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Sierra de la Demanda Ride
Central Spain
Spain
A trip for nature lovers, the horse enthusiast, the gourmet who enjoys tasting the flavor of a new country, or for the curious traveler ready to experience the lifestyle and traditions of a different people! The Sierra de la Demanda Ride is a perfect extension to the El Cid - Arlanza Valley Ride.
This adventure ride crosses a mountain range that rises up to an elevation of 4,900 ft! Ride through extensive woodland, past lakes and lagoons formed long ago during the Ice Age. The area is rich in history with many remnants of dinosaurs life and fossil trees. You will visit the greatest concentration of necropolis and high-medieval hermitages in Europe. After riding in a wide arc, you will reach the town of Burgos with its famous cathedral. The countryside, where the royal cattle drive trails are still in use, is ideal for forward going riding, allowing for the riders to enjoy some canters and shorts gallops. On your last day you reach Covarrubias, where the first week's trail started, closing the full circle of the "El Cid" Discovery Ride.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Covarrubias or Quintanar
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Airport:
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Madrid
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Transfer:
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Madrid
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
9 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals, 6 riding days & Transfers from/to Madrid Airport at set times
Helmets can be provided
| A | 2024 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | €2070 | $2280 |
| Single supplement | €200 | $220 |
| B | 2024 | 15 day trip Combo (El Cid & Demanda) | 15d / 14n | €3975 | $4370 |
| Single supplement | €400 | $440 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
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Transfer from/to Madrid airport included at set times
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Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Pick-up is fixed for 5:00pm. Drop-off around 12:00pm on the last day.
Rates do not include:
Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Note: it is possible to combine this tour with the El Cid Arlanza valley Ride.
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival in Madrid and transfer to first nights hotel in Quintanar de la Sierra.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Posada las Mays or Hotel Casa Ramón in Quintanar de la Sierra
Day 2 (Sunday): Quintanar de la Sierra to Neila
We ride uphill on steep paths, winding through the dense pine forest until we reach Neila. Visit one of the most spectacular lakes of glacial origin - the Laguna Negra. These 10,000 year-old lakes are an impressive example of the formation of landscape by ice and erosion. In Neila you find beautiful houses and a bridge from the Roman times.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Villa de Neila in Neila
Day 3 (Monday): Neila to Monterrubio de la Demanda
Ride through huge beech, oak and pine forests down to Monterrubio de la Demanda, where you approach the green path of the mine train. In these wild parts, you might encounter wolves, wild boars, otters, eagles, hawks and falcons. These forests are very secluded and untouched. Nature is all around us and only a few farmsteads (often abandoned) can be seen. In Monterrubio de la Demanda you can finally visit the parish church, one of the oldest Romanesque works in Burgos.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Monterrubio de la Demanda
Day 4 (Tuesday): Monterrubio de la Demanda to Pineda de la Sierra
Today, we follow the mine railway, which was built in 1902 and whose operation was discontinued a long time ago. It has since been transformed into vías verdes in recent years. Now 50 km of bridle path run through valleys, crossing hills with tunnels and leading the riders to Barbadillo de Herreras. You climb up to the gate of El Manqillo before the ride ends in a guesthouse in Pineda de la Sierra
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa Rural el Hayedo in Pineda de la Sierra
Day 5 (Wednesday): Pineda de la Sierra to Arlanzon
We ride along the Arlanzon's Dam and the landscape changes and becomes flatter with cultivated fields. Depending on the time of the year, we may be able to visit the prehistoric site of the Sierra de Atapuerca, which was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2000. The archaeological treasures were discovered when the mining railroad was constructed in 1902. They played an important role in understanding the human evolution and have determined a new human species that lived 800,000 years ago: Homo Antecessor. Tonight, we lodge in a working monastery and dine with the monks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Monasterio Cisterciense de San Pedro de Cardeña
Day 6 (Thursday): Arlanzon to Monastery de San Pedro Cardeña
We ride towards Burgos and the San Pedro Cardeña monastery - a place of great history which is connected with the life of El Cid. If we have enough time, we will visit Burgos.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Monasterio Cisterciense de San Pedro de Cardeña or Hotel in Covarrubias
Day 7 (Friday): Monastery of San Pedro Cardeña to Covarrubias
We leave the monastery behind and passing through an impressive high-road we ride across the Castilian deserts towards the Las Mamblas mountain range until we reach Covarrubias. There we say goodbye to our horses. If we have time, visit of the fortified medieval town with its historic buildings and ancient church. We then meet for a farewell dinner in a famous restaurant of Covarrubias.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Nuevo Arlanza or Doña Sancha in Covarrubias
Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Departure and transfer to Madrid after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Covarrubias or Quintanar
Airport:
Madrid
Transfer:
Madrid
Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Pick-up is fixed for 5:00pm. Drop-off around 12:00pm on the last day.
