This exclusive trip is designed for only 8 participants and is guaranteed to sell out!
Contact Elli today to secure your spot:
(970) 946-1686
elli@soulutionsbyelli.com
Ride • Explore • Indulge
Let Elli whisk you away to the stunning Hacienda Buena Suerte in Spain, nestled south of Seville, west of the medieval cliffside village of Ronda, and east of Jerez de la Frontera—the city of wine, flamenco, and horses.
This à-la-carte horse lover’s retreat offers daily lessons in your choice of discipline:
Each day is yours to shape: the elegance of Doma Clásica, the precision of Working Equitation, the tradition of Doma Vaquera, the challenge of Trail Obstacles, the relaxed rhythm of Western Riding, or the sheer joy of a countryside trail ride—on a spirited Andalusian or a sure-footed Quarter Horse.
Working Equitation
Combining old, traditional European working riding styles, which are the origins of Western riding.
This versatile and interesting discipline promotes the horse’s concentration, playful nature, and obedience. It is a true challenge for both horse and rider.
Doma Vaquera
Get ready to be fascinated by the working riding style of the Spanish cowboys, which originated from their work with cattle. A riding style in which harmony and invisible aids have led to an elegant riding discipline.
Garrocha (part of the Doma Vaquera)
A garrocha pole is a long, sturdy pole traditionally used in Spanish equestrian traditions, particularly in herding cattle and bullfighting. Riding with the garrocha is a popular show discipline today. It requires one-handed rein control and a well-trained horse.
The demanding figures and the handling of the garrocha require considerable concentration and a lot of feel.
Doma Clásica
Doma Classica is the Iberian (Spanish & Portuguese) interpretation of classical dressage, often referred to as “English riding.”
The Doma Classica lessons are identical to those of classical dressage, but are executed in a much more relaxed, less strenuous manner, and with a captivating elegance.
The instructors at Hacienda Buena Suerte aim to have their students experience this feeling of lightness. They will teach you this style of riding with sensitivity & patience on highly trained horses.
Western Riding
Think vaquero-style horsemanship meets reining and learn more about flying lead changes, slide stops, spins, and rollbacks.
Trail Rides
Imagine the sheer joy of a countryside trail ride on a spirited Andalusian or a sure-footed Quarter Horse.
Are you craving the serenity of meandering trails? Riding through Spain’s breathtaking landscapes offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, beauty, and connection with your horse.
Each evening, you decide your next day’s adventure!
Between rides, immerse yourself in Spain’s rich culture with curated excursions into the countryside of Andalusía:
🇪🇸 Visit the Royal Spanish School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera
🇪🇸 Admire the Puente Nuevo high above the gorge, spanning the old & new town of Ronda
🇪🇸 Experience the Feria de Caballo – the horse festival and all its festivities, such as flamenco dancing & light displays
🇪🇸 Explore the city of Seville
🇪🇸 Wine Tasting
Welcome to Andalusia
Spain’s southern soul & crossroads, where Europe meets Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea alike, and where history whispers from every stone.
What we know as Andalusia today was once the heart of Al-Andalus, from which its name originates, and one of the most important cultural & economic centers of the medieval world. This region still carries the legacy of Moorish palaces, Roman ruins, and whitewashed villages glowing under the Andalusian sun.
Andalusia was & is home to many of Europe’s greatest cities, with libraries, philosophy, science, and art thriving. This left a legacy of stunning architecture, with the Giralda bell tower of the cathedral in Seville being one of the most notable examples.
Its spirit comes alive in the rhythm of the flamenco, the proud elegance of the Andalusian horse, and festivals that turn whole cities into celebrations – as you will get to witness toward the end of your Andalusian Extravaganza Experience.
Today, Andalusia thrives on its olive groves and vineyards that are exported all over the world, the famed sherries of Jerez (Tio Pepe and then some), and a vibrant culture that draws visitors from around the world.
Quick Facts
🇪🇸 Capital: Seville
🇪🇸 Population: 8.5 million (largest autonomous community in Spain)
🇪🇸 Climate: Mediterranean, hot, dry summers; mild winters.
