Rider's comments
Here is a small selection of comments we've received from guests who've stayed with us at HorseridingSpain. Just click on a button read more and it will show the full riders comment.
"... I feel compelled to write and thank you for the truly wonderful riding holiday I had. As I am sure you can understand, taking a 'busman's' holiday whilst working for an equine charity ( manager of ILPH Norfolk centre / World Horse Welfare ) put extra pressure on me to find a good riding holiday where the welfare of the horses was of paramount importance. Your centre excelled on both counts !
You both have a love and passion for horses in general, and Andalucians in particular, which is infectious. To see so many extremely fit, sound, strong and well shod horses was a breath of fresh air. I know how hard it is to get horses looking and feeling like this so you must take a huge amount of credit for presenting your guests with horses of this calibre.
read more (EN)
You both have a love and passion for horses in general, and Andalucians in particular, which is infectious. To see so many extremely fit, sound, strong and well shod horses was a breath of fresh air. I know how hard it is to get horses looking and feeling like this so you must take a huge amount of credit for presenting your guests with horses of this calibre.
read more (EN)
The riding frequently took my breath away. I would just think I had seen the best view in Spain and we would turn a corner and see another equally as stunning. The Andalucian Horse Show had me in tears in 30 seconds ! Beautiful. Your hospitality and attention to detail was exemplary and you made us all feel very welcome and special. It was a privilege to ride such happy, contented and responsive horses. You really do deliver all your web site says, and more. Your riding holiday exceeded all my wildest dreams and I will be one of your many returners. Please keep up the good work !"
and her most recent comment after returning to us for the 7th time :
"Even though I have just completed my 7th riding holiday with yourselves (which is testimony to your horses and hospitality in itself!), I just want to thank you both so much for making my various friends so very welcome.
Over the past 6 years I have brought along five different friends and recommended at least another four to visit you. Each and every one has been wowed by your horses, the riding and your hospitality. As you know, several have already returned without me! I always feel totally confident that any one I recommend to visit you will have an amazing time and this has always been the case.
I don't know how you manage to keep your horses so happy, responsive, sound and well in what is a tough line of work for horses at the best of times. Testimony to your great depth of knowledge, love and understanding of horses I feel...........
As always, I am fitter and riding better as a result of my holiday with you last week. It is so nice to be reminded how light and surefooted a horse can be......
Take care and keep up the good work !
Michele and friends."
Rider's comments - 2015
via Facebook:"A wonderful week in Coin Spain. Special thanks to Giles & Miranda for the wonderful riding,accommodation and hospitality @ horseridingspain.com. It was a special time!!!"
"Dear Miranda and Giles,Thank you again for the holiday! You concept is super. I have been telling a lot of people about how great the rides, horses, accommodation and food was. Wish we were still there but alas we are working / going to school again. We also enjoyed Malaga a lot. Have a nice holiday and kisses and respect for you, Nieves and Tormenta.
Best wishes for 2016,
Nathalie and Saskia"
via Facebook:
In Dutch:
"Bijna op weg naar huis. Wat hebben wij genoten. Dank jullie, Miranda en Giles voor deze heerlijke tijd en goede zorgen. Tot volgend jaar ! Debby en Dagmar."
In English:
"Almost on the way home. We have enjoyed so much. Thank you, Miranda and Giles for this fabulous time and your kind attention. See you next year ! Debby and Dagmar."
"Dear Miranda and Giles,We have had a wonderful few days, just wish we could have stayed longer ! Spectacular rides and Lucy and Nieves were excellent horses to enjoy them on. Very kind of you to drop James so that he was able to enjoy such good walking.
You have created something very special here and I do hope to be able to return and enjoy it all over again !
Much love. Jan and James"
In French:
"Miranda et Giles font beaucoup d'effort pour nous faire passer une agréable semaine. La cavalerie est en bonne forme et adaptée à l'environnement escarpée de l'Andalousie. Nous avons randonnée dans les vergers parmi les figuiers, orangers, vignes, amandiers ... Il y a beaucoup d'animaux sauvage aussi près des rios, hérons, Ibis, cigognes, tortues ...Les senteurs et paysages de l'Andalousie sont éblouissants. "
read more (EN)
In English:
"Miranda and Giles put a lot of effort into giving us a very wonderful week. The horses are in very good shape and well adapted to the rugged environment of Andalusia. We rode through many orchards with fig trees, orange trees, vines, almond trees ... There are also many wild animals to be seen close to the rivers, such as herons, Ibis, storks, turtles ... The scents and landscapes of Andalusia are simply dazzling !"
