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Lusitano Dressage

Overview

This small-scale riding stables is just 45 mins drive from Lisbon. Joao and Susana welcome guests for tuition on their spectacular Lusitano horses. There is a 20x40m outdoor arena with beautiful views and they are flexible to adjust the timing of your lesson if the weather is going to be unkind. …

Highlights

  • Ride beautifully schooled Lusitano horses
  • Experience the magical piaffe and passage
  • Learn Classical Dressage from your generous instructor
  • Comfortable farm accommodation
  • Enjoy a drink with your friendly and welcoming hosts

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 3 riders per group (6 in camp)
  • Average of 1 - 2 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 100kg /220 lbs / 15 stone 10 lbs

Description

This small-scale riding stables is just 45 mins drive from Lisbon. Joao and Susana welcome guests for tuition on their spectacular Lusitano horses. There is a 20x40m outdoor arena with beautiful views and they are flexible to adjust the timing of your lesson if the weather is going to be unkind.

At this dressage centre you will ride Lusitano horses for both dressage and working equitation as the horses have been well trained in both these disciplines. Classical dressage needs no introduction, but working equitation is not a common activity here in the UK. The sport aims to show off and utilise the working capabilities of the Lusitano horse and competitors have to complete a gymkhana type event as well as a dressage test. In this event, rider and horse have to negotiate obstacles such as bridges, gates and jumps. At high levels and in team events, they may also have to work with cattle to split a specific cow from the herd.

During the dressage lessons you will have the opportunity to try riding Grand Prix exercises such as piaffe and passage on the schoolmaster horses. Those wishing to do Working Equitation will start with dressage lessons and only move onto the Working Equitation course once the instructor is happy you're at the desired level and you're comfortable on your horse. All lessons are of one hour duration and there is a maximum of two riders in each lesson.

No previous experience of classical dressage is necessary but those who already understand some dressage will get plenty out of this holiday. You do need to be able to ride already (walk, trot and canter) but your dressage experience can range from beginner to experienced.

The instructor, João Batalha, has been teaching classical dressage for more than 6 years in Portugal and other countries in Europe. After several years teaching in one of the most renowned schools and riding holiday centres in Portugal, he now shares his time between teaching exclusively at this stables and competing at national level in Portuguese Equitation and Working Equitation.

Cathy from Far and Ride was lucky enough to ride with Joao in October 2017 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Traditional Portuguese or Dressage saddles with simple snaffle or double bridles.

Horses

Lusitano

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • Dressage Tuition is a based ride
  • Cultural Programme is a based ride

Ages

Riders must be 12 years or older - there are no ponies, so children must be happy on horses.

Health

General good health

Weight

100kg /220 lbs / 15 stone 10 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner) along with all drinks. Traditional Portuguese food is offered along with locally produced wines. Special diets can be accommodated with advanced notice.

Accommodation

You stay at the farm where the horses are based. It is located in the countryside where you can take a walk to see the beautiful vineyards and village when not riding.

There are just two cosy rooms which each have a private bathroom, air conditioning and TV.

There is a central dining area for meals and a few outside seating areas for relaxing.

Itineraries

Dressage Tuition Standard accommodation.

Cultural Programme Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-riders are welcomed but we recommend hiring a car so you are free to explore the local area.

Travel

There are many flight options to Lisbon from major European hub airports such as London as well as some smaller regional airports.

Transfers from Lisbon airport are available at an additional cost, payable locally.

Check-in at the farm is between 3 pm and 10 pm each day - if your flight is delayed then please let the farm know so that they can make arrangements. Check-out on your departure day is midday.

Alternatively, you may wish to hire a car at the airport and we can provide driving directions.

Testimonials

Lisa S., May 14, 2024

It was an immersive experience in riding, with the setting and the hosts making it a very special Portuguese holiday. My instructor took things slowly with me the first day... but was quickly put into learning mode after that. Double bridles and spurs were not something I have used before. I have come home a more confident rider and have been able to transfer some of the tools I learnt onto my more flighty, green mare. The best thing about riding the Lusitanos was being able to feel the movements on a schooled horse. If someone is riding twice a day, definitely do not hire a car - it is quite full on and the car hire pick-up was horrendous!


Chris & Joanna, Feb. 25, 2020

Joao and Susana were brilliant hosts! The lessons were full on and the tution was excellent Joao's spoken English is first class and explained all the dressage moves very well, I was soon having a go at Passage, Piaffe and Spanish Walk! My aim for the holiday was to be able to improve my riding skills, I was able to perform moves that I never thought I would be able to do and I go to do it on a beautifully trained Grand Prix Stallion!


Sarah & Owen W., June 28, 2019

Very enjoyable experience. A very warm welcome from our hosts (Susana and João) and nothing was too much trouble. Made my 70th Birthday very special and memorable - cake & flowers.


Raffaela K., Oct. 17, 2017

It was an amazing time with such friendly hosts, a trainer with great knowledge and amazing horses. Because of everything "around" was well organized and perfect it was possible to be totally focused on this great horses and your training. The trainer, João, was looking perfectly on the horses and the equipment. Everything was in a good condition - like these were your own things.