🇪🇸 UNESCO Sites: Seville Cathedral & Alcázar (the oldest royal palace of Europe still in use, also nicknamed the “heart of Seville”)
Hacienda Buena Suerte
Hacienda Buena Suerte is the childhood home of Elli’s friend and internationally renowned horsewoman, Kenzie Dysli. Her father, Jean-Claude Dysli, was a Swiss cowboy and horseman. After spending multiple years in the US, he was one of the first to introduce Western riding and the vaquero style of horsemanship, along with Quarter Horses, to Europe.
Kenzie has her own Natural Horsemanship program and performs with multiple horses in front of big audiences, teaches clinics, and has a vast virtual study program. Kenzie’s horses have performed on multiple movie sets and Cavalia-like shows.
Take an inside look at Hacienda Buena Suerte
Your Accommodations
🇪🇸 Your accommodations will be in the Ranch House, in either private rooms or shared apartments.
🇪🇸 Breakfast & dinner will be included when on the ranch, and there is a bar by the pool where you can order tapas for lunch, or the restaurant on site will serve salads or sandwiches for lunch as well.
🇪🇸 The best airport to fly into is Sevilla, airport code SVQ.
🇪🇸 Alternatively, you can fly into Madrid (airport code MAD) and take the fast train to Seville. The train ride takes about 3-4 hours and costs around 50 Euros.
This is not just a horse retreat—it’s an à la carte adventure for your soul in the vibrant heart of Andalusia—where passion, tradition, and the magic of the horse come alive.
Itinerary
Please note, this itinerary may change due to weather and other influencing factors. Changes will be communicated as early as possible. More often than not, a change in itinerary will result in an equally amazing Plan B that you won’t want to miss!
Day 1, Sunday, May 3rd
Arrive at Hacienda Buena Suerte, your home away from home & get settled into your room. The best way to get to the Hacienda is by rental car or a taxi from Seville. Elli will help you get that set up!
Be sure to make time for a stroll around the property & to breathe in the fresh country air!
This evening, you’ll get to pick your first 1 or 2 riding sessions for the next day! How exciting!
Tonight, we will have dinner at the Hacienda, which will be a family-style buffet of fresh fish or meat with plenty of vegetables and salads to go along. With a full belly, it will be time for a good night’s rest and sweet dreams of your Andalusian Extravaganza!
Day 2, Monday, May 4th
After a hearty breakfast, each rider will be matched with the horse most suitable for their ability, weight, and height.
When it’s time for your session, you will be shown to where your horse lives & assisted through the process of grooming & saddling. This is a great time to connect with your 4-legged teacher!
AM: Riding Session 1
Lunch at your leisure, either at the pool bar or the restaurant; optional siesta.
PM: Riding Session 2
We will again gather for dinner at the Hacienda; then, map out your next day’s horseback adventures. It is up to you to do more of the same or mix it up!
Day 3, Tuesday, May 5th
AM: Riding Session 5
Lunch at your leisure, either at the pool bar or the restaurant.
The horses have the afternoon off, and we get to learn more about the culture of Spain!
We are in for a treat this afternoon: On the agenda is a visit to the historic town of Ronda, with our guide Marta.
After our tour, we will have dinner in Ronda before heading back to the Hacienda.
Day 4, Wednesday, May 6th
AM: Riding Session 5
Lunch at your leisure, either at the pool bar or the restaurant.
The horses have the afternoon off, and we get to learn more about the culture of Spain!
We are in for a treat this afternoon: On the agenda is a visit to the historic town of Ronda, with our guide Marta.
We will be back at the Hacienda in time for dinner.
Day 5, Thursday, May 7th
Today is a rest day for the horses, which means we get to rest too, and explore more of Andalusía!
On today’s schedule is a visit to the Royal Spanish School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera! It is considered one of the BIG FOUR classical riding academies worldwide, alongside the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, the Cadre Noir in France, and the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. The school is dedicated to preserving Andalusian horses and both Spanish baroque and country-style riding traditions, including Doma Clásica and Doma Vaquera.
After that, it will be time for lunch and maybe some shopping at a Spanish tack store? 😉
Dinner will be back at the Hacienda, so that you can pick your riding sessions for the next day before going to bed with a full heart and belly!
Day 6, Friday, May 8th
After the cultural immersion of the last 2 days, we are back for a day of riding with two more sessions of your choice! You will probably look at things with a fresh eye now, won’t you?
