Trail riding on Faial - Island Trail (8 days / 6 days riding)

Pátio, the center of trail riding in the Azores. Pátio is the Portuguese member of the German Trail Riding Academy. Here, trail riders, nature and island lovers from all over the world get together. Pátio is home to the original Cruzados Portuguese and Lusitanos herd. Pátio provides stylish and pleasurable island enjoyment, combined with a touch of adventure. The estate offers endless views over the Atlantic Ocean, rolling hills, the 2,351-metre-high volcano of Pico Island and the islands of São Jorge and Graciosa in the distance.
The hosts: Pátio's former founders first traveled to the Azores in 1993. They fell in love with island and country life. Deep blue Atlantic, green islands, everything they needed to slow down (relax) in a fast-paced world. Countless trips followed to the archipelago. A 200-year-old barn and windmill were transformed into the the Quinta do Moinho. Pátio, the Azores'first horse-riding farm, was founded and now offers a pleasurable vacation reduced to the essentials.
Horses: Up to 20 horses live all year round in herds on the pastures and in the species-appropriate stables at Quinta do Moinho. The Lusitanos and Cruzados Portuguese are on average 10 years old, their average height at the withers is 1.55 meters. As they are kept in herds, they are calm, balanced and socially compatible. Ranks are already established on the pasture and not just on the trail ride. The owners train their animals carefully and continuously. This turns them into cooperative, hard-working and relaxed companions.
Equipment: Only equipment that has been tested and approved by the German Trail Riding Academy will be used. The most important piece of equipment is the trekking saddle. Pátio uses the first-class trekker saddle from the Italian company Prestige. It has been awarded with the seal of approval following long-term tests and it`s contact surface, fit, seating comfort and safety are incomparable. All saddles are equipped with a pannier for personal equipment and a tensioning strap. Australian raincoats are available to protect against a little rain shower in between.
Description of the riding week:
Volcanic forces have created unique islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and formed magnificent landscapes. Get enchanted by the unique nature of the Azores whilst you are out and about on a horseback. You will encounter hospitality and the peaceful, amiable way of life of the local people at first hand. On paths lined with hydrangeas, you`ll ride through bizarre volcanic landscapes, discover dreamy forests and reach picturesque villages on old paths by the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.
Natural swimming pools made of lava rock invite you to take a refreshing dip at every small harbor during the ride. Within 6 days this 8-day riding vacation takes you 150 km around the island of Faial. Discover new highlights every day. Old lighthouses, the picturesque sailing town of Horta, secluded bays, rides through jungle-like forests and volcanoes. Enjoy the views from the old whale-watching lookouts.
You don't have to worry about packing your luggage. Every evening we return to our comfortable lodge where our chefs will spoil you with local dishes. Your horse spends the night in paddocks along the trail route. From there we continue the next morning. We offer 4 different types of accommodation to suit every taste and style.
The tour is organized by the equestrian tour operator Pátio.
Trail dates: Bookable from April to October with daily arrival, in the winter months there are fixed dates (please enquire); minimum participants 1/maximum participants 9; minimum age 16 (under 16 by agreement), maximum weight 95 kg. Daily transfer to the accommodation. No suitcase packing, as the accommodation is always the same. 6 riding days 4-5 h each (20-25 km). Daily 500-900 meters difference in altitude. The journey is also suitable for accompanying non-riders. In this case we only charge the non-rider's share of the accommodation and services used.
Important information from Pátio: All details about the trail are guidelines. To offer our guests a high-quality riding vacation, we reserve the right to make occasional changes. Depending on season, weather, national holidays, and other trails which may take place at the same time, there may be changes to the program at short notice. These may include the number of riding hours per day, the route to a location or alternative accommodation. Our trails can be ridden in both directions and are continuous trails, i.e., the start of the trail can take place from various locations, but always includes the complete itinerary described in the trip description. All changes are at our discretion. If changes are made, we ensure that our high-quality standards are maintained.
Rider qualification: Saddle fit in the 3 basic gaits, also on uneven terrain. Light trot, light seat in canter. Good condition and stamina, athletic. Already undertaken rides lasting several hours. Maximum rider weight 95 kg. We expect our trail guests to actively support us in caring for the trail horses, personally saddling, and breaking in the trail horses as well as tidying up and cleaning their personal trail equipment.
We recommend bringing the following equipment: Waterproof trekking footwear, raincoat or jacket and pants, riding cap. Riding equipment up to 10 kg is transported as free luggage with the airline Sata/Azores Airlines!

Accommodation: Overnight stays in the Pátio Lodge`s "classic" rooms, tiny house, or tent camp – according to your wishes.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.