Vilatrama

Vilatrama is an equestrian centre in Tramacastilla, in the Sierra de Albarracín, at more than 1,500 metres above sea level. It combines two activities: equestrian tourism, with rides and routes on horseback for anyone, and the preparation of horses and riders for raid or enduro, the endurance discipline in which the centre competes.

Who runs it

The project belongs to Héctor Vilaplana, a raid rider licensed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). On his website he says he has been involved in equestrian sport since he was young, that raid ended up being his profession, that he trained horses at well-known centres in Valencia and Catalonia and that he spent several years in Dubai competing at a high level for one of Mohamed bin Rashid's stables. He chose the sierra because the altitude and tracks are good for preparing endurance horses. The centre's team competes internationally. The website does not give the opening year.

The facilities include stabling for horses, work areas, a beginners' and dressage arena and a social centre with a bar and terrace, from which parents can watch the children ride within the enclosure.

What it offers

The horse rides and routes go with a qualified guide and are adapted to each person's level and time: from a gentle one-hour ride to routes of several hours or multi-day outings through the Sierra de Albarracín. No previous experience is needed, although anyone who wishes can first take an introductory course in the arena to learn the basics; it is paid by the hour or in packs of ten sessions. The horse-drawn carriage does short rides around Tramacastilla, suitable for all ages, and can be booked for birthdays and celebrations. For the youngest there are short rides within the grounds. It also hires out electric mountain bikes for exploring the sierra on your own.

On the sporting side, the enduro centre trains riders from scratch or from their level, trains and prepares racehorses and offers monthly livery in a box or semi-free, with initial schooling, field and arena work. It also rents boxes and paddocks by the day to riders passing through, and helps find accommodation.

Ages, groups and equipment

You can ride from age 6 and, according to the website, with any level of fitness. Long routes and groups are quoted separately. The website does not publish a weight limit, the maximum size of groups or whether the centre provides the helmet, nor does it give a tourist registration number: ask when booking, especially if you are going with children.

Booking, hours and languages

The centre is open every day from 9:00 to 20:30, except on competition days or for reasons of force majeure, so they recommend arranging your visit by phone before going. You book by calling or by WhatsApp on 669 20 33 49, or at [email protected], and you can pay with Bizum. The website does not publish a cancellation policy. It is translated into several languages, but does not say in which the rides are guided.

Details of the ride are on the listing for the horse ride from Tramacastilla.