Sundance Ranch Portugal

15/05/2026

15/11/2025

What the donks think about hoof trimming 😜

In reality, they love it. It's their special manicure time. Most of our horses tolerate hoof trimming perfectly, but little Mini seriously loves this special moment.

08/11/2025

First time on Louis' back. Although he's not technically a horse, the process is quite similar:

A good way to sit on them the first time is to just slide right over and land on the other side. If that goes well, you stay a few seconds.

We didn't expect any fireworks from Louis, but at 58 years old, I prefer to play it safe and take things one little step at a time.

05/11/2025

🏇The three horsewomen of bad communication🏇🏇

Vesna mumbles, Lysette is basically deaf as a post and Elis' English needs serious work- together, they have joined forces to have a fun, giggly time, while having absolutely no idea what each other is on about 😊

Somehow, they rub along nicely and made light work clearing the trails this morning after a decent storm. They took our three most sensible ladies (Hope, Spring and Tali) to assist as there is a lot of stopping and starting involved, which can really razz up our more sporty types. This was followed by a mad dash for home when the storm decided it wasn't done yet and they cantered the last few kilometers back while wringing our shirts out😅

04/11/2025

06/07/2025

🌟 Lysette and I are so excited to share our 2026 course calendar! 🌟

We can't wait to welcome you to our beautiful corner of Portugal, where we'll share our passion for horses and help you discover the magic of mindful horsemanship.

Foundation Courses with Sandra:
April 5-11 • May 3-9 • May 31-June 6 • Sept 6-12

Adventure Weeks with Lysette:
April 19-25 • May 17-23 • June 14-20 • Sept 27-Oct 3

We keep our groups small so we can give you the personal attention you deserve - whether you're just starting your horse journey or ready for thrilling trail adventures through our stunning landscapes! 🐴

Check out all the details on our website (link in comments). We'd love to have you join us - these weeks always fill up fast! ✨

29/03/2025

Elsa Sinclair teaching at the ranch this weekend. Always a great learning experience and so much fun!

01/01/2025

Happy New Year, everyone!

Earlier today, I found myself pondering: why do we celebrate endings, beginnings, anniversaries, and birthdays? “Gratitude,” my very smart husband said, and I think he’s absolutely right. These moments give us a chance to reflect on and celebrate the past while setting our sights on the future.

I don’t usually make a big deal of these special days. In fact, I went to bed at ten last night, just like any other day. But gratitude? That’s something I practice every single day.

Each evening, I fill an entire page in my journal with all the things I’m grateful for. Once I start, it’s like the words just flow out of my pencil. One thing that comes up again and again is how much I treasure the time I spend with my horses in nature, especially when riding.

There’s not much that can compare to the feeling of riding down a beautiful trail on a crisp, sunny winter day with a great horse. Here’s a glimpse of my view from my last ride of 2024 with little Fae. If you look closely, you’ll see the small nick in her ear. That tiny imperfection makes her and this moment even more perfect—if that’s even possible.

I’m deeply grateful for moments like these, and I look forward to many more beautiful rides in 2025.

25/12/2024

🎄Lysette's Advent Calendar day 25🎅
🎁Y is for Yoshi and Harley the chihuahuas looking impossibly cute dressed as a gift 😍

I did it!! Despite my infamously flaky tendencies when it comes to social media, I managed 25 days of non stop posting on Facebook💪 This was a good kick up the ass to myself that I can write, use my brain and be creative even if I don't feel like it. Thank you to everyone who has liked, shared and commented each day, you guys unknowingly holding me to account has kept me writing even on the tough letters or uninspired days.

Merry Christmas everyone!

24/12/2024

🎄Lysette's Advent Calendar day 24🎅
🎁X is for Xs!❄️

Yes, I'm amazed I managed something for letter X as well!🤣

Xs (for extra small, pronounced like 'jeeshj-ess', think Jesus with porridge in your mouth... being born on an 'X' year sucks, ok!😅) is 22yo, 140cm, mixed pony type thing and arrived last week having retired from Sandra's old riding school in Cascais. He's in great nick and still full of life, so as well as enjoying his new life in the countryside he'll get some light hacking and the odd lesson to keep his brain and body sharp.

He's a grumpy old bu**er, as most ex riding school horses are, but I imagine he will soon stop pinning his ears and grumbling once he figures out he's not in 'active duty' anymore.