AN ENCHANTING WEEKEND IN PORTUGAL
- with connection ground work and riding
Elevate your horse training and riding skills to new heights with this unique weekend on a Portuguese Ranch with Western trained horses!
​
Friday We get a tour of the Ranch and introduction to the horses. During the evening our host shares his experience of starting a horse business, with tips on how to keep the horses motivated, get clients, as well as challenges and possibilities of running a riding facility with international guests. We also learn about the difference between Western vs English riding and how the horses are trained.
​
Saturday starts with an optional body movement session where you learn beneficial exercises that help improve the seat, balance and mental state of the rider, that work regardless of riding level and age. Followed by a trail ride in the beautiful nature surrounding the Ranch. After lunch you get the opportunity to do guided connection groundwork with your Western horse in a way that makes him or her respond to your energy and body language.
​
Sunday starts with an optional body movement session where you learn beneficial exercises that help improve the seat, balance and mental state of the rider, that work regardless of riding level and age. Followed by a trail ride in the beautiful nature surrounding the Ranch. After lunch you get the opportunity to do guided connection groundwork with your Western horse in a way that makes him or her respond to your energy and body language. ​
​
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic) on site are included. Lunch is either enjoyed on trail or as self service. Dinner is often barbeque in a social and cheerful setting. It you are hungry between meals it's at all times possible to help yourself to food and beverage of choice. Additional nights can be added to the weekend. The Ride Like a Viking Gathering starts Friday 3 pm and lasts until Sunday after dinner.
​
See full program here
LEARN FROM
STEPHAN
Esteemed and highly experienced Western rider who's living the dream in Portugal.
With his profound understanding of what makes a riding holiday great when it comes to meals, experiences and location combined with a lifetime experience of training horses, Stephan has earned a reputation as an entrepreneur and horse trainer. His dedication to creating harmony between horse and rider ensures that both can thrive together, while achieving remarkable results.
​
Prepare to be inspired as Stephan shares his invaluable insights that empowers you to elevate your horse training skills and unlock your inner entrepreneur and horse whisperer.
AND
CATHRINE FODSTAD
Cathrine is first Norwegian to complete Mongol Derby the worlds longest and toughest horse race (1 000 km on semi wild Mongolian horses). In addition to working as horse trainer for decades in Iceland, Belgium and on her own horse farm in Norway, she is also certified trainer from Holar University College and instructor level 2 from Norwegian Equine Center.
After returning from Mongolia she developed her own horse training program based on connection and choices, that has helped thousands of riders succeed with liberty and build the partnership with horses they always dreamed of.
​​
She will guide you through the weekend by ensuring that you bring home new inspiration, confidence and tools to grow your horse training and riding skills. Additional insights and personal feedback that grows your horse business or side income will be provided if you are a trainer or instructor (se program for details).
​
FUEL FOR SUCCESS
Get the inspiration, tools and knowledge you need to make your horse(s) well trained, responsive and motivated.
LEARN NEW TRAINING METHODS
Expand your horse training repertoire in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd so that you can offer your students and horses something unique.
NETWORK
Forge lasting connections and form friendships with like-minded equestrians from all over the world.
CONFIDENCE
Immerse yourself in a weekend that will leave you feeling empowered, confident and motivated in your equestrian journey.
PERSONAL FEEDBACK
Get personal feedback from a business developer and an excellent Western trainer so that you see possibilities were others see limitations.
EXPAND THE TRIP
In addition to the weekend event you can expand your trip and stay longer at the Ranch for 165 USD per night.
.png)
SECURE YOUR SPOT RISK FREE
Ride Like a Viking offers 14-day no questions asked 100% money-back guarantee on the booking fee. However, as this is a live event involving preparations and costs a full refund on the actual purchase which is made to the hosts after securing your spot may not be offered. If you are unable to attend, you can transfer/sell your ticket to a Ride Like a Viking Member provided you inform us of the change or use your travel insurance to get fully refunded. ​​​
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is this event suitable for all levels of horse riders? A: Absolutely! Ride Like a Viking Gathering welcomes both seasoned equestrians and passionate horse lovers eager to explore connection based horse training and riding. The Gathering is designed to cater to participants of all skill levels.
