Horseback Riding Holidays in Portugal
Riding Tours and Classical Dressage
Horse Riding
Nuno Calvet
A strong equestrian culture has existed in Portugal for centuries. Today, the most common place to see exhibitions of high levels of horsemanship is in the bullring. Although there has been a decline in bullfighting attendance in Portugal, it stills draws crowds to see the riding skills of the Cavaleiros (horse men).
Here you can see native Lusitano horses, highly prized for their calm temperament, agility and speed, engaging stocky, powerful bulls. Classical Dressage is an intergral part of bullfighting ritual, and today a number of equestrian schools across Portugal maintain this tradition.
Portugal is also home to one of the few remaining feral breeds of horses, the Sorraia, who possess a very distinct genotype from the rest of the Iberian breeds, and is genetically linked to the now extinct Tarpan wild horses.
The large areas of undeveloped countryside in Portugal provides many excellent areas for riding tours. This provides an ideal way to see some of the most attractive regions of the country. Below you can find information about some of the main horseback riding schools and tours with links to appropriate websites.
Horseback Riding Holidays
Riding Tours
Horse Riding - Joaquim Lobo
Coimbra and surrounding area
Steve and Sandra Cross provide full board riding holidays in the Gois Valley, close to Coimbra. With seven horses available to ride at the Quinta, they are lucky enough to live in an area with lots of different riding options - from quiet one hour hacks, to picnic day rides, galloping along wide mountain ridges....(More info.)
Classical Dressage
Equestrian schools
Classical Horsemanship - Nuno Calvet
Lisbon and surrounding area
Located in Povoa de Santa Iria, close to Santarém, the Morgado Lusitano training facility is committed to providing the best Classical Riding experience available.
Rodrigo da C. Matos is the head riding master at Morgado Lusitano, and also one the main riding masters of the highly esteemed Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (Escola Portuguesa d' Arte Equestre). Learn classical dressage riding skills on Lusitano stallions trained to a level rarely made available as school mounts. Deluxe lodging and meals included....(More info.)