"Miranda and Giles put a lot of effort into giving us a very wonderful week. The horses are in very good shape and well adapted to the rugged environment of Andalusia. We rode through many orchards with fig trees, orange trees, vines, almond trees ... There are also many wild animals to be seen close to the rivers, such as herons, Ibis, storks, turtles ... The scents and landscapes of Andalusia are simply dazzling !"
In Dutch:
"HorseRidingSpain is de ideale vakantie voor mensen die dol zijn op paarden en houden van de natuur. De ritten waren altijd super door de Andalusiërs en hun manier van bewegen maar ook de afwisseling van de natuurlandschappen. Na de ritten kan je doen wat je wilt, het stadje verkennen of gewoon lekker aan het zwembad blijven liggen, wachtend totdat het weer tijd is om de lekkere Spaanse maaltijden te proeven. Kortom een aanrader niet enkel voor ruiters maar ook voor mensen die gewoon een gezellige vakantie in het zonnetje willen."
read more (EN)
In English:
"HorseRidingSpain is the ideal holiday for people who are crazy about horses and love nature. The rides were superb because of the Andalucian horses and their way of moving but also because of the variety of the countryside. After the rides you had time to spend as you please, get to know the town or just relax by the pool waiting until it is time for another tasty Spanish meal. In short recommendable not only for riders but also for people who are looking for a great holiday in the sun."
"HorseRidingSpain is the ideal holiday for people who are crazy about horses and love nature. The rides were superb because of the Andalucian horses and their way of moving but also because of the variety of the countryside. After the rides you had time to spend as you please, get to know the town or just relax by the pool waiting until it is time for another tasty Spanish meal. In short recommendable not only for riders but also for people who are looking for a great holiday in the sun."
Says who?
Horses have, over the years, been gracious and angelic creatures. Mankind hasn’t failed to at some level acknowledge this. Whether in written, spoken or visualised means. Yet again what about the human who has played a big role in bringing out the best in horses? To build a magnificent relationship, ever built, between a human and a beast? Uttering words in silence so the horse can comprehend them. Casting a sight - gently and assertively - so a horse can be assured and confident.
read more (EN)
Horses have, over the years, been gracious and angelic creatures. Mankind hasn’t failed to at some level acknowledge this. Whether in written, spoken or visualised means. Yet again what about the human who has played a big role in bringing out the best in horses? To build a magnificent relationship, ever built, between a human and a beast? Uttering words in silence so the horse can comprehend them. Casting a sight - gently and assertively - so a horse can be assured and confident.
read more (EN)
Gathering many a great souls, of variable backgrounds, different in every single possible aspect of life. Nonetheless, transforming all that to have that promising dream land where people do live in harmony no matter what. Well, in the heart of Coin one can definitely find that and more, or at least one already has. Horsemanship on its high level. An experience with the horse as well as with the human. Quite a great experience that will bring you to a halt, thinking, ‘we can’t choose our family’, says who?
For horses we come together and by horses we build a great friendship.
Thank you Giles and Miranda Yaaqoub Hawsa 2015 "
(Yaaqoub came to us for one week from Saudi Arabia and ended up riding with us for three weeks....and became one of the family)
Thank you Giles and Miranda Yaaqoub Hawsa 2015 "
(Yaaqoub came to us for one week from Saudi Arabia and ended up riding with us for three weeks....and became one of the family)
In English:
"Dear Giles and Miranda, I spent another great week with you ! This time together with my mom as non-rider. She was a bit nervous after not having flown for 30 years but she really enjoyed herself ! We both did not want to go home....It seemed like I returned even more enthused than a year and a half ago ! I have enjoyed once again riding Tío Pepe and also a day on Lucy and Nieves.
3 Greys and all three of them with a fun and different personallity - a joy to ride ! (I would have preferred taking all three of them home with me !) The wonderful food each day, the fantastic horses and beautiful sunshine, but above all we miss your hospitality every day !
It was fun to improvise a bit of vaulting on the well mannnered Gitana - a bit more practise and she will be doing a Kür at canter no problem ! A massive thank you for another great week and hopefully we see eachother again soon ! Lots of love from the Netherlands, Alieke and Anja
read more (NL)
and in Dutch:
Lieve Giles en Miranda,
Ik heb weer een geweldige week bij jullie gehad! Dit keer samen met mijn moeder als niet rijder. Zij vond het best spannend na ruim 30 jaar niet gevlogen te hebben, maar wat is het haar ook goed bevallen! We wilden allebei niet naar huis...
