quinta do riacho

Very nice ride ! That was our first ride ever and we got only best feedback for the experience. Of course it was scary especially on our way back when the horses were going downhill however the guys knew how to manage all the situations and took us back safe to the ranch.

It was really fun for me and my girlfriend to go horseback riding. It was a first time for me on a horse!The owners are some really nice people. Transport was included from the hotel, which was great.

I had a three hour ride at Quinta Do Riacho and had a great time. The pony, Vivaldi was a fun ride and we explored the forests with Paulo as our guide. Sadly, the mist came down and we didn't see the views from the mountain top, but it was February, so the weather was to be expected. I would recommend it, the owners are genuine and cRe for their horses and make sure guests have a good time.

Our guide, Paulo and Paula, are so friendly, open and speak fluent English.They picked us up at the hotel in the morning and tried to make us relaxed.Although we are not confident in riding, we could enjoy the tour.You can go on walk, trot, or canter based on your skill and condition.They are flexible enough.You will go into the depth of woods, where you have a gourgeous view that is only available from a horse back. Even if it is warm in the central city, it is better to have a jacket on the mountain.You can rent a helmet at the site and you will be provided of disposable hair-cap to use beneath the helmet for cleanliness. We are sure that we will visit them again, when we are Madeira next time!

Our second trip to Madeira and to Quinta do Riacho. Wonderful afternoon ride with Paula and her beautiful horses, Vivaldi and Venus. Fantastic views through area of natural beauty. The weather was cold and windy but didnt spoil our ride. Looking forward to our next visit. Thank you Paula!

We had two hour ride with my wife, and i can say it was one of the best experience we had on the Madeira. I could not think of a better way to see the beautiful nature of the Island. It almost felt like stepping in to a fairytale. I can honestly recommend this to anybody who can ride a horse. It is an experience you don’t want to miss. Also the cost of the ride was more than reasonable, compering to the effort they give. They came to pick us up from our hotel, on time. And after a ride they took us back. Horses were ready and groomed for us. Also, for me a big thing was that they treat us like “normal” people. Not just “smiling for tourists”. Atmosphere was real and warm. If we have a chance in the future, we will go there again!

Our horseback riding experience with Paulo was wonderful!!! He was kind enough to pick us up at the port where our ship was docked and drove us to the stables (which was a long distance away). Although the weather was cold and misty, we had a terrific time. Paulo was so easy to talk with and we enjoyed not only the riding, but getting to know him as well! We have done a lot of horseback riding trips and this was one of the few that we were able to do more than walk in a line. We loved meeting Paula and as they drove us back into town (yes, another long drive), recommended a lovely place for us to eat lunch, away from all the tourists! It was the highlight of our trip and thank you again, Paulo, for a great day!ggay224

Great day horse riding, Paulo was a fantastic tour guide and warm, friendly and knowledgeable about all of Madeira. The views were spectacular and horses lovely. As an addition we got to play with Paulo's 13 dogs at the end of the ride!

Paulo and Paula made our trip to Madeira extra special. I was recommended horse-back riding with them by friends who had gone back in December, and despite the weather being cold, rainy, and grey, it was a fantastic experience. I had only been horse-back riding once at age 8, and my fiancé had never been horse-back riding before. But he loved it so much and we both had a great time. Apollo and Venus were great horses, Paulo an amazing instructor and leader, and the trail was beautiful. I would highly recommend booking an excursion with them if you visit Madeira!

Very good service, wonderful surroundings, excellent horses, high level of security. Had a fantastic riding trip! Absolutely recommendable!!

Lovely couple who run the business. It was a very nice ride, saw beautiful Madeira's nature and at the same time I learned about a lot more. Paulo and Paula chose the right horses for everyone and riding each designed for a rider's wishes and skills. I really enjoyed and definitely would recommend to everyone. Definitely will visit the next time I go to Madeira (very soon hopefully).

This was just what I wanted (despite the quite high price): sensitive, seemingly well-trained well-treated nice arabic horse, fast gallop, nice ride in the natural park. We visited Pico Suna and had lovely views to Pico Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, Penha de Agua, Ponta Sao Lorenco, the Atlantic and two levadas. As en extra, I had nice discussions with Paulo about almost anything from horse feeding, animal diseases and Madeiran nature to history, politics and culture of Portugal /Madeira. Both enjoyable and educative - this can be recommended also for experienced rider.

Great couple who run this business, Paulo picked us up from our hotel and Paula dealt with making sure the horses were right for each individual rider and taking us all out - both clearly love what they do and enjoy the people who visit, making us all welcome. Lovely views and good commentary on the Levada highlights. Would recommend to anyone with any level of experience.

A wonderful couple that run this riding stable. Very considerate of your personal capabilities. Great value for money and loads of Madeiran information as you ride.

Nice small stable in a quiet place! Paulo picked us up from our Airbnb place (even though it was a bit west of Funchal) which was great!The riding experience itself couldn't be better! It was our first time riding and Paulo really helped us to get comfortable with our horses. Definitely suitable even if you don't have any riding experience!A nice different way to explore the levadas!