THE ANDALUSIAN DREAM
OVERVIEW
This new itinerary from George Scott was pieced together over years of exploring, connecting forgotten livestock trails, old mountain paths and remote valleys that rarely see another rider. It leads through a landscape that feels both wild and timeless, where towering cliffs become home to Iberian ibex, eagles circle overhead and the only sounds are horses picking their way over stone.
There are moments when the route appears impossible. Great walls of rock rise ahead, only for a narrow path to reveal itself between the cliffs. Ancient gates open onto deer tracks, forgotten bridleways and mountain passes where the horses move with sure-footed confidence.
LET’S RIDE
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Wild, untrodden mountain trails
Just four riders -this is true exclusivity and an incredible option for private groups
Beautiful hispano-arabian horses
Off-grid candle-lit farmhouses
Lunch in a very local bar in Montejaque
Extravagant outdoor evening meals
Tented camp on a Neolithic plateau
Ibex and eagles overhead
Andalusian picnics on the trail
~80km, 1.5 – 7 hours riding a day
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
Duration: Three nights
Cost: €3,500 pp
Operator: George Scott Rides
Languages: You must speak fluent English to join our rides
Max Riders: Small groups of four riders
Where: Ronda, Spain. Fly to Malaga.
Riding level: Experienced riders only. You must be comfortable at all paces though the majority of this ride is at walk as the terrain is rocky.
Weight limit: Maximum of 95kg/210lbs
Time in the saddle: 1.5 - 7 hours a day
HORSES
The horses are Hispano-Arab’s and Andalusians, and all carefully selected for this particular terrain. The horses, like their owner, are red blooded and full of life though always well mannered. The perfect ride for an experienced rider that appreciates a forward horse.
Saddles are “Potrera” saddles which are a mix between a western and English saddle. They have been carefully chosen for this type of riding and the well-being of the horse.
The horses are sure-footed, forward and easy to ride. They are tacked up for you. You must be able to mount from the ground to join the ride as you will be required to walk some short, rocky sections.
ACCOMMODATION
Each evening brings a different welcome. The first is at El Hondón, a beautiful finca where aperitivos and dinner are served at the cortijo before a peaceful night’s sleep.
The second is spent in a rustic off-grid farmhouse hidden deep in the mountains, where candlelight, old stone walls and complete silence replace the pace of everyday life.
On the final night, camp is pitched on a high plateau that was once a Neolithic settlement. Canvas tents are prepared with proper beds, linen sheets and pillows, while bucket showers, fire torches and paraffin lamps transform the remote camp into an unexpectedly comfortable home beneath the stars.
Each farmhouse has three rooms for guests. Couples and friends will be paired in twin rooms but please note if all guests come as individuals two will need to share a space for the first two nights.
GET IN TOUCH
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Shared accommodation, all horse riding, guides, meals, alcohol and soft drinks are included. Whiskey, gin, vodka, wine and beers are always available but please let us know should you have a special request. George not only guides but can play the piano and guitar beautifully as evening entertainment.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international or domestic flights, travel insurance, or optional staff tips (recommended €25). Full medical and holiday insurance is required to join the ride.
THE RIDING
The riding is liesurely and allows for side by side riding often when the terrain is wide enough.
George’s holidays are mostly at walk as you ride through the rocky landscapes around Ronda. The horses are 16hh+, forward and easy to ride. In some places you will need to lead your horse over uneven, rocky ground for short distances. You must be fit enough to be able to manage your horse and yourself through these short patches of maximum five minutes. There is a 10 minute section where you will lead your horse down a zig-zag pedestrian concrete footpath. The most technical section comes on day three where you will lead your horse uphill on a rocky path and then through a narrow path between rocks. Excellent footwear with good grip is essential.
Because you will dismount in areas you will also need to be able to mount from the ground.
The horses are prepared for you and you don’t need to tack up your own horse. You should have good horse sense and understand how to keep yourself and your horse safe as you ride through the villages (avoiding metal manhole covers and staying close enough to the horse in front of you so that a gap doesn’t appear that a car might try to get between you). You should be able to check your own girth (though the guides will do this for you) and keep your horse a safe distance from the other horses.
TRANSFERS
The closest airports are Malaga and Sevilla which are both approximately 1.5 hours from Ronda. We kindly ask guests to make their way to Ronda city where we will transfer them to our first location. Departures on Sunday are from 3pm onwards. It is also possible to organise a private transfer.
MEALS
Meals are as big a drawcard as the horses and countryside on George’s rides.
Lunch is a picnic oasis taken amongst the trees. You’ll enjoy wonderful fresh salads, charcuterie boards, home made breads and sanwhiches, local cheeses, a hot chickpea or lentil stew, incredible chorizo, savoury tarts, cakes and a full bar.
