Who in the dressage world has not heard of the Spanish Olympic Team Silver Medallist RAFAEL SOTO?
His charisma has earned him the respect and popularity of Dressage enthusiasts and fellow riders alike, the world over.
That final gesture and enthusiastic 'There you have it', followed by the flamboyant Spanish Walk performed by his partner 'Invasor' as they leave the ring, has become their trademark, and provokes uproars of applause and attracts audiences, wherever they go.
What most people don't know is that the spectacular 'Invasor' was a difficult horse in his youth and was rejected by other riders as 'impossible to train', due to his immense size, strength and laid-back disposition.
INTENSIVE DRESSAGE TRAINING CLINIC
This is a seven nights, six day's riding programme.Commencing Sunday after 4.00 p.m., ending Sunday before 11.00 a.m.
Maximum number of participants is 5, and the minimum number is 2. The training consists of:
2 Lunging sessions to improve classical seat
6 group lessons with our resident instructors
HORSES:
Mostly Pure Andalusian, some Andalusian cross, trained from Elementary Dressage through to High School, depending on the rider's ability.
PRICE: € 2.450.00
Single Supplement € 270
Price includes:
All riding, accommodation at the four star hotel (Alcázar de la Reina), all transfers at pre set time, taxes, most meals (all breakfasts, all lunches, Sunday dinner).
Except for:
Six meals (five dinners at the hotel in Carmona and the last one in Sevilla, on the last evening), are not included.
Entrance tickets for the Horse Show (€27)
Flamenco Show (€35)
Travel costs to Sevilla
AVAILABLE WEEKS in 2018/2019
February:03-10,2019
March:03-10,2019 (fully booked)
March:10-17,2019
November:03-10,2019
December:08-15,2019
*If demand is high, further clinics may be added. We will advise in plenty of time if this is the case
Complimentary Transfers CLICK HERE
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Rafael was born in Jerez de la Frontera, where horse tradition is very strong, in 1957. He is a dedicated horseman who has been training horses and riders all his life, following in his father's footsteps and commencing his riding career at a tender age when his father bought and ran an equitation centre in Palma de Mallorca. It was there that he had his first important dressage success, becoming Balearic Regional Champion in that discipline in 1982. In 1987, he obtained his Spanish Instructor's Qualification, and returned to his native city to pursue his equestrian career. After winning his first National Championship in 1994, with 'Flamenco', he was chosen to form part of the National Dressage Team, representing Spain in the 1995 European Championships. From that date on, he has continued on the Spanish Team, going from strength to strength with his two partners, first 'Flamenco' then 'Invasor', both Pure Bred Andalusian stallions. His most important successes in Dressage competitions are:
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: 5 times gold medallist, four with 'Invasor', once with 'Flamenco'.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP: Team Silver Medallist in Hickstead in 2003 with 'Invasor', plus two other 4th places. Top ten individual qualification in the last three European Championships in which he has participated, 1999, 2001 and 2003.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: 1998 Team 6th Place. 2002 Team Bronze Medal, Individual 6th Place.
OLYMPIC GAMES: ATLANTA 1996 Team 7th Place SYDNEY 2000 Team 5th Place, Individual 12th ATHENS 2004 Team SILVER MEDAL, Individual 8th Place.