rancho luz del sol

Visited Rancho Luz Del Sol in January for a last minute getaway with my girlfriend. Everything about the holiday was excellent and we really felt a part of a family whilst there.My girlfriend is a competent rider but I had never really been on a horse. This wasn't a problem at all, the first morning we split groups with the better riders going out whilst I stayed back and had a lesson then as my confidence grew I joined the ride outs.By the end of the week, not only was I confident on/around a horse I also new how to "tack up".The scenery was fantastic, riding through gorges and cantering along dried up river beds was like something out of a Western movie and it felt so cool rocking up at a bar on a horse.We had one day of poor weather so we chipped in with the mucking out which was also surprisingly enjoyable!I couldn't recommend a holiday at Rancho luz del Sol highly enough and make a point of telling as many people about the holiday as possible.Thank you for a great week.Andy

What an amazing weeks riding here in Partaloa! I booked directly with Jay and Erika (much cheaper than other options) via an email and phone call from their trip advisor details, paid easily by PayPal and stayed full board in the ranch house. The room was lovely and excellent food and hospitality provided by Chris and Tanya (Jay's parents). There is a really nice pool and sun terrace and personally I would recommend riding in May-June and late September to October because the temperature was lovely. The ranch has at least 20 horses and also 9 very friendly dogs many of whom have been rescued by Jay and Erika. There is riding and horses to suit all abilities and I rode 5 different horses during my stay. Most are very forward going and in particular Honey, Archie and Nonuts have a great turn of speed in the canter. The scenery is spectacular and rides included climbing high hills, trekking through gorges and riding out to Sunday lunch. The highlights for me were going to the festival and the long fast canters on the final day. I have already booked to come back next October half term and this time I am bringing my wife and daughter and we will stay in the villa which is only 5 minutes away. Thank you for a wonderful weeks riding, take care and see you next year!! xx

I just came back from a 6 days horse riding holiday at Rancho Luz Del Sol. It was the first time I was going on holiday by myself and the full board accommodation and the schedule with two rides every day morning/evening make it very comfortable. It went very fast! Erika, Jay, and everybody working with them are lovely people. The landscape is absolutely stunning, especially in the evening when the sun goes down and it's a bit cooler. I wouldn't recommend it for total beginners, but it is fine if you're not a very experienced rider as there are horses and rides for almost all levels. I haven't hired a car this time, but I would definitely do it if I can go again, to explore the area more.

Me and my partner Colin are reasonably experienced riders as we have our own horses at home. Although we have had many riding holidays and they have all been unique and special in their own way we would often come back feeling that we needed just that little 'bit more' in terms of new riding experiences and challenges.Boy did Erika and Jay rise to that challenge!Highlights included:The scenery was stunning and of course the weather was excellent There were horses to suit everyone and even horses who were for the more experienced riders only were so well behaved that it filled you with confidence to try new and exciting things The flexibility of the riding i.e. once or twice a day hacking and/or lessons in the sand school, pub ride, fiesta ride, mountain ride etc Riding to a local fiesta and taking part in the games on horseback and then riding back in the dark under a beautiful star filled sky - magical! The pub ride out with Erika to a tapas bar for an extended lunch (food gorgeous) and beers! we were out for 6 hours (lots of long canters on the way back) excellent The two unaccompanied rides that Colin and I were allowed to do up the mountains (Jay even did us a picnic to take in our saddle bags) Jay's hospitality and gorgeous good looks - ask him about his dancing ! The visit to Mick's bar (not for everyone) but we loved it!!Listening to the often sad but inspiring stories of the horses and dogs that Erika and Jay have rescued over the years with such passion and dedication.The accommodation and rooms were faultless and the main house and villas are in a stunning location. We went full board and the food was excellent and freshly cooked by Jay. The miles and miles of cantering on the Ramblas (dry river beds) and even some galloping up sandy tracks for confident riders was FAB!Erika and Jay's beautiful children were entertainment in themselves - such fun!Last but not least my favourite rescue dogs Chisel and Sophie.Erika and Jay could not have done any more to make it the 'best riding holiday ever' for us. I got a sense that whatever level of rider you are and whatever you want from your holiday they would do their very best to meet your need's whilst keeping you and the horses safe but at the same time offering you new and exciting experiences. Definately would recommend this holiday and will hopefully be going back next year - cannot wait miss them already.

