Horse Care Holiday

Would you like to learn more about horses whilst staying in the beautiful area of Gois (pronounced Goysh) in the green heart of Mid Portugal?  This part of Portugal is one of the most unspoilt terrains for horse riding in Europe. The spectacular, diverse landscape ranges from eucalyptus, pine and cork oak forests to heather clad hilltops with breathtaking views. It is well away from the tourist trails and even in the peak season you can ride all day and not encounter another person.

Our horse care or stable management holiday is tailor made for complete beginners who wish to learn to ride and care for horses or can be for those getting back in the saddle and who need a refresher course.

Learn about all basic aspects of horse care whilst improving your riding and confidence.  You will have fantastic home-cooked food, be around lovely horses and wake up to stunning scenery each day.

Day 1

Arrival at the Quinta (farm house) where you will meet the horses, take a refreshing swim in the clean mountain river and finally sit down to a delicious evening meal.

Day 2 - 5

Each day after breakfast you will enjoy a quiet hack in the mountains (opitional of course) returning to the farm for lunch.  The afternoons will consist of the horse care sessions from grooming, feeding, watering, stable/field maintenance, tacking up and lunging.  We also touch upon other aspects such as basic horse psychology, anatomy and physiology which will be followed by an optional lesson in the outdoor arena.  Afterwards relax in your hammock and massgaes are available at an additional cost should you want one.

2012 prices:

£780/£470 7 nights full board, rider/non-rider (Mid Mar-Mid Nov)

£720/£390 7 nights half board, rider/non-rider (Mid Mar-Mid Nov)

£624/£376 7 nights full board, rider/non rider (Mid Nov-Mid Mar)

£576/£312 7 nights half board, rider/non-rider (Mid Nov-Mid Mar)

Not Included: Flights and Travel Insurance

Single Supplement: No

Accommodation: Accommodation in a restored cottage or in the farmhouse. Includes all home-cooked meals, local wines and beer or soft drinks with meals.

Meeting Point: Porto (2 hours), Lisbon (3 hours)

Indicative flight price: London to Porto £50 - £160pp return depending on time of year, London to Lisbon £60 - £150pp depending on time of year

Transfer: Return trip from Porto £100 for 1 or 2 people; 3rd & 4th people pay additional £20 each. Alternatively the train and bus services from Lisbon or Porto to Coimbra are excellent, always on time, modern, and very reasonably priced.  You will be collected from Coimbra bus or train station free of charge. Please try to book a morning flight to give you plenty of time.

Hours In Saddle: will vary, depending on your ability

Max Weight: 90kg

Group Size: 2-8

Suiteable for non-riders: Yes

Call us on +44 (0)1225 424413 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.