Experience the Magic of a German Christmas with Equestrian Journeys
Embark on a Transformative Equestrian Adventure in Germany.
Set off on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Germany's equestrian heritage. This unique experience, featuring a
2-day Exclusive Rider Transformation Bootcamp
is more than a trip – it's a transformative adventure set against the stunning backdrop of Germany's picturesque landscapes and historic sites.
Connect with fellow horse enthusiasts and immerse yourself in a world where riding is not just a sport, but a deeply rooted cultural experience. Here, amidst the rich traditions and vibrant ambiance, you'll grow not only as a rider but also as an individual, forever touched by the spirit of this beautiful region.
Embrace this extraordinary opportunity to blend equestrian excellence
with cultural exploration.
Join the waitlist for our Equestrian Christmas
Trip to Germany!
December 3-12, 2024
Exclusively for only SIX horse enthusiasts
10 unforgetable days featuring:
👉Stunning castles & historic sites
👉World-class chocolatiers & Christmas markets VIP tours of prestigious stud farms & riding clubs
👉Exclusive 2-day rider transformation workshop
👉 Shopping at Germany's top tack store
👉Scenic trek through the Swabian Alps
👉Unique cultural experiences
➡️No language barriers.
➡️No planning stress.
➡️Just pure equestrian passion and German charm.
Limited spots for this curated adventure!
We speak German so you don't have to. ™
Click "Join the Waitlist" to secure yours now!
Day 1 December 3
Welcome to Germany
Your adventure starts the moment you land in the heart of Germany, to be precise, in Stuttgart. A transfer awaits you and will take you to your accommodation. Settle into our hand-picked hotel, where the area’s charm meets you. Unpack, unwind, and get ready to explore.
As the evening unfolds, take a leisurely stroll. Immerse yourself in the culture and history..
Get a good nights rest.
Day 2 December 4
Lichtenstein and chocolART Tübingen
Following a delicious German breakfast, our journey leads us to the enchanting Schloss Lichtenstein, often hailed as the "Fairy Tale Castle of Württemberg." Nestled atop a rocky cliff, this 19th-century marvel is a testament to the romanticism movement, offering breathtaking views and a rich history that captivates all who visit. As we explore the castle's interiors and surroundings, we'll delve into tales of knights, daring adventures, and the noble lineage that called this castle home. The architecture itself, with its towers reaching skyward and intricate decorations, transports us into a storybook setting, making it a highlight of our trip.
From Schloss Lichtenstein, our adventure takes us to the historic town of Tübingen, a quintessential university town with a vibrant atmosphere and picturesque streets. Experience the magic of the 16th annual Tübingen "chocolART" where 100 world-class chocolatiers from countries like Italy, Germany, and Belgium transform Tübingen's historic old town into a chocolate lover's paradise.
Indulge in unique chocolate delights, enjoy mesmerizing light displays by "Illuminist" and "Leuchtwerk," and explore a rich program of tastings, fair trade offerings, and cultural treats.
This is an absolute highlight!
Day 3 December 5
Marbach - Stuttgarter Reiterverein
Start your day with a delightful breakfast, fueling up for an exciting journey ahead. Then, set off for the prestigious Marbach Stud Farm, a cornerstone of equestrian heritage. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and history of one of Germany's most renowned horse breeding centers. Marbach offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of horse breeding and training. Here, you'll explore sprawling grounds, meet magnificent horses, and learn about the farm's rich legacy in a VIP guided tour starting with a glass of Prosecco. It's an opportunity to witness first-hand the care, dedication, and expertise that goes into breeding some of the finest horses in the world.
In the afternoon we will drive to the Stuttgarter Reit-und Fahrverein - a traditional German riding club, offering a fascinating look into Germany's equestrian culture. The afternoon starts with a tour of the club's facilities, where we'll visit the barn and facilities.
Our evening concludes in the club's "Reiterklause", a warm and inviting space where we'll enjoy dinner while observing riding lessons in the large arena. This casual setting allows for an intimate view of the instruction and interaction in German equestrian training.
Day 4 December 6
Discovering Schwäbisch Gmünd & Aalen underground Christmas Market
After a good breakfast, we dive into the charm of Schwäbisch Gemünd. Discover the timeless charm of the city renowned for its crafts, architecture, and vibrant culture nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Swabian Alb. Experience the rich history, stunning Marktplatz, and the unique blend of tradition and innovation that make this town an enchanting destination in southern Germany.
In the afternoon we will drive to one of the most special Christmas markets in Aalen. Nestled deep within a mine and accessible only by a special train, this Christmas wonderland is a magical, one-of-a-kind experience. Step into a realm where enchantment meets adventure, offering an unforgettable journey, and no coincidence it's on December 6th Nikolaustag!
