Hacks

Country Riding Centre provides for all levels of riding ability and all ages.

For younger children, we have a pony walk which passes through the orange and lemon groves, across the streams, passing all types of animals and interesting things to see along the way.

For older children and those of us who enjoy a leisurely stroll whilst taking in the surroundings,we have an

hour long hack, which takes you to the top of the Silves hills (Serra de Silves) you can enjoy panoramic views.

For the more experienced riders and those who enjoy a bit of speed, we have 2 hour hacks with two different levels. The first is a medium hack with canter, the second an experienced hack with gallop.

For those that really want to kick back and get away from it all, there is also the option of a half day ride up to the lake, with a picnic included.

Lessons

The riding instructors at the Country Riding Centre are fully qualified and approved by

the Portuguese Equestrian Federation, and speak English, Portuguese, Dutch and German.

Martina, who has been involved with horses all her life, is the chief instructor. She first qualified as

a riding instructor in Holland several years ago and specialised in teaching children. Martina is

also a doctor’s assistant so takes care of our first aid.

There are a variety of lessons to choose from.

Beginner lessons starting on the lunge line for young children or the not so confident. Then there are the half hour private lessons, aimed at the confident beginner right through to accomplished rider. No matter how good a rider you think you are, there is a guarantee that you will have developed at least one bad habit along the way, so these lessons are ideal to straighten that out or to perfect your position.

We have dressage lessons starting with basic moves and exercises, right through to high class manoeuvres.
Also do showjumping lessons, from first time over a pole to a full course in the larger arena. Experienced riders can have a lesson on one of our school masters.