The Stunning Poqueira Valley
The stables are situated in the spectacular valley Poqueira, above the picturesque villages of Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira at 1650 meters they are possibly the highest stables in Europe.
Close to the Costa Del Sol
Just over an hours drive to the coast, an hour and 15 minutes to Granada and a little over 2 hours from Malaga. Sierra Nevada covers an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometres in the provinces of Granada and Almeria in the south of Spain.
Incredible Sierra Nevada National Park
Sierra Nevada National park covers 86,210 hectares and the Natural Park another 86,000 hectares making it the largest park in Spain. With more than 20 peaks over 3,000 meters it forms the highest mountain range on mainland.
The many micro climates have given rise to the richest botanical life in Europe. 2,100 plants have been catalogued in the park, 60 of which are unique to the area.
Clients for the week rides will be collected from Malaga airport on the day the trek commences. The collection will be no later that 4pm.
Clients will be transferred to Malaga airport on the day of departure, the return transfer will leave Bubion no earlier than 7am. The transfer time is approximately two and a half hours from Bubion.
Granada airport is a one and a half hour drive from Bubion and private transfers can be arranged on request at extra cost.
Note to our guests: The road directions to the stables try to take you on a route that is not passable by car if you are coming from the East Side of Las Alpujarras. In this case, we recommend using the map below and navigating to Capileira first, then on arrival use the directions for the stables.
Meet our horse family. Much more than a business the horses are our way of life. Their wellbeing, care and training is our highest priority. When not working the horses live as a herd in a free, happy and natural environment.
The horses enjoy their work, like being with people and are a pleasure to ride.
PRE
Pure bred Andalucian (PRE) and Andalucian Arab or Sport horse crosses, ranging from 145cm (14.3 hands) to 165cm (16.1 hands). Most of the horses come to us as youngsters and most of them stay with us for life. They have been carefully selected for their good natures (a trait of the Spanish horse) and endurance.
Happy Horses
The horses are fit, happy and strong, they lead a happy and healthy life, when not working they are out together as a herd in the home paddock or free on the mountain pastures. In the yard, each horse has its own loose box for the colder winter nights or hot summer days. As a result, they are not sour, they work well as a team and enjoy being with people.
Correctly Started
When bringing in new horses ideally we prefer for them to be un-broken and un-handled, so ensuring that they are correctly started. This initial contact and ground work is essential for a good future working relationship with people.
Most of the horses have been started, backed and schooled by Mordecai Love. Mordecai trained in Portugal as a classical dressage rider and has dedicated his life to working with horses. In addition to his passion for classical dressage, he is also very interested in Western training techniques.
Time and Patience
A confident and happy horse is a safer horse and a better trail companion.
The horses are usually backed and started between 4 and 5 years of age, it is important they are self-confident and physically strong before commencing with any schooling or trail work. Normally the horses do not start trekking with clients until they are at least 7 years of age.
Most of the horses have basic classical training helping to keep them supple and strong, so enabling them to carry our weight with balance and comfort. They are light, responsive and forward going, enjoy their work and like being with people.
These are not the average riding school or trail horse, but well bred and schooled horses, responsive and fun to ride. One of the most frequent comments from riders is that the quality and schooling of the horses far exceeded their highest expectations.
Individual Characters
There is a selection of horses to suit different riding levels and great care is taken in the selection of horses according to the riding abilities and preferences of each individual.
We keep about 22 horses and each one has its own personality, each special in its own way. Knowing very well their different characters is essential in matching horse to rider.
The Andalusian
Also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (pura raza española), is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years.
History of the PRE
The Andalusian has been recognised as a distinct breed since the 15th century, and its conformation has changed very little over the centuries. Throughout its history, it has been known for its prowess as a war horse, and was prized by the nobility. The breed was used as a tool of diplomacy by the Spanish government, and kings across Europe rode and owned Spanish horses.
Conformation
Strongly built, and compact yet elegant, Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails. Their most common coat colour is grey, although they can be found in many other colours. They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity and docility.
