Horse riding holidays at Epona

DRESSAGE CLINICS WITH RAFAEL SOTO

As an exciting alternative to their usual training programme Epona offer a series of special clinics throughout the year, with Olympic Dressage Silver Medalist, Rafael Soto, for a maximum of 5 riders from Elementary dressage level to High School (Intermediare).

The next four clinics will take place:

13 - 20 January 2008
10 - 17 February 2008
09 - 16 November 2008
07 - 14 December 2008

There are very few top dressage riders who are also good teachers. And very few of them are prepared to train both elementary and High School riders. Luckily Rafael is not only a good teacher, but believes top riders should share their experience with riders at all levels. He is undoubtedly an extrovert, but also a very friendly and unpretentious person. Whatever your level, you should come away feeling inspired and enthused. You will certainly feel that your riding has moved on and that you have learnt a few new techniques that you can develop in partnership with your own horse.

Rafael Soto is one of the most unforgettable international dressage riders. He has brought Spanish style and flair to a sport so long dominated by Teutonic precision. The flamboyant Spanish Walk of his partner 'Invasor' as they leave the dressage ring at international events, has become a trademark that has captured the hearts of dressage enthusiasts around the world.

Rafael believes that a strong bond of trust and mutual respect between horse and rider is essential for good performance. He believes that every horse, without exception, with the right patience and careful progression can be trained to a high level, limited only by the horse's physical capability. The proof of his theory is his Olympic Silver Medal partner 'Invasor'

Rafael was born into a horse riding family in the capital city of the Andalucian horse, Jerez de la Frontera, in 1957. By the age of 25 he was already the regional dressage champion and became Spanish National Dressage Champion in 1994. Since then he has gone from strength to strength with his two Pure Bred Andalucian stallions, 'Flamenco' and 'Invasor'.

National Championship
5 times gold medallist, four with 'Invasor' and once with 'Flamenco'.

European Championship
Team Silver Medallist at Hickstead 2003 with 'Invasor', plus two other 4th places.
Top 10 individual places in the last three European Championships.

World Championship
1998 Team 6th place
2002 Team Bronze, individual 6th place.

Olympic Games
Atlanta 1996 Team 7th Place
Sydney 2000 Team 5th Place, Individual 12th Place
Athens 2004 Team Silver Medal, Individual 8th Place

The Clinic Programme

This is a seven night, six day riding programme, commencing after 4pm Sunday and ending the following Sunday before 11am, staying at the Epona Hacienda.
Maximum number of riders: 5 Minimum: 2.

The training consists of:

3 lunge lessons of 20-30 minutes to improve classical seat and 6 one-hour group lessons with Chief Instructor Catalina Garcia-Dow, over four days.

These lessons will determine the level and most suitable mount for maximum benefit during the four 45-minute private sessions with Rafael Soto.

Participants will also have the chance to observe the lessons with other guests.

Price:

£1,423 excluding flights to Seville. Single supplement £168

Price includes:

All riding and accommodation at Epona, all transfers at pre-set time and all meals except for:

Not included in price:

Two restaurant meals, one in Carmona on the first night, one in Seville on Thursday evening. Entrance tickets to The Royal Andalucian Equestrian School (€23) and Flamenco Show (€33). Any travel costs to Seville or Carmona outside of the usual programme.

Terms & Conditions

Booking for these clinics are subject to Epona's Standard Terms and Conditions (click here for detail) with the addition of the following clause:

In the unlikely case that Rafael Soto is unable to attend because of illness, injury or other unforeseen circumstances, Epona will provide a substitute of Olympic Dressage standard in his place. In this event the absence of Rafael Soto will not be reason for cancellation or refund. By booking this holiday you are accepting this clause and Epona's Standard Terms and Conditions.