Horseback Riding in Madrid

By: Shafa Abbas

Madrid offers an abundance of amazing experiences—iconic activities like visiting the Museo del Prado or strolling through El Retiro Park. But for me, the most unforgettable thing I did during my six weeks there wasn’t a classic Madrid experience at all. It was horseback riding.

One Friday evening, I found myself casually asking my roommates, “What if we went horseback riding?” What started as a random idea turned into hours of sitting in the kitchen, frantically calling different companies to check for next-day availability. Finally, we struck gold: Hipica Montenegro had an opening at a reasonable time.

Excitedly, I shared the plan with two friends I’d met a few weeks earlier during a CIEE-hosted cooking class (another highlight of my time abroad). They were just as eager to join in.

The next day, we hopped on the Cercanías train to Cantoblanco station and walked the rest of the way to the stable. Being away from the city, the area felt less walkable and far removed from the urban comfort zone I’d grown used to. Yet, the unfamiliarity made the experience even more special.

The moment we arrived at the stable, I felt at ease. Our guide explained that the family-owned stable was run by his uncle, originally from Argentina. Their warmth and hospitality made the experience extraordinary. The stable owner even recorded videos of us riding and sent them to us via WhatsApp without us even asking—a gesture that meant so much to me. Capturing memories like this is one of my favorite parts of traveling.

Adding to the charm, the stable had a cozy café serving tortillas, tortas, and, of course, coffee. As I was deciding what to order, the lady at the counter handed me a free slice of cake—the last one they had. That small act of kindness made my eyes well up.

The ride itself was breathtaking. The weather was perfect, the trail was wide and inviting, and I loved the sense of freedom it provided. A German shepherd trotted alongside us for the entire route, adding even more joy to the experience. I couldn’t stop smiling.

This adventure reminded me of the magic of spontaneity. Not every memorable experience has to be a quintessential one tied to a city or culture. Sometimes, it’s about finding joy in the unexpected—or in hobbies that already bring you comfort.

So, do that spontaneous thing! Whether it’s unique to your city or not, following your instincts can lead to the moments that stick with you the longest.

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