ABOUT US
The dream to realize a horse project in Spain was already born in our youth. It was a long way, but we followed this dream and now live with our horses on the beautiful Finca Las Piñas on the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light in Conil, Andalusia).
OUR MISSION
We live relationship at eye level with our horses and stand for mindfulness and gentleness in handling and riding. It is our mission to spread this approach in Andalusia and in the equine world in general, thus improving the lives of horses.
It is important to us to leave something beautiful on site. We teach local kids and teens in a holistic concept where they are allowed to learn from the beginning what it is like to have a horse for a friend. These children will be able to make a difference for the horse world and that makes us happy.
Also, it’s important for us not to stay in our little mindful world, but to go out. To stables where things are still quite different. Thus we accompany young people in a training as a nature guide in the module riding. Our focus here is to create an awareness of the horses and their needs in order to make mindful handling possible in the first place. Our hearts soar when we see the difference it makes for horses when people listen to them and don’t “use” them. We notice this difference every time we go to the training barn. A space is created for the horses. Something that they were not used to until then. And every time we go to the barn and share our knowledge, that space gets a little bigger. That fulfills us.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
In our work with people and horses, trust and understanding are paramount. We want to walk a path where space for fear-free learning and communication is possible. Both for horse and for man. We want to create connection between animals and humans and show possibilities for a more joyful gentle coexistence.
Although we consider horses to be perfect in their pure being and value them, we love riding and do our utmost to make it a pleasure for the horses as well. We believe it is our responsibility to always work on ourselves to become a better rider or a better horse person. Therefore, we care a lot about our own physical “little problems” around eg. to find a better contact with ourselves, our body and our balance through special yoga or body exercises before we get on the horses’ backs. Gentleness and clarity are two things that our horses teach us every day and that we can apply in so many other areas of life. So in our lives and in the environment of the horses, we can learn a lot about ourselves and also the interaction between us humans and with ourselves. For this we thank these wonderful beings!
THE TEAM
Lea: Enthusiastic riding instructor, horse lover, packer, power woman with gentle nature
I was born on a farm in the Westerwald, Germany and horses were part of the family from childhood. My mother, Bibi Degn, brought the Tellington TTouch method to Germany and founded the Tellington Verein in Germany. Well-known horsewomen such as Linda Tellington Jones and Peggy Cummings visited us regularly. These experiences have left a lasting impression on me.
After my studies I spent some time at an Arabian stud farm in Andalusia and the desire to live and work with horses in Spain was awakened. I was fortunate to learn as an intern with Ruth Giffels, where I learned to appreciate fine classical riding.
In the summer of 2019 I passed the exam for the trainer’s license C Classical-Baroque Riding (FN) and am now a licensed trainer. As a Tellington Practitioner and trainer of the classical-baroque riding style, it is my task to find the most harmonious way for horse and rider.
Today I am living my dream of an own horse project in Spain, where I am responsible for the horses and the lessons at MORE THAN RIDING. I am fascinated by what happens between a horse-rider team when blocking tensions and attitudes in the body or mind of both creatures are released and a unity is created. It makes me happy to be able to help horse and human and I am tireless in finding a suitable way for both.
Ricarda – sunshine, organizational talent, passionate rider, yoga and movement, proud mummy
I have been riding since I was three years old and learned early on that riding and horses are a big responsibility. My first pony, Lilli, taught me the importance of mindfulness and respect. I started taking on horse training at an early age and gained a deep connection with them.
After my semester abroad in Madrid, I decided to stay in Spain. On a road trip through Andalusia I found my home in Conil de la Frontera. There I found my dream horse Opio, a Lusitanian stallion. Through Opio I made many new experiences and gained even more delicacy and clarity in being with horses.
I am a certified riding educator and a partnership relationship with the horses is important to me. When riding, I always focus on trust and well-being of the horse. I strive for gentle training with the aim of the horse`s voluntary cooperation because it feels that it serves it phisically and mentally. For me, gentleness is a philosophy of life from which everyone should benefit. Yoga plays a supporting role in this. I also love connecting people, having authentic conversations and enjoying life to the fullest. I am the mother of a wonderful boy who fills our finca with joy.
At MORE THAN RIDING I am responsible for the management and training of the horses. On courses I support Lea at teaching.
