Equestrian Guide to Marbella and the Costa del Sol

Pia Arrieta DM Properties

24 Jul 2024 11 minutes to read

The Costa del Sol, and Marbella in particular, is a paradise for equestrian enthusiasts. Known for its luxurious lifestyle and stunning landscapes, the region also offers a variety of equestrian centres and activities that cater to all skill levels.

From trail rides through picturesque countryside to professional dressage and show jumping training, there is something for every horse lover. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the top equestrian centres, clubs, and activities in Marbella and beyond, so you can indulge your equine passion, whatever your level of experience.

Table of contents
Equestrian Pursuits on the Costa del Sol
La Zagaleta Riding Club
Marbella Club Equestrian Centre
Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol
Centro Hípico El Repique
Hacienda MonteMarina
Marbella Horses
Sotogrande Equestrian Center
Polo in Sotogrande
Santa María Polo Club
Equestrian Properties in Marbella

Equestrian Pursuits on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a prime destination for equestrian pursuits, and Marbella is at the heart of it all. From scenic trail rides to competitive equestrian sports, the region offers a diverse range of activities for horse lovers.

Trail Riding

One of the best ways to explore the stunning Andalucian countryside is through guided trail rides. These rides cater to different experience levels and offer breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and coastlines. Many equestrian centres provide guided trail rides and hacks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all riders.

Dressage and Show Jumping

Marbella’s equestrian centres offer specialised training in dressage and show jumping, with professional instructors and top-tier facilities. Riders can enhance their skills and participate in competitions held throughout the year. The region’s mild climate makes it an ideal location for year-round training and events.

Horse Shows and Competitions

The Costa del Sol hosts various equestrian events and competitions, providing opportunities for riders to showcase their skills and enjoy the sport's competitive side. From local shows to international competitions, there is always something happening in the vibrant equestrian community.

La Zagaleta Riding Club

Situated within the exclusive La Zagaleta residential estate, La Zagaleta Riding Club is one of the most prestigious equestrian facilities on the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, the club offers a tranquil and luxurious environment for horse riding enthusiasts.

Facilities and Services

La Zagaleta Riding Club boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious stables, outdoor arenas, and access to extensive riding trails that wind through the estate's private nature reserve. The club offers personalised riding lessons for all skill levels, as well as horse livery and training services exclusively to La Zagaleta members . The professional and dedicated staff ensure both horse and rider receive top-notch care and instruction.

Contact Information

Tel: +34 952 855 450
Email: [email protected]
Website: lazagaleta.com

Marbella Club Equestrian Centre

The Marbella Club Equestrian Centre is part of the renowned Marbella Club Hotel, providing a sophisticated and high-quality equestrian experience. The centre is well-suited for riders looking for both recreational and competitive riding opportunities.

Facilities and Services

The Equestrian Centre features excellent facilities, including indoor and outdoor arenas, a cross-country course, and well-maintained stables. Riders can enjoy tailored riding lessons, dressage training, and show jumping. The centre also organises pony rides for children and therapeutic riding sessions.

Contact Information

Tel: +34 952 82 22 11
Email: [email protected]
Website: marbellaclub.com

Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol

Located in Estepona, just a short drive from Marbella, the Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol is a renowned equestrian school known for its top-notch facilities and professional training programmes. It caters to both beginners and advanced riders, offering a range of services and activities.

Facilities and Services

The school features large indoor and outdoor arenas, a dressage arena, a show jumping course, and extensive riding trails. It offers riding lessons, horse livery, and training services. The school also hosts various equestrian events and competitions throughout the year, providing ample opportunities for riders to participate in and enjoy the sport.

Contact Information

Tel: +34 667 423 594
Email: [email protected]
Website: escuela-ecuestre.com

Centro Hípico El Repique

Located just 10 minutes from Marbella's city centre, Centro Hípico El Repique is a superb equestrian centre with state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive training programs. It caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced riders, and offers a variety of activities for both children and adults.

Facilities and Services

Centro Hípico El Repique offers top-notch facilities designed for both horse and rider comfort. The centre features 40 boxes with automatic water troughs, an outdoor track with Geotextil fiber and Silice sand, a circular track, and showers with hot water for horses. Additionally, it includes a horse solarium, and a bar-cafeteria with terrace and beautiful views. For riders, there are showers, changing rooms, and safe storage lockers for harnesses.

The boarding service is tailored to offer the maximum comfort of horses, including box cleaning, feeding, brushing, and automatic watering troughs. Additional services such as riding maintenance, horse walker or paddock use, blanket management, dressage training, and veterinary and farrier services are also available.

The riding school at El Repique offers lessons for all levels and ages, covering disciplines such as dressage, Doma Vaquera, Spanish High School, and show jumping. The Pony Club provides a fun and educational experience for children, teaching them to brush and ride ponies. El Repique also organises trails through the scenic rural environment of the Sierra de Marbella, suitable for all experience levels. Excursions range from one to three hours, with staff providing guidelines and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

The stud, Yeguada Gitana, is dedicated to breeding Pure Spanish Horses (P.R.E.). Located in Guaro, the stud raises high-quality specimens of mares, stallions, and foals. The breeding program is driven by a passion for and admiration of the Spanish Horse Race.

Contact Information

Equestrian Guide to Marbella and the Costa del Sol

Hacienda MonteMarina

Situated in the scenic region of Los Altos de Marbella, Hacienda MonteMarina is a premier equestrian club offering an array of services and activities tailored to horse enthusiasts of all levels. The club is designed to provide a comprehensive equestrian experience, from beginner lessons to advanced competition training.

