Horses, Friends, Sun and Fun!

Spend the weekend riding across the “Serra d’Aires e Candeeiros” Natural Park mountains wonderful scenario, with about 30 other riders and horses, from all breeds, gender and age!

It was a two day ride between the lovely town of Benedita and the world famous town of “Fátima”. (One of the most important catholic sanctuaries in Europe)

1st day we rode about 35 Kilometers (21,75 miles) …it started about 9am and we arrived at 5 pm to the village of “Alcaria”, where we camped over night on a lovely local equestrian facility, that kindly offered a safe and comfortable place to stay both for horses and riders.

The two highlights of the first day were arriving to the mountain top were we could have a 180º view over the “Costa da Prata” to the see, and riding down the rocky trail to the “Fórnea” valley on the way to “Alcaria” village.

2nd day we woke up about 7 am, took care of the horses, packed the tents, cleaned up camping site and the ride started about 9 am, after a delicious breakfast at the village.

The highlights of the day were crossing the trails in inhabited hills and pine woods on the way to typical village of “Pia do Urso” and arriving to “Fátima” were a delicious “grilled chicken” lunch was waiting for us!

This ride was organized by a group of amateur riders from “Benedita” and “Casal do Rodo”, supported by their families and friends that played a very important role in the success of the ride, carrying all the supplies, camping material and helping with the car traffic when we had to cross the main roads.

It was an exemplary ride when it comes to behaviour and respect among riders, from the riders to the horses and the natural park we were crossing. I’m very happy and honoured to make part of this very special group!!!!

Thank you and hope to see you very, very soon!