Jonas – man for all cases, creative mind, picture book janitor,
Passionate cook and surfer
It makes me happy to be able to let my skills and creativity run wild here, so that this place becomes more and more beautiful. Our bar with outdoor kitchen and pizza oven overlooking the horses, probably the most inviting outdoor toilet in the world, a jungle shower and much more, may grow from the ground of the finca, simple but beautiful. As a passionate cook, I provide the team with fresh bread, delicious dishes or homemade pizza. When the bread is in the oven early in the morning, I pack my surfboard and spend the sunrise in the waves. Then the world is perfect for me!
The Finca
The Finca Las Piñas is located in a beautiful pine forest just a few kilometers from the coastal town of Conil de la Frontera, the extensive beach and the various small bays. This is where we live, with our horses, dogs, cats and chickens. The finca is a peaceful place where it is easy to be in contact with nature and animals. After a long search, we have found the perfect place for our heart project here. The numerous pine trees and the small clearings create a special atmosphere and offer plenty of shade even in hot temperatures. Our horses live relaxed on large paddocks under the pine trees. We have a large riding arena (20 x 50m) for teaching and working with the horses. The finca offers so much space that you can enjoy short rides on the premises. For longer rides, we like to ride through the adjacent nature reserve on sandy bridle paths that lead us to the cliffs. We like to end the day in our small, rustic bar with outdoor kitchen and pizza oven. It is also a popular meeting place for friends and guests. On the yoga platform between the trees, you have a beautiful view of the horses. This special place invites you to move in the middle of nature or to come to rest.
OUR HORSES
Rayo – “the gentle leader”:
Rayo is our youngest, but also the biggest. Pre gelding, 7 years. He is an interesting mix of extremely calm and collected, however he can also be very energetic and temperamental. Lea has trained him from the beginning with a lot of patience and care and Rayo’s main job at the moment is to be Lea’s favorite. Rayo is our herd leader and the horses and also people love him, for the calmness he radiates.
Piri – “the smallest with a lot of size”:
We don’t know what we would do without him. He is the most patient child pony imaginable and will make any child’s face light up. There is a lot of energy in Piri and he is not a lazy pony, but likes to be taken seriously, encouraged and challenged.
Aristeo – “Ari – the Master”
With Ari we have the greatest school horse in the world. He is a 14 year old Hispano Arabian and dressage trained very fine and far. Ari most enjoys challenging lessons that feel quite easy with him.
Opio – “The Unicorn
Opio is our Lusitano stallion and actually Ricarda’s horse. The two are a dream team. Opio was a very skeptical horse with many insecurities. Here he is now blossoming and through a very versatile program, whether riding or free work, he begins to shine more and more. People who connect with him can experience an incredible feeling while riding.
Cepi – “The Police Horse”:
actually Zeppelin, 21 Pre, came to us in no good condition, because his owners could not take care of him anymore. In his past he was a police horse and so he has certainly experienced a lot. We are very happy that we could still give him the chance for another life. He loves it when you give him tenderness and his motivation to do something more is growing every day.
Lucero – “A Heart of Gold”:
Lucero has a very lovable character. He has not been with us that long and is currently in training to be able to participate as a school horse with a better body feeling and stronger body. We look forward to his development.
BOOKING REQUEST
CHOOSE NOW FOR UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES IN ANDALUCIA
Riding courses and retreats for beginners and advanced riders are held regularly at Finca las Piñas in Spain.
More than a riding course: Time for you – a gift for the horse
BEGINNERS
4 DAYS
This MORE THAN RIDING riding course suits you if you want to learn to ride in a respectful way and have little or no previous experience.
385€
ADVANCED
4 DAYS
You are experienced in riding and want to develop yourself further? You can expect high quality teaching in an appreciative atmosphere between us humans and the animals.
385€
RETREAT
6 DAYS
With our retreat we offer you a space to do something good for yourself physically and mentally and to develop yourself further as a rider.
from 975€
OUR ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPANTS
CONTACT
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
You have questions or need more information? Do not hesitate to contact us. We are at your disposal and look forward to getting to know you
Tel: +34 675 71 99 37
Mail: info@more-than-riding.com
Carril de Pilahito, 3
11149 Conil de la Frontera
Cadiz, Spain
