Wolves and Wild Horses - Portugal

Wolves and Wild Horses

5 star rating   20 June 2026

Greta (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Exceptional Holiday | The horses are clearly beloved members of the family, not simply working animals. I had the privilege of riding a beautiful Lusitano mare named Mel—Portuguese for "Honey." She was tall, strong, kind, and incredibly willing. Once I found my rhythm riding English, I enjoyed every moment with her—from relaxed walks and energetic trots to canters and, of course, exhilarating gallops! Each day's ride offered completely different scenery and adventures, making every outing feel fresh and exciting. We typically spent three to five hours in the saddle, and I appreciated that horse-and-rider partnerships remained consistent throughout the week while the varying ride lengths allowed the horses plenty of time to rest and recover.


The Riding

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

How would you rate your room(s) for comfort and facilities?
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How would you rate the standard of the food?
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Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

Pedro and Marianna, a wonderful father-and-daughter team, are exceptional hosts who clearly love what they do. Every morning began with Pedro delivering warm, freshly baked bread and croissants. Marianna prepared every lunch and dinner from scratch, giving us an authentic taste of Portuguese cuisine. Trail lunches were beautifully presented with actual place settings and incredible food in the middle of stunning landscapes. The wines paired perfectly with each meal. If you're hoping to lose weight because you'll be riding every day...think again! The food is simply too delicious. Marianna also effortlessly accommodated different dietary preferences. The vegetarian in our group couldn't stop talking about how amazing every meal was.The guesthouse was everything I could have hoped for—a perfect blend of historic Portuguese charm and modern comfort. It was warm, welcoming, beautifully maintained, and above all, felt incredibly safe. My room was spacious and comfortable, and having a private ensuite bathroom made it feel like my own peaceful retreat after each day's ride. I truly wanted for nothing during my stay.


Before Your Holiday

Did you have all of the information you needed to:

Plan and prepare for your holiday?
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Feel comfortable about your transfers and what to expect?
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How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

I felt everything was covered well in the materials provided to me. I enjoy a little bit of mystery and suspense and don't expect or want everything to be called out prior. The info that was provided to me was perfect.


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

The entire process was great. I very much appreciated the personalized email from Lois when she found out my traveling companions could not make it and I was arriving at the ride solo.


Do you have any other feedback for us?

This trip exceeded every expectation I had. It combined breathtaking scenery, outstanding horses, exceptional food, heartfelt hospitality, and memories I'll treasure forever. I absolutely plan to return, and I hope my traveling companions can join me next time. But if they can't, I can honestly say I won't hesitate for a second to book this adventure as a solo traveler again.