Spain ~ Kukutana
3 to 7 or more nights staying at a private 'cortijo' in Spain's Donana, an hour south of the city of Seville. Available from mid-September to mid-June (except during the May pilgrimage), private bookings for groups, occasional set dates on offer. Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders, with non-riders also very welcome.
Where In Andalucia, south west of Seville, adjoining the Donana National Park.
What is it like Kukutana is a privately owned and tastefully restored traditional spanish 'cortijo' or country house, set amongst orange and almond orchards in the Donana, an amazing wetland region in southern Spain much of which is National Park. The house, which was built in the 1920s, has been brought back to life by the Llorente family who have known it for 2 generations and now open it to guests to experience Andalucia. A flat area of wetland marshes leading to the coast, the Donana is famous for its spectacular birdlife and its pine forests, with their long, wide sandy tracks, are perfect for horses. In the centre of the Donana, lies El Rocio, Spain's "village of the horse" and site of a pilgrimage in May each year when thousands of riders and horses, with mule carts pulling statues of the virgin, head to pay homage to the Vigin Mary at the El Rocio shrine.
Who does it suit Kukutana provides a wonderful base from which to explore the Donana area and is the perfect place for a special family or friends holiday, with riding and other privately guided activities included. Hospitality amd attention to detail are by- words as well as a swimming pool, horses family cele which includes the famouse sherry producing towns of Jerez and Sanlucar de Barrameda. t
Why we love it Friendly, easy going and uncomplicated to get to. Run by a very hospitable family team who do their best to look after you. An ideal place for a group of friends and family, a home from home but with everything done for you with great attention to detail. Its a lovely area to explore and who can resist riding to the coast...
SUMMARY
Riding: 3 to 7 hours a day
Horses: Mixed breeds - Andalucian crosses/Anglo-Arab/TBxFrench
Pace: moderate with good chances to canter
Riding ability: intermediate to experienced riders
Weight limit: about 90kg (14st 2lbs) but please call us to discuss if your weight is close to this
Accommodation: private Cortijo (family farmhouse)
Group size: maximum 6 riding (groups of up to 12 including non-riders)
Season: Mid September to mid June (excepting the May feria & pilgrimage)
Price: 3 night stays from 3450 Euros (approx £3050) per person
HORSES & RIDING
Horses The horses used for rides are mixture of French saddle breds, Arabs, Spanish and warmblood crosses. They have all been carefully chosen and most are between 15hh and 16.2hh. They are responsive, forward going and sensible to ride. Saddles can be either general purpose English saddles, or you can opt for Spanish vaquero (the original western saddle). Most horses are ridden in snaffles. Saddle bags are provided to carry items required during the day. Horses are prepared for you. There is a maximum rider weight limit of 90kgs.
Hours: Rides generally include 5 to 6 hours riding each day, but it is flexible and you can just opt for morning or afternoon rides.
Pace and experience required: To take part in these rides you should have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience and a fairly good level of general and riding fitness. You should be secure, comfortable and in control on a well schooled horse at the walk, trot and canter and used to riding in open country. The horses are a well schooled, very enjoyable and forward going ride for experienced riders. There are also well mannered, steady horses that are suitable for the fit, but less experienced rider. There are plenty of opportunities to move on, with some long canters possible.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in the private 'Cortijo' which has been lovingly renovated. There are 6 guest bedrooms which vary a little in size but are stylish and all have their own bathrooms. There is a small swimming pool, a lovely place to relax after a day’s riding, as well as comfortable drawing room with fireplace, and a dining room for cooler evenings and breakfast.
RATES & DATES
|
Rates 2023-2024 |
Valid until June 2024 |
|
Dates 2023-2024 |
Stays at Kukutana are on request |
Average temperature guide
ITINERARY
Itinerary in brief (3 nights)
| Day 1 | Arrive Seville. Private transfer to Kukutana. Depending on arrival time lunch & a gentle afternoon ride to get used to the horses. Dinner and night at Kukutana. |
| Day 2 | Breakfast and set off riding along sandy tracks through the pine forest. Stop for tapas beside the impressive "Palacio del Rey" then continue to El Rocio, a town of wide sand tracks, with hitching rails outside each house. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the lagoon, where flamingos wade, and the town with its beautiful church - the Santuario Nuestra Senora del Rocio. In the afternoon ride on, meeting the horsebox and trailer in the laste afternoon. Return to Kukutana by vehicle for drinks, dinner and the night. |
| Day 3 | Breakfast while the horses are transported to Matalascanas, on the Atlantic coast. Transfer by vehicle to meet them and set off riding on the pristine beach of Mazagon which stretches for over 20km. Stop for a picnic lunch on the beach and in the afternoon head inland, meeting the back up team close to the forest village of Los Cabezudos. Return by vehicles to Kukutana. Drinks by the private bull ring (no longer in action) before dinner. You may be treated to a display of Flamenco dancing after dinner! |
| Day 4 | Breakfast and perhaps a morning ride, heading along avenues of eucalyptus towards the town on Villamanrique de la Condesa. Return to Kukutana for lunch and to pack up before transfer to the airport. |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions. |
TRAVEL
The meeting point for the rides is Seville airport or city centre and transfers on the first and last days are included in the ride rate.
Easy Jet and British Airways have flights from London Gatwick.
