Testimonials
Ali S., Oct. 23, 2024
I went for a short break with three friends to Alentejo trails. Luis is a very friendly and cheerful host who clearly loves all his horses. They were forward going with loads of energy which we all enjoyed. Rode to the beach and through the forest to his other stables where our ride ended. The accommodation was great, good breakfasts and friendly staff. Very good evening meals at local restaurants. Hope to return again one day.
Cheryl L., Oct. 3, 2024
Wonderful host and horses. Great accommodation and meals. Very happy with the horses. They were strong and well trained. We were amazed at how well they worked together on the long trots and canters. Care was taken to match the rider with the horse so that if one wanted a more laidback or forward horse - one was provided. The tack was all in good shape and well cared for. Luis was wonderful. Very friendly host that helped the riders learn the equipment, looked after us on the rides and took us on amazing rides through the trails, rice fields and beach. He was fantastic.
Laura Y., June 14, 2024
Absolutely amazing and still something I can't believe I did! Favourite memory? Horseback riding on the beach where there was a beautiful breeze, stopping in the woods to eat lunch under a shady tree, the clip clop of the horses hooves as we rode through a village, and the unmistakable scent of the eucalyptus trees as we rode through the forests. Accommodation? The accommodation in the country was perfect. I couldn't think of a better place for after a day of riding. It was in an idyllic country setting, very tranquil and an overall great place to rest by the pool after a day of riding. The entire place had so much character I would go back again just to stay in the same place.
Elizabeth H., Oct. 18, 2023
Wonderful: the arrangements in Portugal were faultless. Accommodation was such a treat and the food was divine. (Favourite memory?) riding on the beach.
Fiona T., Oct. 18, 2023
Great views, great horses, great hosts. Made some good friendships and memories. Long canters through the forests, the horses were endurance horses and could run for ages happily, you don’t get this on most other rides. The accomodation was fantastic - rural but luxurious, a lot better than expected. The staff at the accomodation were lovely and very accommodating. So clean aswell. Breakfast at the accomodation was fantastic.
Grace T., Sept. 29, 2023
Fantastic holiday, it was my first time going abroad as a solo traveller and I was made to feel so welcome from arrival - will definitely go on similar trips again! Favourite memory? Galloping on my horse, Gazua, was a firm highlight as well as spending time with like-minded people and seeing the various landscapes of Portugal from the saddle.
Jessica T., Sept. 27, 2023
Amazing! The best one yet. Riding on the beach with the huge Atlantic waves crashing into us! all the horses were beautiful, well cared for, in great condition and well behaved, but some not for novices which suited us perfectly. Luis was the nicest most genuine chap ever, very chatty and brilliant fun.
Fran F., June 21, 2023
Met at airport by very cheerful Luis and transferred to accommodation with lots of local info along the route. Hotel room was charming, clean and comfortable with a superb breakfast of local cuisine. The pool and grounds was very clean and well kept and hotel staff very friendly throughout. The horses were all forward going and well behaved and we enjoyed some lovely local scenery along forest tracks on day one and morning of day two. After that we rode on the beach which was amazing……62km long of beautiful sand. The horses were happy to go in the sea.
Isabel H., May 17, 2023
Incredible. Had such fun both on and off the horses which was a real treat! We were so luck to have a good group of riders for the holiday. Favourite memory? Long canter down the beach and fast gallops on the roads. Accommodation? Loved the accommodation, very quiet and retreat like. No serving of food after getting back from riding wasn't ideal as we didn't get picked up for dinner until 8/8.30pm but the restaurants we dined in were so lovely and was great to have locals with us to help us choose the good options.
Lucy S., May 17, 2023
An incredible experience - the horses were great, hotel ideal and comfortable, Luis and his family looked after us beautifully and listened to all of our requests. The countryside is just stunning! Favourite memory? Seeing the beach for the first time and the picnics. Guides? Luis was excellent and well informed on all sorts of things - conversations didn't stop at horses.
Claire I., March 17, 2023
Lovely relaxing break. Lovely horses, hotel and guides. Favourite memory? Riding over the sand dunes when the beach became visible. A cold refreshing dip in the pool. And sampling traditional local cuisine.
Janet F., Oct. 11, 2021
The horses were lovely and well trained. Luis was a great guide and was knowledgable in the local area. We were lucky that there was only the two of us riding with Luis. His family were the backup crew and they would provide a picnic lunch. We stayed in an amazing hotel and the breakfasts were amazing - these were delivered in a basket each morning. We ate in two different restaurants in the vicinity of Melides and then on the last night ate in the hotel. The swimming pool was great too and was much used. Favourite memory? Riding along the sand dunes and beach of Melides.
Anne S., June 24, 2019
The horses were in good condition - they don't sweating after we had trot or gallop. And there were well cared for! The horses behaved well - they were all very nice. Luis was a great guy! Without him the trip wouldn't have been so stunning. He had a good sense of humour, we laughed a lot! We enjoyed a lot! He did everything to make our holiday such a success as it was!
Susan R., May 29, 2018
We had an excellent time. Luis took us on great rides every day - beach rides were fantastic - I had never seen such pristine shoreline. <Favourite Memory?> Beach riding and going up the sand dune hill on the horse. <Food and Accommodation?> Luis' family welcomed us and lunches prepared by Luis' mom were excellent. Accommodations were outstanding at both Nomade and La Serenada. <Guide?> Luis was an excellent guide. He was very attentive to us, our comfort and the horses as well.
Tracey S., May 2, 2018
Amazing from start to finish - didn't want it to end! Good company, good food, good weather and fantastic accommodation, horses and guide. Too many favourite memories to choose just one - riding in the sea, great canters and gallop, good evening entertainment etc. Luis and his family couldn't have been nicer or done anything more for us.
Joy V., Oct. 17, 2017
Loved every Minute!! Had an amazing time. (Favourite memory?) The peaceful feeling of being on the beach with the horses. I also loved how much we all laughed and enjoyed each day. Hotel and food were excellent. Luis was a delight as a guide. He was relaxed, kind to the horses and kind to us.
