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 Horses:
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.
Australian August 2013
The Daily Telegraph – Saturday, October 1, 2005
British Airways High Life Magazine Feb 2009
The Mail on Sunday February 20, 2005
Official members publication for Endurance GB, March, 2010
The Observer, Riding Holidays, 08.07.07
New York Times, 2004
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.
The Best Riding Holiday – Alpujarra Short Break, May 2025
I couldn’t imagine a better riding holiday. Dallas, Mordecai and Jeanette were well-organized, knowledgeable, and very friendly. The scenery in the mountains is superb and was particularly beautiful in the spring with many wildflowers in bloom.
As sure-footed as mountain goats, Dallas’ horses are fit, willing and well-schooled; definitely a cut above most rental horses. Dallas has an uncanny ability to match horse and rider. The tack was all in good shape and my saddle was very comfortable – really important on a muti-day ride.
The food was excellent and abundant, whether picnic lunches featuring local wines and cheeses or multi-course suppers in quaint village restaurants. Nights were spent in cozy little hotels with comfortable beds and all the hot water one could want.
This ride is best suited for intermediate and above riders who are physically fit and comfortable walking up and down steep trails while leading their horses. Overall, it was a great ride, and I intend to go back again.
Yet another wonderful riding holiday with Dallas. 17 May 2025 Buena Vista Ride.
I had a wonderful week with Dallas and her team doing the Buena Vista ride. Breathtaking views, amazing and well schooled horses and very tasty picnic lunches. I loved every day, so much nice to see! Dallas and Mordecai are very kind and experienced horse persons, amazing with the horses and know the mountains so well. Jeanette is helping out with all the logistics and is always very sweet and helpful. Hope to return soon!
La Buena Vista - May 2025
Had an amazing week. A wonderful experience. Professional guidance. A dream that has finally came true.
Buena Vista 17th May - 24th 2025
There are not enough superlative’s to describe riding with Dallas, Mordecai and Jeanette and their wonderful herd of horses .
This is my 8th ride with Dallas and there is a reason why everyone returns ( 4 out of the group of 7 were all return clients) the landscape , flora and fauna are breath taking – wild gentian , thyme and lavender , ibex and soaring eagles and that’s just for starters !
The horses are all well schooled and sure footed despite the often challenging terrain and Dallas has a ‘knack’ of matching horse to rider. Kinder my R16;pocket rocket’ was perfect and a joy to ride .
Dallas and Mordecai are knowledgeable about their horses and happy to support and give ‘tips’ if needed and with Jeanette in charge of logistics it makes for an amazing adventure in this remarkable, unspoilt , remote area.
Dallas’s picnic lunches also remain a very strong reason to return !
Thankyou – Dallas , Mordecai and Jeanette – I’ll be back !
Buena Vista Ride 17 May 2025
I have recently returned from the Buena Vista ride , an incredible adventure with breathtaking scenery , wonderful happy horses and brilliant organisation. A truly magical and very special place . I came back restored and rejuvenated from riding in these magical mountains on beautiful Mateo . Dallas is a star ⭐
A lifetime experience that I can recommend to everyone!! Buena Vista 31 May 2025
What an unforgettable experience. For six days, I rode on horseback through the mountains during the Buena Vista trek, under the inspiring guidance of Dallas Love and her brother Mordecai. It wasn’t just a holiday—it was truly a journey that will stay with me forever.
What a fantastic landscape! The views were absolutely spectacular: sweeping vistas, rugged mountain peaks, and rolling valleys followed one another in breathtaking succession. Flowers were in bloom everywhere, and the fresh mountain air was filled with delightful scents. At times, I felt as though I had stepped into a living painting.
We ascended with the horses to heights of up to 2,800 meters. It was something special to be there—far from civilization, surrounded by the silence and purity of nature. What made this trip even more extraordinary was the way Dallas and Mordecai work with their horses. Their love for the animals is evident in everything they do. They know each horse inside and out and pair riders with great care to the right horse. I immediately felt a bond with the fantastic horse that was chosen for me.
The horses themselves are a story of their own: strong, well-trained, well cared for, and each with a unique character. Not a single horse felt like a “’machine”.” On the contrary—it truly felt like my horse connected with me, as if we were a team.