Het leek wel of ik nóg enthousiaster terug kwam dan ander half jaar geleden ! Ik heb weer genoten van de ritten op Tio Pepe en ook nog een dag met Lucy en een dag met Nieves. 3 schimmels met alledrie een super leuk eigen karakter waar ik heerlijk mee gereden heb! (Het liefst had ik ze alledrie mee naar huis genomen!) Het heerlijke eten iedere dag, de geweldige paarden, de lekkere zon en vooral jullie gastvrijheid en de gezelligheid missen we nog iedere dag! Leuk om nog een stukje (improvisatie) voltige te doen op de brave Gitana. Nog even oefenen dan kan ze een kür in galop lopen! Onwijs bedankt voor weer een geweldige week en hopelijk tot snel weer!
Veel liefs uit Nederland, Alieke en Anja"
Lieve Giles en Miranda,
Ik heb weer een geweldige week bij jullie gehad! Dit keer samen met mijn moeder als niet rijder. Zij vond het best spannend na ruim 30 jaar niet gevlogen te hebben, maar wat is het haar ook goed bevallen! We wilden allebei niet naar huis...
Het leek wel of ik nóg enthousiaster terug kwam dan ander half jaar geleden ! Ik heb weer genoten van de ritten op Tio Pepe en ook nog een dag met Lucy en een dag met Nieves. 3 schimmels met alledrie een super leuk eigen karakter waar ik heerlijk mee gereden heb! (Het liefst had ik ze alledrie mee naar huis genomen!) Het heerlijke eten iedere dag, de geweldige paarden, de lekkere zon en vooral jullie gastvrijheid en de gezelligheid missen we nog iedere dag! Leuk om nog een stukje (improvisatie) voltige te doen op de brave Gitana. Nog even oefenen dan kan ze een kür in galop lopen! Onwijs bedankt voor weer een geweldige week en hopelijk tot snel weer!
Veel liefs uit Nederland, Alieke en Anja"
Miranda and Giles, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the amazing week youDaisy on Bandolero gave us. Before coming I had so many misgivings about how Daisy would manage, particularly in a group where all the other riders were adults, and also how I'd find the week as a non-rider.
Daisy I must tell you was in tears as we got on the plane, something she's never done after a holiday before, and she's been full of it since she got back.
I really appreciated your kindness to her, when she must have been under your feet at times. It seems to me she grew a lot in the week, both in terms of her riding but also her confidence with adults, which was a joy to see. And I had a wonderful time, incredibly restful, with plenty of time to read and explore, and have come back more rested than I could have possibly expected. With thanks again - and we'll hopefully see you this time next year."
In English:
"At home in Holland I own a great Arabian pedigree gelding, but in 2013 during my first holiday in Coín I met Chupito and it was love at first sight. Giles and Miranda had him in mind for me for that holiday and they had chosen really well....When they came towards me with him I could not believe my eyes: what a beautiful and classical Andalusian horse and he rode lovel; responding well to the aids, easy to collect and also with the right power. I immediately had a click with him (and felt a bit guilty 'cheating' with a Spaniard, but luckily my Arab is easygoing ;-)) and I had a fantastic holiday that summer. This year I returned to Giles and Miranda in May and was lucky enough to ride Chupito again during the 2nd half of my holiday. He is very different from my Arab, but I so enjoy him. Somehow his macho character in the herd also reminds me a little of my own horse, but riding wise he is very different: wonderfully cool in his head and a real gentleman.
