Wild Horsemanship - 
Rancho Terra Bravo in Portugal
 

The Wild Horse Workshop at Rancho Terra Bravo is a unique opportunity to meet former wild horses and experience authentic Wild Horsemanship right here in Europe. The focus is not on quick results or spectacular demonstrations, but on understanding, trust, and building a lasting partnership between horse and human.

As this will be the first workshop held at Rancho Terra Bravo, the program is still evolving. It is important to me to leave room for the needs of the horses, the participants, and the opportunities that arise on site. For that reason, the itinerary should be viewed as a guide rather than a fixed schedule.

For this special inaugural event, I am delighted to be joined by an experienced wild horse trainer from Canada who personally trained my own Mustangs. Together with her colleague, an Equine Pathologist from the University of Calgary, she will help lead a significant part of the workshop. Topics such as horse behavior, health, hoof care, and dental health will be covered alongside practical groundwork, horsemanship, and individualized work with the horses.

My four Mustang boys will be participating in this first workshop - four very different horses ranging from three to twelve years of age. With the exception of Landers, they are all still in the early stages of their training and offer fascinating insights into different phases of development. Additional school horses from a neighboring riding stable can complement the program. Of course, you are also welcome to bring your own horse.

This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of former wild horses - whether you already own a Mustang, are considering adopting one, or simply wish to immerse yourself further in the world of Wild Horsemanship.

More and more Mustangs are finding their way to Europe. Many are chosen for their appearance before their future owners have had the chance to truly get to know their character and personality. At Rancho Terra Bravo, you will have the opportunity to spend time with different Mustangs and discover whether a former wild horse is genuinely a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

You may even fall in love with a Mustang on site and find exactly the partner you have been searching for. In addition, Ride the Brand offers the opportunity to work with experienced partners in North America to select a suitable Mustang. The horse can then be carefully prepared for its future life before traveling to Europe. Once here, we continue to support you and your horse throughout your journey together - with time, patience, and a clear focus on trust and mutual understanding.

The Mustangs living at Rancho Terra Bravo already arrive with a solid foundation from North America. This preparation helps make the transition into their new lives as smooth and stress-free as possible. Together with their owners, we continue building on that foundation - without pressure, competition, or fixed timelines.

An important part of the workshop is observation and understanding. You will learn how to read body language, recognize subtle signals, and build a strong foundation through groundwork. We will also discuss horse management, movement, nutrition, and how former wild horses can be supported physically and mentally to thrive in their new lives.

Beyond working with the horses, we want to take advantage of Portugal’s unique surroundings. Planned activities include observing the free-roaming Garrano horses in Peneda-Gerês National Park, visiting a traditional saddlery, and meeting selected Portuguese trainers and horsemen. Weekends will intentionally remain open, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, relaxation, and personal exploration.

Rancho Terra Bravo offers ideal conditions for this experience: a large covered round pen for hot or rainy days, expansive natural terrain with hills and rock formations, and countless opportunities for relaxed walks with the horses. Waterfalls provide the perfect place to cool off, and both horses and humans will be well cared for. Perhaps that means a massage after a long day, a meaningful conversation over dinner, or simply a quiet moment surrounded by nature.

For your journey, I recommend flying into Porto Airport. From there, Rancho Terra Bravo is just over an hour’s drive north. The ranch is located between Porto and Braga, above the small town of Cabeceiras de Basto. Here you will find one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions, with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, unspoiled landscapes, and plenty of space to breathe. If you wish, you can combine your trip with a few extra vacation days or extend your stay at the ranch.

The main part of the program will take place over two weeks in the middle of the month. However, you do not need to attend for the entire duration. Depending on your interests and availability, you are welcome to participate in only part of the workshop.

Lunch and dinner will be included throughout the workshop, allowing us to enjoy time together beyond the horse activities.

At this stage, I cannot yet guarantee accommodation for all participants directly at Rancho Terra Bravo. However, the surrounding area offers a wide range of beautiful lodging options - from simple nature retreats to comfortable and luxurious accommodations. Guests traveling with campers or motorhomes are also warmly welcome.

You are probably wondering about the price. To be completely transparent, I cannot provide a final price at this time. As this is the first workshop at Rancho Terra Bravo, some organizational details are still being finalized. Most likely, participants will book their own flights and accommodation, while a separate workshop fee will apply.

You are welcome to register now with no obligation. Although planning is still ongoing and the final price has not yet been determined, this will secure your place. Group sizes will be intentionally kept small to ensure plenty of time for individual guidance, questions, and hands-on work with the horses.

This first year marks the beginning of a project that is meant to grow - together with the horses and the people who become part of it.