What better way to see the Algarve countryside than from the back of a horse.
Pinetrees is situated in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve which extends from Ancão beach for 70 km eastwards along the coast. The undulating terrain has sandy soil making good surfaces for the horses. The majority of the riding passes through forestry of umbrella and maritime pine, with an abundance of wild herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and the curry plant. Learn about the fascinating cork trees, smell the eucalyptus or orange blossom from the orchards.
Spring comes early to the Algarve and the woods are a spread of colour with wild flowers. May to September is hot and dry till the Autumn rains start and everything becomes green and fresh again. Winter weather is perfect for horse riders and rain rarely stops play!
The area is a great environment for birds and you can see the rare azure-wing magpies, woodpeckers, hoopees and sometimes we hear the golden orial! The tidal lagoons near the coast have herons and cormorants, and to the southeast side of Quinta do Lago flamingos and storks can be found on the salt pans.
Rides are accompanied by Bev or Daniel, who know the areas well. They carry a mobile phone and an IBC guardian for your safety . They will aim to make your ride a positive and memorable experience.
If you have chosen the holiday discount card It is possible to have a different route/ area for each 2 hour ride. In the cool part of the year we can make longer rides.
Since safety and your enjoyment is our prime concern, initial assessment for the right level of ride and choice of the right horse for you is important.
Rusty riders are advised to take a refresher lesson first.
Rider Definitions
Which level are you?
Nature WalksRiding out for half an hour in the forest at walk, on the leading rein if required. |
TreksOne hour rides through the pinewoods for confident novice riders, able to control horse in rising trot and used to riding out. No leading rein required |
HacksOne hour ride for riders competent and confident to canter outside of an arena and as a group. Two hour rides for riders who ride regularly and are riding fit. Able to balance in a half seat in canter. Understand half halts Able to jump small logs (optional) Able to alter stirrups and tighten girth unaided |
The Pinetrees Experience
An ideal introduction to riding for first time riders, rusty riders, or even for groups of mixed abilities who want to ride together. You can walk, trot (even the first timers) or do a canter for the more experienced ones.
You start with an initial training in the arena followed by a nature walk. A wonderful way for beginner riders to enjoy the countryside on horseback, on the safety of a lead rein if required.
Price is €60 p.p
Nature Walk
Enjoy a ride in the forest, on the lead rein if required. Ideal for children, from 4 years old, who have already ridden before and established their basic position and balance on the flat ground of the arena. (parents may ride too!).
TREKS
Ride directly into the forest. Enjoy a walk and trot along sandy trails. Note the fragrance of the herbs - rosemary, thyme, and french lavender. For rusty or nervous riders it is best to start with the Pinetrees Experience and build your rapport with the horse.
HACKS
Enjoy a canter through the pinewoods, feel at one with nature, or even jump a log. If you were a competent rider but are now out of practice an hour ride may be quite enough for the muscles.
HACKS – 2h
Explore the Algarve countryside for hack level riders who ride regularly and are therefore riding fit. Rides south head past cork trees to the beach area of dunes and the bird lake. Feel the cool breezes off the Atlantic. Areas north have longer and flatter tracks for trotting and cantering. Heading east to Ludo valley we find orange groves, watercress farms . Westwards brings us to the Trafal farm land and beach area.
Contact us
Write us here for general enquiries.
For Riding please use the Booking Form
You also can phone us: +351 289 394 369
You are welcome at Pinetrees Riding Centre
any day of the week
Casa dos Pinheiros, Corgo da Zorra
8135-160, Almancil, Portugal