Diogo Silva – Equestrian Adventure 3 h Ausritt

Our ride started directly at the lodge. First, we followed a dirt road downhill, then turned left across a green meadow. Crossing it, we reached an asphalt road via a right curve. We followed the road for a short while before turning left again.

The trail led us through a small settlement with houses, chickens, and grazing cows – a peaceful beginning. Soon we left the asphalt behind and continued along dirt tracks over open fields until we reached a stretch perfect for trotting. We enjoyed the rhythmic movement to the fullest. At the end of the path, we returned briefly to asphalt and followed it to a well where the horses could drink.

Freshly refreshed, we continued uphill. At a crossing, we turned right and soon reached a red-black sandy path – our first canter wasn’t long in coming! With the wind in our hair and our eyes on the horizon, we galloped away.

The trail took us across open fields with a breathtaking view of the sea and the village of Cedros. After another stretch of meadow and asphalt, we reached another sandy track – and another chance to canter.

This section felt like a small jungle: dense vegetation, shady trees, and a magical, mysterious atmosphere. Before a blind curve, we slowed to walk, since cars also used this path. Afterward, another long canter followed on the same sandy track.

Back on asphalt, we rode uphill past impressive trees, then turned right at the next junction. A short descent followed, before riding along flat terrain with a fantastic view of the sea, the local dairy factory, and a whale-watching tower perched on a narrow volcanic hill.

We then turned onto another dirt track downhill toward the coast. At the bottom, we crossed a busier road, followed it for a short stretch, then turned onto a quieter country lane. Soon we reached another glorious canter stretch, which we truly enjoyed.

At the end, we stopped at another well, letting the horses drink. Then we passed the dairy factory and rode up a narrow volcanic hill. At the top stood the whale-watching tower. While we enjoyed the stunning sea view, the horses rested, grazed, and regained energy.

After about 5–10 minutes, we continued, circling the small, almost hidden crater on horseback before riding down the same way. At the bottom, we crossed a field and followed another path with several turns, always taking every canter opportunity we could.

We often rode close to the cliffs, the Atlantic stretching endlessly to the left. The view of the islands "São Jorge", "Graciosa" and "Pico" was unforgettable.

Later, we rode briefly through Cedros itself, passing houses and a ruined tomato plantation destroyed by strong winds.

A narrow path took us downhill until we appeared near a soccer field. There, another red-black sandy path awaited us for another joyful canter.

We continued past dairy cows and even got a close look at a milking machine. The path led past a small, lovingly maintained cemetery before returning to asphalt.

We crossed a meadow and descended again toward the coast. At the bottom, the horses refreshed themselves at one last well.

The final gallop of the day followed over hilly fields – a grand finale. In walk, we reached a busy road, crossed it, and returned to the lodge via meadow and dirt road.