The noblest horse in the world, the most beautiful that can be. He is of great spirit and of great courage and docile; hath the proudest trot and the best action in his trot, the loftiest gallop, and is the lovingest and gentlest horse, and fittest of all for a king in his day of triumph.
William Cavendish, the Duke of Newcastle, 1667
Small family run hotels offering twin bedded rooms with en suite bathrooms. The accommodation is comfortable, very clean and pleasant.
Every effort is made to use the best accommodation available, most of the hotels are small with no more than 12 or 16 rooms. There is no porter services available and most of the rooms are 1st or 2nd floor.
The food is fresh local produce, the area is famous for its air-cured hams (jamon serrano), cheese and trout.
Special effort is made to offer the visitor to sample the different local dishes, ordering what each place cooks best. On most evenings dinner will be in your hotel, normally offering a selection of 2 or 3 different daily menus. Some hotels will offer a set menu determined a day in advance and offering a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option.
Lunches on most days will be a full, homemade picnic, fresh salads, local cheeses, cold cuts, home-cooked meats, dips, etc. We endeavor each day to provide varied meals prepared using local products.
Please specify if you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies.

Riding Ability
These rides are suitable for competent to experienced riders, the horses are well schooled and forward going. It is expected that you are comfortable riding outdoors at all paces.
There are a limited number of horses available for less experienced riders, but you still need to be comfortable at walk, trot and canter on a quiet horse. Please contact us if you wish to consult regarding your riding skills.
You will need to be able to mount and dismount without assistance, however, there are plenty of banks, stones and rocks en route that make for handy mounting blocks.
Weight Limits
- 90 kilos for experienced riders.
- 75 kilos intermediate riders
Fitness
You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to participate on one of these rides.
In addition to being riding fit you will need to be walking fit as on some of the steeper descents you will have to lead your horses over rough uneven ground.
Please note that these are mountain trails rides often at high altitude, so not suitable if you have a heart condition, suffer from vertigo or have trouble walking downhill.

WHAT TO BRING
When packing please take into account that on most of the trail rides your luggage will be moved daily from place to place. As such we would ask you to keep luggage as light as possible to make it easier for the staff transporting your bags. We would recommend that rather than one large case two smaller cases or bags. Also if you have luggage not relevant to the riding holiday you may store a bag in Bubion for your return. There are no porters at the hotels, etc.
We recommend:
- Riding trousers/jodphers
- long sleeved shirts with a collar
- light riding jacket/fleece
- riding boots/shoes with a rubber sole COMFORTABLE TO WALK AND RIDE IN
- half chaps
- gloves
- hard hat
- sun hat
- dark glasses
- rain coat/jacket and trousers
- Warm jacket (not normally required June/July/Aug/Sept)
- swim ware (there are pools in some of the hotels open June through September)
- refillable water bottle 500 or 750ml
- small flash light
- 50+ sun screeninsect repellent
Evenings are informal, so whatever one is comfortable in. Remember due to the altitude the evenings can be cool even during the summer.
INSURANCE
All riders must have a current holiday and accident insurance prior to commencing the ride.
Spain has a National Health Service and it is recommended that participants from other E.E.C. countries obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency medical treatment.

With more than 30 years knowledge of this region Dallas has chosen a selection of trails offering an amazing diversity of terrains, views and flora.
The rides follow ancient bridle paths and drovers routes, dating back to the Moorish occupation and before. Many of these paths have been in use for a thousand years or more, as have the terraces and irrigation channels they transverse.
Through parts of the mountains there are more recent dirt tracks providing opportunities for canters and gallops, as do some of the river beds on the spring and autumn rides.
The paths in many places are built into rock and on some of the steeper descents it is necessary to lead your horse. Likewise it is necessary to lead the horses through the narrow village streets.
Here are some of our latest reviews. To see all of the reviews from our riders, please take a look at our Rider Feedback page.
Fantastisch!!!
I just spent a week riding an incredibly beautiful track. Fantastic horses, delicious food, good accommodations, and great guidance. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. I was there for the third time but am already looking forward to the fourth.
