I’ve always dreamed of a riding holiday abroad. After all, with a horse you get to places you never reach otherwise. Determined to embark on this journey alone, I stumbled upon Outside the Corral. Instantly, it felt right. Their website exuded clarity and honesty, instilling a sense of trust within me. What truly resonated was that Laure-Anne, the founder, had personally experienced the destination. She had witnessed the people, interacted with the horses, and ensured impeccable organization and care for these majestic creatures. This attention to detail gave me a comforting sense of security. Before the trip, I reached out with a few questions, and the communication was fantastic. Laure-Anne shared a brief account of her own experience, fostering a sense of familiarity. It also reassured my loved ones back home. I also liked the idea that you can communicate in your own language in case something happens. There are far too many incredible moments to recount them all, but the entire experience was an enchanting tapestry. The horses were exceptionally well-cared-for, reflecting the passion and devotion of the knowledgeable duo who led our journey. And great travel companions, with whom I visited special places, saw beautiful views and had a lot of fun.

The destination was perfect for my purpose of recharging, relaxing and improving my riding skills. The horses were just beautiful and easy to ride, the food was delicious and the property was absolutely gorgeous. I also had a good time with the other guests, horse lovers who came from all over the world to this place for the famous Portuguese Lusitano horses. I will definitely return to Monte Velho! Laure-Anne read my needs perfectly and advised me exactly which ride to book. Moreover, she was very flexible when I needed to change my schedule and was available for 24/7 for questions. If you are thinking of a riding holiday, this is the place to book!

The perfect trip to de-stress! Laure-Anne had prepared this trip very quickly and smoothly. Everything was arranged in detail. For an entire week, I did not have to think about a thing. I could fully enjoy nature, the horses and the delicious food.

My trip was really lovely! I was a little bit nervous as I have only travelled alone in the UK (I’m English myself so it was exactly the same as travelling around Belgium). But everything went smoothly, from the flight to picking up my car (I rented a car through Hertz, definitely recommended!). At check-in, everything went really perfectly too, I got a beautiful (and big!) room overlooking the garden. The staff were super friendly and helpful, making my solo trip feel a little less alone! The food is also mouth-watering, I still dream of the lamb dumplings…. The stables are the cleanest I have ever seen, the horses are treated with so much love and it shows. The riding lessons themselves always took place in the indoor arena, due to bad weather. I learnt so much during the lessons, for which my huge thanks to the instructor. This will definitely not be my last time to book with you, and who knows, maybe back to Poland. I would also like to thank you for the great care from start to finish!