Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches. It's a spectacular and diverse country, the north resembling the rolling, green hills of Ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture. The uniqueness of Spain lies in the separate kingdoms which made up the original Spanish nation. These regions remain diverse in their language, culture, cuisine and art. They include: Andalucía, Aragon, Asturias, Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla La Mancha, Castilla León, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra and Valencia. Areas of interest are not limited to each region.
From the north to the south, Catalonia to Andalusia, there is a horseback trip for everyone in Spain. For the cool green forests, mountains and volcanoes head to the northeast. A trip back in time to the days of El Cid awaits near the ancient city of Salamanca. If you like hot weather and rides along the coast, head to the south of the country. Finally, if it's an island vacation you're after, travel out to Mallorca to explore abandoned monasteries while surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

The Spanish, Andalusian horse:  The Spanish Horse (Andalusian) is believed to be the most ancient riding horse in the world. Although the origins of the breed are not clear, Spanish experts adamantly maintain that it is in fact a native of Spain and does not owe one single feature of its makeup to any other breed. In the 15th Century the Carthusian Monks founded the most famous lines of the Spanish horse on the Fuente del Suero estate Jerez. The Stud was called "Hierro del Bocado" and was situated in the beautiful grounds of the Guadalete's valley next to the Carthusian Monastery. The Carthusian Monks developed a herd that became one of the most appreciated in the world. Whatever its own history. the Spanish horse has certainly made a lasting impact on many of the worlds breeds. including most of the American breeds, the Mustang, Quarter Horse Appaloosa, Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino and so on.