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Tack:
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Spanish (Vaquero) and some English
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Horses:
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Pura Raza Española, Hispano Arab, Lusitanos, Cruzados con Español Arab
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Pace:
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moderate with canters, 25-30km p day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
9 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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If you prefer not to wear a riding helmet, you can sign a waiver form.
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Horses
We currently have around 20 horses, mainly locally Andalusian, Andalusian crosses and Spanish breeds. They average between 15hh and 16hh and are a forward going, responsive and thoroughly enjoyable ride. They are also good natured, nimble and sure-footed.
The stables where horses live are fully equipped and designed for the comfort and well-being of our horses.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
Burgos area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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44
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47
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54
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57
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67
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73
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81
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81
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74
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63
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51
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45
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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31
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31
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34
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37
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42
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48
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52
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52
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48
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42
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36
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32
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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7
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9
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12
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14
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18
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23
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27
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27
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23
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17
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11
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7
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-1
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0
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1
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3
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6
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9
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11
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11
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9
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6
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2
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0
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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8
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7
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6
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8
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9
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5
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3
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3
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5
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7
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8
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8
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The overall climate of Castilla is similar to Southern California. It benefits from a continental Mediterranean climate with hot summers, pleasant and moderate temperatures in the spring and fall, and fairly cool temperatures in the winter.
Rain is possible anytime of the year, but rare in summer. The main rainy season is from the end of October to of May.
Rain gear suitable for riding should be carried along, particularly during the months from November through April
A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.
Attire is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring a jacket and tie. Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available-bring plenty. It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all hotels supply it.
Also, please bring comfortable walking boots as you have to walk with the horses downhill on a rocky surface on the second day for at least one hour.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| English or Western riding attire |
| Comfortable/riding boots |
| A hard hat is not required, but recommended for safety |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Rain coat/Wax jacket |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Light summer jacket |
| Warm jacket |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
| Bandana |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films |
| Belt pack |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
| Small bar of soap |
| Flashlight |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different accommodations.
Description
Overnight accommodations on this ride are in traditional and typical small hotels and rural posada in wonderful settings. Wi-Fi connection is available in all accommodations.
There are no laundry facilities available on this trip.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Quintanar de la Sierra (2 options)
Night 2: Hotel in Neila
Night 3: Accommodation in Monterrubio de la Demanda
Night 4: Guesthouse in Pineda de la Sierra
Night 5 & 6: Monasterio Cisterciense de San Pedro de Cardeña
Night 7: Hotel in Covarrubias (2 options)
Hotel Casa Ramón in Quintanar de la Sierra
This small rural hotel offers 34 simply furnished bedrooms with great views over the surrounding mountains. Each room has its own temperature control, TV and private bathroom. There is free Wi-Fi available in common areas.
Posada Las Mayas in Quintanar de la Sierra
This charming hotel located in the heart of the mountains only recently opened after enduring renovations. The interiors have been tastefully decorated and the original spirit of the house (dating from 1920) has been kept through small objects and furniture. The 11 rooms are all spacious and all come equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, phone and private facilities.
Hotel Villa de Neila
This accommodation is surrounded by nature. Rooms are basic but comfortable and all offer free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom.
Casa Rural el Hayedo in Pineda de la Sierra
Tonight, you will be accommodated in an 18th century country house that has been fully renovated in order to provide comfortable accommodations. The original charm of the property has been conserved. The house only has 4 rooms and 3 bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Monasterio Cisterciense de San Pedro de Cardeña
This beautiful monastery also offers accommodations to visitors. There are 24 rooms with heating and bathroom.
Hotel Nuevo Arlanza in Covarrubias
This charming hotel offers 45 bedrooms in the heart of Covarrubias. The rooms feature a Castilian décor with beamed ceilings and wooden furniture. All rooms come equipped with private facilities, free Wi-Fi, a TV and air conditioning.
Doña Sancha in Covarrubias
This rural hotel displays the typical architecture of the region (featuring old stones and wood) and has a small garden where guest can relax. The rooms are decorated with warm colors and all include a fan, heating, a TV, free Wi-Fi access, a private bathroom and a balcony with nice views of the surroundings. There are common areas (living room with fireplace, books and games & garden) which guests are welcome to use.
Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.
Meals
All meals are included with this trip.
We serve mainly Spanish dishes.
The picnics are prepared fresh daily and feature local products.
Dinners are in local restaurants with delicious local specialties.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Spanish (Vaquero) and some English
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Horses:
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Pura Raza Española, Hispano Arab, Lusitanos, Cruzados con Español Arab
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Pace:
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moderate with canters, 25-30km p day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
9 riders
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Horses
We currently have around 20 horses, mainly locally Andalusian, Andalusian crosses and Spanish breeds. They average between 15hh and 16hh and are a forward going, responsive and thoroughly enjoyable ride. They are also good natured, nimble and sure-footed.
The stables where horses live are fully equipped and designed for the comfort and well-being of our horses.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Sierra de la Demanda Ride
Tour Code:
PG-BUTD
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
June
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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