read more (EN + NL)
An English lady asked me this year what I found so special about him and I answered: "I cannot describe it, it's just love". I don't know if she understood, but that's not necessary. Now I am back at home and enjoying my own bay gelding, but I will return to Coín for sure for another great holiday and of course to be with my Spanish holiday love Chupito. Muchas gracias querido Chupi ! Nicole
and in Dutch:
Thuis (NL) heb ik een geweldige Arabische volbloedruin staan, maar in 2013 bij mijn eerste vakantie in Coín ontmoette ik Chupito en dat was liefde op het eerste gezicht. Giles en Miranda hadden hem voor mij bedacht die vakantie en dat hadden ze héél goed bedacht... Toen ze met hem aan kwamen lopen wist ik niet wat ik zag: wat een prachtig klassiek Andalusisch paard en wat reed hij vervolgens heerlijk; fijn aan de hulpen, makkelijk te verzamelen en ook de nodige power. Ik had meteen een klik met hem (en voelde me wel een beetje schuldig dat ik 'vreemdging' met een Spanjaard, maar gelukkig is mijn Arabier niet zo moeilijk ;-)) en heb een fantastische vakantie gehad die zomer. Dit jaar kwam ik in mei weer terug naar Giles en Miranda en ik had het geluk dat ik het tweede gedeelte van mijn vakantie weer met Chupito op pad mocht. Hij is een heel ander paard dan mijn Arabiertje, maar wat geniet ik iedere keer weer van hem. Ergens doet zijn macho karakter in de kudde me ook wel denken aan mijn eigen paard, maar met rijden is hij heel anders: lekker cool in zijn hoofd en een echte gentleman. Een Engelse dame vroeg me dit jaar wat ik zo speciaal aan hem vind en ik zei: "I cannot describe, it's just love". Ik weet niet of ze me begreep maar dat hoeft ook niet. Nu ben ik weer thuis en geniet ik van mijn eigen bruine ruin, maar ik kom zeker weer terug naar Coín voor een heerlijke vakantie daar en uiteraard voor mijn Spaanse vakantieliefde Chupito.
Muchos gracias querido Chupi!"
and in Dutch:
Thuis (NL) heb ik een geweldige Arabische volbloedruin staan, maar in 2013 bij mijn eerste vakantie in Coín ontmoette ik Chupito en dat was liefde op het eerste gezicht. Giles en Miranda hadden hem voor mij bedacht die vakantie en dat hadden ze héél goed bedacht... Toen ze met hem aan kwamen lopen wist ik niet wat ik zag: wat een prachtig klassiek Andalusisch paard en wat reed hij vervolgens heerlijk; fijn aan de hulpen, makkelijk te verzamelen en ook de nodige power. Ik had meteen een klik met hem (en voelde me wel een beetje schuldig dat ik 'vreemdging' met een Spanjaard, maar gelukkig is mijn Arabier niet zo moeilijk ;-)) en heb een fantastische vakantie gehad die zomer. Dit jaar kwam ik in mei weer terug naar Giles en Miranda en ik had het geluk dat ik het tweede gedeelte van mijn vakantie weer met Chupito op pad mocht. Hij is een heel ander paard dan mijn Arabiertje, maar wat geniet ik iedere keer weer van hem. Ergens doet zijn macho karakter in de kudde me ook wel denken aan mijn eigen paard, maar met rijden is hij heel anders: lekker cool in zijn hoofd en een echte gentleman. Een Engelse dame vroeg me dit jaar wat ik zo speciaal aan hem vind en ik zei: "I cannot describe, it's just love". Ik weet niet of ze me begreep maar dat hoeft ook niet. Nu ben ik weer thuis en geniet ik van mijn eigen bruine ruin, maar ik kom zeker weer terug naar Coín voor een heerlijke vakantie daar en uiteraard voor mijn Spaanse vakantieliefde Chupito.
Muchos gracias querido Chupi!"
ONLY 52 WEEKS AND COUNTING TILL I RETURN
I would like to say a huge thanks to Giles and Miranda for being super hosts and having super horses. I was really impressed with their horses. I had come to ride and loved the care they give all their animals. All the horses are well behaved and always turned out smartly. I love the running plaited manes and leather fly fringes.
The rides allow you to take in the beautiful scenery and learn about the vast array of fruit and nut trees. My favourite rides include a splash in the cool waters of the Rio Grande. After a lovely ride its great to relax with wine and tapas followed by a dip in the pool. The accommodation was as described. There's pleanty of space and it's clean and tidy. The whole place is so private considering it's so close to a town. We were lucky enough to enjoy an end of season orange festival. I'm told the Spanish love their festivals so there's often something worth seeing. For me the holiday was a good balance between riding and relaxing. It was excellent value for money. Thanks again. Sara Murray
Thank you Giles and Miranda for a truly fabulous week, for letting me ride the gorgeous Tormenta and for making me feel so welcome.
The 8 year gap between visits felt like nothing the minute I got out of the taxi!
I enjoyed every minute of the week and I will be back !
You have been warned !
Take care xxx
Just wanted to say thanks again for such a fantastic week.
Sacab exceeded all my expectations, as did pretty much everything else including the lovely Tio Pepe.
A special thanks for letting me ride that boy. You know how much Rosie Jill & I loved the set up before, but the changes you’ve made have added to what was already a very special experience.