The food was also incredibly well organized. Every day, I was treated to fresh, flavorful lunches in the most beautiful spots in the mountains. Everyone’s preferences were taken into account, and the care and attention with which everything was prepared made it even more special.
In the evenings, we stayed in lovely hotels with beautiful rooms, where I could relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. Everything was taken care of down to the last detail. What I also greatly appreciated was how attentively Dallas and Mordecai listened to everyone’s needs. The guidance felt warm, professional, and personal all at once.
And yes, there’s one downside… after six days, this amazing adventure came to an end. Saying goodbye to the horses, Dallas, Mordecai, and the mountains was not easy. I look back on an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life—a true lifetime experience.
Ultimate riding holiday
Fantastic
Fantastic!!
Amazing horses, Amazing nature, amazing holiday
Wow wow wow Alpujarra Ride April 2025
Fabulous is an understatement. What a way to spend a holiday! Hard to put into words the experience of riding high in those mountains. I hope to find my way back for another ride. Thank you so much Dallas, Mordecai , Janette and of course Dilar.
Alpujarra Ride 10-16 April 2025
Everything on this ride was very professionally taken care off: the transports from & to the airport as well as transportation of the luggage to new accommodation, the small cosy hotels and guest houses, dinners in lovely village restaurants, picnic lunches during the rides with excellent wine and cheese. But most importantly the horses were well educated and looked after, and they were enjoying their work. The sceneries of Sierra Nevada were stunning, the nature, fresh air and quietness were so relaxing. Dallas, Mordecai and Jeanette were absolutely brilliant in taking care of all the arrangements and making this to an unforgettable holiday for all of us. Their good horsemanship, guidance and support were present during the whole ride.
It is a good idea though to read the information on this website to be well prepared for the ride. The weather can change quickly on the mountains, layers of warm clothes as well as proper rain clothes are necessary. The paths are sometimes narrow, and the climbs can be steep and rocky. Even if the horses know what they are doing and safety is very well taken care off, you should be experienced and competent rider to be able to enjoy the ride.
On our ride we had a great group of seven women from different backgrounds, ages and countries. Lots of laughter, shared experiences, and plenty of wine and jamon. Hope to see you all soon!
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.
The Best Riding Holiday – Alpujarra Short Break, May 2025
I couldn’t imagine a better riding holiday. Dallas, Mordecai and Jeanette were well-organized, knowledgeable, and very friendly. The scenery in the mountains is superb and was particularly beautiful in the spring with many wildflowers in bloom.
As sure-footed as mountain goats, Dallas’ horses are fit, willing and well-schooled; definitely a cut above most rental horses. Dallas has an uncanny ability to match horse and rider. The tack was all in good shape and my saddle was very comfortable – really important on a muti-day ride.
The food was excellent and abundant, whether picnic lunches featuring local wines and cheeses or multi-course suppers in quaint village restaurants. Nights were spent in cozy little hotels with comfortable beds and all the hot water one could want.
This ride is best suited for intermediate and above riders who are physically fit and comfortable walking up and down steep trails while leading their horses. Overall, it was a great ride, and I intend to go back again.
Yet another wonderful riding holiday with Dallas. 17 May 2025 Buena Vista Ride.
I had a wonderful week with Dallas and her team doing the Buena Vista ride. Breathtaking views, amazing and well schooled horses and very tasty picnic lunches. I loved every day, so much nice to see! Dallas and Mordecai are very kind and experienced horse persons, amazing with the horses and know the mountains so well. Jeanette is helping out with all the logistics and is always very sweet and helpful. Hope to return soon!
La Buena Vista - May 2025
Had an amazing week. A wonderful experience. Professional guidance. A dream that has finally came true.
Buena Vista 17th May - 24th 2025
There are not enough superlative’s to describe riding with Dallas, Mordecai and Jeanette and their wonderful herd of horses .
This is my 8th ride with Dallas and there is a reason why everyone returns ( 4 out of the group of 7 were all return clients) the landscape , flora and fauna are breath taking – wild gentian , thyme and lavender , ibex and soaring eagles and that’s just for starters !
