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Visitor Guide

You've booked your ride. Here's everything you need to know before you arrive, what to wear, and what to expect on the day.

Riders on a guided trail through the Algarve countryside

Most of our guests are on holiday in the Algarve and riding for the first time in years, or for the very first time. That is completely normal here, and our guides are used to welcoming riders from all over the world.

This guide covers the practical details for your booked ride, so you can arrive relaxed and make the most of your time in the saddle.

How to find us

Before You Arrive

  • Know Where To Find Us We are at Quinta do Paraíso Alto in Bensafrim, near Lagos. See our directions and map. Open daily 09:00–18:00.
  • Need To Change Your Booking? Call +351 282 687 596 or contact us as soon as you can if your plans change.
  • Children Aged 8+ Countryside rides are for children aged 8 and over. If you booked for a younger child, ask us about pony rides instead.
  • Small Groups Each guide takes a maximum of four riders, so you get personal attention throughout your ride.

What To Wear & Bring

Wear

  • Long trousers, jeans or riding leggings work well
  • Closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel if possible
  • A light layer you can remove if you get warm
  • Sunscreen for sun protection

Avoid

  • Shorts and sandals, they offer little protection
  • Loose scarves or dangling jewellery
  • Large backpacks or bags on the ride (leave them in your car)

We Provide

  • ABRS-certified helmets (included in the price)
  • Riding boots and chaps on request if you need them
  • Full insurance cover for every rider

Horse Riding Basics

Never ridden before? You are in good company. Your guide will walk you through everything on the day, but here is a gentle introduction so nothing comes as a surprise.

Your First Ride, Step By Step

  1. Meet Your Horse

    • Approach calmly from the side
    • Speak softly, no sudden moves
    • Stroke the neck to say hello

  2. Get On

    • Mount from the block with help
    • Left foot in stirrup, swing over
    • Guide adjusts stirrup length

  3. Sit Correctly

    • Sit tall, shoulders relaxed
    • Heels down, toes up
    • Let your seat balance you

  4. Hold The Reins

    • One rein in each hand
    • Soft, even contact
    • Never yank or pull hard

  5. Steer & Stop

    • To turn, gently open the rein on that side
    • Look where you want to go
    • To slow down, sit back and take a light, even feel on both reins

  6. Stay Balanced

    • Move with the horse
    • Lean slightly on hills
    • Breathe and stay relaxed

The Three Gaits

Walk

4 beats

Slow, steady pace. What beginners do on the 1-hour ride.

All levels

Trot

2 beats

Bouncier pace. You may feel this on longer rides if experienced.

Some experience

Canter

3 beats

Smooth gallop on open ground. For confident riders only.

Experienced

On a 1-hour beginner ride you stay at walk throughout.

A Few Things To Avoid

  • Loud noises near horses
  • Sudden forward or backward leans
  • Dropping or wrapping the reins
  • Walking directly behind a horse
  • Feeding horses without asking

You do not need to memorise any of this. Your guide will demonstrate and adjust everything before you leave the yard. The horses know the trails and are used to carrying beginners. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

On The Day

  1. Arrive 15 Minutes Early Allow time to park, meet your guide and get fitted with a helmet. Rides leave on schedule so the group is not kept waiting.
  2. Meet Your Horse And Guide Your bilingual guide will introduce you to your horse and explain the basics before you set off.
  3. Ride At Your Own Pace Beginners stay at walk; more experienced riders may trot or canter where the terrain allows. The guide sets the pace for the group.
  4. Enjoy The Landscape Expect cork oak forests, wild valleys, hilltop views and tracks that no car can reach. Wildlife sightings, including wild boar on occasion, are a bonus, not a guarantee!
  5. Photos Feel free to take photos during breaks. Ask your guide before using your phone while mounted. Safety comes first.

Safety & Comfort

QPA has been an approved riding centre since 1992. Safety is not an afterthought. It is how we run every ride.

  • Matched Horses Beginners ride our quietest school horses. We never put a rider on a horse that is wrong for their level.
  • Small Groups With a maximum of four riders per guide, help is always close at hand.
  • English & Portuguese All guides speak both languages, so instructions are clear whatever your background.
  • Weather Rides go ahead in most conditions. If we need to reschedule for safety (extreme heat, storms), we will contact you.
Horse and rider on a countryside trail at QPA

See You Soon

Check directions before you set off, or get in touch if you have any last-minute questions.

How to find us +351 282 687 596 Contact us