Classical Dressage Clinic with Raphael Soto

Sunday: Afternoon transfer from the Sevilla train station at 4.30PM. Settle into your accommodations, a former palace in nearby downtown Carmona, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or an afternoon siesta. In the evening, you will be joined at the hotel by one of the Epona’s hosts, for a welcome dinner, where you will meet the rest of the week’s riders. Carmona is the oldest continuously inhabited village in Europe with narrow streets and fortified walls that hold the spirit of the Iberians, Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and other ancient peoples.

After some friendly introductions and conversation, you are free to spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, and to relax before the beginning of what we hope will be an unforgettable week. Welcome to Epona

After breakfast at the hotel and a quick transfer to Epona, enjoy a short guided tour and a chat with the instructors.

Your first group lesson will be an assessment with your instructor, who will note your good points and the areas which need to be worked upon. It is also the first chance for you to get used to your horse and the more sensitive style of riding required for the Andalusian and Iberian horses.

Today, you will also have the first of your lunge lessons which offer a wonderful opportunity to improve your seat, balance and posture.

Once the morning lessons are over, relax with a book on the terrace or in the comfortable guest lounge. You are also more than welcome to stay and sit by the arenas and watch the daily training of our horses.

Meet the rest of the group for lunch in our beautiful dining room and enjoy your first experience of typical Andalusian home cooking and sample our excellent local wine.

Afternoon dressage lesson. Dinner is an out of pocket expense through the week except for the welcome dinner on Sunday night and there are lots of restaurant options in Carmona within easy walking distance from the hotel.

Early breakfast and pick up at the hotel at 8:30 a.m. for the drive to Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz.

Jerez is internationally renowned for its production of sherry and brandy. However, the main attraction of this day will be the visit to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, and to see an equestrian performance titled, “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”.

Here you will have the privilege of seeing the magnificent Andalusian stallions at their best, at home in the breathtaking setting of their 18th Century palace and the riding hall. They will be performing piaffe, passage and the airs above the ground (courbette, capriole, etc) in a spectacle of light, music and colour.

(Vivi Garcia trained at the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre for four years and frequently performed in the show. Her mentor and trainer for the final two years was Rafael Soto.)

Please note: the additional cost for the Jerez trip and the “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” performance is €32.50

Return for a late lunch at Epona. Afternoon group dressage lesson.

As the week progresses so will your dressage, performing more advanced movements and to a higher standard.

Today you will have two group lessons (morning and afternoon) and you will be working on some of the exercises you will encounter during your Rafael Soto sessions. This is so you are fully prepared to get the very best out of all four of your private lessons with him.

Once your lessons are over feel free to stay and continue observing the daily training of the geldings, mares and stallions, from young and green to very advanced. We also train the schoolmasters regularly to keep them sensitive and in good shape so that our guests can enjoy and get the most out of their lessons with them.

Lunch at Epona. Followed by an afternoon dressage lesson.

Group dressage lesson in the morning.

Today, you will also have your second lunge lesson. By now, you will have a good understanding of the importance of a secure and balanced position. This second lunge lesson will give you an opportunity to work on any areas that need improving and will set you up nicely for your final two days of dressage training with Rafael Soto. Lunch at Epona.

After a relaxing afternoon back in Carmona, get ready to visit the historical heart of Seville.

Here you can visit a tack shop, always a highlight and after a quick walk around it is then time for a classical Flamenco Show. The show features dancers of national and international fame, traditional singers and wonderful flamenco guitar. This Flamenco show is optional and has an additional cost of €35.

Alternatively, stroll the streets around the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the palaces and mansions that are a part of this world famous city. The photo opportunities are endless and you will be spoiled for choice. There are also many shops and cafes in the city center, so there’s lot’s to do before it’s time to meet up with the others for dinner.

After the show it is a short walk to the typical Spanish night market where you can choose your own meal, from a range of Spanish and International cuisine, accompanied, of course, by some superb Spanish wine.

Today enjoy two private dressage lessons with Olympic silver medalist, Rafael Soto.

Depending on your ability, you will be performing the more advanced movements with improved confidence, knowledge and technique today.

You will be able to watch the other lessons, which gives you yet another learning opportunity, all helping to make this a very informative and enjoyable day, all the while alongside like minded and supportive fellow riders.

Lunch at Epona.

Two private lessons with Rafael Soto.

This is the day you will be able to consolidate everything you have worked on during the week, under the ever watchful eye of Rafael Soto. As Rafael knows the Epona horses so well, his four lessons will be progressive and relevant to your individual needs.

Today he will help you get the best out of your horse and, most importantly, yourself.

You will then be presented with the Epona ‘Intensive Training and Dressage Clinic with Rafael Soto’ Diploma while we toast with delicious spanish cava.
Afterwards view the video of one of Rafael’s most legendary rides, aboard his impressive PRE Invasor on his way to winning his Olympic medal. Rafael’s commentary during the projection of this video is an experience in itself!

Afterwards, it’s time for goodbyes and last minute pictures of your new Epona friends, animal and human.

Lunch at Epona.

Enjoy at your leisure the last relaxing evening in Carmona.

Complimentary transport is offered to the airport and train station – the first trip will be at 8.00 am and the second will be at 11.00 am.

If you require a different departure time or day from the hotel to the airport or train station, please let us know, and we can organize a taxi for you. You will pay the driver in person and the transfer time is usually less than 25 minutes to both the airport and the station.

Have a safe onward journey and we look forward to welcoming you back