Day 5 December 7
Castles, Cuisine, and Equestrian Charm
After a traditional German breakfast, we will depart for Hohenzollern Castle. Your day begins with a journey into the past at the majestic Hohenzollern Castle. Perched atop a hill with breathtaking views, this castle isn't just a historical landmark; it's a fairy tale brought to life. Wander through the grand halls, admire centuries-old art, and feel the echoes of history around you.
After exploring the castle, indulge in a delightful lunch at a local eatery nearby. Savor the flavors of regional cuisine that perfectly complement your morning of historical exploration.
In the afternoon you will experience the pinnacle of equestrian shopping at Loesdau, Germany's number 1 tack store. Think Dover Saddlery on steroids. Enjoy a VIP tour which offers an impressive array of equestrian gear, apparel, and accessories. Immerse yourself in a shopper's paradise, where the finest quality and variety meet. Whether you're looking for riding equipment or stylish equestrian fashion, Loesdau has it all.
Conclude your day with a sumptuous dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area. Reflect on the day's adventures over a meal that perfectly captures the essence of German gastronomy, setting the stage for more exploration and excitement in the coming days.
Day 6 December 8
Day One YOUR 2-Day Exclusive Rider Transformation *
After breakfast at the hotel you will be driven to the studio where you will embrace a day of playful and insightful exploration.
Our journey begins with a quest for 'neutral'—a state of balance, relaxation, and acute awareness. This initial focus is not just on riding, but on rediscovering yourself. We aim to peel away layers of tension, unlocking the freedom to move in perfect harmony with your horse's rhythms. Our aspiration for each participant: To cultivate a relationship with your horse that is lighter, more stable, and astonishingly agile.
Morning Ritual: Flexchair Mobility Assessment
Start your day with an innovative mobility assessment utilizing the Flexchair. This dynamic tool, linked to an interactive display, doesn't just assess; it enhances. Through engaging tasks, discover a newfound mobility. Experience how the Flexchair illuminates the interconnectedness of your body, emphasizing the pivotal role of breathing in achieving optimal alignment.
Light lunch served
Afternoon Insight: Joker’s Pluto Session
Transition from the Flexchair to Joker’s Pluto, a state-of-the-art kinesthetic riding simulator. This session is designed to refine your body awareness, helping you to identify and release entrenched tensions. Joker's Pluto offers a unique opportunity to enhance your sensory perception, crucial for interpreting and responding to your horse's subtle cues.
All-Day Engagement: Tailored Movement Exercises
The day is punctuated with bespoke exercises—whether on the mat, in a chair, or through guided walking and standing activities. These exercises illuminate how every movement engages the entire body. Learn to harness this awareness, applying it to everyday movements, thereby laying the groundwork for your best rides.
Conclude your day with an open evening, a time for personal reflection or leisure. This is your moment to relax, absorb the day's learning, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
*weight restriction 220 lbs
Day 7 December 9
Day Two of YOUR 2-Day Exclusive Rider Transformation *
After your breakfast at the hotel you will be driven to the studio. During the morning session you will be mastering the art of of a balanced seat.
One day 2 we delve deeper into refining a seat that not only invites but encourages your horse to engage fully, turning what you've learned into second nature.
Morning Exploration: Balance and Grace
We begin with playful experimentation on a gymnastic ball, paired with the Flexchair set to a lighter, more responsive mode. Here, your breath becomes a tool—not just for life, but for riding. As you inhale and exhale, find your spine lengthening, allowing you to gracefully navigate through the Flex Chair games with newfound ease. Joker’s Pluto awaits with a more elastic setting, challenging you to maintain balance and harmony through the bouncier simulation, further cementing your center of gravity.
Light lunch served
Afternoon Focus: The Foundation of Contact - Feet and Feel
We turn our attention to the very foundation of your connection with the horse—your feet. This session is about amplification of sensation and intentional use of your feet and legs within the stirrups. This understanding is critical for developing the quiet, yet communicative legs that form the basis of a seat horses respond to with enthusiasm.In tandem, we'll explore the delicate yet profound connection to the horse’s mouth, born from a seat that's both well-organized and intuitive.
Day-Long Emphasis: Integration and Alignment
Throughout the day, targeted exercises will be interwoven into our program, focusing on shoulders, arms, and legs, ensuring that your body moves as one. Grounding and breathing exercises will also feature prominently, reinforcing the day's central theme.
Our Vision for YouOur aspiration is that you and your horse achieve that coveted triad of lightness, stability, and agility. It's this combination that brings us the profound joy of riding. These two days are more than just a clinic; they are the opening of a gateway, inviting you to continue on a journey of discovery and unity with your horse.
