Feeding an Equestrian Dream

A 9-year-old boy with a passion for horses shows potential as a rider, but the costs associated with acquiring and maintaining a horse are enormous. In order for him to continue to develop, it is crucial to provide him with this incentive.

António, a 9-year-old boy, is passionate about animals and nature, with a special passion for horses. Since the age of 4, he has been honing his equestrian skills under the dedicated tutelage of Professor Catarina Martins Pinto, at Hipica de São Domingos, in Azeitão.

We are currently facing a significant challenge: António shows potential as a rider, but the costs associated with acquiring and maintaining a horse are beyond our financial means. In order for him to continue to develop and one day be able to represent Portugal in international dressage competitions, it is crucial to provide him with this incentive.

This project is not just about fulfilling the dream of a child who aspires to be a rider and horse breeder; it is a manifestation of our role as parents. In an increasingly fast-paced society that often prevents us from stopping to feel, breathe, observe and genuinely love, we believe it is our responsibility to find ways to nurture and realize our children’s dreams.

We are seeking support to foster António’s talent and passion, enabling him to pursue his calling and potentially bring pride to Portugal on the international equestrian scene. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to this goal and reaffirms the transformative power of investing in the dreams of young people.

António e Goiaba

About the author

I am António's mother, my name is Ana Rita Fonseca, and I recognize the enormous love he has for horses, with the Hipica de São Domingos being his second home. I believe that my mission as a mother is to provide a life with meaning and relevance for my son. To feed his dream that began when he was little when he asked me to go and learn to ride a horse when he was just 3 years old, but on the pediatrician's recommendation he started at 4 and a half years old. And since then his passion has not stopped growing. He had a fall in 2023 that took him away from horses for a while and it took a while for him to regain his confidence, but with the support of Catarina Martins Pinto and his current teacher Inês Sardinha he got through that phase and is once again happy and confident on the horse. You know when we look at our children and our greatest ambition is to see them smile, that is precisely what happens as soon as António enters the Hípica: smile. António does everything he can: feed the horses, wash them, cuddle with them, laugh with them, cry with them... it really is a great passion. Although financially I cannot afford this huge expense in my monthly budget, I cannot help but do what any mother/father would do in my place: try and ask for support to see my son's dream come true. I would like to thank everyone in advance for their availability and any contributions will be invaluable.

Budget and due dates

The amount raised is a contribution to paying for the box, food, the horse's vet and António's daily classes: worth €3000.

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