All year round (adapted during the summer bathing season) Beach Horse Ride
Feel the salt breeze and the rhythm of hooves on the sand of Viana do Castelo's wild beaches.
1h30 – 2h All levels
Learn more 
Services
Hippotherapy
The therapeutic power of horses, with professional guidance
Duration: 30 – 45 min per session
Level: Individual assessment
Season: All year round
For more than a decade we have watched, week after week, what science confirms: the horse is an extraordinary therapist. Its rhythmic movement stimulates the body; its calm, non-judgemental presence opens doors that sometimes no therapy room can.
What is hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy uses the horse’s movement as a therapeutic tool. Riding a horse at a walk sends the human body around 100 three-dimensional impulses per minute — remarkably close to the pattern of the human gait — working on balance, posture, muscle tone and sensory integration in a way that feels natural and motivating.
But there is more to it than biomechanics: brushing a horse, holding out a hand to its muzzle, earning the trust of a 500-kilo animal — all of this builds self-esteem, communication and affection.
How we work
We have been running sessions in partnership with schools, institutions and families in Viana do Castelo since 2009. We always begin with a free initial assessment, set goals together with the professionals who support the person, and adapt every session to their own pace.
Our therapy horses are chosen and trained specifically for this work — calm, predictable and endlessly patient.
Frequently asked questions
Who can benefit from hippotherapy?
Children and adults with developmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder), cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, or motor, sensory or emotional difficulties — among other conditions. Every case is assessed individually with the family and the professionals who support the person.
What benefits can I expect?
The horse's three-dimensional movement stimulates balance, muscle tone and coordination; the bond with the animal builds communication, self-esteem and emotional regulation. Progress varies, but the smile usually arrives in the very first session.
Are the sessions subsidised?
We work under agreements with schools, charities and other organisations. Get in touch so we can look at the options for your particular case.
Who leads the sessions?
A team specifically trained in hippotherapy, working closely with the therapists who already support the person (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists).
You may also like
All year round (adapted during the summer bathing season) 
All year round Mountain Trail Ride
Ride the trails of Montedor and the hills, with views stretching from the Serra d'Arga all the way to the sea.
2h – 2h30 All levels
Learn more 
All year round (start time adjusted to sunset) Sunset Ride
Our most romantic ride — coastal trails bathed in golden light and the sun sinking into the Atlantic.
1h30 – 2h All levels
Learn more