HORSE RIDING
Faial from the Saddle.
There are many ways to discover Faial.
We believe horseback is one of the most memorable.
At PÁTIO, horses are much more than part of the experience — they are part of everyday life. Around 30 horses live together as a natural herd, surrounded by green meadows and with plenty of space to move, graze and socialise.
We believe that a good riding experience begins with the wellbeing of the horse. Our horses grow up naturally within the herd, with time to develop before beginning their life as trail horses at around five years of age. This unhurried approach helps them become calm, balanced and confident companions on the trail.
And when it is time to ride, the landscape becomes part of the experience.
From the saddle, Faial reveals itself slowly. Trails lead through open meadows and green forests, across volcanic landscapes and towards the island’s dramatic coastline. Around a corner, the Atlantic suddenly appears. Further along, Pico may rise across the water. And sometimes the best moments are simply the quiet ones — the sound of hooves on the trail, the ocean breeze and nothing else demanding your attention.
You don’t need to be an experienced rider to experience Faial this way. Some rides are designed for those getting into the saddle for the first time, while others take experienced riders further across the island, with longer trails and more time on horseback.
Take your time. Follow the trail. Experience Faial from the saddle.
NEW TO RIDING
Start Your Journey!
Lusitano Trail
An easy-going trail at walking pace, leading through Faial’s green meadows towards the dramatic north coast — the perfect introduction to exploring the island on horseback.
AT A GLANCE
Experience up to 2 hours · Includes briefing, basic training and approximately 1.5 hours of riding
Riding Level Beginner or Restarter · Easy trail · Walking gait only
Schedule Daily at 10:00 & 14:00
Location Cedros · Faial Island
Group Size 1–9 riders
Minimum Age 10 years · Riders under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Maximum Rider Weight 95 kg
Included Introduction to the horses and trail · Riding helmet · Insurance
Pony Experience
A gentle first introduction to the world of horses. Children spend time getting to know a friendly Shetland pony or Lusitano horse, learn a little about their new four-legged friend and enjoy a short guided riding experience.
AT A GLANCE
Experience 45 minutes · Introduction to horses & short guided riding experience
Suitable For Children up to 10 years old
Schedule Daily at 11:00
Location Cedros · Faial Island
Group Size 1–4 young riders
Supervision Adult supervision required
Included Riding helmet · Insurance
Riding Lesson
Whether you are taking your first steps in the saddle or simply want to improve your riding skills, our one-hour riding lesson gives you time to learn, practise and build confidence. Our experienced guides will be there to support you throughout the session, offering practical guidance and helping you develop your technique at your own pace.
AT A GLANCE
Experience 1-hour riding lesson
Suitable For Beginners · Restarters · Riders looking to improve their skills
Focus Riding basics · Technique · Balance · Confidence in the saddle
Guidance Individual support from our experienced horse guides
Location PÁTIO Ecolodge · Cedros · Faial Island
Included Riding helmet · Insurance
EXPERIENCED RIDERS
Go further!
Half Day Trail
A moderate three-hour trail through Faial’s north coast, riding in all gaits through deep forests and open landscapes, past an old whaling lookout and towards spectacular Atlantic views.
AT A GLANCE
Experience Approximately 3 hours of riding
Riding Level Experienced riders only · Moderate trail · Walk, trot & canter
Schedule Daily at 10:00 & 14:00
Location Cedros · Faial Island
Group Size 1–9 riders
Minimum Age 10 years · Riders under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Maximum Rider Weight 95 kg
Included Introduction to the trail & route · Riding helmet · Insurance
Full Day Trail
An exciting five-hour trail through the landscapes surrounding Cedros, riding through the mountains and along Faial’s north coast in all gaits, with a saddlebag picnic enjoyed along the way.
AT A GLANCE
Experience Approximately 5 hours of riding · Saddlebag picnic along the way
Riding Level Experienced riders only · Exciting trail · Walk, trot & canter
Schedule Daily at 08:45
Location Cedros · Faial Island
Group Size 1–9 riders
Minimum Age 10 years · Riders under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Maximum Rider Weight 95 kg
Included Introduction to the trail & route · Saddlebag picnic · Riding helmet · Insurance
Top Sites Trail
Discover another side of Faial from the saddle. Horse and rider are transported to one of our carefully selected locations across the island, opening up trails and landscapes beyond Cedros — from the volcanic scenery of Capelinhos and the Caldeira to the remote beauty of Fajã. Each ride offers a different way to experience some of Faial’s most remarkable places on horseback.
AT A GLANCE
Experience Approximately 5–7 hours · Full-day riding experience
Riding Level Experienced riders only · Walk, trot & canter
Destinations Selected locations across Faial · Capelinhos · Caldeira · Fajã
Starting Point Depends on the selected trail
Group Size 1–9 riders
Minimum Age 10 years · Riders under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Maximum Rider Weight 95 kg
Included Transport of horse & rider from PÁTIO to the trail starting point · Introduction to the trail & route · Saddlebag picnic · Riding helmet · Insurance
Lusitano-Trail (Beginner or Restarter).
Easy Trail – walking gait only. Ride through green meadows to the wild cliffs of Faial’s north coast.
2.5-hour experience, including briefing, training and 1.5 hours of riding
Daily at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM in Cedros (Faial Island)
Walk gait – easy trail
Rider weight: <95 kg; minimum age: 10 years (riders under 14 must be accompanied
by a paying adult)
Includes an introduction to the horses, the trail and basic riding techniques
Insurance and riding helmet included
Small groups of 1–9 riders
Free access to the PÁTIO Lounge and Wi-Fi
Horse trails are provided by Diogo Silva – Equestrian Adventure Unipessoal Lda., with PÁTIO acting solely as an intermediary.
