On Horses' Tracks
The programme On Horses’ Tracks provides experiences with horses in natural and semi-natural environments, such as farm estates and protected areas. In these nature walks we will observe groups of horses of two very special Portuguese breeds: the Sorraia horse and the Garrano!
The Sorraia horse and the Garrano are the current descendants of the two types of primitive wild horses that existed in the Iberian Peninsula and have many interesting stories to tell! Currently, both breeds are endangered and are involved in rewilding and nature conservation projects. We will share with you their stories, observe their natural behaviours and also learn about the other species of animals and plants that are part of their ecosystem.
When you participate in On Horses’ Tracks nature walks, part of the programme's price reverts to the partner entities that own the horses, as a way to support the promotion and conservation of these endangered breeds.
On Sorraia Horses' Tracks at Quinta do Pisão
In this nature walk, you will have the opportunity to observe and learn about the Sorraia horses, which have recently been introduced at Quinta do Pisão. The Sorraia horse is one of the four Portuguese horse breeds, with primitive characteristics and a very interesting discovery story to tell.
During the walk, we will observe the characteristics and behaviour of the Sorraia horses and learn about their role in the management of the vegetation. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn about the introduction project of this endangered breed, of which there are only about 200 horses in the world!
We will also get to know the traditional uses of some wild plants and other breeds of animals present at Quinta do Pisão, such as the Miranda Donkey and the Serrana Goat.
Minimum age: 8 years old. Languages: Portuguese, English, French, German.
Meeting point:
Casa da Cal, Quinta do Pisão, Estrada EN9-1, Alcabideche
Duration: 3h
Length: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy (Level 1)
Price:
Adults - 15€
Children and young up to 17 years old - 10€
Minimum value - 90€
Minimum number of participants: 6
Maximum number of participants: 12
Photos: Carlos Campos
On Garranos' Tracks in the Sintra Mountains
On this nature walk we will observe the Garrano horses, which have been introduced in the southern slope of the Sintra Mountains, near the Sanctuary of Peninha.
The Garrano is one of the four Portuguese horse breeds, short in stature and well adapted to mountain habitats. Garranos have been kept in semi-wild conditions, with reduced human intervention, especially in the mountainous areas of the northwest region of the country, such as the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Throughout the tour, we will observe the characteristics and behaviours of the Garranos, learn about their history and their important role in fire prevention and biodiversity promotion. We will also share with you curiosities about the fauna and flora of the Sintra Mountains, namely the medicinal and culinary uses of wild plants.
Minimum age: 8 years old. Languages: Portuguese, English, French, German.
Meeting point:
Parking at the Sanctuary of Peninha, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Duration: 3h
Length: 4 km
Difficulty: Easy (Level 1)
Price:
Adults - 15€
Children and young up to 17 years old - 10€
Minimum value - 90€
Minimum number of participants: 6
Maximum number of participants: 12
Photos: Dominique Wirz I Carlos Campos
Discovering the History of Sorraia Horses
In this nature walk, you will have the unique opportunity to meet the endangered Sorraia horses where they were discovered by the hippologist Dr. Ruy d’Andrade, 100 years ago, in the Sorraia River Valley (Coruche)! The Sorraia horse was then recognized as the current representative of the primitive South Iberian horse, being preserved by Dr. Ruy d'Andrade and his descendants.
During the visit to Herdade da Agolada, the private property of Dr. Ruy d'Andrade's family, we will observe the characteristics and natural behaviour of Sorraia horses and tell you about their history. We will share with you the important role that Sorraia horses played in the colonization of the New World and their influence on other horse breeds. During the walk, we will also observe the flora and fauna of Herdade da Agolada and learn about the traditional use of some edible and medicinal plants.
After a picnic lunch at Herdade da Agolada, we will go for a guided walk along the banks of the Sorraia River and through the town of Coruche to learn about its history and cultural heritage.
Minimum age: 8 years old. Languages: Portuguese, English, French, German. Transportation and picnic lunch are not included.
Meeting point:
Posto de Turismo de Coruche, Rua 5 de Outubro, Coruche
Days: Saturday or Sunday
Starting time: 9h30
Ending time: 16h00
Length:
Herdade da Agolada - 5 km; Coruche - 3,5 km
Difficulty: Easy (Level 1)
Price:
Adults - 30€
Children and young up to 17 years old - 20€
Minimum value - 150€
Minimum number of participants: 5
Maximum number of participants: 10