Once again, this weekend, I had the privilege to go visit my beloved ex-horse in is new home. It was a great weekend with an absolute fantastic weather with two wonderful trail rides, and very happy moments “around the dinner-table” and doing all the normal horse/farm related chores… that most “city” riders don’t get the chance to practice!
Owned by the Felgueiras family, Outeiro Alto (meaning High Hill) is a beautiful cottage located on the south bank of the river Tejo near Constância, a very well preserved natural area in the centre of Portugal. They are great hosts, and once we meet them we don’t ever want to let them.
They have a true and long time passion for horses, and belonging to army cavalry they combine the know-how with an extreme dedication to their horse’s welfare. The way all animals are cared for is remarkable. A real oasis in the, sometimes hard, animal welfare reality in our country.
Besides humans the other farm residents are 4 horses (a Sports-horse with who their daughter enters jumping contests, two cob rescued horses, and a Portuguese cross-bred stallion), 6 dogs and 4 mini-goats.
The stars!
Owned by the Felgueiras family, Outeiro Alto (meaning High Hill) is a beautiful cottage located on the south bank of the river Tejo near Constância, a very well preserved natural area in the centre of Portugal. They are great hosts, and once we meet them we don’t ever want to let them.
They have a true and long time passion for horses, and belonging to army cavalry they combine the know-how with an extreme dedication to their horse’s welfare. The way all animals are cared for is remarkable. A real oasis in the, sometimes hard, animal welfare reality in our country.
Besides humans the other farm residents are 4 horses (a Sports-horse with who their daughter enters jumping contests, two cob rescued horses, and a Portuguese cross-bred stallion), 6 dogs and 4 mini-goats.
The stars!
1st day – The river trail – 2 hours at walk
We crossed the little village of Vale de Mestre heading to the rural lanes that will take us to the forest. The picturesque kitchen-gardens get the attention of both riders and horses…
We crossed the little village of Vale de Mestre heading to the rural lanes that will take us to the forest. The picturesque kitchen-gardens get the attention of both riders and horses…
Soon we arrive to sand path that lead us directly into nature and to this beautiful view… the Tejo!
After the water we re-enter gradually on the forest and get to cross some little rivers and soon is time for the horses “grass” brake.
…. And is time to go back home!
2nd day – Pereira trail – 2 hours at walk
This trail is a true dive in to nature… the bicycle in the first picture was the only vehicle and human we found during all trail!
The landscape is mostly composed by “montado” (Portuguese word for Quercus suber forest) and Eucalyptus where we find a calm and refreshing lake.
On the way back to the stables, near the village we find the typical Olive trees and picturesque roads!
… Ok! I could do this every weekend, if not every day!
Outeiro Alto is open to riding and non-riding guests looking for a pleasant time in a peaceful environment, visit the surroundings on horseback or just try the everyday tasks of horse care. Accommodation for riders with own horses who wish to visit for the day is also possible. Contacts: celestfel@gmail.com / 00351 933697054
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4 comments:
I'd love one day to take Trumpy on a weekend break. Maybe... If I get confident and if I get wealthy enough to afford anothe car and a horse trailer. ;)
That would be perfect! But you can allways start training with one of the "home" horses! :)
Looks lovely and WARM.
Is it not winter at your place? We are freezing cold here LOL!
Lovely trail photos. Make me want to book an holiday there ;-)
Hi Muriel! Over here is autumn, but this year it stayed quiet warm and sunny until late. It makes things easy to ride outside!
I´d love to meet you! If you ever decide coming I will be happy help you finding a perfect holiday!
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