Foundation Course

In our Foundation Course, your journey with horses can begin or be re-started in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. Our program is designed to appeal to individuals who seek a unique blend of personal growth, connection, and adventure, all while being part of a small and welcoming community.

Experience a True Connection

At Sundance Ranch, you have the opportunity to build deep, meaningful connections not only with our horses but also with the other participants. Experience the unconditional love and bond that comes from interacting with these wonderful animals in a peaceful and natural setting.

Living with Horses: An Intense Experience

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the ranch. Spend as much time as you want with the horses, care for them, or simply be around them. There is no pressure or rush; you set your own pace and enjoy the process.

Setting Safe Boundaries: Learn to Communicate Your Limits

Our Foundation Course places great emphasis on personal safety and setting boundaries. You will learn how to effectively communicate your limits while also respecting the boundaries of the horses, ensuring that you feel safe and aligned with your values throughout your entire journey with us.

Overcoming Fears

We understand that fears can be significant hurdles when working with horses and setting boundaries. For example, we often fear that the horse might become angry when we set boundaries or that it might not like us anymore. Our supportive team and structured program ensure that you feel safe and accompanied at every step, fostering a sense of security and trust.
Gaining Trust: Building a Bond with Our Rescue Horses

Gaining Trust: Building a Bond with Our Rescue Horses

One of the most rewarding aspects of our Foundation Course is gaining the trust of our rescue horses. These animals have their own stories and challenges, and your patience and kindness will be richly rewarded with their trust and affection.

Inclusion and Support

Inclusion and Support

Do you feel uncomfortable in a group lesson with advanced riders and/or children? At Sundance Ranch, you are in a judgment-free and encouraging environment, as part of a small group of beginners or those returning to riding, and you can primarily learn through one-on-one instruction. We focus on individual progress, allowing you to grow at your own pace without pressure.

Listening and being heard: A dialog with horses

Listening and being heard: A dialog with horses

Listening to the horses and feeling heard in return are central to our philosophy. You will learn to engage in a dialogue with your horse, understand its signals, and build a mutual relationship of trust and respect.

This year, we still have a couple places free in our September course:

The challenge of riding: step-by-step process

Riding a powerful animal like a horse can be an amazing experience, but also a little overwhelming. Our step-by-step process will ensure you feel confident and competent at every stage. Sandra will guide you through each step and make the complexities of riding accessible and enjoyable.
The week’s schedule is tailored to the needs of the maximum of five participants. For example, our week together could look like this:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Theory and groundwork
07:00
12:00
Groundwork
07:00
12:00
Riding lesson
07:00
12:00
Trail ride
07:00
12:00
Riding lesson
07:00
12:00
Riding lesson
12:00
19:00
Trail ride
12:00
19:00
Groundwork
12:00
19:00
Groundwork
12:00
19:00
Roundpen work
12:00
19:00

Monday

  • Theory and groundwork
    07:00 - 12:00
  • Riding lesson
    12:00 - 19:00

Tuesday

  • Groundwork
    07:00 - 12:00
  • Trail ride
    12:00 - 19:00

Wednesday

  • Riding lesson
    07:00 - 12:00
  • Groundwork
    12:00 - 19:00

Thursday

  • Trail ride
    07:00 - 12:00
  • Groundwork
    12:00 - 19:00

Friday

  • Riding lesson
    07:00 - 12:00
  • Roundpen work
    12:00 - 19:00
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Groundwork
07:00
12:00
Groundwork
12:00
19:00
Groundwork
12:00
19:00

Tuesday

  • Groundwork
    07:00 - 12:00

Wednesday

  • Groundwork
    12:00 - 19:00

Thursday

  • Groundwork
    12:00 - 19:00
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Riding lesson
07:00
12:00
Riding lesson
07:00
12:00
Riding lesson
12:00
19:00

Monday

  • Riding lesson
    12:00 - 19:00

Wednesday

  • Riding lesson
    07:00 - 12:00

Friday

  • Riding lesson
    07:00 - 12:00
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Roundpen work
12:00
19:00

Friday

  • Roundpen work
    12:00 - 19:00
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Theory and groundwork
07:00
12:00

Monday

  • Theory and groundwork
    07:00 - 12:00
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Trail ride
07:00
12:00
Trail ride
12:00
19:00

Tuesday

  • Trail ride
    12:00 - 19:00

Thursday

  • Trail ride
    07:00 - 12:00
No events available!
Join us at Sundance Ranch Portugal for a transformative experience that combines safety, connection, learning and adventure. Our Foundation Course is the perfect starting point for your journey with horses, providing a supportive and enriching environment in which you can grow and thrive.