info@theinternationalequestrian.com
info@theinternationalequestrian.com
🐎 The Rider Training Residency
LIVE. RIDE. TRAIN. TRANSFORM.
Spend 1, 2 or 3 months in Spain training with an FEI II coach — bring your own horse or lease one of ours, with personalized 1:1 coaching built around your goals.
"I didn't know what I didn't know until I came here.”
"Coach Krystal made me open my eyes to things I'd been doing for YEARS but had been completely unaware about." - Jane from California
Don’t Just Visit Spain.
Come Here to Become a Better Rider.
Live in the spectacular Matarranya region of Spain for 1, 2 or 3 months, bring your own horse or lease one of ours, and train with me through a completely personalized riding program built around your goals, your horse, and your needs.
This isn't a vacation. It's time.
Time to ride.
Time to learn.
Time to improve.
✨ What Makes This Residency So Unique?
- Private, 1:1 Coaching with FEI II Show Jumping Coach, Krystal Kelly
- Bring Your Own Horse or Lease One of Ours and train consistently in Spain
- Choose Your Training Intensity — 3 or 5 coaching sessions per week
- A Completely Personalized Training Plan based on your riding, horse, biomechanics, fitness, level, goals and individual needs
- Weeks, Not Days, to Build Real Progress — revisit, refine and develop skills instead of trying to fix everything in one lesson
- Focused Rider Biomechanics to improve your position, effectiveness, balance and feel
- Groundwork & Horse Development to build communication, confidence and a better partnership
- Rider and horse psychology training to understand what is happening underneath the training
- Mindset, Confidence & Performance Coaching to work through the mental barriers that affect your riding
- The Freedom to Go Deeper — ask questions, experiment, make mistakes and have the time to actually figure things out
- Live & Train in the Matarranya, one of Spain's most spectacular and untouched regions, surrounded by mountains, trails, wine country, medieval villages, and incredible views
Exclusively Yours: A Private Training Residency Built Around YOU
This isn't a group clinic or a one-size-fits-all training program.
Your entire Residency is built around you, your horse, your goals and your weaknesses.
Your training plan evolves as you do, with consistent 1:1 coaching, personalized exercises and the time to actually work through the things that have been holding you back.
No sharing your coach. No waiting your turn. No cookie-cutter program. Just focused time to become a better rider.
A Training Plan Built Around You & Your Horse
Your personalized training may include:
- Biomechanics — Rider position, balance, strength and effectiveness in the saddle, with exercises designed around your individual body and movement patterns.
- Show Jumping Development — Polework, grids, jumping exercises, course work and technical challenges designed to develop your skill, confidence, feel and ability to ride progressively bigger and more technical courses.
- Dressage and flatwork — Develop a deeper feel for correct movements, aids, balance and connection so you can take those skills home and apply them to any horse you ride.
- Train the trainer — Learn how to analyze what you're seeing, understand why it is happening and develop the tools to train your own horse—or coach others—with greater clarity and consistency.
- Rider Health & Fitness — Build a practical plan for strength, mobility, conditioning and longevity so your body can keep up with your riding goals.
- Theory, Science & The WHY — No “do this because I said so.” Every exercise has a purpose. You'll learn the theory, biomechanics, psychology and reasoning behind what we're doing so you can make better training decisions on your own.
- Long-Term Training Strategy — Build a clear roadmap for what comes next, including what to prioritize, what to practice, what to stop doing and how to continue developing when you return home.
- A Safe Space to Ask Anything — No judging eyes. No peer pressure. No comparison. No pretending you understand when you don't. Just you, your horse and your coach—with the freedom to ask the questions you've been too afraid to ask, talk openly about your worries, and figure things out without an audience.
Preparing for the Show Ring
If competing is part of your goal, your Residency can include dedicated show preparation and competition simulation.
Depending on your goals, we can:
Want to Compete While You're in Spain?
Our location gives you access to a huge range of national and FEI competition venues across the region, including the Valencia, Barcelona and Mediterranean Equestrian Tour (MET Oliva) areas.
We can strategically build your Residency around your competition goals—whether that means preparing for your first show in Spain, gaining mileage at national competitions, or continuing your FEI campaign while you're here.
Want to compete during your Residency? I'm there with you. I can coach you at competitions, help you prepare beforehand, walk courses with you, and guide you through the international competition enrollment and registration process so you understand exactly how it works.
Competition entry fees, transportation, stabling and other competition-related expenses are not included in the Residency and are paid separately.
☀️ Come South for the Winter. Train. Live. Explore.
Make the Matarraña your home base while you focus on your riding.
For one, two or three months, step into a completely different rhythm of life.
