Basalto Horse Experience
Basalto Horse Experience
Basalto Horse Experience
5
About
Basalto offers horse riding tours. our trails have variable length and difficulty. the tours are guided by a certified equestrian tourism guide. Our horses are of Iberian breeds, with extraordinary behavior and temperament, and in great body conformation. come and experience the island's traditions on the back of our amazing horses.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
73 reviews
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4
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1
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Paola&Chiara(la catanese friulana)
27 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We did this extraordinary experience in Terceira during our honey moon in the Azores! We had a ride horse around Sao Bartolomeo and we really enjoyed it (2 hours and 30 minutes was the duration more or less). We met Monica, the owner of the ranch, who guided us during the ride: she was very kind and she explained us all about the nature and the landscapes around. We felt really comfortable and happy even if we are not advanced horse riders. We hope to repeat the experience as soon as possible!
Chiara & Lorenzo
Chiara & Lorenzo
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HovengaS
Rozenburg, The Netherlands1 contribution
Jul 2018 • Solo
I had an amazing day last july at Terceira, when I did a full day horsebackriding with Monica. Unexpectedly (for me) it was only the two of us so we could plan our day just the way we wanted. Monica takes time to get to know you and match you with a horse. Monica has got a number of beautiful stallions, which are really taken care for. They're in great condition and you feel that Monica loves them really much. I'm an experienced rider and got a horse with spice, which I loved. The full day ride was really relaxed and Monica knows a lot of the island and nature. After a few hours we stopped for a lunchbreak and her father and brother brought us a great lunch, with a lot of specialties of Terciera. It was a long day, but I was never bored. When it was time to leave, it felt like I was leaving home and had made a new friend. So I would really recommend Monica and her horses!
Written August 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whispermom
West Springfield, MA27 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
A 3 hour tour on horse back was our first expedition on Terceira and it was one we will never forget.
We contacted Monica by email in advance. In addition to paying a 25% deposit I let her know we had a beginning rider and an experienced rider. As a result Monika had our horses selected when we arrived.
The tour is a peaceful walk down the roads of Terceira. At a sedate pace on twisting roads and up and down hills Monica shared her extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna and history of her home. She is able to converse on practically any topic. She did not lecture, she shared her love of all things on her Island. She answered our questions, shared our laughter and kept us safe when a tractor chugged by now and then!
I could not have enjoyed my first day any more than I did on my peaceful ride with Basalto horse experience.
We contacted Monica by email in advance. In addition to paying a 25% deposit I let her know we had a beginning rider and an experienced rider. As a result Monika had our horses selected when we arrived.
The tour is a peaceful walk down the roads of Terceira. At a sedate pace on twisting roads and up and down hills Monica shared her extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna and history of her home. She is able to converse on practically any topic. She did not lecture, she shared her love of all things on her Island. She answered our questions, shared our laughter and kept us safe when a tractor chugged by now and then!
I could not have enjoyed my first day any more than I did on my peaceful ride with Basalto horse experience.
Written May 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula B
Petawawa, Canada15 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
This was by far the most memorable part of our trip to Sao Miguel and Terceira. Myself, husband, 13 year old daughter and her friend were treated to an experience of a lifetime. The owner and operator is an intelligent, articulate and kind veterinarian who shows compassion and safety for her animals and clients. Mónica’s horses were the most stunning we had every seen. She chooses breeds that are historic to the island. These animals are well trained and gorgeous creatures! She went above and beyond to ensure our safety. Mónica is a wealth of knowledge, and her tour includes history, plants, landmarks etc., that she shares with you along your 2 hour ride. She also took pictures and videos that she emailed to me within days. 😊She is a strong, passionate, funny and independent woman; an outstanding role model for our young girls who own horses themselves and wish to pursue a career in that field. Her facility was nicely structured, organized and clean. We would definitely go back to Terceira and stay on her farm when her expansion plans are completed and she has accommodations. I would give her 10 ⭐️‘S out of 5. Thank you Mónica and horse friends ❤️
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivory4db
Toronto, Canada26 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
My hubby and I booked a 3 hour tour with Monica at Basalto Clube de Campo, and what we got was an absolutely magical experience. Her facilities are beautiful-situated at the back of a winding dirt road filled with vegetation very characteristic of the region. As we walked the dirt road with her to the stables, eager horses awaited us, nickering from incredibly well kept stalls. We were quickly introduced to Detective, a beautiful grey stallion with an incredibly docile temperament, and Vector, a stunning grey Spanish horse with an easygoing nature and heart of gold. As Monica tacked up, we were able to meet the other horses in the stable, and we're pleased to see every single one of them in excellent condition, well fed and well cared for. As avid riders and horse owners, we make a point to ride wherever we travel, and sometimes the condition of the horses (or the conditions they're kept in) is less than ideal-but we were relieved this was not the case with Basalto. These horses are GORGEOUS-and treated like family.
We were fitted for helmets and gorgeous Spanish saddles (custom made for Basalto) and then we mounted up alongside Monica and her lead horse Zarco, and headed out on the trail. The ride we chose was a difficult one for the horses (as it rose steadily into the mountains and hillsides for almost 2 hours) but you wouldn't have known it because they were just so willing, lovely, and well matched as a herd of three. As an experienced rider (and my hubby, quite intermediate/advanced himself) I found the horses Monica paired with us to be a great fit. Very well trained, even tempered, but with a nice bit of sass/personality to make sure we were actually focused and actively riding during the trek (and not just half asleep and plodding along). Monica's knowledge of the history of the land, the islands, the vegetation and the historic sights we saw (Gruta do Natal, Friars Hill, the Black Mysteries, and her favourite, the volcano Pico Gaspar) was enlightening, informative and eloquently delivered (her English is impeccable!)