AM: Riding Session 6
Lunch at your leisure, either at the pool bar or the restaurant; optional siesta. 
PM: Riding Session 7
The day will close with a Hacienda dinner and stories shared. As we celebrate today’s learnings, it’s time to plan tomorrow’s excitements!
Day 7, Saturday, May 9th
Today is the last day, well, technically morning in the saddle (booohoooo, I know), but rest assured that we will end the day with a BANG!
AM: Riding Session 8
PM: Feria de Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera
After this morning’s riding session, we will head back to Jerez de la Frontera for the FERIA DEL CABALLO! The Horse Festival!
Dinner in Jerez
FERIA DEL CABALLO!
The Horse Festival!
The history of this festival dates all the way back to 1264, when Alfonso ‘the wise’ reconquered Jerez and granted it two annual duty-free fairs. In the Middle Ages, this was an opportunity for herders and farmers to bring livestock into town for trading. However, over the centuries, the fair became more about pleasure than business, with entertainment and socializing taking precedence over trade. In 1903, the González Hontoria fairground (known as the recinto) was opened, becoming the main event location. This vast park provided plenty of open space for the horses and allowed the event to grow bigger and bigger – and, in the same year, it was agreed that individuals and societies could build their own casetas (traditional Spanish marquees) in the recinto.
But at that stage, horses still weren’t the main focus of the event (although plenty of horses were present!). It wasn’t until 1955 that the Domecq sherry family proposed that the fair be a celebration of the horse. Set in Andalusia, there was certainly no shortage, from the working horses of the cattle farmers to the coach horses of Jerez’s aristocratic sherry families. This spark of genius allowed the festival to grow into the week-long flurry of flamenco dancing, pulsing music, prancing horses, and flowing sherry that it is today.
Picture this: everywhere you look in the city, immaculately dressed, aristocratic riders (caballeros) steer their proud horses down the street, with women flaunting their finest flamenco dresses perched proudly behind them.
Hundreds of ornate English, Russian, Hungarian, and, of course, Spanish carriages parade through the center of town, while Spanish cowboys round up cattle in the middle of the park; flamenco rhythms provide a beat for classical dressage accompanied by elegant dancers, and the clack of polo mallets can be heard from a nearby lawn. If you get a little hungry after feasting your eyes on the fantastic displays of horsemanship, you can head over to the 200 casetas, where you can find extraordinary food and, of course, lots and lots of sherry!
But nighttime is when the city really comes alive! The colors, rhythms, and spectacles of the day are replaced with over a million decorative lights as the guitarists pick up the pace, the sherry keeps flowing, and the prancing of hooves is replaced by the stomping of flamenco dancers.
Day 8, Sunday, May 10th
Check out and transfer to Seville.
Time to explore the historic city before heading onwards or homewards the next day.
Logistics
This event includes 3 days with 2 riding sessions, and 2 days with 1 riding session; however, everything is optional. You can always opt out of a riding session and just go relax by the pool or do whatever your heart desires!
🇪🇸 The duration of a riding session varies between 45 minutes and 60 minutes, depending on the number of riders.
🇪🇸 Since the horses get Wednesday afternoon & Thursday off, that allows us to rest & explore Andalusía!
🇪🇸 Our horse & host ranch, Hacienda Buena Suerte, has horses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders.
🇪🇸 Hacienda Buena Suerte has Quarter Horses & Andalusian Horses as well as mixed breed horses.
🇪🇸 Max rider weight: 200 lbs
🇪🇸The Hacienda offers Western saddles as well as Signum Omega saddles, which is a saddle primarily designed for dressage with a deep, supportive seat, helping the rider maintain balance & alignment, yet allowing for maximum shoulder freedom & back comfort for the horse.
🇪🇸 The best airport to fly into is Seville, airport code SVQ. Alternatively, you can fly into Madrid (airport code MAD) and take the fast train to Seville. The train ride takes about 3-4 hours and costs around 50 Euros.
I highly recommend arriving a day early, on May 2nd, to get your bearings, recover a little bit from the red-eye flight from the US, and not be rushed into this amazing experience.
