Alto Alentejo Trail

Ride from Spanish Extremadura to the beautiful region of Alto Alentejo, the northern half of Portugal's largest province. The Alentejo area of Portugal is home to two of the National Portuguese stud farms and is the largest breeding area for fighting bulls in Portugal. This is wonderful horse country with soft trails through pleasant countryside with the upper half (Alto) considered much more appealing by some. The Spanish-Portuguese border offers varied landscapes of unspoilt nature, dominated by olive trees and cork oaks, where tourists rarely venture, making it the perfect, peaceful escape to the countryside on horseback. 

Riding in this region of Portugal would not be complete without a visit to a local Lusitano and Alter Real stud farms where you will have the opportunity to admire these beautiful purebred horses which are such an integral part of the country's history and culture.

During this week-long trail well trained, sure-footed horses travel easily over hills and happily canter along the sandy paths. The horses are mostly Arab and Quarter Horse crosses with some English Thoroughbred and Spanish Anglo-Arab crosses, and they all have a friendly nature. Riding is in Portuguese style, with one hand and a loose rein. Special Portuguese saddles are used on this trail, which are perfect for long days in the saddle. An introduction will be given and this style of riding is very easy to learn. 

The accommodation on this trail is in an authentic guesthouse in the Spanish countryside and in a comfortable Portuguese hotel.