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Horse Riding on the Costa Tropical |
 This article has been written by Totally Sorted Sports based in Almuñecar, Costa Tropical. For further information on Totally Sorted Sports go to their web site on www.totallysortedsports.co.uk
Andalucia is synonymous with riding and with good reason. Blessed with a sub tropical climate (which means we get the warmth but not the humidity of a tropical climate) and enjoying some 320 sunny days per year it’s a superb area for exploring on horseback.
There are a multitude of small stables along the Costa Tropical, all with different strengths and offerings. Most of the horses you will find here tend to be finer than those used in the UK, so many responsible stables will post weight limits for riders. As a rough guide, riders should expect to be under the 95kg (15 stone) mark, though if in doubt let the stables know on advance to avoid a wasted journey. Safety hats should be offered and are recommended to be worn at all times.
 The stables should ask you what your abilities are, as well as how often you ride, in order to match you to a suitable mount. Lessons may be available (look for BHS qualified instructors as a guide to the quality of the tuition you can expect) in the schools arena. Normally these will be outdoor arenas, and will provide a sheltered and controlled environment for your lessons, where your instructor will work with you on any problem areas.
Length of rides offered will vary, from an hour to all day hacks stopping for lunch in countryside restaurants. In the summer season you should expect to ride only in the early morning, or later in the afternoon / early evening, as responsible stables will not use their horses in the fierce heat of mid day. Beach rides are a possibility in the winter season in some areas, as well as opportunities to follow the ancient mule tracks which crisscross the sierras.
 Don’t forget you will need suitable footwear. A shoe or well fitting boot with a small heel is essential, as are long trousers / jeans if you do not have jodhpurs. Turning up for a half day trek wearing shorts and flip flops is not a good idea, but every year people do.
When inquiring it is worth checking how good the access road is to the stables. Many are based in the countryside, and the access tracks here can be a challenge if you are not used to driving on this kind of terrain. The hire car company at Malaga airport will not be impressed when you return with the exhaust system in the boot!
Riding holidays are a great way to explore the country side, as well as experience life on horseback in this glorious countryside. Totally Sorted Sports are the main provider of both riding and activity holidays on the Costa Tropical, and have years of experience working with a variety of the best quality stables along the coast. Based in Almuñécar, which remains a traditional Andalucia seaside town, you have all the best of the coast and the old town, as well as superb riding with all your transport to and from the stables catered for.
See www.riding-holidays-in-spain.com for full details, or call (0034) 958 88 31 43 to discuss all your riding requirements..
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