Horse Riding Review, Soller & Tramuntana Mountains

The Soller holiday experience has it all in my opinion. The Moors named the town and gave it the name 'Suliar' which means 'golden bowl' – a great description of the Soller valley sitting in the middle of stunning mountain scenery.

The debate is often mountains or beach today for holidaymakers and it is a dilemma.

The beach at the Port of Soller has suddenly increased in size by thirty per cent with the arrival of a brand new beach. More room to spread out and enjoy the smart new facilities after the renovations with newly imported fine silica sand for the children to play with. The sea is inviting just now and not too cold if you go in around lunchtime!

The walks into the mountains are well trodden paths and the signposts marking out Route 221 are all over the town and port. The smell of orange blossom in the air at this time of year is a wonderful heady scent and wonderful to be amongst. Walking, cycling, beach - the list of potential activities goes on and on. But there is now a new kid on the block. I met friends yesterday who were buzzing from their holiday experience and who were desperate to repeat it before they go home at the end of the week. They had seen a low key advertisement for horse riding in the Tramuntana and had taken children and grandma to experience a different day out.

On the outskirts of Fornalutx there is a big Finca in acres of grounds – high in the 'oven of the sun' (this is the literal translation of the name Fornalutx,) this place sits in the Tramuntana mountains. The 'Tramuntana Cavall' is a completely private estate with a group of horses just waiting for you. Slower older horses for the children and inexperienced riders, and a few with a bit more gallop for those who can. The trip starts with the issue of the riding hats which they provide and a check to make sure that all are wearing jeans to protect your legs. The ride begins with two experienced leaders teaching some basic skills who then are watching out for you the whole way. The horses know their route and take the riders into the mountains to experience being at one with nature and the universe. The silence and beauty all around are just breathtaking and my friends found it quite emotional. They were unwinding after serious stress and the experience was the closest they had ever come to communing with nature in its truest sense.

The family ride took a couple of hours before they stopped for lunch in the Finca Bini Gran. Arroz Brut and other Mallorquin dishes were served up and everyone relaxed. Their legs were quivering after the unaccustomed two hour horse ride but lunch soon gave them the energy to get back in the sadlle. This is no 'Dudes' ranch, no showing off or pretending to be cowboys - just a gentle, beautiful experience. The ride came to its end and the last minutes were taken in removing the saddles and making sure the horses were washed down and comfortable. My friends left the mountains after four hours saying that this was quite the best part of their holiday because it was so unexpectedly beautiful and serene.

Visit our Riding Stables in Mallorca page to find Horse Riding in Mallorca near you.