Don’t change anything now!
In English:
"When we arrived I thought: this is it ! Cozy apartments and super nice food, but above all the horseriding. Canter over hills, can you imagine anything better than that as a hLaura op Nievesorse lover ? It seems like you are flying, so free, so wild....What suprised me most: they have so many different people coming, but it seems that they have a suitable horse for everyone. They take everything into account and are so friendly, really WOW ! Really, I was in seventh heaven !! You really have to do this ! It is not only great for riding but you can also go hiking: super beautiful routes through the mountains ! Really, I have lost my heart to 'Horseridingspain' !!! Thank you very much Miranda & Giles for a top holiday !!! P.S. if it was up to me I would come here every week. Laura
read more (NL)
"When we arrived I thought: this is it ! Cozy apartments and super nice food, but above all the horseriding. Canter over hills, can you imagine anything better than that as a hLaura op Nievesorse lover ? It seems like you are flying, so free, so wild....What suprised me most: they have so many different people coming, but it seems that they have a suitable horse for everyone. They take everything into account and are so friendly, really WOW ! Really, I was in seventh heaven !! You really have to do this ! It is not only great for riding but you can also go hiking: super beautiful routes through the mountains ! Really, I have lost my heart to 'Horseridingspain' !!! Thank you very much Miranda & Giles for a top holiday !!! P.S. if it was up to me I would come here every week. Laura
read more (NL)
and in Dutch:
We kwamen aan en ik dacht : dat is het gewoon! Leuke appartementjes en super lekker eten, maar vooral de ritten te paard.Over bergen galopperen , kan je je als paardenliefhebber nog iets beters voorstellen dan dat?Het lijkt wel of je vliegt, zo vrij, zo wild,…Wat mij blij verraste is : er komen zoveel verschillende mensen, maar het lijkt of ze voor iedereen een geschikt paardje hebben.Ze houden ook zoveel rekening met iedereen , en ze zijn zo vriendelijk, echt wooooow!!!!Echt, ik was in de zevende hemel!Dit moet je echt doen!Je kan bovendien niet alleen paardrijden, maar je kan ook gaan wandelen : super mooie tochten door de bergen!Echt, ik heb mijn hart verloren in ‘Horseridingspain’!!!Dankjewel Miranda & Giles voor de topvakantie!!!P.s : Als het van mij afhangt, kwamen wij hier elke week.
Laura"
We kwamen aan en ik dacht : dat is het gewoon! Leuke appartementjes en super lekker eten, maar vooral de ritten te paard.Over bergen galopperen , kan je je als paardenliefhebber nog iets beters voorstellen dan dat?Het lijkt wel of je vliegt, zo vrij, zo wild,…Wat mij blij verraste is : er komen zoveel verschillende mensen, maar het lijkt of ze voor iedereen een geschikt paardje hebben.Ze houden ook zoveel rekening met iedereen , en ze zijn zo vriendelijk, echt wooooow!!!!Echt, ik was in de zevende hemel!Dit moet je echt doen!Je kan bovendien niet alleen paardrijden, maar je kan ook gaan wandelen : super mooie tochten door de bergen!Echt, ik heb mijn hart verloren in ‘Horseridingspain’!!!Dankjewel Miranda & Giles voor de topvakantie!!!P.s : Als het van mij afhangt, kwamen wij hier elke week.
Laura"
The last week of March in 2015 in Coin weather ranged from rain to sunshine, and from +12 to +25 degrees of temperature.
Rivers were full of water and the Andalusian mountains green and blossoming with flowers. Orange trees were about to start blooming, and their scent already filled the air. We rode the hills slopes, rivers, national park, eukalyptys forest, rural trails and urban small roads.
read more (EN + FIN)
Rivers were full of water and the Andalusian mountains green and blossoming with flowers. Orange trees were about to start blooming, and their scent already filled the air. We rode the hills slopes, rivers, national park, eukalyptys forest, rural trails and urban small roads.
