Classical Riding

We offer Classical riding tuition on an hourly, daily or weekly basis, or as a supplement to our fully inclusive 3 to7 night holidays on Options B (riding in the school & country), Option D (riding in the school + tours) or Option E (riding in the school mornings and afternoon).

Instruction is given on a one-to-one basis. As this is a more intensive course where full attention is given to

the rider through individual instruction, riders on fully inclusive classical riding holidays are limited to a maximum of 4 persons.

We are a centre of Classical Dressage and offer the opportunity to ride well schooled Purebred Spanish (Andalusian) and Portuguese (Lusitano) horses. Our aim is to ensure riders achieve the clearest understanding of classical methods.

We tailor as best we can riding and courses according to your interests and needs, taking the objects of each rider into account and our goal is to show in an easily understood way the classical methods that have stood the test of time, with no gimmicks, 'techno-speak' or fancy terminology. Age or standard is unimportant, although these courses are not suitable for beginners. Naturally, riders who already have some experience and a reasonable riding ability can benefit the most.

Some of our more advanced horses are extremely sensitive and responsive, enabling the rider to refine the use of their position, seat and aids, feeling an instant response from the horse, combined with good cadence, collection, freedom of movement and lateral work as well. In fact our horses may teach you more than our instructors!

On inclusive riding holidays Option E we expect to give you a minimum of 2 individual lessons per day.

You can visit our webshop for a selection of equestrian books and videos.

The Horses

Our horses have great spirit, yet are gentle and intelligent. We have horses at various levels of training, from youngsters recently backed, through all stages. Our more experienced horses are capable of elevated movements and High School as well as good extension and they move with lightness, collection and with excellent balance and cadence. At Viva Iberica we work with the horses bred by our partners Yeguada Iberica and here are details of our Spanish and Lusitano horses. We also have an Anglo  Arabe and a Tres Sangres.

'Terminology':

Have you wondered what is meant by Natural Horsemanship, Horse Whisperer or Horse Communicator?

We don't call ourselves whisperers or communicators, but we do believe we have a natural approach to horses; consider our 15 or so main riding stallions quietly working together in the school, working willingly in hand, riding out with our mares or when Richard sometimes works a group of mares (lote de yeguas, or 'cobra') while riding

one of our stallions. You never hear raised voices or see horses pulled or pushed around at our centre, so we do

communicate - quietly.

We offer hourly or daily Classical riding, as well as weekend breaks and inclusive holidays.

Typical itinerary (7 Night 'inclusive' holidays)