Jean M., Oct. 17, 2017

Brilliant! Excellent instructor. Tack and Xisto (horses) were perfect. I had Lindo the first day, but found his action uncomfortable... When asked for a different horse the next day, they found the ideal one.


Helen D., Oct. 17, 2017

Joao and Susana were terrific hosts and we cannot fault any aspect of the holiday. As a rider, I was looking for a holiday where I could improve my riding skills in classical dressage and not a glorified trekking holiday or basic instruction in walk, trot and canter. Joao is a great instructor showing a great depth of knowledge of his subject and is English is excellent. He and Susana are also very good riders although Susana was confined to the kitchen most of the time cooking fantastic meals for us!


Sarah C., Oct. 17, 2017

This was a great holiday. It was everything I expected and more. The reason for the holiday was to improve my riding skills and due to the expert tuition, I certainly did improve beyond my expectations. The horses are of an excellent standard and very well looked after which is important to me also. The Instructor Joao was the best trainer I have ever had. He was an incredible rider and horseman. He really knows his stuff and can read what is going on at every second and correct you from the ground with precision. He is not afraid to push you to get more and knows when to stop. He is outstanding and I have learned so much which I will take on to my next horses.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

It's usual to arrive in the afternoon, but earlier arrivals can sometimes be arranged, although you may not be able to check into your room straight away.

Your hosts will meet you on arrival and show you around the stables before dinner. If you arrive early and are doing the short break then it may be possible to have an afternoon lesson, otherwise your first lesson will be tomorrow morning.

Days 2 to 5

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

You will have either one or two lessons each day. If opting for two lessons then this is usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon, but they can be flexible if you wish to venture out in the afternoon.

Lessons are one hour duration and there is a maximum of two riders in each lesson.

For riders with sufficient experience it is possible to have Working Equitation lessons, which includes negotiating obstacles such as bridges, jumps and gates. Classical dressage lessons could include trying grand prix movements such as piaffe and passage. Your instructor will tailor the lessons depending on your ability and wishes.

It is compulsory to wear a helmet when riding.

Day 6

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast. If you haven't had all your lessons then there may be time for a final lesson this morning, but you'll have to check out of your room.

Accommodation

You stay at the farm where the horses are based. The cosy rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning and TV.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be comfortable in walk, trot and canter in an arena. A higher standard of riding is required for the Working Equitation lessons.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 3
Accommodation for up to 6.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Flexible arrivals, subject to availability)

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Flexible arrivals, subject to availability)

Pricing

2024
Normal Programme (4 lessons), Single room		 £1040 $1320 €1260
2024
Non rider (sharing with rider)		 £530 $675 €645
2024/2025
Intensive Programme (8 lessons), Single room		 £1445 $1835 €1750
2024/2025
Intensive Programme (8 lessons), sharing		 £1345 $1705 €1630
2025
Normal Programme (4 Lessons), Single Room		 £1120 $1420 €1355
2025
Non-Rider, Sharing		 £695 $880 €840
2025
Normal Programme (4 lessons), Sharing		 £1020 $1290 €1235
Included 5 nights of accommodation, full board meals with drinks, 4 or 8 Dressage lessons depending on chosen programme.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, off-site tours, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2024/2025 - Lisbon Airport Transfer €60
Paid locally
Cost is per vehicle, each way (max of 4 passengers). Please note that prices are approximate and subject to increase in line with fuel prices.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrive and settle into your accommodation. Your hosts will meet you and give you a tour of the stables and introduce you to the horses before dinner.

Days 2 to 4

Riding: 1 hours

Start the day with a lesson each morning before enjoying a relaxing lunch and then head off on one of the tours to the following places:

- Winery with wine tasting.

- Obidos: the finest example of a Portuguese walled town and one of the best tourist destinations of the Lisbon region.

- Traditional tack shop visit.

Day 5 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast. If you haven't had all your lessons then there may be time for a final lesson this morning, but you'll have to check out of your room. You can use the communal areas to freshen up before your departure.

Accommodation

You stay at the farm where the horses are based. The cosy rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning and TV.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be comfortable in walk, trot and canter in an arena.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 3
Accommodation for up to 4.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Flexible arrivals, subject to availability)

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Flexible arrivals, subject to availability)

Pricing

2024/2025
Rider (3 lessons), Single room		 £1345 $1705 €1630
2024/2025
Rider (3 lessons), Sharing		 £1240 $1575 €1505
2024/2025
Non rider (sharing with rider)		 £835 $1060 €1010
Included 4 nights accommodation, full board meals (breakfast and dinner), 3 dressage lessons and 3 tours as described.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, additional off-site tours, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2024/2025 - Lisbon Airport Transfer €60
Paid locally
Cost is per vehicle, each way (max of 4 passengers). Please note that prices are approximate and subject to increase in line with fuel prices.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.