I am happy to assist you with the planning of your itinerary or match your itinerary to mine.
I will reserve a block of rooms at a hotel in Seville for the night of May 10/11 that you can take advantage of for an additional cost at the end of the trip.
The best way to get from Seville to the Hacienda Buena Suerte is by rental car or taxi. If several participants are ready to transfer to the Hacienda Buena Suerte at the same time, I am happy to organize a group transfer with a private shuttle & driver for an additional cost.
What’s Included:
🇪🇸 7 nights at Hacienda Buena Suerte
🇪🇸 7 breakfasts at Hacienda Buena Suerte
🇪🇸 5 dinners at Hacienda Buena Suerte
🇪🇸 8 riding sessions at Hacienda Buena Suerte
🇪🇸 Guided sightseeing excursion to Ronda
🇪🇸 Visit to the Royal Spanish School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera
🇪🇸 Wine tasting
🇪🇸 Visit to the Feria de Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera
🇪🇸 Wine with Dinner
What’s not included:
𝘹 Lunches (tapas are available at the pool bar, salad & sandwiches are available in the restaurant!)
𝘹 Transfer from Seville to Hacienda Buena Suerte & back to Seville (but I will help you organize it!)
𝘹 Flights
𝘹 Tips/gratuity
Andalusian Extravaganza: €4,095
Deposit:
🇪🇸 A deposit of €2,095 is required to secure your spot. The deposit is payable in US Dollars at the current exchange rate on November 17th, 2025.
🇪🇸 The remaining balance of €2,000 is payable in US Dollars at the current exchange rate on January 15th, 2026.
🇪🇸 Payment plans are available, just ask Elli!
Cancellation Policy:
🇪🇸 10% of the full price is non-refundable if canceled before or by December 17th, 2025
🇪🇸 50% of the full price is non-refundable if canceled after January 31st, 2026 (or find a replacement rider for your spot).
🇪🇸 No refunds are given if canceled after March 16th, 2026
Event prices are listed in local currency (Euro) for reference. All payments will be collected in U.S. dollars, based on the official exchange rate on the due date. The amounts due will be calculated using the XE.com daily rate on the payment due date.
Participant acknowledges that exchange rate fluctuations are beyond the organizer’s control.
FAQ’s
U.S. citizens may enter Spain without a visa for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes.
You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
Later in 2026, the ETIAS travel authorization will take effect. For now, you don’t have to worry about it. I will notify you if or when that changes.
ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any European country. You can apply for it online, and it will be linked to your passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays, normally for up to 90 days in any 180 days. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Spain; six months is recommended beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
Just FYI, Europe’s Schengen area has implemented a new biometric entry system that is causing longer wait times at immigration.
When visiting Spain, you’ll find that the most convenient way to make purchases is still by cash. Card or mobile payments are also accepted, but I have found that even the locals still use cash quite a bit.
The Hacienda Buena Suerte does not accept credit cards. Please plan to bring cash for your bar tab and tips.
Tipping in Spain is much more relaxed than in the US. Tips are appreciated but not expected in Spain, and tips when given are typically modest. Feel free to ask, or simply do what makes you feel good.
In restaurants, oftentimes “servicio” will be “icluido” and no tip will be required. For good service, simply round up or leave about 5-10%. For lunch, leaving small change (€0.50 – €2) is perfectly fine. No need to tip 20%, that would feel unusually generous.
At bars & cafés where you’re ordering at the bar, round up to the next Euro.
For table service, you might leave small coins.
In taxis, round up to the next Euro. For longer rides, 5% is generous but not required.
At hotels: a good rule of thumb for housekeeping is €1-3/night; for bell staff €1-2/bag.
For guides or, in our case, instructors: €10-20 per person per day, pooled for the group, would be appropriate unless you’d like to tip more.
The usual: illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, fireworks, counterfeit goods, endangered animals, or plant products.
You cannot bring meat or dairy products from the US: no beef jerky, sausage, cheese, or milk products.
No fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, or seeds.
Cash is limited to €10,000.
Please make sure you clean your riding gear and remove any visible dirt & manure.
