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by Sheila Greenfield (Author)
A heart-pounding memoir of adventure, transformation, and the unparalleled connection between humans and horses.
To Borrow Freedom takes you on a gripping journey through the rugged landscapes of Portugal's Lower Alentejo, where Sheila Greenfield and her husband Robert Lee transformed a derelict farm into one of Europe's premier equestrian destinations. From humble beginnings with just a tent, five horses, and boundless passion, they created a high-end horseback riding business that invited guests from around the world to experience the breathtaking beauty of southern Portugal's coast.
This memoir is not just a story of building a business but of building a life that aligns with passion and purpose. Through a compelling and heartfelt narrative, Sheila shares the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journey, the deep bond formed with their Lusitano horses, and the joy of introducing guests to the soul-stirring beauty of the Alentejo region. Sheila also offers an inside look at the people and animals who shaped her adventure, including a memorable experience teaching actor Antonio Banderas how to ride for The House of the Spirits film. The memoir is a beautiful meditation on love, resilience, and personal growth, celebrating the courage it takes to pursue your dreams against all odds. To Borrow Freedom invites readers to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from embracing life's most daring adventures.Author Biography
Born and raised in Portugal, Sheila Greenfield inherited her mother's love for horses, learning to ride at the age of five. Following her passion, she went on to study the art of classical riding, training for three years with the late Lord Henry Loch and a further three years with classical instructor Carlos Pinto, who represented Portugal in the Sydney Dressage Olympics and was a former pupil of the late Nuno Oliveira. After training in Portugal and England, Greenfield obtained her instructor's diploma in Germany before returning to her home country to be with the Lusitanos she loved and set up her own classical riding and trail riding center: Caminhos do Alentejo (Trails of the Alentejo) grew into a leading name in European adventure travel, and she and her husband Robert Lee entertained guests from all over the world every week for 15 years. Their company was spotlighted on the Australian travel and lifestyle television show Getaway, the German international news channel Deutsche Welle (DW-TV), and in a feature called "Lower Alentejo at a Canter" by Elizabeth Marcus in The New York Times. When the 1993 feature film The House of the Spirits was filmed in the area, Greenfield was given the privilege of teaching actor Antonio Banderas the basics of riding. The world lost Greenfield to her battle with cancer in 2024. Her memoir, To Borrow Freedom, keeps her incredible spirit alive.