Ride in the morning. Work remotely. Explore a medieval village. Hike in the mountains. Swim in a natural pool. Have lunch in a tiny Spanish town. Train again. Watch the sunset.
You don't have to quit your job, put your life on hold or move to Spain permanently.
You're simply giving yourself a month or two to live differently—and make your riding a priority.
You aren't checking into a retreat and counting down the days until you leave.
You're actually living here.
Make Spain Your Training Base
Bring your horse and rent a local apartment, house, camper van or rural accommodation that suits your lifestyle. Work remotely if you need to. Bring your partner or family if you want. Explore Spain on your days off and between lessons.
And when you're ready to ride?
Your coach is waiting. Your exercises are planned. The arena is ready. The jumps are set.
You simply show up and train.
Explore Hidden Castles and Medieval Villages
Step back in time and explore centuries-old villages, cobblestone streets, ancient castles and spectacular mountain towns—all within easy driving distance of your home base.
Eat, Drink & Live Like a Local
Discover the incredible food and wine of the Matarraña region—from Garnacha and Tempranillo wines to locally pressed extra virgin olive oil, Iberico and traditional Spanish cuisine.
This isn't a tourist resort. It's real Spain. And for a few months, you get to call it home.
Grab fresh pastries from the local bakery in the morning, then stop by the village shop for a bag of carrots for your horse after your ride. Pick up fresh produce from the local farmers market, discover family-run restaurants, wander through the shops and slowly become a regular instead of a visitor.
End Your Days Under a Sky Full of Stars
Far from city lights, the Matarraña mountains offer spectacular night skies. After a day of riding, working, exploring and training, slow down, look up and remember why you came here in the first place.
You came to ride. But you might just fall in love with the life around it.
Train Directly With FEI II Coach Krystal Kelly
I'm not here to give you another list of exercises and send you home. I'm here to figure out why you're stuck, what you need help with, what your goals are, and then give you the tools to get it done.
With a background in rider biomechanics, horse development and transformational coaching, I help riders understand what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what needs to change.
Over the course of your Residency, I get to know how you ride, how you learn, where you struggle and what your horse needs from you—allowing your training plan to evolve as you progress.
No guessing. No cookie-cutter program. Just weeks of focused coaching designed around becoming the rider you want to be.
Don't Have a Horse to Bring? Lease One of Ours.
Bring Your Family Along
The Residency doesn't have to be a solo experience.
Come with your partner, family or riding companion—or make it a mother-daughter riding adventure, with both of you bringing your horses and training together in Spain.
Junior riders are welcome too, and training can be adapted to each rider's age, experience and goals.
Not everyone in your family has to ride, either. While you train, they can work remotely, explore the villages, hike, cycle, discover local restaurants and wineries, or simply enjoy the slower pace of life in the Matarraña.
Come for the riding. Stay for the life. Make it an experience you share.
Testimonials
"I didn't know what I didn't know until I came here. In just one week, Coach Krystal opened my eyes to things I'd been doing for years without even realizing it." -Jane from California
Emmeli from Sweden shares her experience - Head Jumping Coach & Trainer at a stable in Los Angeles
Gina from Texas shares her biggest wins - Amateur Endurance Rider
Sarah from Washington share's her biggest takeaways - Amateur Jumper
💫 Is This Residency for You?
The Rider Residency is a serious investment in your riding—and it's not designed for everyone.
This is probably for you if:
🐴 You own a horse and are genuinely considering bringing them to Spain for 1–3 months.
🏆 You're serious about progressing as a rider and, if relevant, competing at a higher level.
💰 You're comfortable investing in top level 1:1 coaching in addition to your own accommodation, travel, meals and other personal expenses.
✈️ You're able to take the time away from home or work remotely while you're here.
🧠 You're willing to be coached, challenged and work consistently—not simply attend lessons and expect someone else to fix the problem.
📈 You want sustained development rather than a quick riding holiday or one-week clinic.
🌍 You're excited by the idea of making Spain your temporary training base and potentially competing in Europe while you're here.
This probably isn't for you if:
❌ You're looking for a holiday or traditional riding retreat.
❌ You're only interested in coming for a few days or a week.
❌ You're not prepared to make a significant financial investment in your riding.
❌ You're looking for someone to simply ride or train your horse for you without developing the rider alongside them.
❌ You're unsure whether you're actually able to travel with your horse or commit to the Residency dates.
If you're reading this thinking, “This is exactly what I've been looking for,” then we'd love to hear from you.
🗓️ Your Residency
Your exact schedule will be built around you, your horse and your goals.