Amazing Alpujarra
What an amazing experience this was. Thank you so much Dallas, Mordecai and team, but most of all wonderful Kinder 🙂
If you fancy experiencing unspoilt areas of the Sierra Nevada, on tough, steady and experienced horses, and having a gorgeous picnic of local food, you will love this. There is nothing I could say that would really reflect how wonderful this adventure was for me, and I’m so very grateful I got to experience it with such wonderful people and horses 🙂 Life enhancing for sure. Thank you again!
Breath-taking!
It was such a huge privilege to ride such beautiful noble horses, across the breath-taking mountains of the Sierra Nevada. At an altitude of 2, 000 meters, the air was so clean and the smell of the herbs as the horses passed through was such a special and unforgettable experience. Dallas, Mordachai, Jeanette and Blossom were fun, knowledgeable guides and everything worked to plan, with great picnics in beautiful locations. The accommodation worked well in both locations and we didnt want for anything. My friend and I felt incredibly fortunate to have spent 5 days, 3 of which were in the saddle. Thank you so much for giving us such an adventure!
Amazing Adventure
We have just returned from a weekend riding the Sierra Trails. What an adventure! We have ridden some beautiful horses over superb country. A challenging weekend on confidence and fitness while making friends with riders and horses. Dallas and the team really made our weekend comfortable and fun. Advise that you are fit for riding and walking, as not for the faint-hearted.
Alpujarra pueblos blancos 31/8 - 06/9/2025
This hike through unspoiled nature, in the fresh air at an altitude of 2,000 meters, was a wonderful discovery. The horses are “professionals” and know where to place their hooves to overcome steep slopes, both uphill and downhill.
What can we say about our guides, Dallas and his brother Murakai, who were friendly and helpful, as well as concerned about protecting the horses, and Dallas, who prepared excellent picnics for us.
All the logistics were impeccable. I loved the spacious rooms of our rural hotels and their swimming pools for relaxation. From one stage to the next, our luggage was transported, the hearty, homemade meals served in the evening accompanied by excellent wine or any other drink according to our different tastes, in the restaurants of the white villages where we were always well received, surely also thanks to our guides who are truly well known and recognized in the region.
I also really enjoyed our small group where I felt a spontaneous understanding with our shared taste for horse riding, and for me, the only French person in the group, I spoke English all week with you, so, friends of Alpujarra, thank you again for your patience!
other : as it was my first ride with horses 5 days long, so first of all, I had prepared myself to be able to do this horseback ride according to the advice given ! and everyone was top
amazing wonderful and unique riding holiday
I and my spouse went on the 5 days riding (6 nights) at the area of Alpujarra first week of September. we are experienced riders going every weekend on a day long ride in the countryside. yet this was a unique and unforgettable experience. the horses are amazing. well trained, safe and know their job. they are no automatic horses which follow the horse before. each has its own character. the organization and all arrangement, from picking up at the airport, through accommodation, the trails and the lunch picnics all worked like a clock. Dallas and her brother Mordechai are professional and very helpful. last but not least, the trails and sceneries are breathtaking. thank you for a wonderful holiday.
A Trip That La Alpujarra - A trip that surpassed all expectations
After spontaneously overcoming my nerves, I went on this trip alone – which turned out to be no problem at all.
The trip offers breathtaking views and a sense of presence in the most stunning landscapes, with the ride taking place on narrow trails through pine forests and open mountain scenery — following old mule and bridle tracks. The trails also present exciting challenges, where at times you’ll need to dismount and lead your horse on narrow or steep sections. It’s therefore important that you’re comfortable finding your footing on loose rocks and calm enough not to get rattled while walking down steep paths with your horse right behind you. Personally, I found it to be a welcome opportunity to stretch my legs in between the many hours of riding.
The route takes you through the beautiful Alpujarra, where we’re out for 5–6 hours a day, riding from place to place. The trail is lovely and varied, and it’s a real pleasure riding from one white village to the next, where dinner is always served at charming restaurants with the kindest staff, in the company of Dallas or Mordecai (or both).