The day will conclude with a visit to experience the enchanting Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Market, where the town transforms with 180 booths and 500 cultural events from
*weight restriction 220 lbs
Day 8 December 10
2 Hour Trek on horse Following breakfast we will go on a 2-hour ride through. Explore forests, meadows, valleys, and castles on guided tour through the beautiful Swabian Alps. This is also a great opportunity to feel your 'new seat' after 2 days of working with Joker's Pluto.
The afternoon promises excitement, featuring a variety of wonderful activities we're finalizing to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Day 9 Demember 11
Optional morning with Joker's Pluto - Covered Wagon in Alfdorf with final dinner
Decide whether you'd like to spend another 1/2 day in teh studio with Joker's Pluto and Dr. Marcella Becker and Stefanie Diez (additional fee) or enjoy the morning to do some last minute shopping and/or exploring.
Spend an unforgettable afternoon in Alfdorf, where you'll enjoy a charming covered wagon ride and learn about the nearly extinct Alt-Württemberger horse breed. Visit a historic family farm that has been passed down through five generations, and end the day with a heartwarming homemade Swabian farewell dinner.
Day 10 December 12
Farewell and Departure from Stuttgart
On your final day, after breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the Stuttgart airport, ready to return home. You'll carry with you not only the anticipation of trying out your new skills with your own horse but also the lasting memories made throughout this journey.
Hi, I'm Sandy (actually Sandra), your German equestrian travel expert
As your guide for the 9 days, I bring a lifetime of equestrian experience, deeply rooted in my homeland of Germany. Having ridden since the age of 5, my journey has taken me across Germany and around the world, enriching my understanding of global equestrian cultures.
My passion for horses and exploration has endowed me with a unique insight into my country's rich equestrian heritage. I've explored the subtleties of horsemanship and am excited to share these insights with you. From discovering hidden equestrian treasures in Germany to delving into its celebrated equestrian traditions and supporting you. through your rider transformation, I'm ready to enrich your journey with captivating stories and knowledge.
Join me on this adventure, where learning, culture, and enjoyment merge, all through the lens of a native German equestrian enthusiast
JOKER'S PLUTO
Path to Lightness: Dr. Marcella Becker and Stefanie Diez guide you towards achieving effortless grace in your riding, enhancing harmony between you and your horse.
Refine Your Seat: Learn to become a softer, more elegant rider and fine tune your seat.
Mindfulness Mastery: Learn techniques to stay balanced and calm, syncing your mind and body.
Deep Understanding: Gain comprehensive insights into the synergy of movement, enhancing communication with your horse.
Body Awareness: Discover the secrets to a balanced seat, leveraging your natural strength to tackle common riding challenges with a smile.
Kinesthetic Learning with Joker’s Pluto: Experience immediate improvements in posture and seat for lasting results with your own horse.
Tension Release: Overcome the impact of past injuries and unlearn counterproductive habits with specialized movement exercises.
Holistic Interaction: Master the art of minimal interference, utlizing your seat, legs, and hands to work in unison and create a dance of precision and grace.
Presence & Mindfulness: Bring a new found focus to your barn visits, transforming stress into serenity, regardless of your day.
Mindful Riding Techniques: Integrate mindfulness into your riding with simple exercises, breaking free from frustrating cycles.
Breathing & Visualization: Become the partner your horse deserves, using the power of breath and visualization to enhance your bond .
Dr. Marcella Becker is an experienced classical dressage instructor, trained by masters from prestigious schools, dedicated to enhancing the bond and communication between rider and horse. She's committed to ongoing education in equine and rider dynamics, specializing in cultivating a balanced and effective seat. Her studio offers a unique riding simulator for focused, immediate kinesthetic feedback, providing an accelerated learning experience for riders. Discover more at marcella-becker-dressur.de and follow on Facebook and Instagram at Marcella Becker Dressage.
With a seasoned background in equine therapy, Stefanie Diez has dedicated her career to the well-being and potential of horses. Her expertise expanded from teaching movement classes for children to developing specialized programs for adults and riders. Stefanie's comprehensive knowledge in seat training methodologies now complements Marcella Becker's courses, enriching riders' skills in seat enhancement and aid precision. They are collaboratively designing a suite of courses, each aimed at elevating distinct elements of the equestrian art. Learn more about Stefanie at stefaniediez-pferde.de.
