoy full days riding through open countryside; or “rusty” riders who are willing to get back in the saddle. .
Segovia is our most energetic ride with long cross-country canters through open countryside. Sevilla offers excellent footing for riding and great canters through the forest and on the beach but riders need to be skilful enough to keep the horses collected, strong seat and legs will definitely help. The riding in Menorca is slow but technical and challenging due to the terrain, and not apt for riders scared of heights, but with every step you will appreciate the quality and the fitness of the horses. .
Please read the information provided in the section Horses and Riding for each ride. CLOSE

Type of riding



The Equiberia team is in charge of the care of the horses to the highest standards. The feeding, the grooming and tacking of the horses is done by the team. Mane and tail conditioner, hoof oil, fly spray, any little cuts, or bites… everything is checked and cared for. Horses spend the nights free in the fields, brough in in the morning for breakfast and tied up for grooming and saddling up. At the lunch stops we take bridles off and put head collars/halters on, and riders are welcome to do it but there will always be assistance. At the end of the day, most of the days, the horses stay in a pasture at the hotel where the guests stay. Guests usually help with the showers of the horses at the end of the day. Riders are welcome to help around the horses if they wish always supervised by the team that is in charge. All the horses are shod by a professional farrier and all four shoes have small studs for extra grip and to save the shoes for the long rides. One rider once said: “If I were a horse, I would move to Gredos and be an Equiberia horse”. CLOSE

Horse care



The first rule of safety is to implement all the routines to make every ride safe for the riders and for the horses. Our most important principle is to get back home at the end of the week with all the horses and riders in great shape. Our years of experience prove so. Our groups of average 8 riders – maximum 10 riders are always escorted by at least 2 guides, The horses and sound, fit and used to live as a herd so they get along well what allows the group to ride together comfortably, always aware of the basic rules knowing horses behaviour that will be reminded by the guides. We get riders from all over the world who are comfortable and confident on a off the horse, but as we sometimes do things in a slightly different way it is always worth explaining how we do things. When booking your ride, we will advise you the ride that best suits your wishes and your ability, and when possible we’ll try to accommodate you in a group of similar riding level to ensure safety of the group at all paces. .
Riding helmets are strongly encouraged. We can provide some but you should preferably bring your own. CLOSE

Safety