Book your: SHARED TRAIL 69 €/rider
You will share your experience with a group of beginner riders.
Book your: PRIVATE TRAIL from 99 €/rider
You will ride with your personal and private guide.
Half-Day-Trail (For experienced riders only!).
Moderate 3-hour trail in all gaits. Discover the landscapes of Faial’s north coast, with deep forests, breathtaking views, an old whaling lookout and spectacular cliffs.
All gaits: walk, trot, canter – moderate trail
Daily at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM in Cedros (Faial Island)
Rider weight: <95 kg; minimum age: 10 years
Riders under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Includes an introduction to the trail and route
Insurance and riding helmet included
Small groups of 1–9 riders
Free access to the PÁTIO Lounge and Wi-Fi
Horse trails are provided by Diogo Silva – Equestrian Adventure Unipessoal Lda., with PÁTIO acting solely as an intermediary.
Book your: SHARED TRAIL 99 €/rider
You will join a group of advanced riders.
Book your: PRIVATE TRAIL from 159 €/rider
As advanced rider you will ride with your personal and private guide.
Full-Day-Trail (For experienced riders only!).
An exciting 5-hour trail in all gaits. Ride through the mountains and along the north coast or discover some of Faial Island’s top sites. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
Daily at 8:45 AM in Cedros (Faial Island)
Trail through the surroundings of Cedros
All gaits: walk, trot, canter – exciting trail
Rider weight: <95 kg; minimum age: 10 years
Riders under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Includes an introduction to the trail and route
Saddlebag picnic included
Insurance and riding helmet included
Small groups of 1–9 riders
Free access to the PÁTIO Lounge and Wi-Fi
Transport of horse and rider from PÁTIO to the starting point included (Top Sites Trail only)
Horse trails are provided by Diogo Silva – Equestrian Adventure Unipessoal Lda., with PÁTIO acting solely as an intermediary.
Book your: SHARED FULL-DAY TRAIL 169 €/rider
Trail Start and End at PÁTIO Ecolodge incl. Picnic
You will join a group of advanced riders.
Book your: PRIVATE FULL-DAY TRAIL from 299 €/rider
Trail Start and End at PÁTIO Ecolodge incl. Picnic
As advanced rider you will ride with your personal and private guide.
Book your: SHARED TOP-SITE TRAIL
from199 €/rider
Start at a TOP-Site of Faial Island (incl. transport from/to PÁTIO Ecolodge) and picnic incl.
You will join a group of advanced riders.
Book your: PRIVATE TOP-SITE TRAIL
from 359 €/rider
Start at a TOP-Site of Faial Island (incl. transport from/to PÁTIO Ecolodge) and picnic incl.
As advanced rider you will ride with your private guide.
PONY / HORSE EXPERIENCE
For our youngest horse lovers (-10 years).
45 minutes together with a Shetland Pony or lovely Lusitano Horse.
Your kid will learn more about horses and is able to have a short guided riding experience.
Only with supervision of adult!
45 min. experience
Daily at 11 am at Cedros (Faial Island)
age: max. 10 y
Incl. introduction about horses, short guided riding
Insurance and riding helmet
Small group, 1-4 riders
Horse Trails are offered by Diogo Silva - Equestrian Adventure Unipessoal Lda.
Book your: SHARED EXPERIENCE 29 €/rider
You will share your experience with a group of kids.
Book your: PRIVATE EXPERIENCE from 49 €/rider
You will share your experience with a private instructor.
Diogo Silva -Equestrian Adventure.
All horse experiences at PÁTIO Ecolodge are thoughtfully provided by Diogo Silva – Equestrian Adventure, right here on the beautiful grounds of the Ecolodge. Diogo and his well-trained, passionate team are dedicated to creating enriching and memorable horse experiences, ensuring that your time with us is truly special and connected to nature.
Horse experiences are provided by Diogo Silva – Equestrian Adventure Unipessoal Lda., with PÁTIO acting solely as an intermediary.
The Horse Team of Diogo Silva - Equestrian Adventure.
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Diogo (Azores) 🇵🇹 🇺🇸
Owner
Owner of Equestrian Adventure, he is the man who manage all topics around the horses, guides and riders. Whenever possible he guides his guest on trails.
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Dianne (Germany) 🇩🇪 🇺🇸
TRAIL GUIDE
150 km around the island she is guiding safe and with a good portion of humor the riding guests. She is the specialist for Long-Trails.
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Diogo III (Azores) 🇵🇹 🇺🇸
TRAIL GUIDE
Happy to show riders his home island. Also he takes care about all horses, feeding and cleaning all paddocks and meadows.
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Diogo II (Azores) 🇵🇹 🇺🇸
STABLEHAND
Calm and relaxed he is in charge for the well-being of all horses. Very experienced trailer-driver.
The Horse Equipment.
The Saddle.
The main equipment is the Trail-Saddle. Equestrian Adventure use the First Class Trekker-Saddle from Prestige, an Italian saddlery. It offers unmatched seating, safety, and fit. Each saddle comes with a Prestige saddle bag for your personal items and tension belts for your coat.
The Snaffles.
Depending on the experience of the trail horse Equestrian Adventure use different snaffles. The most common is the jumping curb or double broken snaffles.
The Riding Helmet.
Equestrian Adventure always ask you to wear a riding helmet. A choice of different helmets in different sizes is provided. Best is always to bring your own helmet that you are used to wear.
