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
Photos: Filipa Heitor I Nicole Giger
On Sorraia Horses' Tracks in the Alentejo
DAY 1
9h30 I The Sorraia horses of Herdade do Azinhal
We will get to know the Sorraia horses of Herdade do Azinhal, accompanied by the owner Martha Stilwell. The owners of this Stud Farm are descendants of the hippologist Dr. Ruy d'Andrade and have one of the largest herds of Sorraia horses in the country. We will observe a herd of mares that live in a 50-hectare pasture with beautiful cork oaks and learn about the horses’ social relationships and natural behaviour. Foals and a stallion may be present in this herd at certain times of the year. When possible, we will also observe the very interesting social behaviour of a group of Sorraia stallions, in a pasture nearby.
13h00 I Picnic lunch by the Caia River bank and coffee-break in Arronches.
15h00 I Guided tour in the historic village of Marvão
Marvão is a picturesque medieval village located on top of a mountain, within the Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede. On this guided tour, we will walk through its narrow stone-paved streets flanked by the traditional whitewashed houses, where we can feel centuries of history in every corner. We will also visit the Castle of Marvão, which was built in the 9th century and encloses the medieval village in its walls.
17h00 I Free time and dinner.
DAY 2
9h30 I Guided nature walk in the Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede
This nature walk begins and ends at the village of Portagem, next to the Sever River. Here you will see a medieval bridge and a tower that were built for custom control, where people coming from Spain would have to pay a toll. We will walk through medieval cobbled lanes and beautiful woods with cork oaks, Pyrenean oaks and chestnut trees. It will be an opportunity to get to know the biodiversity of the natural park and learn about the traditional uses of its plants. The views over the landscape are marvelous, with peaks of quartzite, including Pico de São Mamede. Approximately halfway through the walking route, we will reach Marvão. We will rest and have a light meal in a local restaurant, then continue our nature walk through a different trail back to Portagem.
16h00 I Coffee-break in Portagem, in one of the coffee shops by the Sever River. Free time and dinner.
DAY 3
9h30 I Guided tour in the historic village of Castelo de Vide
Castelo de Vide is a beautiful village of medieval origin, known for its 13th century castle surrounded by the typical white houses of Alentejo. Its Jewish Quarter is one of the most important and well-preserved examples of the Jewish presence in Portugal, including one of the largest collections of civil architecture from the Gothic period. During this tour, we will also get to see some of the village’s stone-carved fountains and walk through the narrow stone-paved streets of the medieval neighbourhood.
12h00 I Lunch in a local restaurant.
15h00 I Guided tour in Alter Stud Farm
The Alter Stud Farm was founded in 1748 by King João V with the aim of preserving the Lusitano horse. It is known as the oldest Stud Farm in the world to operate without interruption on the same site. On this guided tour, you will learn about the history of the Stud Farm and its daily activities. We will visit Patio das Éguas, Patio D. João VI, the Stables of the Stallions and Casa dos Trens. From Tuesday to Friday, you can also watch the departure of the Lusitano mares and their foals, from Patio das Éguas to the pasture where they will spend the night. This tour will be led by a guide of Alter Studfarm.
17h00 I End of the programme.
Programme duration: 3 days
Time of year:
15 September to 15 November
15 February to 15 June
DAY 1
Meeting point:
Church - Igreja Matriz de Arronches, Praça da República, 7340-001 Arronches
The Sorraia horses of Herdade do Azinhal
Length: 3 km
Difficulty: Easy (Level 1)
DAY 2
Meeting point:
Praia Fluvial da Portagem
Nature walk in N. P. Serra de São Mamede
Length: 9 km
Difficulty: Moderate (Level 2)
DAY 3
Meeting point:
Tourist Office of Castelo de Vide, Praça de Dom Pedro V, 7320-111 Castelo de Vide
Programme price:
350€ per person
Price includes:
- Biologist guide throughout the programme
- Donation to Herdade do Azinhal, to help the conservation of Sorraia horses
- Tickets and guided visit in Alter Studfarm
- Insurances
Price does not include:
- Picnic lunch, coffee-breaks and meals
- Accommodation
- Transportation
Accommodation:
- We recommend booking 3 nights' accommodation (check-in the night before the 1st day of the programme)
- Contact us about lodging options.
Minimum number of participants: 5
Maximum number of participants: 8
Other information:
Minimum age: 8 years old
Languages: Portuguese, English.
You can also book this programme for smaller groups of 1 to 4 people for a fixed total price, equivalent to the minimum number of participants.
If you wish to book a 2-day programme, you can combine the itinerary of Day 1 with one of the itineraries presented for Day 2 and Day 3.
Contact us for more information.
Photos: Martha Stilwell I Filipa Heitor