Facilities and Services

Hacienda MonteMarina boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a 100-hectare finca for riding, a championship-standard dressage arena, a world-class show jumping arena, and an indoor riding arena. The stables feature spacious 3x3 boxes, daily cleaning, horse walkers, and paddocks. The club also offers a specialised horse hotel for boarding and livery services, ensuring top-notch care and comfort for all horses.

Riding lessons are available for all levels, with programs tailored to individual needs, and the Pony Club provides a delightful introduction to riding for children. Additionally, the club organises picturesque hacks through rural Marbella, offering unique experiences for riders of all skill levels. The on-site restaurant adds to the appeal, making Hacienda MonteMarina a complete destination for equestrian enthusiasts.

Contact Information

Tel: +34 650 303 080
Website: haciendamontemarina.com

Marbella Horses

Located on the beautiful Costa del Sol, Marbella Horses is a renowned equestrian centre offering exceptional services and facilities for horse enthusiasts. The centre is dedicated to providing top-quality training and unforgettable riding experiences.

Facilities and Services

Marbella Horses features up-to-the-minute facilities, including a dressage arena, show jumping course, and extensive riding trails. The centre offers personalised riding lessons for all levels, dressage training, and equine therapy. Their Pony Club Villacana provides a fun and educational environment for children to learn about horse care and riding. Additionally, Marbella Horses offers horses for sale, ensuring that all horses are well-trained and cared for. They also organise horse riding tours through the picturesque landscapes of the Costa del Sol, providing unique opportunities to explore the area. Each tour is guided by experienced professionals, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all participants.

The professional team includes Joaquin Legarre, a highly reputed dressage rider and trainer, serving as the Technical Director. With extensive experience in national and international competitions, Joaquin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He has competed in Grand Prix level competitions for over 15 years and has been a member of the national team. Teresa Cortes Akerman, an expert in Iberian horses and a professional dressage rider, is the Pony Club Director and a dedicated dressage teacher. Teresa has achieved outstanding results in national competitions, particularly with young horses, and her training is influenced by classical dressage techniques.

Contact Information

Tel: +34 644 192 558
Email: [email protected]
Website: marbellahorses.com

Sotogrande Equestrian Center

Located within the luxurious Sotogrande urbanisation a half hour’s drive from Marbella, Sotogrande Equestrian Center, also known as Sotogrande Hípica, offers a comprehensive equestrian experience in a stunning natural setting. The centre combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Andalucian architecture, providing a unique and enriching environment for riders of all levels.

Facilities and Services

The Sotogrande Equestrian Center features extensive facilities, including arenas for dressage, show jumping, and warming up, as well as a cross-country track. The centre has over 100 stable boxes, livery services, a veterinary clinic, and a shoeing area. The facility also includes a bar-restaurant, support offices, and shaded pastures for the horses. Additionally, the centre offers horse riding lessons, trail rides through scenic routes, and pony rides for children.

Activities and Events

Sotogrande Hípica hosts various local and international competitions, leveraging its technical regulation standard facilities. The centre also organises special riding packages for groups, multi-day excursions, and beach rides. It emphasises a personalised approach, adapting horses and instruction to each rider's level and needs.

Contact Information

For more details about their services and upcoming events, visit the Sotogrande Equestrian Center website.

Tel: +34 607 257 334

Polo in Sotogrande

Just a short drive from Marbella is the prestigious town of Sotogrande, where polo is a renowned and prestigious activity that has put this region on the map for polo enthusiasts worldwide. The sport was introduced to Sotogrande in 1965 and has since flourished, becoming a central part of the area's culture and lifestyle.

Santa María Polo Club

The Santa María Polo Club is one of the premier polo venues globally and is considered one of the four most important polo clubs in the world. It boasts seven polo grounds, four of which are World Class. The club is the host of the prestigious Grand Slam International Polo Tournament held annually from late July to the end of August. This tournament attracts top international players and members of royal families, making it one of the most exclusive sporting events globally.

Facilities and Services

The club's facilities are designed to accommodate thousands of spectators during the summer tournaments and are also available for corporate and private events throughout the year. The amenities include state-of-the-art polo fields, a bar-restaurant, support offices, and shaded areas for horses. Santa María Polo Club also offers polo lessons, clinics, and the opportunity to participate in chukkers, catering to both beginners and experienced players.

Events and Competitions

Sotogrande's polo season is filled with excitement, spanning from spring to mid-September. The highlight is the Grand Slam International Polo Tournament, a magnet for polo's elite and aficionados. The club also hosts various other tournaments and events that contribute to its reputation as a landmark of elegance and glamour on the Costa del Sol.

Contact Information

Equestrian Properties in Marbella

For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the equestrian lifestyle, the Costa del Sol offers stunning properties with equestrian facilities. These properties provide the perfect blend of luxury living and a passion for horse riding.

Equestrian properties in Marbella often include extensive land, private stables, riding arenas, and direct access to riding trails. They are properties designed to cater to both the horses' and owners' needs, offering luxurious living spaces alongside top-notch equestrian amenities.

Marbella and the broader Costa del Sol region are premier destinations for equestrian enthusiasts, offering world-class facilities, scenic country trails, and a thriving equestrian community. Whether you're looking to take lessons, compete, or simply enjoy the beauty of horseback riding, this region has something to offer every rider. Embrace the equestrian lifestyle in this stunning Mediterranean paradise and create unforgettable memories on horseback.

We hope this guide can help you plan and enjoy an exceptional equestrian experience in Marbella, making the most of the area's excellent facilities and beautiful landscapes. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the equestrian offerings in Marbella and the Costa del Sol will ensure a fun and memorable riding experience.

Pia Arrieta, 24 Jul 2024 - Living in Marbella