WESTERN STYLE ALGARVE - PORTUGAL
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The Ranch is sited in 12 hectares of good rugged riding country in the beautiful Algarve. Trails pass through scented Maccia, trees and shrubland, over hills and dales and along paths that are only accessible on horseback, by mountain bike or walking. We do not see another soul, only enjoy the magnificent views and the peacefulness of the countryside around us, just horse and rider. All the horses are schooled in Western style using natural horsemanship where we develop a closeness and trust between horse and rider. They are kept in a large paddock which runs in front of the accommodation so your day begins with a view of grazing horses and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Many other interesting activities are available, should you require them after your day rides or any time, including trips to the nearby beach. We are situated in ideal countryside for our Western riding trails, which is our specialty. The Wild West is at our back door we find it daily from the back of our horses and on return to the ranch in the evenings you can sit around the camp fire and enjoy some drinks relaxing under the beautiful Algarvean night skies.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - WESTERN STYLE ALGARVE
Day 1
Arrive and transfer to the ranch. This is about an hour's drive and you may arrive at anytime. There is no riding today.
Days 2-7
See below for a typical day. Rides go out twice a day and you will ride through the beautiful surrounding countryside. On one day there is a full day ride, riding for 3 hours through forests and scented Maccia trees to a large impressive Dam and enjoying a well deserved BBQ at a small Portuguese restaurant for lunch. The 3 hour ride back to the ranch takes you via a different route with the impressive coastline always in view.
On the afternoon before the full day ride there is no riding - you are free to do what you want on that afternoon, be it swim in the pool, relax in the sun or your hosts would be happy to take you to the beach or nearest town and pick you up again for no extra charge.
Day 8
Departure. After a sad goodbye to your lovely hosts and of course your trusty steed you will be transferred back to Faro. Again, your departure flight may be at any time.
A Typical Day;
8am-9am
Breakfast - choose from an array of food including bread, cheeses, a selection of meat, yoghurt, fruit and fresh soft boiled eggs. A feast to start the day on!
9:30am
Meet at the stables, catch your horse from the field and tack up, ready for the off at 10am. On the first riding day you will be introduced to Western tack and shown how to tack up, however there is help available everyday and horses are checked prior to mounting. There is plenty of guidance too for those new to western riding and you are encouraged to take the natural horsemanship approach when around your horse.
10am - 12:30pm
You will explore the wonderful countryside riding in a different direction every day. Encounter large lakes, home to water turtles, ride through wild lavender and under imposing Eucalyptus trees. Everything is relaxing; the pace is gentle, the reins are long and every now and then experience a 'jog' or a rythmical 'lope' along the tracks.
1pm - 2:30pm
Lunchtime - the lunches are also relaxed, help yourself to whatever you can find in the kitchen, from last nights lovely leftovers to bread, cheeses, meats and fruit. And of course help yourself to a cooling can of something from the fridge!
Next it is siesta time...or you may choose to have a dip in the pool, have a walk or simply relax in the sun with a good book.
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Back at the stables again you will prepare your beloved mount for the afternoon ride - again exploring the countryside and taking in the wonderful views to the coast and out to sea. It is strange to see the bustling town of Portimao in the distance while you at sat on a horse in perfect peacefulness in the hills above.
5pm
Back at the stables you untack your horse, give him the final groom of the day before slipping him a few tasty treats to say thank you. Now there is free time to shower and do whatevr you like - sit around the large outside dining table, beer in hand, and talk about the days events.
7:30pm
Dinner is served! Expect typical German dishes such as Schnitzel, stews and roast meat and help yourself to some fruit or a yoghurt for dessert. Again, drinks are on tap, be it wine, beer, cider or soft drinks. Your host Stephan also makes an excellent cocktail - Caprihinas; a lethal blend of rum, ice and freshly squeezed limes!
In the summertime the lunch break runs from 1pm-3:30pm and in the wintertime it runs from 1pm-2:30pm due to the weather and daylight hours.
NOTES - WESTERN STYLE ALGARVE
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation in twin bedded rooms with private bathroom, all main meals including drinks (alcoholic and otherwise), all riding, lessons if required.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flight, transfers, single supplement if not willing to share, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
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