The horses are absolutely incredible. They are calm and confident in traffic, sure-footed on narrow and steep trails, and a true joy to both ride and be around.
A big thank you also goes to Dallas and Mordecai, who both rode along for the entire trip. They were lovely and easy to talk to — whether it was lighthearted conversations about vegetable gardens, wordplay, or life stories, or more informative chats about the region and its landscape, which they are incredibly knowledgeable about. They were also great guides throughout the trip — whether it was about where to place your feet on a tricky path, or tips on how to ride your horse in specific situations.
Their care and respect for the horses truly shine through on the trip, with proper breaks during the day and up steep climbs, fresh water from mountain springs, and a well-deserved bath at the end.
Not to mention the delightful picnics Dallas prepared for every lunch. She’s a wonderful cook. The food perfectly matches the atmosphere.
A special thanks also to Jeanette, who, in addition to making the whole thing run smoothly by transporting our luggage from place to place, mucking out, getting things ready for our arrival with the horses, and helping us tack and untack the horses (like Mordecai and Dallas), also added a fantastic energy and decency.
There’s a deep sense of care, integrity, and professionalism that runs through the whole operation — and what a lovely life these horses have! There’s absolutely no doubt about that.
This trip has given rise to so many wonderful reflections. I’m looking forward to returning.
My highest recommendations
Nice very very nice experience August 2025, Sulayr Ride
The team Beautiful, well trained, well behaved, kind, friendly horses . They know the work, are patience ,very safe on their feet. The guide & the team have excellent horsemanship and do all the best to make the trail a nice experience for all – guests as horses. It’s safe and enjoyable.
The nature is magnificent, you come through the 1000-year-old cultural landscape in the wild Andalusian mountains.
The accommodation is very cozy and the food excellent.
The best recommendations from here
Fantastic adventure
I was on the Alpujarra short break end of June, beginning of Juli, 2025 and it was the most exciting and beautiful adventure. The beautiful landscape as well as Dallas‘ hospitality and the great horses made this trip absolutely memorable. Dallas is a great, passionate horse woman along with her brother. Absolutely sweet and gentle people. Starting from Bubion we rode to other small towns in the Sierra Nevada, where we spent the nights in small, cosy hotels. Midday, we had Picknicks at nice shady places where we enjoyed the meals prepared by Dallas. The food was simple but delicious. Dallas is not only a good horse woman but also a great chef. She prepares the trips with all her heart and her horses are well taken care of and easy and fantastic to ride. I must admit I fell in love with Spanish horses on this trip. It was so nice to spend the evenings in the restaurants with the rest of the group to enjoy a nice dinner and good wine after a long day in the saddle. Dallas was there from morning to evening to assist in any matter and to make sure everybody was having a great time. I can fully recommend this trip to experienced riders who are not afraid of heights and are good on foot. Also, fitness is essential as we had to walk the horses through narrow and steep areas. In summary, this trip has been on my bucket list for quite a while and I am definitely coming back! I had quite a lot of riding holidays worldwide and this was the best so far! I would like to thank Dallas, Mordekai and Jeanette for their passion and love and for making this such a beautiful experience.
La Alpujarra Short Break 28/6/2025
A Wonderful Return to Riding in Spain
After several years, we returned to Spain for another riding holiday. We were a little nervous that it might not live up to our memories – but we had absolutely nothing to worry about. It was even better – a truly fabulous trip from start to finish.
As we arrived in Málaga early, we followed Dallas’s suggestion and jumped on the train into the city. It was the perfect way to begin the holiday – we enjoyed a few relaxed hours exploring and had a lovely spot of lunch before meeting up with Jeanette and the rest of the group. From there, we all travelled together to the beautiful mountain village where the riding adventure would begin.
The next morning, we were introduced to our horses and I met my partner the beautiful grey Kinder – and that’s when the real magic started. Leading the rides were Dallas and her brother Mordecai, whose lifelong dedication to horses is immediately evident. The horses are in exceptional condition: incredibly well-trained, calm, and sure-footed on the trails.