Your 10 day experience includes:
2 day Exclusive Rider Transformation Bootcamp with Dr. Marcella Becker & Stefanie Diez
9 nights in a charming German hotel (single or double occupancy available)
Breakfast every morning
Light lunches on days of bootcamp
Private transfers to and from airport
Private transfers to all venues
Exclusive Prosecco welcome at the historic stud farm Marbach with a private guided tour
Entrance to the historic Hohenzollern Castle
Entrance to the historic Burg Lichtenstein and Alt Lichtenstein
Visit to the Stuttgarter Reit-und Fahrverein for an emersive experience into the German riding culture
Celebratory Dinner
Private Shopping experience at Loesdau, Germany's #1 tack store
Native speaking guide throughout the entire trip
What people are saying about Equestrian Travels
What can I say about traveling to Germany with Sandy Jessica Colling -other than it was simply the best trip I've been on thus far in my life. As a barn owner, horse trainer, riding instructor, saddle fitter, and equine body worker, my brain is turned on constantly. I rarely get a break and as horse people all know, the burnout is ever present and very real. Usually when I travel for horse-related things, I'm with clients and my brain has to be turned on the whole time, leaving very little time to relax and it honestly leaves me too stressed to actually take in any of the scenery or enjoy my time. My experience traveling with Sandy was the exact opposite. I was able to turn my brain off for 10 whole days, learn about horse culture, improve my riding abilities, and really appreciate my surroundings and the people we were traveling with. This was the first vacation I've ever been on that at the end, I did not want to come home. The trip was so well planned, so well thought out, and exceptionally delivered. I have to say that I have absolutely zero complaints and cannot wait to go on another trip with Sandy. I would simply do it again and again and cannot recommend traveling with this company enough. You will not regret it and you will get the much-needed break that all of us horse people need and seek so desperately.
Thank you, Sandy. I really cannot express my gratitude enough.
Kim E.
Traveling with Equestrian Journeys was absolutely incredible! After having a few trips to Europe that were not enjoyable I was skeptical about trying another travel group. Sandy made this trip so wonderful with her knowledge of the area and attention to her clientele. Traveling with people who knew the language and were passionate about the same ideas was a game changer. The places that were off the beaten path along with the vip access took this trip from the usual to the outstanding. I can’t wait for my next trip with Sandy and Equestrian journeys.
Sarah R.
If you are serious about improving your seat, want to experience German equestrian culture, tour some amazing historical sites and enjoy southern Germany cuisine and shopping let Sandy of Equestrian Journeys take you on an amazing tour! This trip did not disappoint. Sandy’s well curated and organized itinerary allowed true immersion into German culture with plenty of time to learn and savor. Having German speaking guides meant no stress while shopping and eating! Being based in the charming town of Esslingen for the entire trip allowed for a nice pace which allowed for time to really take in the experiences. She also gave us room to do things off the itinerary such as the Porsche museum in Stuttgart (yes, still horse related, right? just another kind of horse power!) Marcella, Steffi and Joker’s Pluto are the dream team for improving your seat. My horse responded unbelievably to the small changes we made in my seat and position. Not having to worry about the horse and being able to focus on your seat is the ticket. Highly recommend this trip!
Jessica B.
The trip is all-inclusive, except for meals (unless stated) and airfare. We've taken care of all other essentials, leaving room for any personal extras or souvenirs you might wish to acquire.
Single occupancy $3997 per person
Double occupancy $3697 per person
Exploring a new culture includes savoring its cuisine. We accommodate vegetarian options, but can't guarantee all dietary restrictions at every dining spot. If you have specific dietary needs, let us know, and we'll strive to find suitable options together!
Ensure your passport is valid for travel; many countries require it to be valid for at least 6 months after your return to the USA. Passport renewals can take a while, so plan accordingly.
This is the place to do it. The trip is perfectly tailored for solo adventurers. We go the extra mile to ensure that you feel not just welcome but a cherished part of all activities and experiences. We believe it strikes the perfect balance between being part of an engaging community and having your personal space. You'll find yourself in a welcoming environment where individual needs for solitude and reflection are respected, ensuring a harmonious blend of group involvement and personal relaxation time, and maybe even meet your next best friend.
When you book, a 50% nonrefundable deposit is required. We can provide payment plans (which can be discussed on our call). Full payment must be completed 45 days before the retreat begins.
We recognize that unexpected life events can disrupt travel plans. Due to the intricate planning and upfront costs involved in these events, we adhere to a strict no-refund policy, regardless of circumstances.
To safeguard your investment, we recommend all participants purchase health and travel cancellation insurance. This ensures coverage in case an unforeseen issue like illness prevents you from attending the retreat.
You can expect a blend of equestrian related tours (detailed description in outline above) suited to all skill levels, cultural excursions to local historic sites, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and personal exploration. We balance the experience on the Joker Pluto with immersive cultural experiences and leisure time, ensuring a memorable and enriching journey.
Stuttgart International Airport, Stuttgart (STR) is the airport you will fly in/out of. A private transfer will pick you up and take you back.
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18 Old Route 9, #2
Staatsburg, NY 12580