We spent four days at Rancho Luz del Sol, where we received a really warm and friendly welcome from incredibly hard working owners Erika &Jay, their four boys and lovely collection of dogs. We chose this holiday after looking for a place that would suit ourselves, essentially novices, and our 9 year old who had never ridden. And what a good choice! Rides were twice a day, morning and evening, to avoid the heat of the afternoon. They were of a length to suit our needs, with plenty of knowledgeable help & advice (and patience!) from Erika. Hard hats were provided. There are horses to suit all levels - we spoke to some experienced riders staying at the same time and they were having just as great a time as us. The experienced riders went out in a separate group, since we needed a more sedate pace than them. You are also welcome to get stuck in and help if you want to e.g with mucking out and tacking up etc., but it is in no way compulsory. For us it was part of the fun. There is the option of quad bike riding for non horsey folks. We stayed in a self catering villa a very short drive from the stables, and it was fully equipped with spacious rooms, air con in the main living area, family bathroom, en-suite to the main bedroom, private pool and a hot tub. The other guests were staying full board at the house at the ranch, which also has a pool. We were there at the start of September, when it is still very hot, so you might want to consider visiting outside of the summer months of June, July and August, and the start of September if you don't like the weather too hot. The atmosphere is very relaxed and informal, and all the people that came to work at the stables were very friendly and helpful, we had such a great time we are already planning a return visit.

I chose this holiday because it suited everyone - horse riding activities for myself and my two adult daughters and exciting activities for non-riders - my husband and my daughter's boyfriend. We hired a car from the airport, which I would recommend to visitors who want to explore the local area.The horse riding was an amazing experience with lovely horses for different levels of riders and beautiful views on the mountain hacks. Erika matched the horses and rides to riders' abilities, taking out the hacks with the help of Anna and Sue. By the end of the week, we all had our favourites, which we wanted to take home!The boys were also very well looked after, by Jay, in their activities, which included paragliding over Mojacar beach, quad biking and safari driving on the mountain tracks and they even braved a beginners' hack! The 6 person villa was very well equipped and beautifully presented - the swimming pool was very welcome after a hot morning ride. Staying at the villa gave us the independence to relax as a family, whilst still being invited to BBQs, fiestas and eating out at local restaurants with Erika, Jay and the ranch guests. Erika and Jay worked tirelessly to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable - rides were offered to us twice a day and the timings of all activities were flexible to accommodate all the guests. We felt as though we had been away for months and all had a fabulous time - this holiday allowed all family members to do as little or as much as they wanted and de-stressed everyone, in this peaceful area of Spain. I highly recommend this holiday for families with horse riders and non horse riders alike!

We decided to book two rides with Erika and Jay after reading the reviews on their stables. We are a family with two children aged 11 and 9 and non of us have riden a horse before but wanted to give it a go for something different to do on our holiday in the area. We were not disappointed. We were given lots of help and advice along the way and enjoyed two beautiful hacks in the early evening despite having never riden before. The scenery is truly stunning. On our second ride we joined Erika and Jay and their beautiful boys for a BBQ which was fantastic. We were made to feel very welcome indeed and the food was great! If we return to the area, we will definitely book again. A lovely family run stables managed in an informal way which made us feel very welcome. Recommended!!!

