Welcome to JoyHorses
JoyHorses is located just 10 minutes from the historic city of Tomar, in the heart of Portugal. In a peaceful, natural environment, we offer a unique place for personal development, relaxation, and connection with horses. Our guidance specializes in working with children, teenagers, and young adults with autism or related diagnoses within the autism spectrum.
What we offer
At JoyHorses, you can participate in different forms of guidance and activities, with or without horses. Always in a safe, calm, and personal setting, with full attention to what you or your child needs.
We offer:
Day care (with or without horses)
During a half-day session of up to four hours, we offer daytime activities for children and young people, with or without autism. Our goal is to create a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable environment where every child can truly be themselves.
Equine Coaching
Experience the power of horses in a coaching session guided by certified equine coach Joyce van der Pluijm.
Natural Horsemanship
Work together with horses based on respect, trust, and body language, under the guidance of Joyce van der Pluijm, a certified Natural Horsemanship instructor.
Horseback Riding Lessons
Lessons may include groundwork, liberty work, double long lines, and/or riding.
Daytime Activities (with or without horses)
Rest for parents – fun for children
Give yourself, as a parent, some time and peace of mind while your child enjoys a safe and relaxing daytime activity program. We work in small groups, always offering personal attention.
What we do:
- Outdoor activities in nature or indoors in a cozy space
- Caring for the horses: grooming, feeding, and maintaining the pasture
- Coaching and relaxation (with or without horses)
- Small-scale support in a calm environment
- Available in both Dutch and English
While your child enjoys relaxing and fun activities, you as a parent have time to recharge.
Practical information:
Target group: children, teenagers, and young adults (with or without autism)
Duration: up to 4 hours
Cost: €25 per hour
Funding: PGB possible
Equine Coaching
Equine coaching is a form of personal development in which horses are involved as co-coaches. This method uses the natural sensitivity and intuition of horses to mirror human emotions, patterns, and behaviors.
The process helps people gain deeper insight into their behavior, feelings, and communication.
- Experience the power of horses in a coaching session guided by certified equine coach Joyce van der Pluijm
- All activities take place from the ground – no riding experience required.
- Focus on safety, calmness, and personal growth
- Coaching sessions in the paddock, fully tailored to your individual process
Practical information:
Target group: everyone
Duration: max. 2.5 hours
Price: €125 per session
Natural Horsemanship
Natural Horsemanship (NH) is a way of working with horses that is based on their natural behavior and communication. You work through body language, respect, and trust, rather than force or pressure. The goal is to build a partnership in which the horse follows you because it understands and trusts you — not out of fear.
The lessons are taught by certified NH instructor Joyce van der Pluijm.
This program can be done with the JoyHorses horses or with your own horse (there is the option to stable your horse in a spacious paddock with an open shelter).
Practical information:
Target group: anyone with basic knowledge of horses
Duration: up to 1 hour per horse
Costs: €45 per hour
Horse overnight stay: €15 (excluding feed)
Riding Lessons in the Tomar Region
At JoyHorses, all riding lessons are based on the principles of Natural Horsemanship. This means that not every lesson necessarily involves riding. Sessions may include groundwork, liberty work, work with double long lines, and/or riding.
Practical information:
Target group: everyone in the Tomar region
Duration: 30 or 60 minutes
Price:€25 per 30 minutes / €45 per 60 minutes
Lesson packages: available in sets of 6 or 10 lessons
What others say…
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP
“The lessons have given me so much insight into how horses communicate. Joyce explains everything calmly and clearly, offering just the right guidance. I feel more confident and have developed a stronger connection with my horse.”
GERDA, 55 YEARS
EQUINE COACHING
“I’ve had several coaching sessions with Joyce, both in person and online.
The equine coaching helped me pause and connect with my feelings. It brought me peace and new insights. Thanks to the horse and Joyce, I was truly able to be in the moment. A wonderful and unique experience.“
LISANNE, 43 YEARS
Who am I?
Hi, I’m Joyce! Almost two years ago, the opportunity arose to work several times a year from Portugal with my company JoyHorses. It’s there that my passion for people and horses beautifully comes together.
Horses have been a source of joy, growth, and trust throughout my life. With my background in education, my certification as an equine coach, and my qualification as a Natural Horsemanship instructor, I now guide others in their personal development.
What drives me? Helping people reconnect with themselves through horses — finding more balance, inner peace, and confidence to follow their own path.
3-Day Natural Horsemanship Retreat
In collaboration with Casa Dani, I offer a unique three-day program combining Natural Horsemanship, relaxation, and personal growth.
- Learn natural communication with horses
- Enjoy the peace and beauty of the Portuguese countryside
- Suitable for both beginners and advanced Natural Horsemanship practitioners.
- Optional: add an equine coaching session to your stay
