Born in Barcelona, Josep Ramon Casas entered the horse world more than 35 years ago, and more specifically within the discipline of Raid. He was President of the Club Hípic Sant Fruitós de Bages, he created in 1990, the center l’Hípic Sant Fruitós de Bages, as a riding school and training center for horses and riders for competition. In 2009, he decided to specialize in equestrian tourism. The result of this change in orientation is the adherence to the Itinerània program, the network of routes and trails of Ripollés, Garrotxa and Alt Empordà, as well as the 3 mons route, which connects the three natural parks of Montseny, St. Llorenç del Munt i Obac and Montserrat. It creates and inaugurates the routes in stagecoaches, based on a Franco-Catalan project for the recovery of animal traction in the field of tourism, the Transhumance route is recovered, carrying a herd of 200 cows on horseback between the Alt Empordà and the Valley of Camprodon, and also happens to lead the Equustur program of the Valles del Montcau. He is a member of the Catalan Horse Riding Federation, integrated in the Equestrian Tourism Commission.
Where is it?
You will stay in an authentic Catalan country house at the entrance of a small village 20 km. from the airport of Girona, easily accessible by car, in the middle of a valley where peace and quiet reign. Horses grazing in the fields create a unique view from the pool and gardens.
It is an ideal place for horse lovers to take lessons or excursions, and even longer trips of several days through the beautiful landscapes of the Empordà, the Garrotxa and the Pyrenees.
Day programs
DISCOVERY COSTA BRAVA 1.050€
31st July to 26th August 1.150€
Special offer from 6th Feb to 4th March & from 13th to 26th November 995€ (Based stay - 5 nights/4 days riding – no beach ride during Spain holidays)
Trekking
MOUNTAIN TO SEA €1.565 (7 nights/6 days riding) Special offer 5th to 12th November
BEACH & MEADOWS 1.495€ (7 nights/6 days riding)
TWO BEACHES 970€ (4 nights/3 days riding – ex “Long weekend two beaches” – long days in the saddle)
CATALONIA EXTREME 1.080€ (4 nights/4 days riding – fast ride)
BESALÚ & LAKE 1.095€ (5 nights/4 days riding)
SMUGGLERS TRAIL 1.585€ (7 nights/6 days riding – Saturday to Saturday)
CATTLE DRIVE 1.595€ (7 nights/6 days riding – special trail for adventurous riders – Saturday to Saturday)
NEW YEAR TRAIL 1.690€ (7 nights/6 days riding – new itinerary every year)
Discovery Costa Brava
“star shaped route, from 2 to 6 days in the saddle”
“6 days / 5 nights – 4/6 hours riding x 4 days”
(for stays and/or different dates, please contact us) The Discovery Costa Brava is a star… The Discovery Costa Brava is a star shaped route with accommodation always at the same place, which means not having to change hotels every day. The riding level, usually more permissive, may not be as demanding as on a route, although it is not a less beautiful and interesting route. The route runs through the magnificent Empordá, with an incredible variety and quantity of landscapes, meadows and forests of oaks, beech and holm oaks, that bring you closer to the especially blue sky, which it seems you can touch with your hand.
Beach Trails
A QUICK VIEW OF SEASIDE HIKES
Galloping through surf on unspoilt sandy beaches, riding through old villages, passing Romanesque churches. We leave the foothills of the Pyrenees, the undulating plains of the Empordà region await, fringed by the long curve of the Bay of Roses, eight kilometers of beach! From here we can see the white-water of the waves where you will experience the gallop of your life in the surf.
The Costa Brava, Cap de Creus, Figueres…
This ¨wild coast¨ perfectly characterizes the rocky, rugged, windswept Mediterranean coastline of Northern Spain, which stretches from Portbou near France as far as Blanes, measuring almost 200km in length. At the end of the 19th century it was artists who discovered…
The Creus cape peninsula is one of the largest, protected, natural reserves in Catalonia, with a total area of 13,886 hectares.
With 40 000 inhabitants Figueres is the capital of Alt Emporda county and acts as the economic, commercial, social and cultural centre of the county. Enjoy a stroll along the Rambla right in the centre and do not miss the most visited sight in Spain: the Dali museum.
Mountain to Sea
“The classic trail that should be in every good rider’s CV”
“8 days / 7 nights – 180 km – 4/6 hours x 6 days riding”
Dates March 26 – April 2, April 23 – 30, May 14 – 21, June 18 – 25, September 10 – 17, October 8 – 15, October 22 – 29, November 5 – 12
Galloping through surf on unspoilt sandy beaches, riding through old villages, passing Romanesque churches. We leave the foothills of the Pyrenees, the undulating plains of the Empordà region await, fringed by the long curve of the Bay of Roses, eight kilometers of beach! From here we can see the white-water of the waves where you will experience the gallop of your life in the surf. Every hour passes with beautiful villages, castles and churches including Castelló d’Empúries a lively cathedral town. Ride through the fantastic nature of the Alt Empordà. Discover small medieval villages such as real Besalú, Crespià and Bàscara. Cross hills and fields of wheat, poppies and sunflowers. Discover forests full of wild herbs. Canter on plans coastal meadows on mount and follow the small winding creek. Alt Empordà is full of culture, history and natural diversity.
