Why SPAIN?
I asked myself that question the first time someone recommended that I go to Spain.
I had warmbloods, wasn’t really (or thought I wasn’t) interested in Spanish horses. In my mind they were hot, skittish, and of zero interest to me.
The pestering from friends and clients didn’t stop, until I finally decided to relent and give it a look.
I haven’t looked back.
After my first trip here, I realized that EVERYONE who loves horses, wants to travel, loves to eat good food and drink amazing wine AND that wants to go on a unique, boutique trip to a SAFE country full of lovely people and places, needs to come to Spain on my boutique adventure which I amply call…Ride, Wine, and Dine Dream Trip to Spain.
It is basically that simple.
What makes my trip unique and so special?
What do you have to do?
Show up. As soon as you arrive to Jerez- our starting point- I organize the rest, including your flight to Menorca from Jerez. You do have to pick some things on the menu, but that is basically the limit of your responsibilities. Oh- and you have to know the difference between tinto (red wine) and blanco (white wine) when you order!
I am sure you still have some questions…
so here are a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Where do we stay? What are the accommodations like?
Menorca:
In Menorca, we stay in Villas. These villas are similar in that they each have three bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen and living area that opens up to a patio with an outdoor kitchen and pool. They are situated close to the water, so you can soak up the Mediterrean!
Double or Single Accommodation: If you choose a Double, you will share a villa with two more people. If you choose a Single, you will receive that large bedroom with the Queen Size bed and ensuite bathroom. Double accommodation has their own bedroom with a twin bed, but must share a bathroom.
What if I want to share a villa with a friend or husband/partner:
This is possible, but you must each choose a SINGLE SUPPLEMENT. These villas are quite large and designed for a couple of four more people.
How do we get there?
You are responsible for booking your own flight to and from Menorca. What I would suggest is that you book a round trip to Madrid. Spend the night and then book a round trip flight in Iberian airlines to Menorca – the Mahon airport (which is the only airport in Menorca).
FOOD CONCERNS
What if I am a vegetarian/vegan/gluten free or have other food concerns? Is it possible to visit Spain and be one of the above. YES! You do need to tell me when you register if you have any food issues. When we are at restaurants, make sure the server knows, as well.
Paella Cooking Class:
In Menorca, we have a chance to go a cooking school and learn to make paella from a pro! They do have vegetarian/vegan or a meat option. If you have issues with any meat, you should choose vegetarian. This will insure that you use vegetable broth. The meat paella has pork, beef and chicken.
SPEAKING SPANISH:
Of course, it is a benefit if you speak Spanish; however, most tourists visiting do not. The Spanish are amazing people and everyone we work with in Jerez speaks English. You will not have a problem ordering food or getting around if you only speak English.
In Menorca, they do speak Spanish but they all speak their own language- Menorcan- which is very similar to Catalan and has its roots in the Arabic language. The only people who do not speak English are our cook and her husband who helps me with the riding. They are great to practice Spanish with! They are incredibly patient, and love to talk. Other than that, just about everyone speaks English. I didn’t speak a word of Spanish when I started going there, and I never had a problem!!!
What if I want to learn a little Spanish before I go?
I suggest SPANISH WITH PAUL. It is online, not expensive and great!!!
DOUBLES OR SINGLES:
If you want to share with someone but don’t have a friend that can go, I can help find you a roommate. We have had couples come on the trip, but the majority is women- and all like minded!
RIDING:
We all want to have fun and stay safe. There is no pressure to ever ride fast. We mainly walk and trot some. Cantering is completely optional. We ride about every other day. This gives us time to rest! I realized when I started booking these trips that most of the riders coming did not ride everyday, or 6 plus hours a day!
Menorca.
This ride is a bit longer- almost 4 hours. We ride sturdy Menorcan horses through the Tolkien like terrain of El Felipe and the neighboring National Park on the famous Cami de Cavallis- the road of the horses. This road that goes around the island was created so that the Menorcans could defend their island. You will see few people and no cars on this amazing ride.
The other side of the island. We ride Menorcans through another part of the Cami de Cavillis. This side of the island looks very different. We will ride alongside the water into the forest, then out through to lovely beaches.
What kind of Tack to we ride in?
In Menorca, we ride in Endurance saddles at one facility and English at the second.
