Finca La Donaira, part of the Relais & Châteaux family, is an eco-retreat that combines understated luxury with organic farming and equestrian tradition in Andalusia, Spain, across 700 hectares of unspoiled nature. Its nine individually designed rooms create a warm, inviting atmosphere and are complemented by a spa featuring a spring-fed outdoor pool, indoor pool, steam bath, wood-fired sauna, and icy plunge pool.
Life on the farm follows regenerative agriculture principles, with free-roaming livestock enriching the soil naturally. This “seed to table” philosophy ensures that most ingredients are sourced from our own land or trusted local producers. Our commitment to sustainability also extends to our vineyards, where we revive ancient grape varieties to craft natural wines full of character.
La Donaira is equally dedicated to natural well-being. Our handmade natural cosmetics, prepared on-site using ingredients from our medicinal garden, are offered as thoughtful amenities for each guest.
Renowned for Lusitano horse breeding and natural horsemanship, La Donaira attracts equestrian enthusiasts from around the world, offering a unique retreat to experience the beauty and serenity of the Andalusian countryside.
Finca La Donaira has an opening for a full-time Rider to join our team. We are looking for a reliable and experienced horse person with strong riding skills, good communication, and the ability to work independently within a professional environment.
This position is mainly focused on the daily training and development of horses, especially young horses and stallions, following the principles of classical dressage and natural horsemanship. A solid riding level and confidence working with different types of horses is essential, including backing and producing young horses.
The role also includes some client interaction such as accompanying hacks and occasional dressage lessons, therefore being comfortable working with guests and adapting to different levels of riders is important.
Main responsibilities:
• Daily training and schooling of horses
• Backing and working with young horses
• Riding and handling stallions
• Lunging and groundwork
• Accompanying guests on hacks
• Occasional dressage instruction
• General horse care, grooming, and stable duties
We are looking for a VERY RELIABLE PERSON to start as soon as possible. Alternating weekends are required.
In order to be considered for this position YOU MUST HAVE:
• All necessary permissions to work in the EU/Spain already established
• English and Spanish speaking is a must
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong riding ability with experience in dressage and young horses
• Confidence riding and handling horses of different ages and temperaments, including stallions
• Experience backing and producing young horses
• Good physical condition and ability to work independently
• Team player attitude and positive work ethic
• Customer service orientation and good people skills
Please apply in the first instance with your CV, qualifications, references and riding videos to:
This is NOT a holiday job.
REQUIRED KEY SKILLS
RIDING • DRIVING LICENSE • HANDLING YOUNGSTOCK • SCHOOLING • LUNGING • EXERCISING • PEOPLE SKILLS
REQUIRED EXPERTISE
DRESSAGE • YOUNG HORSES • STALLIONS • FLATWORK • HACKING • NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP
ACCOMMODATION
To be discussed during interview.
La Donaira is a breeding and training farm as well as a luxury eco-resort located in rural Andalusia. Currently, we have more than 85 horses on 700 hectares of beautiful landscape, trained according to the principles of natural horsemanship and classical dressage.
This is a unique opportunity to work in a stable that follows a holistic approach and combines many facets of the horse industry in one place. Our facilities include round pens, indoor and outdoor arenas, extensive horse-friendly countryside, and a training track with hard ground surface.
Relais & Châteaux is an exceptional worldwide collection of 580 unique, independently operated hotels and restaurants, united by strong values and a devotion to excellence across every aspect of hospitality.
Originating in France in 1954, and now present in 65 countries, the Association works to celebrate the distinct art de vivre of every global destination. Led by passionate hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs, each of its properties cultivates a meaningful sense of place by nurturing its individual cultural, gastronomic and environmental heritage and collaborating with local artisans.
With many of its properties run by families, who pass their savoir-faire down from one generation to the next, Relais & Châteaux represents an evolving legacy of memorable travel experiences, in harmony with all life on Earth.