Some riding experience is definitely needed, and sensible gear is a must – we wore boots, helmets, and light cotton shirts to protect against the sun and passing branches. The rides took us through stunning and varied landscapes with awesome views. We were required to mount and dismount in places and walk, leading the horses over some of the difficult paths so a moderate level of fitness is required. There were also opportunities for trots and canters when the terrain allowed.
With the Spanish sun shining, the welfare of the horses was always a priority. Dallas is meticulous in ensuring their comfort, and we took breaks to rest them with water from the streams. Lunchtime was always a treat – Dallas’s delicious and famous picnics magically appeared from the saddlebags, a real highlight of each day.
These full-day rides allowed us to cover large areas of the Sierra Nevada, heading to a different mountain village each night. The terrain was fantastic for riding: narrow paths, gullies, woodlands, and wide open expanses dotted with wildflowers. At the end of each day, the horses were washed down and well cared for, while we relaxed – sometimes even enjoying a swim at the village hotels, which were clean and comfortable.
We were lucky to be part of a fabulous European group – everyone was a great team player and excellent fun! Dinners were always lively, full of conversation and laughter.
While we had previously done the week-long ride, this time, due to family commitments, we opted for the four-day version. It was a great choice – it still gave us the full mountain and group experience, just in a shorter time frame.
We can’t thank Dallas, Mordecai, and Jeanette enough. These “three amigos” work incredibly hard to make the entire experience unforgettable. We have lots of photos and videos to remind us of the breathtaking landscapes and joyful rides.
It was everything we remembered and more.
A huge thank you to the whole team – and we already can’t wait to return again.
Prooosst!
For even more (older) reviews, take a look at our Previous Rider Feedback page.
If you enjoyed your ride…
Please leave a review – Thank you!
If you enjoyed your ride…
Please leave a review – Thank you!
Here are some of our latest reviews. To see all of the reviews from our riders, please take a look at our Rider Feedback page.
Fantastisch!!!
I just spent a week riding an incredibly beautiful track. Fantastic horses, delicious food, good accommodations, and great guidance. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. I was there for the third time but am already looking forward to the fourth.
Amazing Alpujarra
What an amazing experience this was. Thank you so much Dallas, Mordecai and team, but most of all wonderful Kinder 🙂
If you fancy experiencing unspoilt areas of the Sierra Nevada, on tough, steady and experienced horses, and having a gorgeous picnic of local food, you will love this. There is nothing I could say that would really reflect how wonderful this adventure was for me, and I’m so very grateful I got to experience it with such wonderful people and horses 🙂 Life enhancing for sure. Thank you again!
Breath-taking!
It was such a huge privilege to ride such beautiful noble horses, across the breath-taking mountains of the Sierra Nevada. At an altitude of 2, 000 meters, the air was so clean and the smell of the herbs as the horses passed through was such a special and unforgettable experience. Dallas, Mordachai, Jeanette and Blossom were fun, knowledgeable guides and everything worked to plan, with great picnics in beautiful locations. The accommodation worked well in both locations and we didnt want for anything. My friend and I felt incredibly fortunate to have spent 5 days, 3 of which were in the saddle. Thank you so much for giving us such an adventure!
Amazing Adventure
We have just returned from a weekend riding the Sierra Trails. What an adventure! We have ridden some beautiful horses over superb country. A challenging weekend on confidence and fitness while making friends with riders and horses. Dallas and the team really made our weekend comfortable and fun. Advise that you are fit for riding and walking, as not for the faint-hearted.
Alpujarra pueblos blancos 31/8 - 06/9/2025
This hike through unspoiled nature, in the fresh air at an altitude of 2,000 meters, was a wonderful discovery. The horses are “professionals” and know where to place their hooves to overcome steep slopes, both uphill and downhill.
What can we say about our guides, Dallas and his brother Murakai, who were friendly and helpful, as well as concerned about protecting the horses, and Dallas, who prepared excellent picnics for us.