We stopped to rest, graze and water our horses at a beautiful lake surrounded by huge sequoia and cypress trees and then continued up through mist-soaked forests straight out of a fairytale to reach our final destination, Gruta do Natal. We have ridden all over the world, and we have to say that this ride was one of the best overall experiences to date. THANK YOU MONICA-your work is incredible and your dream is truly a dream come true for all who visit you ❤️
We were fitted for helmets and gorgeous Spanish saddles (custom made for Basalto) and then we mounted up alongside Monica and her lead horse Zarco, and headed out on the trail. The ride we chose was a difficult one for the horses (as it rose steadily into the mountains and hillsides for almost 2 hours) but you wouldn't have known it because they were just so willing, lovely, and well matched as a herd of three. As an experienced rider (and my hubby, quite intermediate/advanced himself) I found the horses Monica paired with us to be a great fit. Very well trained, even tempered, but with a nice bit of sass/personality to make sure we were actually focused and actively riding during the trek (and not just half asleep and plodding along). Monica's knowledge of the history of the land, the islands, the vegetation and the historic sights we saw (Gruta do Natal, Friars Hill, the Black Mysteries, and her favourite, the volcano Pico Gaspar) was enlightening, informative and eloquently delivered (her English is impeccable!)
We stopped to rest, graze and water our horses at a beautiful lake surrounded by huge sequoia and cypress trees and then continued up through mist-soaked forests straight out of a fairytale to reach our final destination, Gruta do Natal. We have ridden all over the world, and we have to say that this ride was one of the best overall experiences to date. THANK YOU MONICA-your work is incredible and your dream is truly a dream come true for all who visit you ❤️
Written August 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lianemk
Hopkinton, NH13 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
My oldest daughter and I love to ride whenever we travel and Terceira was no exception. The surprise on this trip was that my youngest daughter, who is not a horse person, decided to join us while my husband took pictures. Monica's stable was well kept and beautiful. Her horses were magnificent. She was so good about making sure my youngest felt comfortable and even had one of her staff walk along side for the entire ride. She even let my husband take a short ride upon our return. Monica was kind and patient. She also clearly cared for all her animals impeccably well. I've never seen horses that white 😊Terceira is such a wonderful island, but on the back of a horse is an experience you shouldn't miss!
Written January 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug
Narragansett, RI8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Even if Terceira Island in the Azores were not a paradise in its own right, it would be worth a visit if for no other reason than to ride with Monica at Basalto Horse Experience. The scenery is stunning, there's a wide variety of well trained and well cared for horses, and Monica takes the time to become well enough acquainted with her guests to match each one with the ideal equine companion. My wife and I have been twice, having retuned a second time (from Rhode Island) because the first experience was so magnificent.
Multiple trails to varying destinations can be customized based on the experience, skills, and interests of each rider. All one needs is a desire to ride and explore the environs of Basalto, which is a short and inexpensive taxi ride from Angra do Heroismo. Monica can literally get anyone, even individuals with disabilities, on horseback and out on one of the verdant trails. If you are on Terceira, don't miss this opportunity. It is a truly unique experience that is not to be missed.
Multiple trails to varying destinations can be customized based on the experience, skills, and interests of each rider. All one needs is a desire to ride and explore the environs of Basalto, which is a short and inexpensive taxi ride from Angra do Heroismo. Monica can literally get anyone, even individuals with disabilities, on horseback and out on one of the verdant trails. If you are on Terceira, don't miss this opportunity. It is a truly unique experience that is not to be missed.
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank you so much! All the best for you and Ingrid! Obrigada
Written July 24, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Simo
4 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
My girlfriend and I enjoyed the volcano and gardens ride. The staff was excellent. They knew the island well. The horses were great and in very good shape. The tour was very beautiful. I highly recommend it !!!
Written September 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wesleylll
Cape May, NJ10 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Monica was a wonderful tour guide and host. Her horses are healthy and happy and we were so lucky to be able to take a ride. I am a experienced rider and my girlfriend had never been on a horse, so Monica selected two horses to meet our needs.
We had a beautiful, sunny day that was so clear we could see to a snow-capped Mt Pico! Monica led us through winding streets between cow pastures and past a dairy (we got to try the fresh milk! delicious!), gradually climbing up and through a magical forest. She told us about every plant and animal we passed, and about the history of the island as well. She is extremely knowledgeable and kind and helpful and the 3 hour tour was the highlight of our trip.
We took a bus from Angra and there are a couple bus stops within walking distance to the farm, and Monica kindly drove us back into town and offered us crackers and water after the ride, and sent us loads of photos of us after the fact!
Thank you Monica! Keep up the good work!
We had a beautiful, sunny day that was so clear we could see to a snow-capped Mt Pico! Monica led us through winding streets between cow pastures and past a dairy (we got to try the fresh milk! delicious!), gradually climbing up and through a magical forest. She told us about every plant and animal we passed, and about the history of the island as well. She is extremely knowledgeable and kind and helpful and the 3 hour tour was the highlight of our trip.
We took a bus from Angra and there are a couple bus stops within walking distance to the farm, and Monica kindly drove us back into town and offered us crackers and water after the ride, and sent us loads of photos of us after the fact!
Thank you Monica! Keep up the good work!
Written March 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cecília Melo
2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
An incredible experience through the Azorean landscape, in the companionship of a beautiful horse. Monica was a marvelous attentive guide, that made the journey feel safe and always sharing the details and history of each place. Definitely recommend this beautiful experience.
Written February 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
I sent you a notification by Facebook two weeks ago in order to book a trip in August. Therefore I think you didn't receive my message. How can I contact you?
Thank you very much,
Best,
Ophélie and Quentin
Written June 11, 2017
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