Testimonials
Emma R., Nov. 4, 2024
Simply wonderful. Excellent horses, beautiful location, comfortable rooms. Favourite memory? Riding the kindest and most willing schoolmaster, Xico, who made me feel like a great, balanced rider - even though I'm not!
Abbie T., Oct. 18, 2023
A dream come true! (Favourite memory?) The amazing horses.
Anna B., Sept. 27, 2023
One of the best holidays I have ever had. The two instructors we had were different but both really good. My riding improved and each lesson I took something away. I felt that they read the briefs we sent them. and they worked to our briefs. Me on my laterals and Annie on experiencing the feel of special moves (changes/Piaffe etc) Diego guided us on the trail rides which was really special.
Annie H., March 14, 2023
The holiday exceeded my expectations! Wonderful location, superb accommodation, yummy food, friendly and helpful staff, gorgeous horses, a relaxed vibe and a great learning experience ………… a unique and special holiday!
Catherine A., Nov. 16, 2022
Loved every minute – gorgeous horses, fabulous food, friendly helpful staff, great setting so peaceful and relaxing. Enjoyed every minute of being in the Monte Velho bubble!
Candi D., Nov. 15, 2022
Excellent experience and value for your money. Whether you are a Grand Prix rider or Green as Grass, this dressage based resort in the Alentejo has a program, instructor and horse for you. They try very hard to accommodation and, in turn, expect you to strive to get the most out of your lessons. Favourite memory? "Nailing" a movement I could never do, and having such a great sense of accomplishment in the challenge, which was also supported by a newfound crew of fellow riders! Accommodation/food? The accommodations are lovely. Every room has a view. The food and wines are fresh, tasty, appealing and delicious every meal. They also strive to prepare delicious vegan options.
Dominique T., Sept. 21, 2021
It was a wonderful experience at a beautiful resort – all high class: accommodation, other facilities, horses, lessons – simply great!
Meg L., June 7, 2021
We had a great time. The property and surrounding area is stunning, the people are lovely, there's a good selection of horses who were clearly well cared for and well trained, and the quality of tuition was excellent. (Favourite memory?) For me: our first lesson with Joao. He's not only a fantastic rider but has a lovely way of teaching, so I felt I took a lot away from that lesson and I enjoyed the slight challenge my horse Afonso offered. For Sam (beginner): his lunge lesson with Diogo (a last minute replacement for our joint lesson which weren't quite working, as he hadn't quite mastered steering his horse who was a suitable steed but had his own ideas about which direction they should be going in!). It was his final ride and he felt everything really clicked, He finished on a high and is keen to continue riding.
Phoebe, March 9, 2020
We had a really enjoyable time. Food, room and location were exceptional. Very relaxing, we enjoyed walks around the property which was beautiful. Horses in fabulous condition and the instructors were all very good.
Catherine A., Nov. 30, 2017
Excellent - fabulous hotel in a gorgeous setting, riding amazing horses. Very friendly helpful staff. Peaceful tranquil setting - heaven on horseback!! Great food. Room and hotel spotlessly clean, comfortable and welcoming. Horses were well looked after and a pleasure to ride. I rode different horses which added to the experience. All tack was of a high standard. All instructors were extremely friendly, encouraging and patient. Rita who led the trail rides was lovely. (Favourite memory?) Wonderful canter on the last trail ride. Beautifully collected canter in the sunshine in wonderful scenery.
Friederike J., Oct. 12, 2017
The holiday was absolutely perfect. Loved the architecture and landscape of the resort. Very friendly staff. Well cared for horses. The rooms are just wonderful. Very modern and clean. The staff made sure to choose the right horses for each guest. It was great to get to try different horses though. Very careful and involved trainers. Liked Rita (trail rides) and Annie (dressage) very much. (Favourite memory?) Early morning rides exploring the estate. Sitting in the beautiful bar/pool area with a cool drink.
Nina M., Oct. 12, 2017
The trip was absolutely wonderful. Great accommodation. Well-trained horses. Great service. The American teacher (Annie) was quite good. Very honest with her feedback, so that we could actually learn something. We reserved Monte Velho already for next October!
Elaine S., July 11, 2017
Amazing facility, so kind and helpful. the horses were wonderful and the quality of the instruction was great. I loved that no matter what level of rider you are everyone gets the same level of attention. I never once felt that I was less interesting than other, better riders. The accommodation was fabulous and the food was great. I particularly loved the outdoor shower!! Especially after a lesson in 38 degrees! The horses were so well trained and kind.It was wonderful to get to ride true schoolmasters. The tack was perfect and very comfortable. All the instructors were fabulous. They were very patient and clear in their instructions and really gave us all individual attention. While I was there, there was a real spread of riding abilities and I think each one of us got very individualised instruction.
The ride was very much as described and met all our expectations. My husband was a non-rider but he really enjoyed the location and the facilities. There are lovely walks and lots of wildlife, the pond is nice for canoeing too. I was very impressed with the level of service we received from Far and Ride especially how well you stayed in touch before the holiday.
Sally, May 18, 2016
The only word to sum up Monte Vehlo is 'paradise'. This place is true luxury; the perfect place to escape the real world. The instruction is first class, the accommodation was stunning (I stayed in a 'standard' room, but there wasn't anything standard about it) and the food was homely and hearty. The horses were also lovely: polite, well-schooled and responsive.
Ana & Daniela S., Nov. 25, 2015
This holiday was beyond our expectations. Our dressage lessons with João Torrão were outstanding, he truly helped us improve our riding. The service was also spotless. Everyone at Monte Velho is friendly and accommodating. Both the accommodation and food are superb! Rooms are spacious, beds are comfortable, the food was all home-cooked and was healthy and gourmet-quality. (Far and Ride) you were very detailed, thorough and helpful with every aspect of the trip. Natalie was lovely to work with!
