Visit

Places that provide a thousand smiles a day deserve to be shared, so we couldn't fail to mention Pony Club do Porto, that received us with as infectious energy and the certainty that we'd leave this place a little happier.

Its history began when a group of companies decided to join to boost social inclusion and the development of children, young people and adults with special needs. The effectiveness of therapeutic riding is proven and the visit to Pony Club do Porto is an opportunity to be supportive through memorable experiences.

Pony Club do Porto is a very special project, which covers an area of about 10 square meters, with two outdoor fields for classes, animal works, trials and performances, two indoor arenas (one for sport riding and one for therapeutic riding sessions), two dozen boxes for ponies and horses, a support building, shower rooms, a room for events where there are workshops and training, a veterinary center, a building with offices for therapy, and even a green area where there's a lounge area and a learning vegetable garden.

During the visit, we were delighted with the care and attention that it's given to the animals, Pony Club do Porto still keeps the horses and ponies that are no longer able to work, leaving them free to graze, as if they were enjoying their retirement after years of service. It's impossible not to highlight the affection and intimacy that it's felt between the whole team, the animals, and the children.

Here, there's a real concern with nature, and that's not only seen in the way animals are treated. Pony Club do Porto's team couldn't be any more friendly, committed or dedicated, and that makes all the difference in the experience that the club provides. Therapies go far beyond simple contact with animals - the team has psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, psychomotricians, and a devotion, attention and passion, that transform the whole experience and make a real difference in the lives of those who pass by.

When we saw the photos we were curious, but when we visited the place, we realized why it has been so praised - it's a very noble cause and the fact that it provides activities for all ages makes Pony Club do Porto a good recommendation for both the kids and adults.

Cool Tip: In addition to the riding experiences, Pony Club do Porto also organizes inclusion holiday camps during the Summer months, and birthday parties, so that everyone has memorable, fun, and educational days.