When I booked this holiday, I chose the option that seemed to offer the most riding - and I was not disappointed. There was, in fact, more riding than my bum could cope with! Erika is so generous with her horses, and as well as the ride that was included in the package, I was also able to do another ride each day in the evening. And if that hadn't been enough for me, I have no doubt that Erika would have let me take a horse into the school too for some more riding. So here's a quick summary of everything I experienced at Rancho Luz del SolRidingThere's a fantastic variety of horses, and there really is something to suit everyone. If you like more forward-going horses, you will not be disappointed here. Most rides come in the form of a hack into the surrounding mountains, and are all similarly breathtaking. If you don't want to ride out, there's a school too. The best day of my holiday (and perhaps my life!) was the day that I was taken to a Spanish fiesta. We hacked there, rode in this hilarious ribbon competition, and hacked back at dusk. It was magic.PeopleI came on this holiday on my own, so at the beginning was quite nervous about the people i'd be spending all my time with. I needn't have worried - Jay and Erika are relaxed, fun, friendly and open, and their kids are lovely too. I felt totally welcome at all times, and did not at all regret travelling alone. Erika rescues any horses and dogs that have been abandoned as a result of the hard economic times in Spain, and is happy to tell you their stories. The work they do in caring for these rescued animals is tough, and there's a lot of it, but they're a very generous family.As well as Erika and Jay, there are lots of other people that help out at Rancho Luz del Sol, and they are all wonderful, fun, friendly people who have a lot of time for Erika and Jay's guests! The accommodationThe house is lovely, the room has everything you could need in it and more, there's a pool, a barbecue, the food is delicious, the wine is great... I also caught a glimpse of one of the self-catering villas as we rode past it one day, and it looked really lovely. I would definitely come to this place again and recommend that you do too!

I travelled here on my own for four nights three days, I was picked up promptly from airport by Miguel a taxi driver they use who is lovely and polite felt a bit awful tho because my Spanish wasn't great but will learn a bit more for next time. Arrived at the ranch and was staying at jays parents with jay and Erica and the children as jays parents were in uk. Room was lovely comfortable I was so looked after really well each day was tailored to how I liked it and got to ride twice a day in the morning and evening when it wasn't so hot. I was really nervous about travelling solo but I definitely hadn't needed to as I was made to feel part of the family and have never felt so relaxed in a long time. Even with my riding as I've been out of the saddle for a while just having lessons and was a very nervous rider but was so at ease with the horses there and Erica tells you all about the horses and encourages us to ride through natural horsemanship to feel the horse as you ride which I found fantastic as you really connect with the horse as they do with you. Erica and jay are extremely hard working and they live for their animals all the horses and dogs they have and have been rescued and given a second chance at life , there so looked after well fed and beautiful horses especially considering how some have been so mistreated in the past so thank goodness for the ranch to rescue these lovely animals and the dogs also. I could probably keep writing all day about this break and adventure but I would highly recommend a visit to go enjoy the breathtaking views of Partola and have the privilege of meeting such a lovely family and horses and their fantastic four children. miss you guys and can't thank you enough for the warm welcome and stay I had I will defiantly be back with my family in the near future. Jo Xx

A lovely setting, I stayed on my own after a poor start as the travel company did not arrange my collection and resulted in a 4 and half hour delay at airport! The accomodation with Jays parents was spotless, very comfortable room with everything you could need in the shower room. I was the only guest for a week, and feel my experience would have been different if there had been others there. Jays parents and the food was great, but on my first morning there i was not offered a ride and returned to the ranch after 2 hours helping muck out...I had expected Erica to come out of the mobile home and ask what I wanted to do etc. But she was busy looking after her 1 year old child and did not speak to me. I did ride out in the afternoon with Anna, a lovely lady who works there, but had gone to learn to ride, not to hack. I did get a lesson on day 3 and 4 and Erica is a great teacher, but tbe horse spooked due to the rescue dogs around the school and I had severe Nd painful brujsing so could only do short hacks after that. My advice...go as group, be able to ride already and this would be a great holiday. The people are individually lovely, as are their 4 young boys, but my experience was not good I am sureas I was the only guest and so the riding was disorganised and not I felt focussed ln me.