The horses are all well schooled and sure footed despite the often challenging terrain and Dallas has a ‘knack’ of matching horse to rider. Kinder my R16;pocket rocket’ was perfect and a joy to ride .
Dallas and Mordecai are knowledgeable about their horses and happy to support and give ‘tips’ if needed and with Jeanette in charge of logistics it makes for an amazing adventure in this remarkable, unspoilt , remote area.
Dallas’s picnic lunches also remain a very strong reason to return !
Thankyou – Dallas , Mordecai and Jeanette – I’ll be back !
Buena Vista Ride 17 May 2025
I have recently returned from the Buena Vista ride , an incredible adventure with breathtaking scenery , wonderful happy horses and brilliant organisation. A truly magical and very special place . I came back restored and rejuvenated from riding in these magical mountains on beautiful Mateo . Dallas is a star ⭐
A lifetime experience that I can recommend to everyone!! Buena Vista 31 May 2025
What an unforgettable experience. For six days, I rode on horseback through the mountains during the Buena Vista trek, under the inspiring guidance of Dallas Love and her brother Mordecai. It wasn’t just a holiday—it was truly a journey that will stay with me forever.
What a fantastic landscape! The views were absolutely spectacular: sweeping vistas, rugged mountain peaks, and rolling valleys followed one another in breathtaking succession. Flowers were in bloom everywhere, and the fresh mountain air was filled with delightful scents. At times, I felt as though I had stepped into a living painting.
We ascended with the horses to heights of up to 2,800 meters. It was something special to be there—far from civilization, surrounded by the silence and purity of nature. What made this trip even more extraordinary was the way Dallas and Mordecai work with their horses. Their love for the animals is evident in everything they do. They know each horse inside and out and pair riders with great care to the right horse. I immediately felt a bond with the fantastic horse that was chosen for me.
The horses themselves are a story of their own: strong, well-trained, well cared for, and each with a unique character. Not a single horse felt like a “’machine”.” On the contrary—it truly felt like my horse connected with me, as if we were a team.
The food was also incredibly well organized. Every day, I was treated to fresh, flavorful lunches in the most beautiful spots in the mountains. Everyone’s preferences were taken into account, and the care and attention with which everything was prepared made it even more special.
In the evenings, we stayed in lovely hotels with beautiful rooms, where I could relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. Everything was taken care of down to the last detail. What I also greatly appreciated was how attentively Dallas and Mordecai listened to everyone’s needs. The guidance felt warm, professional, and personal all at once.
And yes, there’s one downside… after six days, this amazing adventure came to an end. Saying goodbye to the horses, Dallas, Mordecai, and the mountains was not easy. I look back on an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life—a true lifetime experience.
Ultimate riding holiday
Fantastic
Fantastic!!
Amazing horses, Amazing nature, amazing holiday
Wow wow wow Alpujarra Ride April 2025
Fabulous is an understatement. What a way to spend a holiday! Hard to put into words the experience of riding high in those mountains. I hope to find my way back for another ride. Thank you so much Dallas, Mordecai , Janette and of course Dilar.
Alpujarra Ride 10-16 April 2025
Everything on this ride was very professionally taken care off: the transports from & to the airport as well as transportation of the luggage to new accommodation, the small cosy hotels and guest houses, dinners in lovely village restaurants, picnic lunches during the rides with excellent wine and cheese. But most importantly the horses were well educated and looked after, and they were enjoying their work. The sceneries of Sierra Nevada were stunning, the nature, fresh air and quietness were so relaxing. Dallas, Mordecai and Jeanette were absolutely brilliant in taking care of all the arrangements and making this to an unforgettable holiday for all of us. Their good horsemanship, guidance and support were present during the whole ride.
It is a good idea though to read the information on this website to be well prepared for the ride. The weather can change quickly on the mountains, layers of warm clothes as well as proper rain clothes are necessary. The paths are sometimes narrow, and the climbs can be steep and rocky. Even if the horses know what they are doing and safety is very well taken care off, you should be experienced and competent rider to be able to enjoy the ride.
On our ride we had a great group of seven women from different backgrounds, ages and countries. Lots of laughter, shared experiences, and plenty of wine and jamon. Hope to see you all soon!