Riding at Pinetrees

The first session is a relaxed assessment which Bev will often video and discuss with you, after which you can plan the week's programme together. The plan and goals are re-assessed mid-week. Bev will be looking for feedback on how your muscles and seat are coping, so that you can have a day off if you need it! The seven night holiday guarantees 15 hours riding (novices can opt for 10 hours) with the flexibility to choose whether you want to concentrate on lessons or rides out.

RIDES AND LESSONS

Your lessons will pay special attention to your position and balance to help you improve your dressage or jumping according to your level. Bev is a very experienced trainer and has lots of interesting techniques both on and off the horse to help riders improve on areas of weakness and to gain a better understanding of the subtle relationship between horse and rider.

Hacks follow different routes through the pinewoods to the sea and freshwater lagoons past prickly pear, almond and fig trees, across the dunes and mudflats of the Ria Formosa estuary, through the fruit orchards of the Ludo Valley, or to the beach restaurant for lunch. The going is good throughout the year, so there are many tracks where cantering is possible.

THE HORSES

From the 'boss' himself, senior schoolmaster Lusitano stallion 'Bombito' down to the cutest pony, Pinetrees has a range of well schooled, safe and sensible horses to match all levels of rider size, ability and confidence. Mostly Lusitanos or Luso types, all enjoy the variety of their work whether it is a quiet lesson in the school followed by a gentle walk in the shady pinewoods for a beginner or the chance to impress a more experienced rider with their lateral work. On longer rides further afield or pony club activities they enjoy the opportunity to show off their fitness and adaptablity and will happily pop over the occasional fallen log or tackle a round of show jumps.

Many are used for Riding For the Disabled and Hippotherapy where the horse's movement is used to improve muscle tone and movement in disabled adult and child riders, often leading to increased self-confidence and emotional well being. More>>