Around The Traps

The leafy serenity of the Rio dos Cavalos River.

BELOW: João and Fly in the lead, followed by Lusia and Quo Vadis with two guests.

being used. The farm is a registered COVID-safe establishment and stringent about the regulations around guest comfort and safety.

Riding lessons are available to anyone four years of age or older, and are oriented to Liesje and João’s philosophy of teaching without a bridle. This natural way of learning results in a more comfortable and intuitive ride for both horse and rider. “We focus on feeling, balance, timing and synchronisation,” Liesje says. “You learn using your body and weight and it doesn’t take long to be confident, without or with a bridle.”

All lessons from basic to an advanced level include the language of horses, feel, intuition, groundwork, and ridden work.

The farm is managed with the aim of maintaining the lightest possible environmental footprint and as such is classified as a Tripadvisor Greenleader. It is operated within circular sustainability principles, incorporating recycling, composting, and ecologically friendly cleaning products. Linen is dried by the sun, wind, or the warmth of a wood burner fire during winter. All electrical appliances have an energy efficiency rating of A or A+ and light bulbs are either LED or energy savers. The buildings have all been constructed with locally sourced materials, and decorated using lime paint and natural pigments.

Most of the furniture is recycled, and the wood stoves used for heating are fed with wood trimmed from the trees. No food is ever discarded, with the hungry menagerie doing their bit to dispose of leftovers and enrich the soil. With seven dogs, four cats, and a plethora of free roaming chickens, ducks and ducklings, this is an easy task.

Native wildlife abounds in the verdant countryside and the nightingale’s song can be heard day and night from April to June. The wide variety of native plant, bird, reptile, amphibian and insect species will delight nature lovers, and enhance riding through the lush glades and valleys.

Three main horse riding holiday packages are on offer for visitors, catering to all levels of expertise. The standard experience includes arrival in the afternoon to meet and feed the horses in the evening. After breakfast, guests gather to groom the horses they are to ride to the historic village of Casal da Senhora and the stunning views of the Estrella-Açor and Caramulo mountains. The afternoon is spent grooming and preparing the horses for a one hour sunset ride on the property, after which the horses are fed and guests are then free to spend the evening as they wish.

The weekend winds up with a farm

breakfast, lazing by the pool and perhaps another sneaky ride exploring the property in this stunning corner of Europe. “Our guests love that all the horses respond to our special call. Wherever they are on the meadows, they’ll each gallop to their stable,” says Liesje. “The riders also love the abundance of nature on the farm, and the gallops up to the hill views. But they especially love listening to João’s stories of the history of our region and of the Romans, the Celts and the original Portuguese people, while they ride over Roman bridges and around Celtic graves and monuments.”

For experienced riders the full moon ride with João is an absolute highlight. “It’s extremely exciting as you have to surrender completely to your horse with absolute trust as you gallop through the dark,” Liesje explains.

Another of the more unique experiences at Quinta da Alegria is Dancing with Horses. João teaches riders how to more deeply understand and communicate with horses, while on the ground and in the saddle. The focus is on learning how to move, stop, turn, trot and canter without touching the horse, using only your inner energy and body language. Lessons are available singularly or as part of the farm holiday packages.

For experienced and new riders alike, the farm is ideal for singles, groups and families. Children and teenagers are welcome and well-catered for, with adults able to enjoy the experience knowing their children have a safe haven to play and learn, and a raft of activities to inspire them. For singles or couples seeking privacy, there are many peaceful locations in nature, or close to the property’s beautiful saltwater pool.

Visit www.portugalbyhorse.com for information on accommodation options, rates, and activities, as well as details on each horse including their name, breed, age, and temperament.

João, Fly, Charlotte and Lola.

BELOW: Early morning on misty mountain trails (Image by René van Bakel Photography).