Azores - Learn to Ride in a Week
The Azores are an archipelago of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located between Portugal and North America. São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and measures 81 km long and 15 km wide at its maximum points.
The islands are volcanic in origin and this volcanic activity has created vast craters, blue lakes, black cliffs along the shore, valleys, mountains and hot mineral springs and geysers. The fertile terrain is uneven and rocky, making for small, green fields divided by stone walls and edged with flowers.
The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment and boat trips out onto the ocean. Among the most sighted species are the sperm whale, the fin whale, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and Atlantic spotted dolphin.
This ride is suitable for beginner and novice riders, or those wishing to gain confidence. The riding and tack is English style.
During the week you have around 15 hours of riding in total. This is a mix of lessons either in the riding arena or out on trails, and also theory lessons. The aim is that by the end of the week you can join the spectacular full day ride to Sete Cidades.
The riding centre has around 40 much loved horses. They are all well-schooled and a pleasure to ride, whether in the arena or out on the trail. Some non-riding excursions are also included.
Hard hats are mandatory on this ride.
[advanced_iframe width="640px" height="480px"]The Quinta da Terca house is one of the oldest buildings on the islands, dates from the 17th Century and is full of interesting features. It is on the south of the island not far from the main town of Ponta Delgada. You should ask for a tour of the private parts of the house, which is really worth seeing.
There are five guestrooms each with private bathroom (shower). Three have double beds and two have twin beds.
You have meals in the dining room which has been converted from a former stable. There are places to sit and relax, either indoors or on the veranda or in the gardens adjoining the horse paddocks.
Quinta da Terca are unable to cater for those who are Coeliac.
The "Learn to Ride in a Week" is available all year and you may arrive any day. The programme requires a minimum of two people to confirm.
Sample Itinerary for Learn to Ride in a Week
If travelling from the UK there are usually flights from London Gatwick or Stansted directly to Ponta Delgada between April and October.
Select your preferred arrival date:
| LEARN TO RIDE IN A WEEK (7 nights) | Rider | Non Rider |
| 2024: 1 Apr - 31 Oct | £1,698.80 | £937.57 |
| 2024: Nov - 31 Dec | £1,595.58 | £824.89 |
INCLUDES Seven nights accommodation; full board (dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure); wine with dinner; 10 hours riding; 5 theory lessons; non-riding excursions as per itinerary.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £296.75 if you are in a single room (refunded if we find you a sharer).
PAYABLE LOCALLY Spirits; tips; whale watching trip; lunch on your arrival or departure day if required.
NEAREST AIRPORT Ponta Delgada.
TRANSFERS Included from Ponta Delgada
Transfers are included from Ponta Delgada airport and flights can arrive and depart at any time.
Quinta da Terca is close to Punta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, the largest of the Azorean islands.
The Azores have a mild temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 14ºC to 22ºC. However the weather is changeable and it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. During the summer months it can become very humid.
Everthing about the holiday was exceptional and I had the best horse ever ! a really good match for my ability and I also had excellent lessons and great guides out with me. I can't rate the holiday enough. The place we stayed and the owners were just wonderful. What a great experience for my first holiday with in the saddle. Every one looks after you so well. I can't thank you all enough. Completely satisfied with all pre-holiday information.
Sally, Cambridgeshire
Overall rating: 5/5
