Holistic Horse Riding

From our organic farm in the peaceful hills of Western Algarve we offer a wide variety of activities around and with the horses including:

Our priority is to show you how to really connect and communicate with your horse. We specialise in teaching young children to ride and helping nervous riders overcome their fears.

What is Holistic Horse Riding?

I have ridden horses for many years and used to compete internationally and became concerned with the stress and pressure that too many horses and riders were experiencing. So over the last 20 years my fascination with the grace and harmony of free horses has led me to develop my very own teaching method. I call it holistic horse riding.

What does holistic riding mean to me?
I think it’s more than just another style of riding, which comes down to a certain technique. We learn something about ourselves and this knowledge is just as important off, as on, the horse! We'll teach you to become physically and mentally centred, how to relax and breath naturally, to feel and control the energy in your body and to correct your posture.

When we're working with the horse, we focus on learning to recognise and understand their body language. It is very important to me to help people understand that the horse is always doing a great job- because it’s only job is to be a horse! The rest is up to us. It is our duty to respect this beautiful creature and to learn their language – after all they will never speak English and a physical fight won’t get us far either!

Holistic Horse Riding Lessons

I usually start my lessons with grooming and tacking up when you'll learn to watch for signs from the horse that show how how it likes to be touched and handled.

Afterwards, we go to the arena or ‘picadero’. Here, we start with exercises related to t’ai chi and yoga that let you focus on your balance and breathing. Then, when you're feeling enthusiastic, relaxed and grounded we start leading the horse. It is very important for you to be able to communicate with the animal about direction and speed, just by using body language, never force.

Finally we'll focus on your breathing, posture and balance on the horse. To be centered inside allows you to feel truly connected to the horse and to appreciate and absorb its movements. Even experienced riders are often astonished to discover how different it feels to ride sideways, backwards or even to lie down on the horse and can gain a new insight into the horse's movement! Personally, I always find it incredible to watch people change during the course of a lesson. Your movements, posture, mood and voice – everything is altered!

Holistic Horse Riding for Children

We believe that children have a natural affinity with horses and can easily learn the horse's language. So, with the right guidance, basic riding and handling can come naturally and quickly to them. During a typical first lesson a young child will gain the confidence to safely lead the horse without a rein, walk, trot, sit backwards, lie, or, even stand, on the horse's back! All the time the horse is loose but responding to the instructor's body language. You'll be amazed by how much your child can achieve in a single lesson! As well as private riding lessons we run fun themed days and adventure camps for small groups of kids where they can learn riding and stable management, play games and enjoy organic picnics.

About the Area

Vinha Velha is a beautiful open valley bordered by gentle rolling hills and the national park Mata Nacional, 3km from the picturesque Portuguese village of Barão de São João. From the ridges you can see the Atlantic ocean in the south as well as in the west. The calm atmosphere of the farmland creates a perfect environment for enjoying nature. You can rent holiday apartments and spend peaceful and relaxing time on our organic farm.

Details and Booking

Location:
Vinha Velha (6 mins from Lagos Zoo), Barão de São João, Algarve, Southern Portugal

Activities:

1 to 3 hour treks for beginners and experienced riders
Romantic moonlight riding for the experienced rider
One to one, or small group, holistic horse riding lessons for adults and children
Adventure camps and fun themed days for children
Yoga and chi gong style exercises especially designed to improve your riding
Training for young or 'difficult' horses.

Accommodation offered?
Yes, you can stay in our holiday apartments

Languages spoken:
We speak German, English and Portuguese

Beginners are welcome.
Children are welcome.

Contact Details
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