• Softshell jacket or some kind of midlayer
• Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection
• Jodhpurs, jeans, or both
• Riding boots
• Riding gloves
• Padded riding underwear if you like
• Hat/ball cap for sun protection
• Helmet if you like (Hacienda Buena Suerte has some for you to use; helmets are only mandatory on the Working Equitation obstacle course)
• Swimsuit
• Sandals / FlipFlops
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen; lip balm with UV
• Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc.
• Water bottle
• Small backpack/purse
• Shorts or skirts for exploring
• Good walking shoes for exploring the cities
• Type C and/or F adaptor for chargers
For travel from the US to Spain, you need a Type C (more universal, without grounding) or Type F (with grounding) plug adapter (two round prongs). Spain uses 220-240V electricity (the US is 110V), so ensure your electronics are dual-voltage (check for “100-240V” on the charger) to avoid needing a separate voltage converter.
Also, check with your cell phone provider before you leave the United States to determine if your plan allows for international phone use.
Just FYI, the emergency number in Spain is 1-1-2.
May is typically warm & sunny in Andalusia, with daily highs between 75°-79°F while evenings are comfortable, cooling down to around 55°F–59°F.
Sevilla can be a little bit warmer.
Should it rain, it will typically come in the shape of a short, scattered shower.
Hacienda Buena Suerte, which is owned by Kenzie Dysli and her brother, Rafael, who grew up there. The lodge building used to be an olive oil press, and to this day, there are hundreds of olive trees on the property.
There are around 45 horses, Quarter Horses, Andalusians, and Andalusian Crosses who live at Hacienda Buena Suerte.
There are no cattle at Hacienda Buena Suerte.
Breakfast; served from 9-10 am:
Bread rolls, cereal, muesli, yogurt, cheese, cold cuts, jam, tea & coffee
Lunch; served at 1 pm:
Salad & sandwiches
Pool Bar open from 7-8 pm for Happy Hour
Dinner; served at 8 pm:
Alternating fish & meat as well as sides and salad, PLUS dessert!
If you’d like an adult beverage, there is a self-serve bar, and wine will be served with dinner.
Yes, but I would recommend drinking bottled water. At the Hacienda Buena Suerte, the tap water is well water and is non-potable.
We can stop by the grocery store and pick up bottled water whenever needed.
Yes, along with a poolside bar!
No, only when riding on the Working Equitation obstacle course. The Hacienda has loaner helmets available.
The riding sessions are between 45 and 55 minutes long.
You get up to 2 sessions per day. Each evening, you get to pick the theme for your riding session for the next day: Doma Classica (Spanish Dressage); Garrocha, Trail Obstacles, Working Equitation, or Western Riding. Trail Rides are offered on certain days.
Hacienda Buena Suerte has a maximum of about 20 guests at one time. We are taking up most of the guest rooms. Some of the other guests might join us on the trail ride or in the arenas. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people from all over the world and make new friends!
Hacienda Buena Suerte’s kitchen is happy to accommodate special dietary needs or requests with advance notice.
Each room is equipped with soap, towels, and a hair dryer. There are no televisions or refrigerators in the rooms. There is a fridge outside that guests can use.
Actually, only one is a toilet; the other is a “bidet”. A bidet is a device that produces a gentle stream of water to clean your behind, replacing the need for toilet paper. Bidets are more hygienic and sustainable than wiping with toilet paper, especially in most southern countries where the plumbing is not the greatest and where the use of too much toilet paper easily creates a problem. In fact, at Hacienda Buena Suerte, the toilet paper goes in the trash can.
Fun fact: The French word “bidet” referred to pet ponies kept by French royalty in Paris and Versailles since the earliest bidets were straddled like a horse.
Either way, it is way more advanced and pleasant than the old “whole in the ground/floor” that I have come across on travels before.
In the Lodge Dining Room, we have a full bar with wine, beer, and spirits available for your purchase. We can also stop by the grocery store to purchase whatever your heart desires.
There is cell service at the ranch, but it can be spotty. Wi-Fi is available.
There are no guest laundry facilities on the ranch; however, the housekeeping team would be happy to do a separate cycle for you for a small gratuity. Please arrange this with the ranch staff once on-site.
Yes, they offer a light dinner on the rooftop along with drinks and an amazing view! A scrumptious breakfast buffet is available indoors, which is included in our stay.
Yes, on the rooftop!