Almancil, Portugal
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Lusitanos, part breds and ponies
Nature of horses:
Safe horses to suit all levels of experience
Number of horses:
30
Height of horses:
12hh - 17.0hh
Weight limit:
14 stone/ 88 kg (for experienced riders)
Tack type:
English tack maintained to a high standard
Pricing
WEEKLY PROGRAMME RATES
Beginner 10 hour programme half board: £622
Beginner 10 hour programme full board: £781
15 hour half board programme: £732
15 hour full board programme: £897
7 nights half board non riders: £385
7 nights full board non riders: £539
Please note that if you book for less than a week then the hours of riding will be divided on a pro rata basis. A 10% premium is added on for programmes of less than a week.
Please note you can pay for your holiday by cheque, bank transfer, debit or credit card.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This equestrian centre, one of the Algarve’s most well-known and prestigious , is situated in an upmarket holiday area. It is an ideal location for enjoyable riding, with an abundance of sandy tracks, open land full of wild flowers and herbs as well close to golden beaches and a nature reserve.
It is in a region where riding is possible throughout the year as, even in winter, the sun is virtually always shining. Warm evenings provide the opportunity for enjoying wonderful sunset from horsebacs and the unique experience of riding under a full moon.
This well established British run riding school is approved by both the ABRS and the Portuguese Equestrian Federation and, as such, provides quality tuition by a team of professionals eager to help you develop your riding skills and horse knowledge – whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider.
The centre was started by Bev Gibbons in 1985 who has lived in the Portugal since 1972. Bev trained at the famous Talland School of Equitation and under Portuguese Classical masters. Among her qualifications she has a BHS Intermediate Teaching Certificate, Riding for the Disabled Group Instructor and the BHS Centre Manager in Equestrian Tourism.
It is unusual to find such a qualified Equestriene in a holiday environment but Bev believes that a holiday can provide the perfect opportunity to really develop your riding. The horses, too, are excellent schoolmasters and the centre ensures that riders and horses are well matched to ensure guests get the most out of their stay.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Everyone experiences a friendly welcome, from both staff and dogs, at the villa which has been Beverley’s family home since 1972. It is a typically Portuguese home set in lovely grounds and with a large terrace overlooking the garden where you are able to enjoy your meals.
The accommodation consists of three comfortable en-suite bedrooms.
The spacious Almond Suite overlooking the garden has a large double bed (and space for an extra bed) and an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub.
The Orange Tree Room is a large twin bedroom with its own shower room.
The Iris Room is a cosy single with an en suite shower room. This room is particularly beautiful and cool during those hot summer months.
The food here is home cooked and always delicious. A continental breakfast is served each morning with freshly squeezed orange juice, cereals, yoghurts and breads as well as tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a buffet consisting of homemade soup, salads, cold meats, cheese, fruit and breads. These meals are often enjoyed on the terrace. Special diets are also catered for.
Dinner is either taken at the villa or at one of the local restaurants allowing guests to experience true Portuguese culture and local dishes. For those opting for the half board option, you are spoilt for choice. There are over 200 restaurants in the area serving delicious food with fresh ingredients at a very reasonable price.
Activities
When not in the saddle, guests are able to use the facilities at the Four Seasons Country Club just down the road. Here there is a large outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool, jacuzzi, gym, squash courts, snooker room, sauna and library as well as a bar and excellent restaurant.
For active non riders, this area of the Algarve is the home to some of the world’s finest golf courses. The Centre can supply you with details of the golf facilities and help you arrange to play. Tennis lessons can also be arranged at an academy in Quinta do Lago whether you want private lessons or to join a special clinic.
For children, there are numerous activities in the area including a visit to the marine park to watch the dolphins and, of course, just a few minutes drive away there are the wonderful sandy beaches stretching across the Algarve.
Further Details
Languages: English, Portugese, French, Spanish, German
Health requirements: None specific
Age limit: 4 years for riders
Tuition: Yes
Included: Accommodation, meals, drinks and riding as detailed by the programme.
Not included: Flights, transfers and travel insurance.
Travel Information
The stables are 20 minutes drive from Faro airport and 5 kms south of Almancil between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo.
Easyjet are just one of the airlines now flying into Faro at a very competitive rate. Ryanair now fly from London Stansted. Flybe also fly here from Southampton and Exeter.
We can arrange transfer for you for 30 euros each way.
Airport: Faro
Programme
Tailor made week
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Nestled among the pinewoods, cork and eucalyptus trees, this destination is perfect for riders of all abilities wanting to enjoy the warmth and the beauty of the Algarve from horseback. The Centre offers both 10 and 15 hour riding packages tailor made to suit the needs and ability of each individual rider. These programmes provide both the complete beginner and experienced rider with the perfect setting for developing skills through tuition, stable management and trails. Special programmes are also offered to children, making the centre ideal for both families as well as single travellers. Furthermore, it offers specialist tuition for disabled riders. Lessons are offered daily in the outdoor arena where the more experienced rider can improve on existing skills on the flat and over fences. With instructors who specialise in teaching beginners and nervous riders, riding skills are easily developed and confidence gained through experienced and sympathetic hands. What’s more, with the emphasis on safety and fun, parents can be assured that their children enjoy their experience while receiving expert tuition designed to suit each individual rider. In addition to the high standard of tuition, one, two and three hour trails are also offered. A combination of scenic forest paths and varied terrain allow for gentle ambles in the sun or challenging trails for the more experienced rider. A wonderful restaurant ride gives experienced riders the opportunity to see many areas of the Algarve from horseback which they may otherwise miss. After riding for an hour, there is a stop for lunch for both riders and horses at a local beach restaurant – where family and friends can join the riders. In summer, riders can enjoy a unique experience of riding under a full moon, again with a stop for dinner at a beach restaurant. Less experienced riders can also take pleasure in shorter, but still slightly challenging rides exploring the beautiful surrounding areas with experienced guides and instructors, while continuing to build on the skills learnt in the arena. Brimming with flora and fauna, the area will also prove of interest to those with a passion for nature. For riders wanting to monitor their progress, the centre does offer the opportunity to train for and take ABRS Weekly Rider Tests covering all standards on request. Also during your stay, a video with commentary is made to chart progress, giving you a unique souvenir to take home. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 7 |
| Ability description: | Beginners to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Tuition and trails |
| Total riding time: | 10 or 15 hours weekly as detailed by the programme. Bookings for less than a week will have the hours divided on a pro rata basis. Extra riding by arrangement. |
| Departure dates: | All year to suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |