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.
Classical Equines
Classical Dressage lessons near Oporto
Horse Riding - Classical Equines
Based in Freamude, near Oporto, Classical Equines sell and train top quality Lusitanos in classical dressage. The horses are carefully selected and trained by talented dressage professionals and have hand selected quality Lusitanos for sale. Classical Equines offer clinics, lessons, training and riding holidays. You may wish to combine your training and horse shopping together and therefore custom packages are available on request. Classical Equines have access to some great quality breeders in Portugal to help find your ideal horse, and can help negotiate the purchase price, arrange vet-checks with x-rays, and transportation.
At Classical Equines you will witness and experience Portuguese classical dressage at its best and the beauty and talent of well trained Lusitanos. Many riders have said that they have learned more here in just a few days, than in years of experience riding at home.
Able to accommodate 4 riders and several non riders at one time, and are non rider friendly as there is lots for non riders to see and do. Porto is an easy 25min drive away with a wealth of history and plenty of attractions for tourists such as the tasting of many famous Port Wines in the wine cellars along the canal, visiting the cathedrals and churches with their tiled mosaics and gilded carvings and the dramatic bridges such as the grand Dom Luis I Bridge, built by an Eiffel tower disciple. In addition there are medieval fortifications and beautiful beaches. If one gets hungry there are a number of places to stop and try customary cuisine or a delicious pastry or two.
Classical Equines are situated close to the town of Guimarães, the birth place of Portugal itself and the foundation of Portuguese nationality. It is a beautiful city with a variety of colours full of monuments and artistic attractions – a must-see for tourists with a historical interest. The back facing rooms have a fantastic view of the Vale do Sousa due to the center being located on top of the Monte do Amparo mountain. At night this view transforms into a glittering romantic setting of lights....(More info.)
Classical Dressage Lessons with D.Francisco de Braganca at Quinta do Archino
Classical Dressage lessons near Lisbon
Horse Riding - D.Francisco de Braganca
The Quinta do Archino is situated close to the village of Ota, in the unspoilt peace and tranquility of cork trees, gentle hills and rivers lined with bamboo and miles of sandy tracks ideal for hacking out. The quinta has been the family farm for more than 300 years and boasts charming farm house accommodation for up to 4 guests. Having just a few guests at a time ensures that everyone that stays there gets individual classical dressage tuition and makes some great news friends along the way.
During the holiday each guest will receive personal instruction twice daily in classical dressage, in hand work or working equitation on one of D.Francsico’s 10-12 very fine highly schooled Lusitanos. Or alternatively you can simply go hacking out in splendid Portuguese countryside.
Horse Riding - D.Francisco de Braganca
The traditional farmhouse has twin rooms and en suite facilities, dining and sitting rooms, a spacious sun terrace and a luxurious swimming pool conveniently overlooking the outdoor school. Guests enjoy leisurely meals together in the comfortable dining room with home cooked food and fine regional wines. The atmosphere is relaxed and dress informal. D.Francisco will occasionally join you, providing the perfect opportunity for all those questions you were too busy to ask earlier in the day.
The farm is very popular with non riding partners and friends as there are plenty of wonderful walks in the area. Also close to many beautiful historic towns, vineyards and old monasteries, golf courses and of course the faded splendor of ancient Lisbon for Fado music, trams, old town strolls in Alfama district, Museums, Festivals, great views to name but a few. Also we are only 1 hour away from the famous long sandy coastline and Alantic ocean.....(More info.)
Classical Dressage at Morgado Lusitano
Classical Dressage lessons near Lisbon
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.)
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.)