This isn't a fixed itinerary or group program. Your training plan, lesson schedule and activities will vary depending on your goals, competition schedule, horse, weather and how you're progressing.
What Your Training Looks Like
Depending on the Residency you choose, you'll have 3 or 5 private riding sessions each week, plus a weekly theory/training session.
Your riding sessions may include:
Flatwork & dressage
Rider biomechanics
Polework & gymnastics
Gridwork & jumping
Course work & competition preparation
Groundwork & horse development
Problem-solving specific to you and your horse
Your training plan is not written once and forgotten. It evolves throughout your Residency as you progress and we discover what you actually need.
And Your Horse?
Your horse becomes part of the Residency too.
If you're bringing your own horse, you'll have:
Full board
Hay & grain
Access to a large field/paddock for turnout
Shelter and turnout space
Access to a stall for overnight or as needed
Access to our training facilities and arena
Individualized training for your horse alongside your own rider development
Your horse doesn't simply come here to be boarded while you take lessons. We develop the horse and rider together.
🏡 The Facilities
🌿 24 acres of private property🛡️ No public access to our facilities, security and privacy is paramount
🐴 Multiple large turnout fields and paddocks with individual or shared turnout options
🏇 65m x 25m outdoor sand arena
🪵 Show-jumping poles, fillers, liverpools and training fences available for your training
🏠 Large stalls available with two windows for overnight use, bad weather or whenever your horse needs time inside
🌾 Hay and grain included
💧 Automatic water drinkers in stalls and automatic troughs in turnout areas
🪮 Wash and grooming area
🏔️ Direct access to quiet country roads and mountain trails for trail rides and light hacks
🔒 Private, low-traffic training environment
☀️ Year-round outdoor riding in Spain's mild winter climate
🐴 Multiple large turnout fields and paddocks with individual or shared turnout options
🏇 65m x 25m outdoor sand arena
🪵 Show-jumping poles, fillers, liverpools and training fences available for your training
🏠 Large stalls available with two windows for overnight use, bad weather or whenever your horse needs time inside
🌾 Hay and grain included
💧 Automatic water drinkers in stalls and automatic troughs in turnout areas
🪮 Wash and grooming area
🏔️ Direct access to quiet country roads and mountain trails for trail rides and light hacks
🔒 Private, low-traffic training environment
☀️ Year-round outdoor riding in Spain's mild winter climate
❤️ Professional Care. Happy Horses.
We care for your horse like one of our own.
❤️ Twice-daily feeding with hay top-ups as needed
🌙 Overnight turnout available with large shelter
🌿 Individual or shared turnout depending on your horse's needs and your preference
⚡ Secure electric fencing throughout turnout areas
🩺 International veterinary support with access to top vets from Canada
🦶 Specialist farrier access, including barefoot expertise from the UK
📹 Security cameras on site
🌧️ Hands-on care when you're away — we can bring your horse in or turn them out, adjust blankets and respond to changing weather so you don't have to worry while you're away
🐴 A natural horse lifestyle — our horses spend time outside, move around, socialize and get dirty. We believe horses can receive excellent professional care without having to live like machines.
Relaxed enough to be horses. Professional enough to develop.
And when your training calls for bigger facilities, we have access to larger show-jumping venues and competition facilities off property for advanced jumping, course work and competition preparation.
🗓️ Limited Availability
Just Two Residency Horses at a Time
The Rider Residency is intentionally small.
We accept a maximum of two Residency horses at any one time, allowing me to work closely with each rider and horse without turning the program into a group training environment.
Choose a 1, 2 or 3-month Residency and we'll build your training period around your goals, your horse, your schedule and, if applicable, your competition plans.
Your Residency Includes
✅ 3 or 5 private riding sessions per week, depending on your program
✅ Weekly theory & training session
✅ Full board for your horse
✅ Hay & grain
✅ Turnout with access to large fields and shelters
✅ Access to stalls
✅ Personalized training plan
✅ Individualized exercises and homework
✅ Ongoing adjustments to your training plan as you progress
✅ Access to our private training facilities
✅ Support with competition planning and preparation
*Shavings for stalls are not included and are charged based on usage.
*Horsebox hire is available at an additional cost for local transportation to competitions, off-property training, or arena hire.
You Arrange Separately
✈️ Flights and travel to Spain
🏡 Your own accommodation
🚗 Rental car or transportation
🍽️ Meals
🐴 Transportation of your horse to and from Spain
🏆 Competition entry fees, transportation, stabling and other show expenses
🩺 Insurance and personal expenses
🏡 A Note on Accommodation
There are a wide range of accommodation options throughout the Matarraña region, from rural houses and apartments to guesthouses and longer-term rentals. You can also rent a camper and park at one of the many local campsites.