read more (EN + FIN)
English: The first day of riding was exciting. Miranda rode each horse in the ring and allowed the new rider to mount the horse after her. In the beginning of the week, I was accompanied by two nice Dutch ladies. I described my background as a reasonably experienced recreational rider and expressed my wish to ride a friendly horses, which would have a good energy. I got the 8-year-old, strong and enduring andalusian gelding Tio Pepe. Tio Pepe is completely different from the horses, which I am accustomed to ride, even if I had already been riding a Spanish horse for some time. We all got plenty of instructions from Miranda for how to best interact with our horses especially through our seats. We started off for our first ride through the center of Coin which was bustling with cars and church goers. The horses did not mind the cars, mopeds, umbrellas, street signs flapping in the wind, barking dogs or other Spanish Sunday life. The first ride however was exciting. Tio Pepe seemed energetic and boyish and I was not quite sure what it would do and how I would cope. Everything went well. During the week we learned to trust each other and developed into a good couple I think. I learned and enjoyed immensely. Tio was always ready for a speedy trot or a strong canter and I liked his vibrant way to constantly monitor his environment and sometimes a bit even to react. We rode every day for four to five hours in a breathtaking springtime scenery under Andalusia's spacious skies. Giles and Miranda took care of the horses, so we guests had plenty of time to get to know each other. The end of the week I rode with four nice British ladies. We had a meal together three times a day. Along with enjoying good food and drinks it was a lot of fun to talk about horses, horse riding, horse training and different ways to practice in our own countries. Horse riding, fantastic Spanish horses and lovely people were the week's best part. On the day off from riding, I visited Malaga and the Picasso museum. It was nice to see the city. For making purchases Coin is, however, quite sufficient, there are places to eat, and it seems lot more Spanish than Malaga. There is also a horse and riding equipment store that sells good priced Spanish leather riding boots, and some of the guests bought to take home an Andalusian, fly fringed brow bands. Thursday we went to a Carthusian horses show produced by the Sanchez family. We saw classic riding (doma alta escuela) and Spanish cowboy style doma vaquera riding and handling of horses. We also got to visit the spacious stables and admire the shiny stallions after the show. On Friday, Miranda provided us the opportunity to a pilates class. The class was by a local professional Reme and it was very good for a rider and besides, a lot of fun. This was my first holiday taken alone, without a friend or family. I hesitated going all by myself, and had slightly bad consciencence leaving my husband home with the kids. But Miranda's warmth, friendliness and care combined Giles's humour and storytelling, as well as their both deep expertise in horses and equine welfare makes the ranch a horse lover's paradise. In the end, I did not have a lonely moment, but I got to know wonderful like-minded people, and I spent the most fun week. Part of my heart stays with Andalusia and I already miss Tio Pepe. I feel that I arrived to the ranch as a customer and departed as a friend. As souvenirs I have new kind of horse and riding knowledge, new international friends, for more than 20 hours of hacking experience on a lively horse, a lot of horse plans and sunny mood. I'll definitely be back.
Finnish: Maaliskuun viimeisellä viikolla 2015 sää Coinissa vaihteli sateen ja auringon sekä +12 ja +25 asteen välillä. Joet olivat täynnä vettä ja Andalusialaiset vuorimaisemat vihreitä ja kukkaloistossa. Appelsiinipuut aloittivat kukintaansa ja huumaava tuoksu täytti ilman. Ratsastimme kukkuloiden rinteitä, jokien varsilla, kansallispuistossa, eukalyptusmetsissä, maalaisteitä ja asuinalueiden pikkuteillä. Ensimmäisen päivän ratsastus oli jännittävä. Miranda ratsasti ensin hetken hevosta kentällä ja sen jälkeen sai nousta selkään ohjeiden saattelemana. Seuranani oli alkuviikosta kaksi hollantilaista naista. Olin kuvannut oman ratsastustaustani kohtuullisen kokeneena harrasteratsastajana ja esittänyt toivomuksen ystävällisestä hevosesta, jolla olisi hyvää energiaa. Sain ratsukseni 8-vuotiaan, voimakkaan ja kestävän andalusialaisruunan Tio Pepen. Tio Pepe on tyystin erilainen kuin hevoset, joita olen tottunut ratsastamaan, vaikka andalusialaista olin jo jonkin aikaa ratsastanut. Sain Mirandalta runsaasti ohjeita Tio Pepen kanssa toimimiseen ja siihen vaikuttamiseen istunnalla. Lähdimme ensimmäiselle ratsastukselle kaupungin keskustan läpi, kirkkoruuhkassa ja liikenteen seassa. Hevoset eivät olleet moksiskaan autoista, mopoista, sateenvarjoista, lepattavista katukylteistä, räksyttävistä koirista ja muusta espanjalaisesta sunnuntaihulinasta. Ensimmäinen