Testimonials
Jane C., July 5, 2023
It was everything I wanted. Remote destination, great company (only 3 of us), caring hosts and lovely horses of the Lusitana type. Favourite memory? The last day when we rode to the valley of the wolves. It felt like a very special place that we were privileged to share.
Arista K., April 21, 2023
It was absolutely amazing—a big thank you to the Far and Ride team (Natalie!) for being so helpful with the arrangements, and also a thank you to Pedro and his family for their kind hospitality, and professionalism in teaching me all I should know about riding horses. I loved that they always put the comfort and health of the horses first (as a good stable should) and prioritised my safety. And what fun it was to ride with Mariana! She’s amazing at what she does, and I always felt safe, and had lots of fun with her. And Annabella’s food? Get out. Her nutritious, healthy, and wholesome plant-based meals were so healing and nourishing, and they’ve inspired me to be a better cook! All in all, I’m already counting the days till I get to ride again with Pedro, Mariana, and their family!
Sue P., May 19, 2022
Horses excellent and park was spectacular. Family very hospitable. (favourite memory?) RIding the horses - very well trained and good match for my ability and personality.
Zoe, Nov. 6, 2019
A very laid back riding holiday with fairly short riding days in a beautiful and remote corner of Portugal. a chance to get away from the tourists and be at one with nature and clean mountain air.
Eva, Sept. 25, 2019
Great location, super -comfy guesthouse, spectacular views, lovely and responsive horses and ponies who are well-cared for, kind, knowledgeable and very personal hosts, good food (Anabella is a very gifted cook) good weather and as a bonus a lovely group of co-riders!
Leslie B. (Eagle Eye Trail), Sept. 13, 2018
Relaxing, perfectly paced, exceptional scenery and wild horses!! Very happy with the horses and equipment, in particular how the horses' comfort was important as well as the riders'. We had fly spray, brushing boots etc... Pedro was so kind and knowledgeable. I wish he had shared and talked a little more. The accommodations were clean, modern and well appointed. (Favourite memory?) Riding near to the wild horses and observing their behaviour. Also loved the pilates and massages!
Debbie R (Eagle Eye Trail), Sept. 13, 2018
The Holiday was fabulous. Beautiful country, amazing scenery, everyone we met was so kind. (Guide?) Truly cannot say enough positive thoughts. Very impressed with the level of care and commitment to the horses as they should be first. Attentive to all questions and safety of the riders was a prime importance. Also was very concerned that we enjoyed all aspects of the ride. The tour was beautiful and varied. (Accommodation?) Very quaint and comfortable; really added to the ambience of the entire trip; food was outstanding; felt much effort was put into it; made me feel quite welcome. (Favourite memory?) It’s difficult to sum it up. Everything was a memory, from the wonderful hosts to the relationship with the horses and the gorgeous views.
Carey C., Oct. 11, 2016
Very Interesting. Pedro is a very good host, the scenery is beautiful and fascinating. The horses very well cared for and suitable for the task. I was lucky enough to ride a very good Lusitano stallion for the whole trip. But I wouldn't have minded riding any of Pedro's horses. (Favourite memory?) Meeting the very inquisitive herd of wild Garrano ponies.
Natalie W., Aug. 9, 2016
After our second day riding in the mountains, we have concluded that Pedro, our host, is perhaps the wisest, most interesting man we have ever met. Pedro originally worked as a photojournalist until he pursued his passion for nature conservation and horses in the mountains of one of the most ecologically balanced and protected natural parks in the world. He now owns a large portion of land within Peneda Geres; a region full of wildlife, wildflowers, rivers, and seemingly endless mountains and valleys. Pedro is also famous for his conservation efforts and documentary of the Iberian wolf, as well as his conservation and love for the native Portuguese wild horse, known as the Garrano. Pedro understands the role of each and every organism in the park, as is demonstrated by the way he runs his beautiful ranch. His pack of dogs guide his brave horses through the mountains during our ride and to their lovely pastures at the end of the day, where they are free to roam and graze. He truly understands the spirit of the horse, and it is easy to see that his animals are well looked after, healthy, and happy. Pedro has been showing us little by little how to trust in nature, and how in doing so we can find peace, harmony and joy.
Kelly W., Oct. 7, 2015
It was so nice to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to the most untouched wilderness of Peneda Geres National Park. Pedro and Anabel are excellent hosts and their guesthouse is lovely, it's quiet and away from everything. This trip was a perfect way to unwind - riding in the wilderness by day and relaxing in the guesthouse in the evening... Pedro is an excellent guide. He is extremely knowledgable about both the national park and horsemanship... The horses are part of Pedro's family, so they are very well cared for. They are well trained and each has its own quirky personality, which Pedro matches to his riders... I can't fault this holiday - only that I could have stayed longer!
