Alcainca - Portugal

Riding Holiday

2 star rating   15 June 2025

Linda who has been on 8 In The Saddle rides. Very comfortable but tuition could be better | This is certainly not 4* accommodation but it's all so cosy and welcoming. I always think it feels like my second home. And I love the fact that the horses are so nearby that you can hear them shuffling about from your room.

My main criticism is of the tuition. Both Mario and Paolo do an awful lot of shouting which is really not the best way to get a message across.

Also, Mario's teachings were very different from what I've been taught and they didn't work. At least what Paolo shouts at you enables you to do what you're trying to do.

They're both really nice people with very good intentions but their teaching methods really need to be improved.

[In The Saddle response – we are sad that you didn’t enjoy the teaching on this visit. We forwarded your feedback to the instructors at Alcainca. They have responded to say that with best intentions, they perhaps got a bit too enthusiastic with their teaching at times. They are very sorry this has left you feeling you would prefer to go somewhere else next time]


The Riding

How well were you matched with the right horse for your ability?
4 star rating
How would you rate the variety of riding, pace or terrain?
2 star rating
How would you rate the overall standard of the horses, tack and stables?
5 star rating

The Accommodation

How would you rate your room(s) for comfort and facilities?
4 star rating
How would you rate the standard of the food?
4 star rating

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

I felt very looked after. The position of the hand basin made it very difficult to wash your face without banging you head but that's not really a big deal.


Before Your Holiday

Did you have all of the information you needed to:

Plan and prepare for your holiday?
5 star rating
Feel comfortable about your transfers and what to expect?
5 star rating

How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

It was all excellent


How could we improve the way we handled your booking and payment?

I don't think it can be improved.


Do you have any other feedback for us?

I love this place but probably will probably try to find somewhere else where I can have a better learning experience.