We can recommend local options and help point you toward accommodation that suits your length of stay, budget and lifestyle.
Residency Length
1 Month · 2 Months · 3 Months
Residencies are scheduled by availability and can be planned around your work, travel, horse transportation and competition calendar.
🗓️ Available Dates for 2027
January OPEN
Bring your own horse TWO SPOTS OPEN
Lease horse ONE SPOT OPEN
February OPEN
Bring your own horse TWO SPOTS OPEN
Lease horse ONE SPOT OPEN
March OPENBring your own horse TWO SPOTS OPEN
Lease horse ONE SPOT OPEN
April OPEN
Bring your own horse TWO SPOTS OPEN
Lease horse ONE SPOT OPEN
April OPEN
Bring your own horse TWO SPOTS OPEN
Lease horse ONE SPOT OPEN
FAQ'S
What is winter weather like in the Matarraña?
Winter in the Matarraña is generally much milder than in northern Europe, making it a great place to escape the indoor arena season and keep riding outdoors. However, we're in a mountainous region, so the weather can be unpredictable. Expect a mix of sunny days, cold mornings, chilly evenings, occasional rain and periods of wind.
What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?
We ride in normal winter weather, but we don't take unnecessary risks. If it rains, we may wait for it to pass and ride when conditions improve. If there's a serious storm or conditions make riding unsafe, we'll adjust the schedule. Wind alone doesn't automatically mean we cancel a session, but severe winds or storm conditions may affect what we can safely do. Your training schedule is flexible, so we can adapt sessions to the weather where possible. Safety comes first, but a little winter weather isn't going to stop us from training!
Does it get cold in winter?
Yes. Although Spain has a reputation for sunshine, the Matarraña is a mountainous region and winter mornings and evenings can be cold. Temperatures can drop close to or below freezing, particularly overnight. January for example can be sunny and T-shirt weather in the day and in the night heavy jacket weather! Expect a variety of sunny days and winter weather. Bring a warm riding jacket, thermal layers, gloves, waterproofs and comfortable clothes for colder days. The reward is getting to ride outdoors through the winter rather than being stuck inside for months. This area doesn't typically get snow, however in the 5 years we've lived here there was snow once! (Which stayed for a few days before melting.)
How will my horse be kept?
We believe horses should be allowed to live like horses. Depending on your horse's needs and your preferences, turnout can be individual or shared with your own traveling horses. Our horses are kept separately in a herd. Our fields have varied terrain, including trees, hills and banks, giving horses space to move around and explore. Horses can stay outside overnight when appropriate, with access to large shelters. Stalls are available when needed. We provide daily feeding, hay top-ups as needed, fresh water and hands-on care.
What happens if I'm away for the day? Do I need to feed and care for my horse?
Your horse is still cared for while you're away. We can help bring your horse in or turn them out, adjust blankets when the weather changes and adapt their routine when needed. You can spend a day exploring the region or traveling locally without having to rush back to manage every detail yourself. We take your horse's welfare seriously and want you to feel comfortable leaving them in our care.
Can I access veterinary and farrier services during my Residency?
Yes. We can help coordinate veterinary care, including experienced professionals from Canada. We also have access to specialist farrier care, including barefoot expertise from the UK. If your horse has specific medical needs, ongoing treatment or particular shoeing requirements, please discuss these with us before booking so we can determine whether we can accommodate them.
What facilities are available for training?
We have a 65m x 25m outdoor sand arena, show-jumping poles, fillers, liverpools and training fences, along with wash and grooming facilities. For training that requires a larger arena or competition-style facilities, we can arrange access to off-property venues, including a larger show-jumping facility approximately 45 minutes away. Off-property arena hire and transportation are charged separately.
Can I compete while I'm in Spain?
Yes. If competition is part of your goal, we can plan your Residency around suitable national or FEI competitions in the region. We can help you prepare for shows, walk courses with you, coach you at competitions and guide you through the relevant competition registration process. Competition entries, horse transportation, stabling, arena hire and other show expenses are additional costs.
What is the closest airport to fly into?
Barcelona and Valencia airports are both approximately 2.5 hours away by car. Reus Airport is another option, approximately 1.5 hours away, depending on your destination and route. All three have rental car options, although availability varies by season. Because we're in a rural area, we strongly recommend having your own vehicle for the duration of your Residency.
Do I need to rent or lease a car?
Yes, you need a vehicle during your stay. Our location is rural, and public transportation is limited. Having a car gives you the freedom to shop for groceries, explore medieval villages, visit restaurants, go hiking and manage your daily schedule independently. A vehicle is also useful if you plan to attend off-property training or competitions. You can rent or lease a car in Spain easily or bring your own vehicle from home.
Is Spain safe to travel?
Yes! Spain is a big country and outside the cities the population density is very small. In big cities or overly populated areas with lots of tourists (we aren't one of these places) then petty theft can occur so we recommend you don't leave any valuables in your car overnight. Other than that, Spain is extremely safe.
Do I need a visa to travel to Spain for horse riding?
If you're a U.S. citizen visiting Spain for less than 90 days for tourism (which includes riding holidays), no visa is required. You just need a valid passport.
Where will I stay during my Residency?
Accommodation isn't included, so you can choose a place that suits your budget, lifestyle and length of stay. There are rural houses, apartments, guesthouses and longer-term rental options throughout the Matarraña region. We're happy to recommend local options and help point you in the right direction. You can come on your own, bring your partner or family, or arrange accommodation with a fellow rider to share costs. If you have a camper and need somewhere to park there are plenty of options in the area.
What should I pack?
Bring your regular riding gear, helmet, boots, breeches and gloves, along with warm layers, a waterproof riding jacket and clothing suitable for cold mornings and evenings. Winter sunshine can be beautiful, but mountain weather changes. Pack for both sunny riding days and wet, windy or chilly conditions. For your horse pack anything and everything they need, saddle, bridle, gear, boots, competition clothes and attire, blankets etc. Anything you and your horse need to enjoy your stay.
Are meals included?
No. You'll arrange your own meals during the Residency. There are local restaurants, bakeries, grocery shops and weekly markets in the surrounding area. You can eat out, cook at your accommodation or combine the two. We'll happily share local recommendations to help you find your favorite places.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend appropriate travel and medical insurance, along with personal accident insurance that explicitly covers horse riding. If you're bringing your own horse, check that your equine insurance covers transportation, temporary stabling and training in Spain. Make sure you understand any exclusions before traveling.
Can I bring my partner, family or children?
Yes. Your Residency doesn't have to be a solo experience. Your partner or family can stay nearby, explore the region and enjoy the local lifestyle while you train. Junior riders are also welcome, and a mother-daughter Residency with both riders bringing their horses may be possible, subject to availability and suitability. Everyone will need their own accommodation and transportation arrangements.
Do I have to be an advanced rider in order to attend?
No! All lessons and training plans are developed based on YOU, your goals, your horse and your specific needs. We accept a range of levels.
What if I don't have a horse to bring?
Depending on availability, you may be able to lease one of our horses for your Residency. This allows you to continue developing your riding in Spain without transporting your own horse internationally. Horse leasing is arranged separately and must be confirmed before your Residency is booked.
How long can I stay?
The Rider Residency is available for one, two or three months, subject to availability. Your dates can be planned around your goals, work commitments, horse transportation and competition calendar. We host a maximum of two Residency horses at a time to preserve the private, individualized nature of the program.
How do I book and arrange payment?
The Residency is arranged individually. You'll first submit an application outlining your goals, preferred dates, intended length of stay and whether you're bringing your own horse or prefer to lease. We'll discuss suitability, availability and the appropriate training option before confirming your Residency and payment arrangements.
Submit Your Application to Attend:
Click below to apply for your residency. Due to the exclusive nature of this residency only a few spots are available.
Email:
Phone Number: (Coach Krystal will text or Whatsapp you if your application is accepted)
Your Riding Goals (short & long term):
What is your current riding level and competition experience?
What are the biggest struggles, challenges or frustrations you're currently experiencing with your riding or horse?
What do you feel you've been unable to solve through your current training?
Are you bringing your own horse or are you interested in leasing one of ours?
Tell us about your horse:
Kindly share your requested dates and duration of stay.
Is there anything else you'd like me to know about you, your horse or what you're hoping to accomplish during your Residency?
By submitting your application, you understand that this is a private training Residency—not a holiday or group retreat—and that places are limited. If accepted, you'll receive information about availability, next steps and payment.
FOR SUPPORT ISSUES OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL: info@theinternationalequestrian.com
© The International Equestrian LLC, 2021-2027 / All Rights Reserved
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© The International Equestrian LLC, 2021-2027 / All Rights Reserved
This site is not a part of the Facebook website or Facebook Inc. Additionally, This site is NOT endorsed by Facebook in any way. FACEBOOK is a trademark of FACEBOOK, Inc.
Disclaimer:
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is based on research and personal experience and is intended to share general information about riding concepts and strategies. Individual situations vary. We do not guarantee specific results, and all horse riding sports carry risk. The creators and distributors of this guide are not responsible for any losses or damages resulting from actions taken based on its contents.