Connect with nature in the most authentic way: from horseback.

Booking a trip with Outside the Corral was a wonderful experience. Horse riding holidays were completely new to me, so I really appreciated how Laure-Anne took the time to understand my riding experience and help me choose the holiday that suited me best. Communication was very smooth, and I could reach out to her with any questions or concerns. Thanks to that support, I set off on my first solo trip feeling confident and well prepared.

The holiday in Portugal was phenomenal, I truly couldn’t have wished for a better experience. After the trip, Laure-Anne also checked in to see how everything had gone, which really highlighted the personal approach that makes Outside the Corral stand out. If I ever plan another horse riding holiday, I will definitely book with Laure-Anne again!

My friend and I went to Monte Velho, Portugal, through Outside the Corral. From the very first email, Laure-Anne was enthusiastic, which was a great sign for us. She patiently answered all our questions, and the fact that she had visited herself made us feel reassured. It’s always a bit nerve-wracking the first time, but Laure-Anne made everything very personal: regular emails with updates, a clear final email with the detailed program, and even a personal card in the mail! At that point, we knew we were in good hands.

On-site, everything was perfectly organized. Monte Velho is a stunning place to completely immerse yourself in your “horse bubble.” It was amazing: beautiful rooms with even more beautiful views, delicious meals three times a day, and after an intense day of riding, relaxing in the jacuzzi while overlooking the fields with the mares. The horses were incredible: well-mannered, responsive, gentle, and well cared for. During the lessons, they never put a foot wrong, even when we were trying things we had never done before; they did exactly what was asked, with or without help from the instructors. And the instructors themselves were fantastic: enthusiastic, which sometimes took a little getting used to, as their English occasionally had a Portuguese twist, haha. All in all, we had an amazing holiday and would go back in a heartbeat, maybe even as soon as next year!

My first riding holiday was a huge success. First and foremost because of the beautiful location in Portugal where I spent some fantastic days. Laure-Anne’s helpfulness and enthusiasm leading up to the trip are certainly also worth mentioning. In the meantime, I am already making new plans and I am sure that next time I will leave on a riding holiday with an easy mind!

Thanks to Laure–Anne from Outside the Corral and her good advice, I had a great experience with a first horse riding holiday. Laure–Anne is very friendly, immediately presented me with some suitable options and was able to answer all my questions with great enthusiasm. I eventually chose Portugal in Alentejo. The introduction immediately felt familiar and personal and I couldn‘t wait to start my first solo trip. I also liked knowing that the destinations have been carefully chosen and that they are places where the horses are well cared for. In addition, it was very nice that Laure–Anne was able to organize this for me at short notice, I only had to arrange my ticket and could therefore travel last minute without any worries. The experience was completely in line with what Laure–Anne had told me about it. It was actually even more beautiful; the place, the friendly people and of course the fantastic, gentle Lusitano horses. I’ve been home for a few weeks now but I’m still reminiscing about this magical trip. I have rediscovered my passion and can’t wait to book my next riding holiday. I look back on this special adventure with very warm feelings!