In the evening, after an aperitif, a mallmann-esque three course meal cooked in a 16th century oven or over open flame will dazzle your senses! Every meal has a different table-scape. The main meal is carnivore friendly (though vegetarians are well cared for too) with the chef servicing historical dishes from the area.
A true feast for your eyes, stomach and soul.
Included meals:
Day 1: Afternoon tea, Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Aperativo, Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Aperativo, Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch
WHAT TO PACK
As with all riding holidays layering is key to staying comfortable. Linen and cotton shirts with a gilet will keep you cool under the Spanish sun. Don’t forget to bring a smart sunhat especially if you choose not to wear a riding helmet. Helmets are not provided so you must bring your own if you choose to wear one.
Generally the nights are cooler and the days can get quite hot. During the winter and late autumn months we recommend you bring warm clothing for the mornings and nights.
In the Spring, temperatures become much milder. You’ll be provided with waterproof capes and woollen ponchos if necessary.
Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.
Should you wish to dress like a local for your ride, we are happy to recommend places to find beautiful Spanish country clothing.
Helmets are not provided. Please bring your own if you choose to wear one.
Your luggage is forwarded by car to each location so feel free to pack generously. You will be provided with saddle bags on your horse to carry any personal items such as a camera or power bank etc.
George will take you off-grid to romantic, isolated places. A power bank is vital to charge your phone. You’ll want to take photos of the incredible horses and food!
Your horse will have saddlebags that comfortably fit your phone, a battery bank, SPF chapstick, and another layer.
INTERNET AND WIFI
As accommodation is in luxurious Rajasthani tents or off-grid villas there is no Wi-Fi on the ride but cell phone reception is usually very good and universally available.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
2027 - €3,500 per person
13th - 16th May
20th - 23th May
27th - 30th May
3rd - 6th June
10th - 13th June
To book, submit an obigation-free Rider Form. We must receive one before we can share further details and availablity of this ride and the form must be completed by each rider that wishes to join personally. We cannot accept rider forms completed on a guests’s behalf.
ANDALUSIA, SPAIN
Currency is the euro (EUR). You can pay your tips in euro. While it’s wise to carry a small amount of cash with you it’s possible not to spend a penny for your entire trip.
Time Zone: GMT +1
Climate: Warm and arid make sure you wear long-sleeve layers to beat the heat and changes in temperature during the day. It can rain and though George can provide dark green ponchos to keep you dry a lightweight raincoat is always a good idea.
Visa: From 2026 it will be mandatory for visitors to Spain to have a visa to enter the country. The government has been vague of the start date of this new initiative though we will keep you updated if your holiday falls after this visa in advance requirement has been implemented.
ITINERARY
Please know that your guide may change the itinerary but only ever to keep you even more entertained, safe, dry and happy.
-
Your transfer from Malaga Airport or your central Malaga hotel will take you to the historic town of Ronda (1h 30m). Here you can explore the town, visit the local tack shop or relax on the terrace of the Parador Hotel.
At 5pm the team will collect you and take you to your first farm cottage accommodation (15 min). You will have time to freshen up in your room and enjoy afternoon tea.
At golden hour it’s time for your first ride through the rolling hillside of your hosts farm. You will arrive to dinner on horseback where you’ll enjoy a three course, candle-lit meal.
Once you’ve finished your meal you’ll mount the horses and enjoy a moonlight ride back to your accommodation where tea or a night-cap will be waiting for you.
Driving time: 1h 45m
Riding Time: 1h - 1.5h
Overnight at a traditional farmhouse with ensuite rooms and power for charging your phone and camera.
-
Breakfast is served from 8am on the patio. You’ll enjoy a spread of local cheeses, chutneys, marmalades, toast, eggs, coffee and tea.
Your first full day’s ride begins at 10am. You’ll leave the farm and begin riding to the dam that Franco built, climbing higher through rocky terrain, where you will need to lead your horse for short distances, before reaching a high saddle between the hills with an excellent view of Ronda. You’ll descend into a small valley with a chapel. Dismounting, you’ll lead your horse down a pilgrimage trail, mounting again to ride into the village of Montejaque where the horses will be relieved of their tack and turned out while you enjoy a long lunch during the hottest part of the day.
Lunch is at a very traditional bar filled with local characters and legends, a few minutes walk away from the horses’ field. You’ll have plenty of time to try the local beer and pub-grub made up of delicous salty fare.
When you hear the clip-clop of the horses approaching you’ll know it’s time to mount in the village square to continue the day’s ride.
Riding through the narrow lanes of the village, you’ll climb higher into the craggy mountainside, before leaving civilisation behind and riding onto private farmland towards your next accommodation, another pretty farmhouse that George and his team have breathed life into.
