Horse Sanctuary: A nature walk with Rescued Horses by your side

The most unusual part of this Lagos-area outing is simple: you walk beside a rescued horse instead of riding it. At the State of Being sanctuary, you first give the animals space, learn their stories, and help brush them before taking one on a lead through the Algarve countryside.

I like the calm, hands-on pace, and I like that the group stays small enough for personal help. Children are welcome, nervous beginners get support, and the chance to watch herd behavior makes this more than a standard animal encounter. The main caution is practical: some horses can be playful or have imperfect ground manners, and the rural meeting point may be hard to find without careful directions.

Key points to know before you book

• You lead, rather than ride, the horse: Expect a walking and bonding experience on foot.
• The group is small: The stated limit is five, while the general activity information allows up to seven people.
• Sakshin and Charlotte host the visit: They introduce the rescued horses and answer questions about their care and pasts.
• The experience suits families and beginners: All ages are welcome, with extra support available if you feel unsure.
• The walk includes a halfway break: You spend time in the fields, pause, then return to the sanctuary.
• Finding the meeting point takes care: It is in São João, near Barão de São João, at the map code 46H7+FM.

Meeting rescued horses near Barão de São João

This experience begins at the State of Being sanctuary in the rural area of São João, near Lagos. The listed meeting point is 46H7+FM Barão de São João, Portugal, and the activity starts at 4:30 pm.

That setting matters. You are not being rushed through a petting area or placed on a horse for a short photo. The visit begins with an introduction to individual rescued horses and the stories behind them. You then spend time near the herd, allowing the animals to approach and settle at their own pace.

I like this opening because it sets the right tone. The point is not to control the horses at once. You begin by paying attention to their behavior, giving them room, and learning how to interact safely. That makes the experience feel more respectful and useful, especially for children or anyone who has little experience around horses.

There is one logistical wrinkle. The location is rural, and one person had trouble after being dropped near the roadside, then found dirt roads without clear signs. If you are using Bolt, Uber, or a taxi, confirm the exact destination before leaving Lagos and keep the map code handy. Do not assume a driver will know the sanctuary from the name alone.

Brushing, bonding, and choosing a horse

After the introduction, you get time to brush the horses. This is one of the strongest parts of the activity because it gives you a quiet way to meet an animal before taking responsibility for it on the trail.

You may be paired with a horse such as Mayax, a light-colored horse described as sweet and willing to join the group. Other animals have different temperaments and pasts. Boneco, for example, challenged one person at the start before settling into a better rhythm later. That is useful to know in advance: your horse is not a prop, and the first few minutes may involve real communication.

If you are a beginner, ask for the easiest horse to handle and ask about that horse’s habits before you set off. That small conversation can make a major difference. A more experienced rider or handler may enjoy a horse with extra personality, while a first-time visitor will probably want a calm, steady partner.

The horses are described as sweet, but their ground manners are not always perfect. One horse became playful while being led. This is not necessarily a problem, yet it means you should listen closely to instructions, keep both hands ready as directed, and tell the guides if you feel uncomfortable.

Walking the Algarve fields on a lead

The main activity is a walk with your horse on a lead. You are not riding, and the pace is built around walking beside the animals while the group moves through the property and surrounding countryside.

This arrangement gives you something a riding tour often does not: time to notice the horse’s reactions. You may see how the animals follow one another, how they respond to changes in pace, and how your own body language affects the horse beside you. The walk becomes a lesson in patience as much as a country stroll.

The setting can be especially lovely in good weather. One route passed through fields of wildflowers in the hills around the sanctuary. The exact conditions will change with the season, but the walk is clearly tied to the open rural setting rather than an indoor or paved attraction.

Expect about two hours for the full experience, with a short break halfway through. The route goes out, pauses, and returns to the meeting point. The description does not give a fixed distance or a detailed trail map, so you should think of this as a relaxed nature walk rather than a strenuous hike or a formal horseback excursion.

The moderate fitness requirement is worth taking seriously. You need to walk outdoors for much of the activity and remain comfortable handling a horse on foot. You do not need to be an experienced rider, but you should be steady on your feet and able to follow instructions.

Watching herd behavior and learning each horse’s story

The walk has a social side that makes it different from a private encounter with one animal. As the horses move together, you can watch herd behavior and see how the animals relate to one another.

Sakshin is described as a warm host with a strong connection to the animals and the natural setting. Charlotte also helps with the experience, including taking photographs for one family and adjusting the walk to suit the group’s needs. Their role is not just to lead the route. They help people understand the horses and make sensible pairings.

I would use the walk to ask questions. You can learn about the rescue, the horses’ individual histories, and the behavior you are seeing in front of you. The information supplied does not promise a formal rescue presentation or a fixed educational talk, so the depth will depend on the conversation and the people in your group.