ratsastus Tiolla oli jännittävä. Se tuntui energiseltä ja poikamaiselta enkä ollut ihan varma mitä se tekisi ja kuinka pärjäisin. Kaikki meni kuitenkin hyvin. Meistä kehkeytyi viikon mittaan ihan oiva ratsukko ja minä sekä opin että nautin valtavasti. Tio oli aina valmis joutuisaan raviin tai vahvaan laukkaan ja pidin sen eloisasta tavasta jatkuvasti tarkkailla ympäristöään ja välillä vähän reagoidakin. Ratsastimme päivittäin neljästä viiteen tuntia huikeissa keväisissä maisemissa Andalusian avaran taivaan alla. Giles ja Miranda huolehtivat hevosista, joten meille vieraille jäi runsaasti aikaa tutustua toisiimme. Loppuviikon ratsastin neljän mukavan brittinaisen kanssa. Söimme yhdessä kolmesti päivässä. Hyvän ruoan ja juoman äärellä oli hauskaa keskustella hevosista, ratsastuksesta, hevosten koulutuksesta ja erilaisista tavoista harrastaa kotimaissamme. Ratsastus, fantastiset espanjanhevoset ja ihanat ihmiset olivat viikon parasta antia. Vapaapäivänä vierailin Malagassa ja Picasson museossa. Oli mukava nähdä kaupunki. Ostosten tekemiseen Coin on kuitenkin ihan riittävä, siellä on ruokapaikkoja ja se tuntuu paljon espanjalaisemmalta. Siellä on myös hevos- ja ratsastustarvikeliike, jossa myydään hyvän hintaisia espanjalaisia nahkaisia ratsastussaappaita ja osa vieraista osti kotiinviemisiksi andalusialaisen, kärpäsiä karkottavan, hapsuisen otsapannan. Torstaina kävimme Sanchezin perheen kartusiaanihevosnäytöksessä. Näimme klassista ratsastusta (doma alta escuela) ja espanjalaisten karjapaimenten doma vaquera -ratsastusta. Saimme myös vierailla tilavassa tallissa ihailemassa kiiltäviä oreja näytöksen jälkeen. Perjantaina Miranda järjesti meille mahdollisuuden pilatestuntiin. Tuntia veti paikallinen ammattilainen Reme ja se oli ratsastajalle oikein hyvä tunti ja sitä paitsi tosi hauska. Tämä oli elämäni ensimmäinen yksin toteutettu lomamatka. Epäröin kuinka viihtyisin matkassa itsekseni ilman ystävää, ja omatunto vaivasi, kun jätin miehen kotiin lasten kanssa. Mirandan lämpö, ystävällisyys ja huolehtivaisuus yhdistettynä Gilesin hauskuuteen ja tarinointiin sekä molempien syvä hevososaaminen ja hevosten hyvinvoinnista välittäminen tekee tilasta hevosharrastajan paratiisin. Lopulta en ollut hetkeäkään yksin tai yksinäinen vaan tutustuin ihaniin samanhenkisiin ihmisiin ja vietin mitä hauskimman ja opettavaisimman viikon. Osa sydämestäni jäi Andalusiaan ja Tio Pepeä on jo nyt ikävä. Tilalta lähtiessä hyvästelin Mirandan ja Gilesin ystävinä. Kotiinviemisinä minulla on uudenlaista hevos- ja ratsastustietämystä, uusia kavereita, yli 20 tuntia maastokokemusta eloisalla hevosella, uusia hevossuunnitelmia ja aurinkoinen mieli. Palaan varmasti takaisin. Maria Laamanen, Helsinki, Finland
Lieve Giles & Miranda, Bedankt voor een prachtige week ! De ritten, Gitana, het eten, de gezelligheid. Ik neem mijn petje af voor jullie. En boven alles, mijn fantastische 50ste verjaardag. Deze had niet mooier kunnen zijn. Ik zal altijd met de zon in mijn hart aan deze vakantie en aan jullie terug denken. En als het kan zal ik zeker nog een keer terug komen. Ik wens jullie all the best ! Veel liefs, Barbara x
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English:
Dear Giles & Miranda. Thank you for a beautiful week ! The rides, Gitana, the food and great atmosphere. I take my hat off to you. And above all, my fantastic 50th birthday. This couldn't have been any more beautiful. I will always think of you and this holiday with the sun in my heart. And if possible I will come back for sure. I wish you both all the best ! With love, Barbara x
Dear Giles & Miranda. Thank you for a beautiful week ! The rides, Gitana, the food and great atmosphere. I take my hat off to you. And above all, my fantastic 50th birthday. This couldn't have been any more beautiful. I will always think of you and this holiday with the sun in my heart. And if possible I will come back for sure. I wish you both all the best ! With love, Barbara x
Massive thanks for a wonderful holiday, I shall be recommending you to everyone I know! Stunning horses, beautiful landscapes and terrain and most importantly the best possible hosts! I can't thank you enough for all your efforts, special gratitude to Miranda; for your time with Emma, your patience, being such lovely company and to top it off a great cook too! The effort you put in to ensure each and every guest has the experience of a lifetime shines through, thank you! Big hugs to all the animals, but to Sirocco, Tormenta and Cheeky in particular x
Fra mørke og kulde i Norge, rimfrost i hestenes pels, vannbøtter med ishinne på,- til frodige trær med modne appesiner og sitroner, grønne marker som tinte oss opp. Elegante, spanske hester som bar oss på ryggen i Andaluzias varierte landskap. Namdals FolkeHogskole
For en kontrast! Miranda og Giles ønsket oss velkomne med hjertelige klemmer og installerte oss i komfortable leiligheter på ridesentret sitt i utkanten av Coìn. Vi behøvde ikke å bekymre oss om hvordan vi skulle finne frem, de tok seg av det.