Beach and Meadows
“Fantastic ride discovering the Catalan Coastline,… for beach lovers”
“8 days / 7 nights – 160km – 4/6 hours x 6 days riding”
Dates February 12 – 19, March 5 – 12, March 19 – 26, April 16 – 23, May 7 – 14, September 17 – 24, October 15 – 22, October 29 – November 5
Catalonia Horse Trails continues to offer a trail along the Catalan Coastline, riding through the fantastic landscape of Empordà and Costa Brava. The Beach and Meadows trail will allow you to discover the Costa Brava. It is a beautiful stretch of coast and this area has a rich medieval history, beautiful scenery and a great artistic heritage. It has been voted one of the “Best Destinations of the World 2012” by the National Geographic Traveller Magazine, and deservedly so. You will also discover a nature reserve, the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. This park has been designated as both a Ramsar site and an important area for birds. The park is built on marshy land and shelters predominantly aquatic birds. More than 300 different species have been sighted here. You will also ride through the magnificent river mouth “La Gola”, now a protected natural area, which will give you a view of the coastal vegetation and of the fauna along the Costa Brava. Beaches, sand, natural dunes, beautiful villages, castles and churches. Discover small medieval sites such as Peretallada and Torroella de Montgrí, and ride along two sandy beaches. Experience the most exciting gallop on the fringe of the sea. Beach and Meadows trail offers the perfect formula for a series of unique and unforgettable days on horseback.
Long Weekend two beaches
“A taste of the exquisite: two beaches in only 3 days!”
“5 days / 4 nights – 4/6 hours x 3 days on horseback”
A long weekend on horseback in and out of the Costa Brava. From Wednesday evening to Sunday morning.
We invite you to disconnect for three full days of horse riding in nature and exploring Catalonia’s changing landscapes and its medieval towns, and historical castles and churches. A weekend holiday of horse riding, relaxation and tourism combined. The farmhouse Can Grau is located in the heart of the Costa Brava, 20 km away from the beach, and offers a hidden spot amidst nature.
Mountain Trails
For riders who want more than just tourism but not yet at competition level, we present this trail of 5-7 hours riding per day and an increased pace, and up to 50 km in one day... We ride along paths, plains and beaches of the Alt Empordà region, with prolonged canters, combined with nights in Besalú and Sant Pere Pescador, where we can enjoy some nightlife.
Alt Empordà, Alvera, Aiguamolls, region of La Garrotxa…
Is a region with a great cultural and landscape wealth, marked by its geographic location in the most northeastern area of the Iberian Peninsula, has converted it into an area of passage (persons, goods, etc.).
Its natural boundaries are the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean Sea, and the plains of the Empordà that joins it with the Baix Empordà and the area of Alta Garrotxa.
Is one of the most esteemed wine-growing regions. Many of the wineries here are open for tastings. Places well worth visiting are Cantallops and Perelada, dominated by a mighty fortress (14-19th century).
The Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà was declared a protected area after a long and intense defence campaign, intended to avoid the development of the area. The flora in this protected area is found to be associated mainly with the semi-flood or flood plains, and therefore it is possible to see the presence of plants typical in this type of environment.
Catalonia Extreme
“For athletic type and highly experienced riders”
“5 days / 4 nights – 170 km – 5/7 hours x 4 days riding”
Dates15 – 19 March, 12 – 16 April, 3 – 7 May, 4 – 8 June, 18 – 22 September, 16 – 20 October, 8 – 12 November
From Wednesday night to Sunday afternoon. A long horse riding weekend through inner Costa Brava. Four complete days of riding and nature. For riders who want more than just tourism but not yet at competition level, we present this trail of 5-7 hours riding per day and an increased pace, and up to 50 km in one day adding up to a total of 170 km in 4 days. We ride along paths, plains and beaches of the Alt Empordà region, with prolonged canters, combined with nights in Besalú and Sant Pere Pescador, where we can enjoy some nightlife. Another novelty is that this trail takes place from Thursday to Sunday.
Besalú & Lake
“Short break to enjoy the Catalan landscape and culture”
“6 days / 5 nights – 120 km – 4/6 hours x 4 days riding”
Dates April 11 – 16, October 9 – 14
Four full days, for riders who want to enjoy their free time in nature, through the interior of Catalonia. On horseback through plains, forests and near the largest lake… Four full days, for riders who want to enjoy their free time in nature, through the interior of Catalonia. On horseback through plains, forests and near the largest lake of the region. The route will take us through the regions of “Plà de l’Estany”, “Garrotxa” and “Alt Empordà” with gentle gallops, combining nights in Besalú and Banyoles, where we can enjoy a certain nightlife.
