The first thing I see when we walk through the doors of Quinta Carvalhas are the beautiful Lusitanian horses resting in the paddock. Their ears perk up, and as we approach the house, surrounded by lemon trees and pink bougainvilleas, a small dog greets us.
My sister Charlotte and I spent our childhood riding, sometimes with our late mother, and came to Quinta Carvalhas, a retreat center near Golegã, the horse capital of Portugal, to experience their equine therapy program.
Horses have helped me overcome numerous challenges, from my parents’ divorce to those difficult first years of parenthood, but a fall a few years ago caused me to lose confidence.
The farm, opened last year 60 miles north of Lisbon after being renovated by South African owners Michelle and Richard Thomas, is home to 16 horses, including several Lusitanians. The Portuguese purebred is one of the oldest and most revered breeds.
It’s hard to believe we’re just an hour from bustling Lisbon, where we spent a whirlwind 24 hours enjoying a tuk tuk tour, lunch at the sumptuous Seen Sky Bar, and a night at the newly opened Locke of Saint Joana former convent, now an “aparthotel” with a lovely restaurant, whiskey bar and swimming pool.
We start with a session with horse trainer and Swedish dressage champion Tana Ericson, who tells us about the difference between warmbloods (known for their strength and endurance), warmbloods (good all-rounders) and coldbloods. (stoic and strong). It asks us to describe ourselves on the same scale.
We are introduced to the horses, including a Lusitano named Chancellor and a beautiful cob named Bentley. Then they ask us what we like about our horses.
Tana explains that horses are like mirrors when it comes to reading and reflecting our ‘energy’. I’m told that Bentley has noticed my “playfulness” and becomes more relaxed as a result. I feel absurdly flattered.
Georgina Fuller tries equine therapy at Quinta Carvalhas, near Golegã, the horse capital of Portugal, which could be a “life-changing” experience
Quinta Carvalhas (above) opened last year 60 miles north of Lisbon after being renovated by South African owners Michelle and Richard Thomas. It is home to 16 horses.
The next day begins with yoga before our trail ride. It’s the first time my sister and I have ridden together in years, and I wish our mother, who died of heart failure when I was 20, was with us.
The final part of our equine therapy involves a one-on-one session with Tana, where I am asked to choose a horse to take to the arena. I opt for Mr Blue, a giant Lusitanian cross. I feel intimidated by its scale and stature. However, after spending time guiding this gentle giant around the ring, I feel more confident.
Michelle tells me that equine therapy can be “life-changing.”
‘Horses give you an idea of what you are experiencing in life. They offer a non-judgmental presence and calming reflection,” he says.
Bentley, Michelle tells me, is not always so forthcoming. With a guest, he trotted out and hid in the stable.
The guest said, sadly, that this is because ‘everyone leaves her’. He used Bentley’s response as a catalyst to try to change his body language.
After three days, we are sad to say goodbye, but my faith in horses has been restored.
I have reconnected with my childhood and, I realize, with my mother. I like to think she was with us in spirit and I know she would have loved those Lusitanians too.