If you are looking for a riding experience with a difference Rancho Luz Del Sol is for you. Don't expect the average prim riding establishment with rules and regulations. This is relaxed, informal, friendly, homely and delightfully chaotic (and very good value for money). There are well over 20 horses on the ranch, predominantly native Andalucians or similar - many rescued from poor homes or worse. They come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments suitable for any level of riding ability. You can ride stunning stallions, high stepping mares or wiry ponies - up to you. The arid countryside is stunning and varied - you can understand why they film spaghetti westerns in the area. We particularly loved the dramatic ravines and galloping up the ramblas (dry river beds) and the views were fabulous. Be warned that in the summer months you need to ride out early or late to avoid the midday heat. We often rode twice a day escaping from the heat with a dip in the pool followed by siesta before an evening ride.Our hosts, Jay and Erika (and their lovely 4 boys), could not have been more welcoming and helpful. We were meant to be looked after by Jay's parents but sadly they were held up back in the UK so Jay had his work cut out caring for the kids and us at the same time - he did it brilliantly.The double rooms with en suites were spotless, cool, and equipped with your every need down to swimming towels, shampoo and toothpaste. There is one twin room which is smaller and has a bathroom next door. We had free use of their swimming pool which was pure bliss especially after a hot sweaty hack. Jay looked after the domestic side producing good English fare. We ate out a couple of nights for an authentic Spanish flavour and if you want the flexibility to do some site seeing it's a good idea to hire a car. The ranch is nicely remote from fast roads so you need a car to get away if you want to.Erika looks after the horses (and numerous affectionate rescue dogs) with the help of lovely Anna. Things can get a tad chaotic when you have over 20 horses kept in corals and feeding times seem to run into each other. You can get as involved as you like in the day to day care but are not required to. Erika has rescued and nurtured back to health many of her horses and consequently there are rather too many. They struggle to keep the place looking tidy and the tack has seen better days. Having said that all the horses we rode were safe, fit, and fun to ride and by the end of the week had got to know them well and developed favourites. Both Jay and Erika bent over backwards to give us the riding experience we wanted be it popping over jumps in the manège, a leisurely evening hack in the hills or a long all day trek. One evening we rode to a town about an hour away and tied the ponies up, had a delightful tapas in the street and then rode home by moonlight - perfect!Thank you Erika, Jay and Anna for giving us a wonderful week and we hope to be back for a fiesta one day soon.

My 3 daughters and I went for a weeks riding holiday to celebrate 1 of my daughters 50th birthday, we stayed at the villa organised by the ranch it is absolutely superb, so idyllic, my 3 daughters were expertly taken care of by Erika, Anna who works there was a joy to talk to, the scenery was breathtaking,i would recommend it to anyone, who wants a horse riding experience, the only downfall is that you need a car to get around, there is the village, it has a couple of bars, but no restaurants as such, just a serving of tapas, but we would certainly go again.A big thankyou to Erika, Jay,Anna and Kevin

This is the first time we have travelled abroad for a riding holiday as for the last 6 years we have chosen our riding holiday in the UK. Absolutely fantastic time and will definitely be doing it again. Erica and Jay were such a lovely couple, hard working and made us so welcome. Erica took us on fantastic rides and each one was different. The horses were wonderful and this family lives for their animals and rescues many. There is a story to tell for each horse. Jay's parents made us very welcome in their villa and nothing was too much to ask. Overall I would have no problem recommending this to anyone. What a lovely family. And I wish them all the best.!!Jane

Hi Kristina,Thanks for the review and we really hope you do visit again ... We do not think we have had anyone do so much riding while they have been here!! Riding Curro in the school on your last evening was the highlight!!!For those reading we do have many rescue horses and some do have "quirks" but we only would allow someone of Kristina's ability and confidence to ride a horse like that. We also have many very quiet horses perfect for the beginner or children!!Thanks again Kiki,Love Erika and Jay xx

Highly recommend visiting Rancho Luz del Sol for their amazon hacking in the mountains and riding opportunities in their outdoor school. Calm, kind and varied horses (and dogs), many are rescued. Extremely good value - as much hacking and schooling as you can manage, and great for solo visits (I stayed full board in the house by the ranch) or you can go in a groups (up to 7 in a local villa with pool).