Cortijo Los Lobos

Cortijo Los Lobos is a family-run equestrian retreat and rural holiday accommodation located in the mountains of Villanueva del Trabuco, Málaga.

Owned and operated by June and Clive Wolfe, the cortijo combines peaceful countryside holidays with ethical horse riding, non-ridden horsemanship activities and a lifelong commitment to caring for rescued horses.

Surrounded by olive groves, pine forests and mountain scenery, Cortijo Los Lobos offers guests the opportunity to spend time with horses in a relaxed, natural environment.

Unlike conventional riding centres, the emphasis is on gentle experiences, building confidence and developing a respectful relationship with horses.

Horse riding is available exclusively to guests staying at Cortijo Los Lobos. The centre does not offer riding excursions to the general public.

Ethical Horse Riding in the Andalusian Countryside

Cortijo Los Lobos offers relaxed, guided rides through the beautiful countryside surrounding Villanueva del Trabuco.

The routes pass through rural landscapes that include olive groves, open fields, pine forests and streams, with views of the surrounding mountains.

All rides take place at walking pace, allowing participants to enjoy the scenery and spend time with their horses without pressure.

The centre welcomes different riding abilities, including beginners, children and nervous riders. Staff can walk alongside or lead a horse when appropriate.

Rides are organised in very small groups, generally with no more than three participants.

The maximum riding duration is approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the rider's ability, weather conditions and the horses' welfare.

Riding is generally available from April to October and only for guests staying at the property.

Bitless and Barefoot Horsemanship

A defining feature of Cortijo Los Lobos is its commitment to ethical riding and horse management.

The horses are ridden without bits and are kept barefoot, reflecting the owners' approach to equine comfort and welfare.

Their horsemanship philosophy emphasises:

• Positive reinforcement and patient training.
• Riding with bitless bridles.
• Barefoot hoof management.
• Calm, low-pressure interaction with horses.
• Gentle riding at walking pace.
• Respect for each horse's age, health and individual needs.
• Ground-based activities that do not require riding.

As the horses grow older, their workload is continually adapted to support their wellbeing.

Horse Rescue and Lifelong Care

The story of Cortijo Los Lobos began in 2000, when June and Clive Wolfe moved to their farmhouse in Andalusia with their three children.

Shortly after arriving, they took in Polly, a horse who urgently needed a new home.

This marked the beginning of their involvement in rescuing and caring for horses and other animals.

Within a few years, their herd had grown considerably, alongside other rescued animals.

The family developed its rural accommodation and riding holiday business partly to help fund the ongoing care of the animals.

Today, many of the horses are enjoying their retirement, and the owners continue to provide them with lifelong care.

The centre's philosophy is that horses remain valued members of the family, including when they are no longer able to be ridden.

Non-Ridden Horse Experiences

Cortijo Los Lobos offers opportunities to enjoy the company of horses without necessarily riding them.

These activities are particularly suitable for guests who prefer ground-based experiences or want to learn more about horse behaviour.

Depending on availability, activities may include:

• Walking with a horse in hand through the countryside.
• Grooming and spending quiet time with horses.
• Learning about horse behaviour and communication.
• Groundwork and confidence-building exercises.
• Positive reinforcement and clicker training.
• Horse agility activities.
• Observing horses interacting naturally in their paddocks.

These experiences also allow older or retired horses to participate in appropriate activities without the demands of ridden work.

Cortijo Los Lobos has been accepted by the Non Ridden Equine Association, reflecting its support for meaningful horse activities that do not involve riding.

Horsemanship Courses and Workshops

The cortijo organises and hosts educational courses related to ethical horse care, riding and horsemanship.

Topics advertised by the centre include:

• Horse agility.
• Clicker training and positive reinforcement.
• Building confidence around horses.
• Ethical riding techniques.
• Barefoot hoof trimming.
• Equine massage and horse care.

Courses may be delivered by visiting specialists with experience in their respective fields.

The programme changes throughout the year, so visitors should consult the website or contact the owners for upcoming dates.

Rural Accommodation at Cortijo Los Lobos

Cortijo Los Lobos offers self-catering holiday accommodation arranged around a traditional Andalusian farmhouse and Mediterranean courtyard garden.

The property has three individually styled accommodation options:

El Establo

A spacious holiday cottage with a private courtyard, outdoor seating and facilities for enjoying meals outside.

El Granero Viejo

A charming two-storey cottage with its own private garden, outdoor furniture and barbecue facilities.

El Jardín Secreto

An intimate holiday apartment suited to couples or small families, featuring a secluded garden and private plunge pool.

Guests also have access to landscaped gardens, outdoor relaxation areas and a shared heated swimming pool.

The main heated pool is generally available from approximately late March until the end of October, depending on conditions.

The accommodation is suitable for guests who want to combine time with horses, nature and a peaceful countryside holiday.

Courses, Retreats and Rural Experiences

In addition to horse-related courses, Cortijo Los Lobos hosts other educational and wellbeing activities.

The property has welcomed retreats and workshops covering subjects such as:

• Yoga and wellbeing.
• Art and creative activities.
• Walking and nature.
• Swimming instruction.
• Freediving and other specialist activities.

The owners also welcome enquiries from professionals interested in organising small retreats or courses at the property.

These activities are scheduled periodically rather than offered as permanent daily services.

Nature, Walking and Local Attractions

Cortijo Los Lobos is situated in a peaceful rural location surrounded by mountain scenery.

The area is particularly attractive to visitors interested in walking, birdwatching, photography and outdoor activities.

Nearby countryside offers routes through olive groves, pine-covered hills and mountain paths.

The cortijo is approximately five minutes by car from Villanueva del Trabuco, where visitors can find shops, restaurants and traditional village life.

The location also provides a base for exploring destinations such as:

• El Torcal de Antequera.
• El Caminito del Rey and El Chorro.
• The lakes of Iznájar and Ardales.
• Granada and the Alhambra.
• The historic towns of Antequera and Ronda.

A Family-Run Retreat with a Personal Approach

June and Clive live at Cortijo Los Lobos and personally manage the accommodation and animal care.

The property is home to horses and other animals, creating a welcoming rural environment for guests who enjoy being around animals.

The owners place particular importance on the wellbeing of their horses and adapting activities as the animals grow older.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with an emphasis on nature, tranquillity and thoughtful interaction with animals.

Practical Riding Information

Who can ride: Guests staying at Cortijo Los Lobos only.

Riding season: Generally April to October.

Riding pace: Walking pace only.

Group size: Usually a maximum of three riders.

Maximum duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Experience: Beginners, children and nervous riders are welcome, subject to individual suitability.

Rider weight limit: The website contains references to both 80 kg and 82 kg. Guests must confirm the current limit before booking.

Equipment: Bitless bridles and a combination of treeless and English saddles.

Clothing: Long trousers and suitable closed footwear are recommended. Riding helmets and boots may be available to borrow.

Weather: Rides may be cancelled or adapted during extreme heat or unsuitable weather.

The horses' welfare always takes priority when determining riding availability.

Contact and Location

Address: Carretera MA-4100, km 5, 29313 Villanueva del Trabuco, Málaga

Telephone: +34 660 294 457

Website: https://cortijoloslobos.com/

Guests should arrange accommodation and riding activities in advance. Horse riding cannot be booked independently by visitors who are not staying at the property.