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Norwegian:
Blide sjåfører møtte oss på flyplassen i Malaga, en knapp time unna.
Hjemme på ridesentret gikk vi til dekket bord, middagen i kveldingene ble sosiale samlinger og vi koste oss rundt peisbålet etterpå.
På rideturene ble vi godt ivaretatt, Miranda og Giles våkne blikk kartla ferdigheter og la opp turene etter gruppa.
De var proffe på hester, og viste seg også å være gode til å komme mennesker i møte.
Begge to har solid bakgrunn innen hest (Giles: Higher National Certificate in Equine Management, Miranda: BHS kvalifisert)
De gav oss mer enn de lovte, og deres vennlighet sitter i oss lenge etterpå.
Et besøk på ærverdige El Cartujano var også med i ukesprogrammet. Her fikk vi innblikk i en stolt familiebedrift som hadde
dressert hester i generasjoner, og vi hadde æren av å få dressurridningstimer på dette sentret. Fantastisk!
HorsridingSpain med Miranda og Giles er en helhetsopplevelse som jeg unner alle ryttere med middels gode rideferdigheter eller mer.
Hesteinteressen ligger i bunnen, – og de herlige vertene gjør oppholdet til en helt spesiell opplevelse!
De tilbyr ulike pakker. Lurer du på noe? Det gjorde jeg, og fikk raskt svar på epost! Jeg vil tilbake! Neste gang drar jeg sammen med en vennegjeng.
Marit Viken Lærer tilknyttet linja Hest i Fokus på Namdals Folkehøgskole, Norge
De tilbyr ulike pakker. Lurer du på noe? Det gjorde jeg, og fikk raskt svar på epost! Jeg vil tilbake! Neste gang drar jeg sammen med en vennegjeng.
Marit Viken Lærer tilknyttet linja Hest i Fokus på Namdals Folkehøgskole, Norge
English:
From a dark and cold winter up north with snow crystals in the horse`s fur
– to trees with ripe oranges and lemons and green meadows warming us.
Elegant and experienced Spanish horses carrying us through the varied Andalucian landscape. What a contrast!
Miranda and Giles welcomed us with warm hugs and installed us
in comfortable appartments in the middle of a beautiful garden with a pool
at their equestrian center on the outskirts of Coìn. No worries how to get there from the airport in Malaga.They arranged it.
“ At home” at the equestrian centre the table was set, just to enjoy! We were well looked after during the horseriding. Miranda`s and Giles`experienced eye analyzed our skills and made the trips according to the group`s ability and we could tell they were proffesionals in handling horses. In addition they were great at communicating with people.
They gave us more than promised, and their kindness hit us, and lasted long after our stay was over.
A visit to the esteemed “ El Cartujano” was also a part of this special weeks program. We got to know this proud family who specialise in Highschool dressage. The family Sanches is well known in Spain, having run their amazing centre for generations.
We were also honored with dressage lessons there. Fantastic!
HorseRidingSpain with Miranda and Giles is a complete experience which I recommend for all intermiate to advanced riders.
Horses are at the centre of it all and the wonderful hosts make the stay a very special one!
I want to go back! Next time I will bring my friends.
Different packages are offered. Just ask for the options.
Any questions about the stay? I had! My emails were answered very quickly!
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