Portugal Equestrian

Horses & Riding

Tack

English

Horses

There are magnificent Lusitanos available for dressage tuition and a range of breeds available for jumping, including Portuguese, Dutch, French and German warmblood types and even some Irish bred horses. The horses are fit and well-schooled but are also cared for to a high standard, including receiving daily turnout.

Riding

There are 3 itineraries:

• Dressage Training Week is a based ride
• Showjumping Training Week is a based ride
• Intensive Training Programme (12 days) is a based ride

Ages

No specific age limit - there are some smaller horses for children.

Health

General good health

Weight

85kg / 187 lbs / 13 stone 5 lbs. May take 1 or 2 riders at 90kg - please enquire.

Food & Accommodation

Food

You will be on a half board basis, so breakfast and lunch are included but dinner is to your own account.

Breakfast will always be taken at the hotel where you can select from the continental buffet.

Mid-morning snacks are provided at the riding centre in case you get peckish between lessons.

Lunch is sometimes at the hotel but more often in local restaurants so that you can sample local dishes such as bacalhau, arroz de pato, piccanha etc.

Drinks are included with meals.

Your evening meal and drinks are to your own account, so you can choose to eat wherever you wish.

Accommodation

Accommodation is usually at Hotel Suave Mar in Esposende, just 10 minutes or so from the equestrian centre (transfers are provided each day). This hotel is around 200m from the Atlantic Ocean and faces the Cavado River. It has a good restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and gym and is within easy walking distance of the best local beaches.

In the event that Hotel Suave Mar is unavailable then an alternative of a similar standard will be used.

Itineraries

Dressage Training Week Standard accommodation.

Showjumping Training Week Standard accommodation.

Intensive Training Programme (12 days) Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-riders are welcome and there are many activities on offer in the local area, besides just relaxing and using the hotel facilities/beach.

The city of Porto is an interesting visit, as is the local town of Esposende.

Just to the north of Esposende is the natural paro of the north coast which is famous for its wetland areas and coastal sand dunes - during the migration period in spring/autumn this is a prime spot for bird watchers.

You can also book kite surfing, canyoning, wine tours and boat trips.

Travel

There are plenty of low-cost airlines flying into Oporto from regional airports across Europe. The airport is approximately 30 minutes from the equestrian centre and hotel so you may wish to hire a car in order to explore the area.

Alternatively, we can offer an airport transfers service at a small additional cost which is paid locally on arrival. Transfer costs are dependent on the number of passengers and include travel in both directions. **Please note that there is an additional surcharge for transfers required before 8 am and after 8 pm each day.

Testimonials

Cindy H., Oct. 24, 2023

Portugal Equestrian was a beautiful equestrian centre. Our trainer, Miguel, was experienced, placed us with horses that matched our riding level and disposition, and helped me to improve my riding. Miguel went above and beyond as the non-rider in the group had a dental emergency and they located a dentist and made all the arrangements for an appointment. Hotel Suave Mar was wonderful - clean, great staff, the swimming pool was extra special and the beach was across the street with a boardwalk that you could walk 3+ miles and back along the beach.

Francesca H., Aug. 3, 2021

I had a wonderful time at Portugal Equestrian on their week long showjumping programme. Whilst I
have been riding for 21 years, I have always ridden at a riding school and never had the
opportunity to really focus on my jumping. I found the tuition at Portugal Equestrian to be excellent
and was fortunate to receive 121 tuition and feedback on my riding throughout the week, which
really gave me the opportunity to work and build on my flatwork and jumping skills. We progressed
from smaller fences and sorting out my position at the start of the week to then more complex
courses, lines and bigger fences at the end of the week. Most importantly my confidence grew
throughout the week and this was largely due to the selection of horses I was given to ride. I
trusted the instructor’s guidance when it came to selecting the horses for me to ride and so when I
was given a horse that was more ‘hot’, I did not feel nervous or worried. All of the horses I rode
were well-mannered, beautifully schooled and it really was a privilege to ride them. The facilities
were also outstanding and it is clear to see that the owners take pride in what they do and how
they run the establishment.

Sarah C., July 17, 2019

Very good holiday which was exactly as I would have expected. The training was excellent and the horses were well looked after. The place was well run and the people were all lovely. I was picked up every day and dropped back to my hotel so no worries about travel. It could not have been any better organized.