This is also where the experience can become personal. One person described beginning with a horse that was difficult to read, then finding a shared rhythm by the end of the walk. That change is part of the appeal. You may not get an instant connection, but patience can turn an awkward start into a satisfying one.

The halfway break and the return walk

At roughly the midpoint, the group takes a short break. This gives you time to rest, check in with the guides, and settle the horses before heading back.

The return can feel different from the outward walk because you now know your horse better. You have had time to notice whether it tends to pause, move ahead, stay close to the herd, or test the lead. If you are nervous at the start, the second half may feel easier simply because the situation is no longer new.

The activity finishes back at the original meeting point. There is no separate drop-off location, so plan your transport around the sanctuary rather than expecting to be delivered into central Lagos.

The start time of 4:30 pm may work well in a busy Algarve itinerary. It leaves much of the day open, then places the walk in the later afternoon. Still, confirm the time before setting out, since one scheduled visit was moved from 6 pm to 4 pm. The provider may adjust timing, and you do not want to arrive late at a rural meeting point.

What the $54.22 price gets you

At $54.22 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours around Lagos. You are paying for a small-group encounter, the care of rescued horses, guidance during the walk, and time in a rural setting rather than a quick photo stop.

The value depends on what you want. If you are looking for a conventional riding lesson, this is the wrong purchase because there is no promise of riding. If you want a quiet animal experience with real contact, brushing, conversation, and a walk through the countryside, the price is easier to justify.

The small group helps. The advertised group size is five at the core of the experience, while the additional information gives a maximum of seven. Either way, it is far more personal than a large stable outing. You should have a better chance to ask questions and receive help with your horse.

The 4.7 rating from 27 published ratings and the 93 percent recommendation figure point to a strong overall experience, but they should not erase the practical cautions. The rural directions need care, and horses can be unpredictable. The value is best for people who want an authentic, hands-on visit and are comfortable accepting a little uncertainty.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend it first to animal lovers who want to spend meaningful time with horses without riding them. You get close contact, but the focus is on trust, grooming, walking, and observation.

Families can also fit well. Children as young as eight have taken part happily, and one family found that the children continued talking about the horses afterward. All ages are welcome, though every child should be able to follow instructions and behave calmly around large animals.

Beginners should not rule it out. The guides offer support, and one first-time participant found the experience deeply rewarding. Still, tell Sakshin or Charlotte at the start that you are inexperienced or nervous. Ask for a calm horse and ask about any quirks before leaving the sanctuary.

Experienced horse people may enjoy it for a different reason. The horses are not presented as perfectly trained trail mounts, so you may have to manage a playful moment or a horse with a strong personality. That can be part of the learning, but it may frustrate anyone expecting polished riding-school behavior.

This is less suitable for someone who wants a fast, active excursion, a long hike, or a guaranteed smooth photo opportunity. It is also not ideal if you dislike rural roads or have difficulty walking outdoors for close to two hours.

Timing, transport, and weather details

The activity is offered in English and includes a mobile ticket. Public transport is nearby, and service animals are allowed. The information does not state that hotel pickup is included, so you should arrange your own way to the meeting point.

Allow extra time for the journey from Lagos. The address uses a plus code, and the road access may not be obvious. Save the location before leaving and confirm the arrival point with your driver.

Wear practical clothes that can handle dust, fields, and contact with horses. The supplied information does not specify footwear or clothing rules, so use your judgment and choose shoes suitable for a moderate outdoor walk. You may want to bring water, especially in warm weather.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not met. For your own plans, remember that free cancellation is available only until 24 hours before the 4:30 pm start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the rescued-horse walk?

Book it if you want a personal, unhurried meeting with rescued horses and you are happy to walk beside one rather than ride. The strongest reasons are the small group, the chance to brush and bond with the animals, and the thoughtful pace through the Algarve countryside.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to families, solo visitors who enjoy animal encounters, and beginners willing to speak up about their confidence level. Ask for an easy horse, listen closely, and allow time to find the rural meeting point.

Skip it if you want a polished riding tour, a clearly signed attraction, or a physically effortless activity. The horses have individual quirks, the location takes planning, and the experience depends on the weather.

For the right person, $54.22 buys more than a short look at animals. It buys time to pay attention, build trust, and leave with a better sense of how rescued horses live and communicate.

FAQ

Where does the horse sanctuary experience begin?

It begins at the State of Being sanctuary near Barão de São João in the Lagos area. The listed meeting point is 46H7+FM Barão de São João, Portugal.

What time does the activity start?

The stated start time is 4:30 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours, including the introduction, horse time, walk, halfway break, and return to the meeting point.

Do I ride the horse?

No. You walk beside the horse while leading it on a lead.

Are children allowed to join?

Yes. All ages are welcome, and children have taken part in the experience.

How many people can join the group?

The experience is described as a small group of five or fewer, while the additional information gives a maximum of seven participants.

Is the activity available in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor or the minimum group size is not reached?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not met.