​
To ensure everyone gets the trail ride of their dreams the group can be divided according to preference if necessary as there are 2 guides on site. Wherever you want to ride slow or fast you will find a group that suits you.
​
Q: What can I expect from the workshops and demonstrations? A: Workshops and demonstrations will cover a range of topics including effective yet mindful horse training and riding techniques. You can expect hands-on activities, horse riding sessions, and empowering insights to enhance your riding skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
​
Q: What's included in the event package? A: All accommodation, meals, beverage (alcoholic and non alcoholic) on site, riding, guiding and coaching is included. Free access to swimming pool and the facilities such as terrace, garden, bar, dining area etc.
​
The meals offered may contain eggs, diary products, nuts, gluten and meat. Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice.
​
Q: How`s the accommodation? A: There are 4 apartments and 1 cabin on site, the apartments and cabin have a 2 bed bedroom and a bathroom. Single room is available at an extra cost of 20 USD per night.
​
Q: Can I get a refund if I'm unable to attend? A: The initial 242 USD booking fee comes with a 14-day unconditional no questions asked 100% money back guarantee.
As this is a live event with preparations and associated costs, we do not offer full refund for the event.f If you have bought the event and are unable to attend you can transfer or sell your ticket to a Ride Like a Viking member.
If something sudden occurs that prevents you from attending and/or it`s not possible to sell the ticket to someone else we suggest you take out travel insurance to cover you for late cancellation.
If you are not able to use travel insurance and need to cancel after your balance has been paid you may incur the following fees: 30-55 days prior: pay 50% of the event price. Less than 30 days: pay 100% of the event price.
​
Q: How can I secure my spot for the Ride Like a Viking Gathering? A: To secure your spot, simply complete the registration form and booking fee. Thereafter you complete the payment for the accommodation etc to the hosts.
​
Q: When is it? A: The Ride Like a Viking Gathering is from Friday 7th 3pm to Sunday after dinner 9th of November 2025. A perfect time to visit Portugal as it`s off tourist season and expected to be comfortable temperatures.
​
Q: What happens after registration? A: Once you have secured your spot you'll receive an email with all the information you need to attend. The event will also appear as a new product in your Ride Like a Viking webportal.
​
Q: Where is it and how do I get there? A: The Ranch is situated 1 hour drive from Faro Airport in Portugal. Plane tickets London-Faro are available from 80USD. Pickup and drop off at the airport or near by town can be arranged upon request for 88 USD per car each way divided amongst passengers. ​
​
Q: Do I have to ride or train horses during the event? A: You do not need to ride or train horses during the event although it's a possibility as we have the whole Ranch and access to 10 Western trained horses all to ourselves.
​
Q: Do I have to have a side income or business to benefit from the event? A: You do not need to have a side income or business to benefit from the event, small parts of the program reserved for Trainers and Instructors only will include tips and teachings about this. See full program here.
​​
Q: Can I extend the stay? A: In addition to the Ride Like a Viking Gathering you can expand your trip and stay longer at the Ranch for 165 USD per night.
​
​
It works!
"I have my own little business called HestaViska and have found this method very easy to understand. I love creating a moment of calm and connection for those I teach. I really value the simplicity and the lack of all these 'tricks' that are often used." - Renska Younger
Transforming
"If you wish to establish a working relationship that honors and respects the horse you will be very thankful for the opportunity to join. The program has worked great in my riding school and transformed both our horses and students." - Cristy Pemberton
Highly reccomended
"I very much recommend Ride Like a Viking! I have never been disappointed in the sessions thanks to the knowledge I have gained from Cathrine and fellow members. We come together and find a problem solving resolution." - Laura Fries
ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!
This weekend is a must prioritize. You deserve it, your potential side income or business deserves it, and your dream deserves it. When's the next time you get invitation to a custom made weekend to ride and train horses with a renowned and skilled Western horse rider and a Norwegian liberty trainer who through a lifetime of experience are willing to share their secrets with you?
​​
