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Banyoles is the closest town to the ride base
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Riding holidays and horse safaris
Europe ~ Spain ~ Can Jou
Can Jou is an 11th century farmhouse, beautifully situated on a ridge in the Spanish Pyrenees with views over the plains to the mountains beyond. There are several ride itineraries from Can Jou including a choice of 5 progressive rides that follow routes from village to village, either high into the mountains, through the ‘Garrotxa volcanica’ or down to the rugged Mediterranean coast, and include nights at a variety of local inns, small hotels and guesthouses along the way. The week long Catalonia Discovery Ride, and the 3 night Weekend specials use Can Jou as a base with each night at the farmhouse and daily rides out to explore the local area. The Discovery Ride includes visits to the medieval village of Besalu and Girona, the beautiful capital of the region.
Riding: 3-7 hours a day.
Horses: Andalucian crosses/Spanish Arab cross.
Pace: moderate to fast.
Riding ability: confident intermediate to experienced riders.
Weight limit: about 90kg (14st 2lbs) but please call us to discuss if your weight is close to this.
Accommodation: 2* and 3* hotels and guest houses.
Group size: maximum 10, occasionally 11
For Can Jou testimonials click here
The horses used for rides from Can Jou are well schooled pure or crossbred Andalucian, between 14.2hh and 16hh and of a medium build. They are fit, good natured, forward going and responsive to ride. Tack is English style and most horses are ridden in snaffles and trekking (endurance) saddles - though one or two horses are ridden in English general purpose or Spanish saddles. Saddle bags are provided to carry items required during the day and for picnic lunches. Riders are expected to groom and tack up their own horse each day in preparation for rides and there is a maximum rider weight limit of 90kgs. Rides are normally limited to 10 guests.
Hours: There is usually between 4 and 7 hours a day on progressive rides, between 3 and 5 hours on the Catalonia Discovery Ride.
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. The terrain in the area is rugged and there will be some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails to negotiate along the route. This means the riding can be at a slow pace, although there are opportunities to canter on forest tracks or dry river beds most days.
Accommodation on all the rides is of a good standard. At Can Jou, where at least the first and last night of progressive rides, and all nights on the Catalonia Discovery Ride are spent, all bedrooms have their own bathroom as do most bedrooms at the hotels used on progressive rides. Can Jou itself is an old farm, re-built and re-furbished with 15 bedrooms. There is a large dining room, sitting room, terraces and verandas with views across the mountains, and a swimming pool. Accommodation used on 'moving' rides varies and depends on what is available in the area. You will either stay in small hotels, usually about a 3* standard and some with swimming pools, saunas or hydromassage pools, although in more remote areas, smaller guest-houses are used. These are simpler but often with plenty of local character.
| Rates 2010 |
Prices are seasonal: Mountains to Sea: Low season Euros 987; High season Euros 1131 |
| Dates 2010 |
High Season = ** High season for Discovery and weekend rides is from 4th April to 31st October; Mid Season from 4th July to 1st August |
| Season | February to November. |
The meeting point for the rides is Barcelona or Girona airport and transfers from/to Barcelona / Girona at set times on the first and last days are included in the ride rate. British Airways, Iberia, Easy Jet and several other airlines have direct flights to Barcelona from a number of different UK airports. Ryan Air also have flights to Girona from various UK destinations. Flights vary from as little as £50 to £250 economy return.
This is a sample of one of the itineraries offered - please e.mail us for full information sheets with day by day itineraries of all programs
Mediterranean Spa Wine and Coast Ride
| Day 1 | Met at Barcelona or Girona airport at about 18.30. Driven to Can Jou for dinner and the night. |
| Day 2 |
Breakfast and an introduction to the horses and tack before setting off riding along mountain trails, passing through forests full of rosemary and thyme to the town of Besalu. Follow the river Fluvia through rolling hills and onto the plains with chances for long canters. Leave the horses at Sant Marti de Sesceres and drive back to Can Jou for dinner and the night. |
| Day 3 |
Breakfast ride through rolling foothills covered in forests of oak, cork and beech. Stop for a picnic by a river before riding on along the border of Alvera, an ancient wine growing area. Dinner and night at La Central. |
| Day 4 |
Breakfast and set off, leaving the mountains behind, through the vineyards and olive groves of Alvera. The destination is the village of Cantallops (singing wolves) where the horses spend the night. Drive back to La Central for dinner and the night. |
| Day 5 |
Saddle up and start riding across the plains with chances for long canters. Stop for a glass of cava at one of the best vineyards in the Alvera. Continue on to the town of Castellon de Empuries, with its spectacular cathedral. Dinner and night at a hotel in Castellon de Empuries. |
| Day 6 |
Breakfast and ride through the northern part of the Aiguamols National Park, a bird sanctuary, which is home to flamingos and other exotic birds. Continue over a small range of hills to Port de la Selva where the night is spent. |
| Day 7 |
The final days ride takes you east along the Cap de Creus - this Salvador Dali country and inspired many of his works. Stop for a picnic in a smugglers cove, perhaps with a chance to swim with your horse, before riding on to the town of Cadaques. Leave the horses here and drive back to Can Jou for a farewell dinner and the night. |
| Day 8 |
Breakfast and back to Barcelona or Girona for your onward journey. |
| Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions |
