Quinta do Fijo — Local services in Arcos de Valdevez

The Northern Wilderness Trail in portugal is unsafe. I am incredibly disappointed in the experience and I left early. My horse was a brave 4 year old, but after nearly being hit by a car during a road crossing, when both guides were riding ahead of the group on green, untrained horses she spooked. I was able to sit her spook and we moved on but had I come off, i would have been under hooves and cars. Then, we passed atvs who spooked her and I again sat her spook, spin and buck while she ran into other horses on the way. We proceeded down another hill where she tried for a 3rd time to buck me off. During a very hairy water crossing several horses jumped and nearly toppled another rider. My 4 year old horse was considered the "brave" one and was regularly called to the front to lead (past the guides). Another rider had a horse that would panic during mounting. One day, after attempting to mount for at least 10 minutes, the rider was able to get on and the horse vaulted up over a big step and spun and panicked with the rider on her. Another day, they had loose horses running through the riders. One horse escaped for 30+ minutes. The horse Carlos had been riding broke her bridle, she's ear shy so they couldn't put a halter on her. Carlos was walking rather than get on another horse, because he didn't have tack, so one of the other riders got off her horse and proceeded to walk the trail instead. The chestnut horse Carlos was riding is bloody and lame. (Pictures attached - tacked and ready to ride before he left her by the side of the road). The second guide essentially left everyone behind because the horse he was riding was spooking and spinning. I wasn't expecting nose to tail horses with this trip, I was expecting some rigorous trails, but not green horses with guides on even less prepared horses. They will show videos of these nice calm horses but that's not the true experience. I raised my concerns many times to Carlos. I suggested that the horse Bruno was riding was not suitable on the excursion due to her behavior. He dismissed my concerns and told me that she had a background in working equitation, used to ride at bull fighting events and just needed to be trained for trails. She ran into other horses during her panic, including up steep inclines on pavement through town and in traffic. Carlos suggested that I ride his chestnut (the bloody one) rather than Bela. His horse would not go past blind corners, spooked at water, rocks and trees, which is why I was repeatedly brought to the front to "be brave." When I said it was not safe to ride, he chose to ride Bela rather than the chestnut. When he mounted she spun, scrambled, twisted and jigged sideways up a hill on wet pavement. He then suggested that I trade with one of the other riders - I have much more riding experience than her and she had asked for the easiest, calmest horse. When speaking with Carlos about my concerns, he was patronizing and dismissive. He didn't see the spooks but proceeded to blame me being nervous on causing them. I may not have decades of riding experience but I am a competent rider, I am not someone who blames a horse. I got the horse calmed down and talked her past scary objects and situations all day long. Earlier she had passed many things without spooking but it took significant encouragement, confidence and support from me. A less experienced rider would not have gotten her through those situations, especially leading. Carlos asked if we wanted to canter while horses were still biting and kicking each other. Multiple riders said no, one said she didn't feel like she had enough control over her horse to consider it. He was disappointed that people said no and didn't seem to understand the safety concerns. I think he overbooked this trip and thought he could get away with green horses. Staying would have been continuing to condone the behavior and unsafe and unethical practices that he is...

A Truly Memorable Experience at Quinta do Fijo. I recently visited Quinta do Fijo with my family, and it was my first-ever experience with horses. I have to confess.I was incredibly excited but far from comfortable around them at first. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Carlos, who gave us a first glimpse of the beautiful horses. Carlos has a genuine passion for these animals and an incredible ability to personalize the experience. He made it possible to achieve what, for me, is the most important part of these kinds of moments: a true connection with the horses and a relaxing experience in nature. The ride itself was fun, peaceful, and expertly guided by Carlos. I started the day with fear of horses, and I left completely in love with them. The house is exquisite,a perfect place to enjoy the Portuguese weather. The pool, the tasteful decor, and Carlos’s love for classic cars add the final touches to what is truly an authentic and luxurious holiday experience in the north of Portugal. We will...

Ce voyage de 8 jours était ma première expérience en randonnée équestre. Je suis rentrée des souvenirs plein les yeux et l’envie d’en faire plein d’autres 🤩

Je suis partie seule et j’ai rencontré un groupe d’une grande bienveillance, dans lequel notre guide Carlos a insufflé une belle dynamique. Toute la semaine, il nous a aidés à nouer des liens en parlant de sa passion des chevaux, en racontant son histoire et aussi des blagues qui font de lui quelqu’un de très drôle !

À cheval, il est un repère serein pour ses animaux, garantit la sécurité de tout le groupe et nous laisse une grande autonomie pour découvrir notre monture. Je me suis donc prise d’affection pour Bela, 7 ans, curieuse, câline et appliquée, avec quelques sursauts pour compléter sa personnalité unique ! Le genre de jument qui vous reste en mémoire 💙

Les repas étaient excellents : Carlos sait choisir ses partenaires dans les villages de montagne tandis que Madalena a cuisiné pour nous de vrais festins à la Quinta (la maison d’hôtes toujours bien entretenue, agréable et confortable) ! Souriante et attentionnée, elle est toujours partante pour rendre service ou discuter dans un mélange de Français/Anglais/Portugais, ce qui m’a permis de progresser en langues.

Merci à vous, Carlos, Madalena, ainsi que toute votre jolie famille pour ce superbe voyage. Je recommande avec enthousiasme votre établissement et cette formule « tout inclus » pour la randonnée équestre. Au plaisir de...