EXCELLENT rating  
 Based on 83 reviews 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
Ich durfte im Frühjahr diesen Jahres eine wunderschöne Woche auf  Sandras Sundance Ranch verbringen.
Die Ranch ist sehr schön gelegen mitten im Inland auf einem idyllischen Gelände, auf dem man sehr gut zur Ruhe kommen kann und es dennoch nie langweilig wird.
Der Kurs war sehr gut und strukturiert Aufgebaut und es gab trotzdem viel Zeit für individuelle Fragen und Themen aller Kursteilnehmerinnen.
Die Atmosphäre und alle Mitwirkenden der Ranch waren sehr herzlich und aufgeschlossen. Besonders gerne denke ich an die Gemeinsamen Abende an denen wir sehr viel zusammen gelacht haben und uns eigentlich nie die Gesprächsthemen ausgingen.
Die Pferde waren alle sehr liebevoll und es ist wirklich für jedes Reit-Niveau und jeden Typ Mensch ein passendes Pferd dabei.
Sandra hat eine sehr verständliche und gelassene Art zu erklären und so habe ich mich in den Reit Stunden immer gut aufgehoben gefühlt.
Ein ganz besonders Lob möchte ich an die Köchin der Ranch aussprechen, die uns jeden Morgen mit frischem Brot und Mittags und Abends mit sehr leckeren frisch gekochten  Gerichten versorgt hat.
Ich bin wirklich glücklich diese Schöne Zeit in Portugal verbracht zu haben und komme gerne wieder.
Die Sundance  Ranch kann ich von Herzen empfehlen.
Vielen Dank an
Sandra, Lysette, Isabella und Kim für die schöne Zeit bei euch.
  
 
  
 
 
 Luisa Auerbach 
 
2024-10-10
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
I could not be more positive about my experiences at Sundance Ranch; I learned so much from Sandra and the horses.

First the basics, the accommodations are pleasant and the food is varied and tasty. The tone is flexibly communal with shared meals and not pretense. The ranch is lovely with a lot of good trails for walking and riding.

Second the important things, the horses are quite a mix, but that is one of the strengths of Sundance Ranch as each horse opens new learning opportunities. For example, one helped me with my canter departs; another helped me learn to be clear while leading, a third helped me calm down while in the saddle. Of course, Sandra curated my experience, by carefully pairing me with both horses and exercises that would help me develop thoughtful horsemanship.

The only problem is leaving, but I hope to return soon.
  
 
  
 
 
 Julia Allen 
 
2024-09-21
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
Words can't describe Sundance ranch, you simply need to be there experiencing it. I felt such a state of calm in the presence of their wonderful and very well trained horses. I had an almost immediate connection with Hope and Grace, two out of three quarter-horse sisters at the ranch, and Tali their beautiful mustang, originally from Nevada. Learning how to be with the horses through Sandra's incredible horsemanship training methods, not just in the saddle but with her groundwork. Everyone in the team are such a pleasure to be around, and they welcome you in to the Alejento ranch like one of their own - I very quickly felt at home. Sandra has a patient and thorough approach to western training - I was so inspired by it. In only 5 days I learnt much more than I anticipated that I would. I can't wait to return to very soon. Thank you Sandra and team!
  
 
  
 
 
 Isabella 
 
2024-09-09
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
I found Sundance Ranch in a very fortuitous way and booked a one week retreat for the beginning of June. This place is now very close to my heart and I loved being there so much that I've now booked another weekend for early October.
As a beginner rider, I never really felt super safe riding the horses at the stable in my city and even though I loved being around the animals, I always felt on edge and had the feeling they could have a nervous reaction with any minor movement or action of mine. With Sandra however, I felt very safe when riding both in the arena and also out in the trail rides. Her horses (and donkeys!) are well taken care of and are calm and happy beings, and this transpires the moment you meet them. They all have their unique and quirky personalities, and Sandra knows this and will match you perfectly with one (or more) of them. Sandra's knowledge is unparalleled, both on the technical and practical sides of horsemanship and riding: I had many questions and asked her any time something popped up and she had the patience to explain thoroughly, even the more challenging and controversial topics in horse-riding. Sandra is also a very calm, respectful and patient teacher, gently correcting and giving you tips to improve your riding. What I also really liked was that the groups were quite small, we were in 3 and the learning / training was therefore super targeted and tailored for each need and level. If I could, I would stay for months on end; it's such a peaceful place, you forget about the modern day stresses, and it is also so insanely beautiful you don't want to leave anymore! During daytime you can see the river flowing nearby and the gentle rolling hills with the eucalyptus trees and the typical reddish mediterranean soil, but at night you can stargaze and see the Milky Way, which is more entertaining than any Netflix show! I usually don't bother writing reviews unless something is excellent and in this circumstance if I could give more than 5 stars I would. Thank you Sandra for creating such a beautiful place, I really look forward to being back soon and am counting down the days :)
  
 
  
 
 
 Violetta C. 
 
2024-08-30
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
For me the Sundance Ranch stand for a lot more than just horses and horseriding. It is the way of experiencing life in an other way out there. Being so close to nature, and being with the animals in freedom, lights up something in me and makes me feel complete. The excellent guidance of the staff and trainers, offer a deeper understanding and an other view on dealing with horses. Being there with them and the animals gives me and my daughters the feeling that what we are doing, is real! We bring back home what we learn on the ranch and implement this in our day to day life with our horses at home. With succes!!
  