All the logistics were impeccable. I loved the spacious rooms of our rural hotels and their swimming pools for relaxation. From one stage to the next, our luggage was transported, the hearty, homemade meals served in the evening accompanied by excellent wine or any other drink according to our different tastes, in the restaurants of the white villages where we were always well received, surely also thanks to our guides who are truly well known and recognized in the region.
I also really enjoyed our small group where I felt a spontaneous understanding with our shared taste for horse riding, and for me, the only French person in the group, I spoke English all week with you, so, friends of Alpujarra, thank you again for your patience!
other : as it was my first ride with horses 5 days long, so first of all, I had prepared myself to be able to do this horseback ride according to the advice given ! and everyone was top
amazing wonderful and unique riding holiday
I and my spouse went on the 5 days riding (6 nights) at the area of Alpujarra first week of September. we are experienced riders going every weekend on a day long ride in the countryside. yet this was a unique and unforgettable experience. the horses are amazing. well trained, safe and know their job. they are no automatic horses which follow the horse before. each has its own character. the organization and all arrangement, from picking up at the airport, through accommodation, the trails and the lunch picnics all worked like a clock. Dallas and her brother Mordechai are professional and very helpful. last but not least, the trails and sceneries are breathtaking. thank you for a wonderful holiday.
A Trip That La Alpujarra - A trip that surpassed all expectations
After spontaneously overcoming my nerves, I went on this trip alone – which turned out to be no problem at all.
The trip offers breathtaking views and a sense of presence in the most stunning landscapes, with the ride taking place on narrow trails through pine forests and open mountain scenery — following old mule and bridle tracks. The trails also present exciting challenges, where at times you’ll need to dismount and lead your horse on narrow or steep sections. It’s therefore important that you’re comfortable finding your footing on loose rocks and calm enough not to get rattled while walking down steep paths with your horse right behind you. Personally, I found it to be a welcome opportunity to stretch my legs in between the many hours of riding.
The route takes you through the beautiful Alpujarra, where we’re out for 5–6 hours a day, riding from place to place. The trail is lovely and varied, and it’s a real pleasure riding from one white village to the next, where dinner is always served at charming restaurants with the kindest staff, in the company of Dallas or Mordecai (or both).
The horses are absolutely incredible. They are calm and confident in traffic, sure-footed on narrow and steep trails, and a true joy to both ride and be around.
A big thank you also goes to Dallas and Mordecai, who both rode along for the entire trip. They were lovely and easy to talk to — whether it was lighthearted conversations about vegetable gardens, wordplay, or life stories, or more informative chats about the region and its landscape, which they are incredibly knowledgeable about. They were also great guides throughout the trip — whether it was about where to place your feet on a tricky path, or tips on how to ride your horse in specific situations.
Their care and respect for the horses truly shine through on the trip, with proper breaks during the day and up steep climbs, fresh water from mountain springs, and a well-deserved bath at the end.
Not to mention the delightful picnics Dallas prepared for every lunch. She’s a wonderful cook. The food perfectly matches the atmosphere.
A special thanks also to Jeanette, who, in addition to making the whole thing run smoothly by transporting our luggage from place to place, mucking out, getting things ready for our arrival with the horses, and helping us tack and untack the horses (like Mordecai and Dallas), also added a fantastic energy and decency.
There’s a deep sense of care, integrity, and professionalism that runs through the whole operation — and what a lovely life these horses have! There’s absolutely no doubt about that.
This trip has given rise to so many wonderful reflections. I’m looking forward to returning.
My highest recommendations
Nice very very nice experience August 2025, Sulayr Ride
The team Beautiful, well trained, well behaved, kind, friendly horses . They know the work, are patience ,very safe on their feet. The guide & the team have excellent horsemanship and do all the best to make the trail a nice experience for all – guests as horses. It’s safe and enjoyable.
The nature is magnificent, you come through the 1000-year-old cultural landscape in the wild Andalusian mountains.
