Comfort
Portuguese saddles and standard English bridles. There are English saddles available in case you would like to swap.
Helmets are mandatory and we recommend all our riders to bring their own to ensure a proper fit. There are a few helmets available locally.
Meals
Breakfast includes bread, cheese, jam, milk, cereal/granola, juice, coffee and more.
Lunch may be in the form of a picnic with tapas and wine, or at local restaurants/cafes where you will be served a hot meal (meat/fish).
Dinner are usually a hot meal.
Desserts are usually available
Dietary requirements can be accommodated but will incur a supplement (please check the "Dates&Prices" tab).
Climate
Temperatures shift noticeably with the seasons. In winter, they can drop to around 0°C, while in summer, highs often reach 28–30°C.
Winters are cool and damp rather than harsh (typically between 2°C and 10°C), with mist and fog being common, especially in the higher elevations.
Rainfall is abundant, with the wettest months usually between October and January. Spring tends to be milder, but April can still bring frequent showers
Tips
Tips are appreciated but not expected.
Packing list
Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. This list must be adapted depending on the season and individual needs.
Head
- You will be expected to wear a riding helmet and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust
Upper body
- Thermal long-sleeved tops are a lightweight way of providing extra warmth, particularly in spring/autumn
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared.
- Swimming costume
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal leggings
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- Lightweight shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves
Nightwear
- Pyjamas
Other useful items
- Water bottle
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Disclaimers:
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
