Riders information

THE RIDING AND PREPARATION

As with all our rides, to participate in these trips you must be a reasonably competent rider (English style).  You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces.  Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain.  All the rides are aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also fairly fit and riding regularly. 

Participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle.  There are also places on the rides where you will need to dismount and lead your horse - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day.  Riders are expected to groom and tack up their own horse each day in preparation for rides.

Your guide will go over the week's program when you first arrive (usually at dinner on the first night), explaining the special characteristics of the Andalusian trail horse and of the tack used, then discussing each rider's ability, experience and their preference as to the kind of horse they would like to ride. 

THE HORSES AND TACK

The horses used for rides from Can Jou are well schooled pure or crossbred Andalusians.  They have all been carefully chosen and most are between 14.2hh (150cm) and 16hh (165cm) and are of a medium build.  They are sure-footed, fit, forward going, responsive to ride and well adapted to the requirements of the sometimes rough terrain.

The horses at Can Jou are all trained using natural horsemanship techniques which helps to create an enthusiastic, good natured horse that is keen to collaborate with its rider, and really enjoys its work.

The tack is English and trekking style and most horses are ridden in snaffles.  We use English saddles and trekking saddles.  Saddle bags are provided to carry items required during the day and for picnic lunches.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

We recommend wearing jodhpurs, as these protect your legs from soreness, and you will find a light-weight, cotton pair, more comfortable during the summer months.  You may need two pairs if you are on one of the longer rides.

Your riding boots should have a sole with tread and be comfortable for walking, as you are certain to lead your horse on some occasions.  Jodhpur boots and half-chaps are a more flexible combination for comfort and leg protection than long riding boots.

A long-sleeved shirt is recommended for protection against the sun and against scratches when riding through undergrowth.

Lightweight riding gloves are useful, as is a "bum bag" to contain your camera and any other items you may need during your ride.

We strongly recommend taking a water-bottle, especially on trail rides, which can be refilled en-route; these can be carried in the saddle-bags provided.

A light cotton scarf can help to avoid breathing in too much dust in dry areas.

Bring sunglasses, also to protect your eyes from dust.

Suncream and lip balm are also recommended.

It is essential that you bring good wet weather gear.  Although it rains very little, when it does it is normally a heavy downpour, consequently a jacket or cape and waterproof trousers are a good idea.

Last, but not least: do not forget your bathing suit!