The accommodation is very cozy and the food excellent.
The best recommendations from here
Fantastic adventure
I was on the Alpujarra short break end of June, beginning of Juli, 2025 and it was the most exciting and beautiful adventure. The beautiful landscape as well as Dallas‘ hospitality and the great horses made this trip absolutely memorable. Dallas is a great, passionate horse woman along with her brother. Absolutely sweet and gentle people. Starting from Bubion we rode to other small towns in the Sierra Nevada, where we spent the nights in small, cosy hotels. Midday, we had Picknicks at nice shady places where we enjoyed the meals prepared by Dallas. The food was simple but delicious. Dallas is not only a good horse woman but also a great chef. She prepares the trips with all her heart and her horses are well taken care of and easy and fantastic to ride. I must admit I fell in love with Spanish horses on this trip. It was so nice to spend the evenings in the restaurants with the rest of the group to enjoy a nice dinner and good wine after a long day in the saddle. Dallas was there from morning to evening to assist in any matter and to make sure everybody was having a great time. I can fully recommend this trip to experienced riders who are not afraid of heights and are good on foot. Also, fitness is essential as we had to walk the horses through narrow and steep areas. In summary, this trip has been on my bucket list for quite a while and I am definitely coming back! I had quite a lot of riding holidays worldwide and this was the best so far! I would like to thank Dallas, Mordekai and Jeanette for their passion and love and for making this such a beautiful experience.
La Alpujarra Short Break 28/6/2025
A Wonderful Return to Riding in Spain
After several years, we returned to Spain for another riding holiday. We were a little nervous that it might not live up to our memories – but we had absolutely nothing to worry about. It was even better – a truly fabulous trip from start to finish.
As we arrived in Málaga early, we followed Dallas’s suggestion and jumped on the train into the city. It was the perfect way to begin the holiday – we enjoyed a few relaxed hours exploring and had a lovely spot of lunch before meeting up with Jeanette and the rest of the group. From there, we all travelled together to the beautiful mountain village where the riding adventure would begin.
The next morning, we were introduced to our horses and I met my partner the beautiful grey Kinder – and that’s when the real magic started. Leading the rides were Dallas and her brother Mordecai, whose lifelong dedication to horses is immediately evident. The horses are in exceptional condition: incredibly well-trained, calm, and sure-footed on the trails.
Some riding experience is definitely needed, and sensible gear is a must – we wore boots, helmets, and light cotton shirts to protect against the sun and passing branches. The rides took us through stunning and varied landscapes with awesome views. We were required to mount and dismount in places and walk, leading the horses over some of the difficult paths so a moderate level of fitness is required. There were also opportunities for trots and canters when the terrain allowed.
With the Spanish sun shining, the welfare of the horses was always a priority. Dallas is meticulous in ensuring their comfort, and we took breaks to rest them with water from the streams. Lunchtime was always a treat – Dallas’s delicious and famous picnics magically appeared from the saddlebags, a real highlight of each day.
These full-day rides allowed us to cover large areas of the Sierra Nevada, heading to a different mountain village each night. The terrain was fantastic for riding: narrow paths, gullies, woodlands, and wide open expanses dotted with wildflowers. At the end of each day, the horses were washed down and well cared for, while we relaxed – sometimes even enjoying a swim at the village hotels, which were clean and comfortable.
We were lucky to be part of a fabulous European group – everyone was a great team player and excellent fun! Dinners were always lively, full of conversation and laughter.
While we had previously done the week-long ride, this time, due to family commitments, we opted for the four-day version. It was a great choice – it still gave us the full mountain and group experience, just in a shorter time frame.
We can’t thank Dallas, Mordecai, and Jeanette enough. These “three amigos” work incredibly hard to make the entire experience unforgettable. We have lots of photos and videos to remind us of the breathtaking landscapes and joyful rides.
It was everything we remembered and more.
A huge thank you to the whole team – and we already can’t wait to return again.
Prooosst!



































