Q: Is
the Ranch suitable for children? A: Yes, but not if they are under
6. The riding is only suitable for children over 10, and accompanied
(on all rides) by their parent (s).
Q: Will we have
to wait for the arrival of more riders arriving on different flights? A: Not usually, because most
guests now hire a car, although if you are coming on a Singles Week
there may be some waiting at the airport, as we only have 2
vehicles.
Q:
Do I have my own accommodation? A: Yes, every party has it's
own house within the village.
Q: Do you cater
for vegetarians? A: Yes, but we would like to
have prior notice.
Q: If I am on
full board, do we take all our meals communally in the bar area? A: No, we will stock up your
house fridge with lots of local goodies, so you can take breakfast
and lunch at a time to suit you. This is because you may be on a different
ride schedule to other guests for the day. If you are out on an all-day
ride (horse or bike) then a lunch stop will be included. The focal
point of the day is dinner when we usually all eat "around the campfire"
outside the bar. Please see what our guests have said about the food
on our "guests' comments page".
Q: Do we need
to hire a car? A: No, one of us will meet you
at the airport. However, we strongly urge you to hire a car if you
want to get about and see some of the sights. We are located up a
mountain, 7km from the nearest village/town/shops/bars/restaurant/beach,
so a car will give you more independence. We will also deduct £50
off the cost of your booking, so a car is practically FREE anyway!
Q: How do I hire
a car - do you have any deals? A:Yes we do. Simply fill in the
form on this website and e-mail it to us, we will do the rest. No
need to pay us now, you pay the car hire company direct at Malaga
Airport.
Q: Do you cater
for non-riders? A: Yes, non-riders are more than
welcome. The village of El Ferrer is a wonderful place to relax and
soak up the scenery. The pool, hot-tub and bar can be used by all
our guests.
Q: Are you open
all year round? A: Yes, the climate of the Costa
Tropical is the best in Europe. Even winter is very similar to an
English summer. (And we don't mean it rains every day!) It is often
much better to avoid the very hot summer months, and ride/cycle when
it is a bit cooler, and the prices are lower.
Q: What happens
to the horses at the end of the holiday season? A: Well we don't really have
an end to the season as we are open all year round, but it is quieter
throughout the winter so we all have a bit of a rest, although we
all have to be kept fit with regular winter rides.
Q: Do you own
your horses? A: Not only do we own all of
our horses, but they are all treated as part of the family.
Q: Do you cater
for all levels of rider? A: Yes, we have horses to suit
all sizes and capabilities.
Q:
Other companies do beach rides, do you? A: No, I'm afraid we don't. But
you should be wary of any company that does, because the Spanish
Coastal Law prohibits taking any horse/mule/donkey or dogs onto ANY
beach unless there is a local exemption. Anyone caught is liable to
prosecution, so do check with the operator first.
Q: Do the horses
have their own stable? A: Yes, all our horses have there
own stable.
Q: Do I have to
bring my own hard hat? A: We would prefer you to bring
your own, although we do have a small supply, and you can borrow one.
Q: Do the horses
have saddlebags? A: All our horses have saddlebags,
great for carrying cameras, binoculars or suntan cream.
Q: What riding
gear is best? A: Jeans, jodhpurs, and short
boots. In winter a light jacket is advisable, as when you get up in
the mountains the temperature can drop a few degrees. In the summer
months suntan lotion is essential.
Q: Do you go at
a walk all day? A: No, we go at all paces. After
all, our horses enjoy a canter and a gallop as much as you do! We tailor
the riding to suit your abilities entirely.
Q: Do you have
any sightseeing or day excursions? A: Yes, should you wish to see
the spaghetti western film sets, or maybe visit the Alhambra palace
at Granada, then this can be arranged upon arrival.
Q: What else can
I do at Rancho Ferrer? A: Apart from just lazing around
and enjoying the peace and tranquillity by the pool and hot-tub, we
have mountain bikes for rent (€30 per day), skiing in the winter months
just 1 ½ hours away (Mike is an ex-ski guide and always looking for
an excuse to ski for the day!), diving and water sports based around
our 3m RIB in the summer months, two sea-kayaks for guests' use, and
lovely beaches just 15 minutes away. There is also superb walking
and photography in the surrounding hills and mountains, all very accessible
from the Ranch.
Q: Do I have to
pay extra for any of these activities? A: The only thing we charge extra
for is mountain-biking with a qualified guide. Skiing is charged at
cost, as is diving. Messing around in our boats is free, weather permitting,
and of course the mountains and the scenery are there for all to enjoy
and explore, either on foot, horse, vehicle or bike. Please contact
us directly for a quote for any additional activities.
Q: Could I do
half a week horse-riding and half biking or skiing? A: Yes, absolutely. Please contact
us directly to discuss your requirements, we are very flexible.
Q: Can
I come on my own? A: Yes, absolutely. Over 35% of
our bookings are single people travelling on their own. At certain
times of the year, we also host specific "singles weeks".
Please see the SPECIAL OFFERS page for details of any upcoming
weeks.
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