On 70 hectares of stunning Alentejo landscape, Almagre offers a sanctuary where both people and animals find peace. It is the perfect place to disconnect from daily stress and recharge your energy in an environment of absolute serenity.

 

Almagre is not just a haven for horses but also a refuge for those seeking personal development, embracing a healthy lifestyle, and promoting mental health.

We recognize the profound impact of nature on mental health and aim to provide a tranquil space where clients can connect with horses and other animals in a therapeutic setting.

 

Almagre offers an innovative and transformative approach to mental health and well-being through Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, certified by the EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) model—a revolutionary method of mental health intervention. The presence of horses throughout the therapeutic process creates a unique space for psychological and emotional transformation. Horses act as dynamic mirrors of our interactions with the world, bringing to the surface repressed emotions and feelings that can then be processed in a healthy way, facilitating change and self-regulation.

 

With two decades of experience in clinical psychology and a lifelong connection to horses, Chantal Feron has established a center for Equine-Assisted Interventions at Almagre, nestled in the serene Alentejo landscape. She brings extensive expertise as a clinical psychologist and coach, working in areas such as Burnout, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Pre- and Postpartum Depression.

 

At Almagre, clients are welcomed into a nurturing environment immersed in the local flora and fauna, where they can interact with a variety of animals: 12 therapy horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks, fostering a profound sense of connection and tranquility.

Across the 70 hectares, there are numerous walking trails winding through holm oak fields or along a dam, inviting meditative walks, while secluded zen spots provide spaces for individual meditation and introspection.

The horses, which roam freely in a herd when not participating in therapy sessions, offer a unique form of companionship and support. All interactions with the horses are non-ridden, emphasizing the therapeutic bond.

 

Key Offerings

 

Almagre’s main services include group retreats/programs, accommodating 10 to 20 participants for 2- or 5-day sessions. Guided by clinical psychologist Chantal Feron, these programs seamlessly integrate Cognitive-Behavioral and Integrative Therapy, mindfulness practices, and equine-assisted intervention. The focus is on personal development and mental and physical health.

Our services also extend to individual and group interventions or psychotherapy, personal development programs, and corporate team-building initiatives.

 

The interventions are dynamically adapted to the unique needs of each individual or group, ensuring a personalized and effective approach.

 

Additional Experiences

 

Beyond therapy sessions and programs, Almagre offers enriching opportunities for cultural immersion in the Alto Alentejo region. Clients are encouraged to explore the area, enhancing their stay with experiences that nurture the mind, body, and soul.

 

Facilities

 

On-site facilities include a cozy house with a spacious covered veranda for group activities and meals, a covered riding arena, an open arena for therapy sessions, a kitchenette, and restroom facilities.

While Almagre does not provide on-site accommodation, in order to respect the natural rhythms of its animals, clients are guided to nearby accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay.

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