There is time to enjoy a hot bush shower in the animal pens, with a gas-fired tank of almost endless water, antique mirrors hanging from tree branches and your modesty protected by a bamboo screen.
The evening concludes with dinner enjoyed outside under an old oak tree with a chandalier of candles adding overhead glamour.
Riding time: 6 Hours
Accommodation: Guests are split between three bedrooms in the farmhouse
-
Breakfast is from 8am once more. You’ll set off at 10am and begin your ride around the mountain, through rocky terrain with vultures flying overhead. You may need to dismount and walk through some of the trickier terrain. Arriving at a large plateau once farmed by a shepherd and his family, the horses will drink from an old well. On the other side of the valley is a technical climb leading your horse into the Republican Valley.
The terrain changes completely and you enjoy the shade of cork trees as you follow the bends of a river towards lunch. Lunch is served near an old cattle yard at a long table with time for a siesta before riding on.
The afternoon ride waeves through farmland, taking you to a high point with a beautiful view over the area you’ve just been riding through. Around 5pm you’ll get your first glimpse of the glamorous indian bell tents that you will sleep in that night. There is a very impressive and private WC tent and a separate tent for a hot bucket shower.
Apertivo is served as soon as you arrive with a candlelit dinner served around 8pm under the Andalusian stars.Riding time: 6-7 Hours
Accommodation: Individual, spacious Indian bell tents with a traditional indian single beds, duvet, lamp, eye mask, towels and dressing gown provided.
-
Coffee is served under the olive trees and the day begins a little earlier as today you will enjoy your final breakfast at a local cafe. A short ride of 45 minutes and you will arrive outside the chic cafe. The horses are tied up nearby and you can enjoy speciality coffee, fresh orange juice and a traditional Andalus breakfast in the patio.
After breakfast you re-enter the farm and explore the perimeter, arriving back to your start point around an hour later.Your room is available to freshen up in before your final lunch is served around 1pm.
Your transfer will arrive from 2:30pm to take you back to Malaga Airport or town and back to reality.
Riding time: 1h 45m
Driving time: 1h 15m-30m
MEET YOUR GUIDES
GEORGE SCOTT
Born in Seville, George Scott has lived and breathed the Andalucian way of life since he was a child.
The family finca, Trasierra, in which he grew up was later stylishly refined by his mother, Charlotte, to become a much-loved country house cum guest house which has gained a loyal following as a hideaway, far from the madness of modern life.
George has been a natural rider all his life and, as a boy, he loved to explore the wild and unspoilt country on his horse learning all about the folklore from the locals. The hills of the Sierra Morena held no secrets for him and his local childhood friends.
Selma SALomeS
Selma grew up in Denmark and has been working as a horse guide in Spain since she was 18, originally in the mountains of Gredos near Segovia.
In 2025 Selma joined George Scott’s team in the Sierra Morena before becoming the lead guide in Ronda.
Carlos Parejo
Carlos is from Seville and has worked with horses for much of his life. He’s an experienced polo player and groom.
Before joining George’s team he traversed many of the trails around Ronda and was key in defining the trails for your holiday.
ACCOMMODATION
EL HONDON FARMHOUSE
El Hondon is owned by the Mesdag family who are renown in Spain for breeding PRE horses and the family’s involvement with the SICAB horse show. The 400 farm is immaculately kept and breeds excellent cattle, as well as nurturing the local wildlife like wild boar, deer and providing vultures with feeding grounds. You will stay in a farmhouse that has two ensuite twin rooms and an ensuite single room.
BOHEMIAN FARMHOUSE
George discovered this pretty abandoned farmhouse and breathed new life into it, decorating the inside with his bohemian style. There are two twin rooms and a single bedroom.
Guests will enjoy an outdoor gas-heated shower surrounded by the rock walls of the animal corrals.
CANVAS TENTED CAMP
On the top of the ridge-line in a hay field six large canvas dome tents are lined up side-by-side with sweeping views towards Ronda. Two indian style tents house the loo, which sits lofty on a throne base, and a wet room for hot gas-fuelled bucket showers.
Apertivo is enjoyed under ancient olive trees and parafin-fire sticks lead the way to the dinner table for your final supper enjoyed under the stars.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
2027 - €3,500 per person
13th - 16th May
20th - 23th May
27th - 30th May
3rd - 6th June
10th - 13th June
Fill in an obligation-free Rider Profile with your preferred dates and we will get back to you with availability.
HOW TO BOOK
Your saddle is secured with a 30% deposit with the remainder due 90 days before departure.
Cancellation Terms:
More than 90 days in advance the full deposit is returned net of bank charges and a €250 cancellation fee per rider from us an a agent to cover our time spent organising your holiday, and a €200 cancellation fee from George Scott rides.
90 – 0 days in advance 100% of the full amount is forfeited.