 
  
 
 
 Marlous van der Zwan 
 
2024-08-28
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
Four years ago, at the rather advanced age of 55, I mustered up my courage and decided to fulfil a childhood dream and take riding lessons. By sheer luck I came across the Sundance Ranch and - as a lifelong animal rights activist - couldn't have found a better place to start this new adventure. Teaching is based on the principles of the "freedom-based training" approach developed by the American Elsa Sinclair. Horses (and all the other animals on the farm) are treated respectfully, without coercion or pressure. The focus is on understanding and interaction, an approach that, to be honest, has pretty much ruined all conventional riding schools for me.  They are kept the way it should be, with mates in groups and always in large outdoor enclosures. As a bonus, the ranch is in the middle of nowhere and quite a magical place  (there is internet available 😊)
  
 
  
 
 
 Veronika Haunold 
 
2024-08-26
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
I arrived at Sundance in Mai for a training in natural horsemanship, having seated 3 times on a horseback in my life for group trail. I was highly motivated and very eager to discover horses, their way of life, an how to understand and communicate with them. And I was very much looking forward to riding as well. Sandra has proven to be an excellent teacher, seeing every participant in their individuality and adapting to their levels and learning abilities. The cohesion  in the small group was astounding. Very relaxed, friendly and harmonious.
The House in which we were living was very beautiful and the rooms neat and clean. Same for the sanitary.
We were lucky enough to enjoy 3 delicious freshly cooked and aboudant meals a day, which made the stay feel like a very nice holiday. However, the days were absolutely full with horsemanship, with time to rest after lunch, early morning and you'll be early in bed to be fit on the next day ;)
Meals were shared with Lysette who trains horses on the ranch and two other girls who were helping with the ranch. Those moments were relaxing, animated and joyful. In the morning timetable with all the trainings and care for the horses was planned, so you'd get another insight in the amount and the variety of work that is connected with running a ranch.

On my arrival, Sandra picked me up at the station very kindly and graciously. She organised a driver for me on the way back to the airport. While staying at hers, she made the guests feel really comfortable, as if they were in their own home. She is very interested in getting to know people and is an active participant in conversations as well. Amazing. The whole previous online communication was very smooth and fast.
I learnt a lot during this week and had a truly wonderful time. I even made a friend I met back at home. It would be lovely to go back and do some more training :)
Thank you to everyone, every animal, that is the horses of course, but also the various dogs and the cat who honoured us with their presence on our laps at dinner from time to time, and the beautiful and fragrantful nature. Gumtrees essences floating in the warm dry air as well as the sweet scent of rockroses in a lot of very sunny quiet.
  
 
  
 
 
 Gren Koh 
 
2024-08-18
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
We had an amazing week at Sundance Ranch! Sandra was an awesome host, and the place is absolutely peaceful and beautiful. The whole experience was just perfect. The team is fantastic, and all the animals (especially the cute dogs) make the place feel so alive. Everyone there has such a unique personality, and it really adds to the charm. The ranch is in a stunning location, surrounded by nature, with water and wildlife all around.

The food was a pleasant surprise, too! We’re not usually big on vegetarian dishes, but the cook prepared such delicious meals that we loved every bite. It was a real treat to experience such a slow, healthy lifestyle and be surrounded by such great people.

Learning about horses in a completely different way was eye-opening. It’s not just about riding; it’s about connecting, understanding leadership, and building friendships—lessons that stick with you in everyday life.

We’ve come away with so many great memories and unique experiences. We can’t wait to go back and will definitely be telling all our friends about it!
  
 
  
 
 
 Svetlana Zhelenkova 
 
2024-08-17
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
Zum fünfzigsten Geburtstag wollte mir mein Mann ein besonderes Geschenk machen und mit der Sundance Ranch ist ihm ein Volltreffer gelungen.
Von der herzlichen Aufnahme durch Sandra und ihr Team - einschließlich Pferde und Mulis - bis zur Begleitung während der Übungseinheiten, dem authentischen Essen und dem tollen Setting haben wir den Aufenthalt sehr genossen und konnten vom tristen Alltag in Rekordzeit Abstand gewinnen.
Der Ansatz der Natural Horsemanship erlaubt es Anfängern ebenso wie fortgeschrittenen Pferdeliebhabern, diese wundervollen Tiere besser zu verstehen.
Im übrigen ist dieser Kurs mit Sandra das einzige mir bekannte Angebot, bei dem Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene im selben Mass profitieren und Spass haben können, und zwar miteinander. Sandra geht auf die individuellen Bedürfnisse ein, gibt wertvolle Tips und versteht es, die Botschaften der Tiere an uns in humorvoller Art verständlich zu machen. Eine absolute Empfehlung für alle Pferdefreunde und solche, die´s noch werden wollen. Besonders herzliche Grüße von Toni an Buddy.
Thumbs up and keep on rocking girls!
  
 
  
 
 
 Silvia Jaeger 
 
2024-08-15
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
I had a great time at the April 16th, 2023 Natural Horsemanship Course.  My experiences both in and out of the saddle was wonderful.  I learned so much. As a beginner and someone who prefers keeping her feet on the ground, I was grateful for Sandra and her team's patience, compassion and encouragement.  I learned so much during round pen, freedom based training in the pasture, Liberty and harmonizing with the horses.  It felt good to know that all was OK if I stepped out of my comfort zone.  My connection with the horses felt so comforting. I left with a heart full of gratitude for having met everyone at Sundance Ranch and having experienced something I thought I never would.  No matter your age...there is a place for you at Sundance Ranch. BTW....Thanks to Sandra, I did ride a horse every day.  Until we meet again may your journey be filled with ease and grace.  Muito Obrigada
  
 
  
 
 
 Maria Landis 
 
2024-08-14