Smugglers trail
“Adventurous good riders who love mountain and forest”
“8 days / 7 nights – 170km – 4/6 hours x 6 days riding”
Dates June 10 – 17, June 24 – July 1, July 8 – 15, July 29 – August 5, September 24 – October 01
You will climb over an altitude of 2000 m into the Massif of Bassegoda. Forget everything you think you know about mountain riding. The Smugglers trail “special edition” lengthens the days in high mountains. Discover one of the loveliest regions of Catalonia, a trip in the Romanic Catalan culture. This is the heartland of the region where the four red and yellow lines flag flies proudly on this breathtaking trail. You can taste different delicious Catalan dishes and you will discover three distinct landscapes: the fertile prairies near the river Fluvià, the mighty peaks of the Pyrenees and the warm wooded hills of the Garrotxa. This trail is an interesting mixture for riders that know how to measure their horse and at times leading them on foot.
Special Trails
INVITATION ON OUR FRONT “JOIN THE ADVENTURE”,
Catalonia is one of the most prosperous regions of Spain. Corn, wheat, rye, flax and licorice are cultivated; pigs, goats, cows and sheep are raised, and almonds, chestnuts, walnuts, figs, grapes and lots of other fruit are grown in Catalonia. Among the main industries are fishing, wine making, the manufacture of cotton textiles and chalk mining.
Catalonia Landscape, Special and more.
Situated in the northeastern Iberian peninsula, Catalonia covers an area of 32 000km2 and has 6 million inhabitants. History, language and a distinct cultural, political and legal tradition have shaped the personality of the country and the people. Catalonia was an early possession of the Romans, who lost it to the Goths and Alans about 470bc. The Moors conquered the region an AD 712, but were expelled 76 years later by the Spaniards allied with Charlemagne.
Cattle Drive
“Join the adventure”
“8 days / 7 nights – 5/6 hours x 6 days riding (only one week every year)”
Date May 27 – June 3
Welcome to the cattle drive trail! The invitation on our front page says: “join the adventure”, and never better said! Get ready to live a few intense days filled with nature, teamwork and interacting with our horses, dogs and, of course, cows! We will help them on their journey to summer pastures, where they can enjoy an ideal environment and good weather conditions that make for their so-called “eternal spring.”
This trek is not without the difficulties that one might encounter on any cow-herding journey. Therefore, everyone must be prepared to collaborate and to work as a team. This is not just a simple tourist trek through the mountains. We have a goal: to get the herd to their destination totally intact that will require problem-solving and everybody’s best effort.
Some of the difficulties may be crossing roads with traffic, dense woodlands, small rivers and unpredictable weather. We will encounter valleys, high mountains, and paths so small that you may think you cannot go along them. The hotels and camping locations on route are all scenic and offer friendly teams of staff to satisfy your every demand. You will enjoy places to rest, take in the view and have a breath of fresh air, all while attending to animals- a brand new experience every day!
NEW YEAR TRAIL
8 days / 7 nights – 4/6 hours X 6 days riding
Vilafreser – Sant Martí d’Empúries – Vilafreser – Besalú – Vilafreser
Date December 28-January 4
“One of the most memorable ways to end the year”
From 28th December to 4th January, enjoy six days in the saddle with a delicious dinner and fun, musical party on the night of the 31st at Masia Can Grau.
Group minimum to confirm departure
• 4 riders for all the trails
• 2 riders for Discovery Costa Brava
Group maximum
11 riders & 16 riders for cattle Drive
SUPPLEMENTS
Single Room 30€ / night
Touristic Tax 1€ / night
Non rider - - - - - - - 30% off (half board basis)
Mini group (2 or 3 riders)
• Weekly trails 300€/pers
• Short trails 200€/pers
• Smugglers trail always 4 riders minimum
Extras (to be paid directly – please consult availability)
Extra day riding (picnic included) 120€
Extra night (sharing – half boarding) 95€
Extra meal 20€
Massage: please consult us
Riding lesson 25€ (minim 2 riders – private lesson 35€)
Airport group Transfer (per person / two ways)
Barcelona airport 100€
(Pick up at 18h00 – Drop off at 11h30 excepted Extreme trail Drop off at 18h00)
Gerona airport 60€ (excepted Smuggler’s trail & Cattle Drive 100€)
(Pick up at 19h30 – Drop off at 10h00 excepted Extreme trail Drop off at 16h30)
To avoid delays leaving the airport please book a flight that lands at least 1 hour before the
pickup time.
For bookings, please sent an email to horsebackridinginspain@gmail.com
If you want to stay informed of new routes and offers you can ‘like’ my facebookpage.
Telephone: 0031612044440