Alentejo Dressage, Portugal
Reviews
“How can I thank you and Sue enough. Without question it was absolutely fantastic. Everything went like a charm, the lessons for Jill were amazing and I enjoyed the farm and area. I ended up taking two carriage lessons from Nuno, he is a great rider and a fantastic teacher. The meals were fabulous and a very friendly atmosphere all around. Thank you very much. ”
Horses
Type of horses:
Pure bred Lusitano
Nature of horses:
Well schooled, intelligent, brave and agile
Height of horses:
15 -16.2 hh
Weight limit:
110 kgs
Tack type:
English and Portuguese
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 18 C
Forecast:
Fri - Sunny. High: 37 Low: 15
Sat - Sunny. High: 35 Low: 14
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Classical Dressage and Carriage Driving
Prices per person:
Programme A: Seven nights, six Dressage lessons, four Rides Outdoors.
2010: Full board: £832 Half board: £728
Programme B: Seven nights, ten Dressage lessons.
2010: Full board: £891 Half board: £782
Programme C: Seven nights, five Dressage lessons, four Rides Outdoors, three Carriage driving Outdoors.
2010: Full board: £828 Half board: £732
Programme D: Seven nights, ten lunging lessons, two Carriage Driving.
2010: Full board: £732 Half board: £636
Programme E: Seven nights, six Dressage lessons.
2010: Full board: £719 Half board: £611
Programme F: Seven Nights, eight lunging lessons.
2010: Full board: £661 Half board: £556
Programme G: Seven nights, six Carriage driving outdoors.
2010: Full board: £569 Half board: £464
Programme H: Non-riding Guest, seven nights.
2010: Full board: £464 Half board: £355
Single supplement £125
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
In the heart of the Southern Alentejo region of Portugal, within easy reach of the airports of Lisbon and Faro, you will find this beautiful countryside residence, nestling amongst picturesque pasture land that is home to a herd of pure bred Lusitano horses. This is where you will be staying on your riding holiday.
Experience Portugal at this top equestrian centre offering traditional equitation, classical dressage and carriage driving programmes. The centre is situated in the south of Portugal, in the heart of southern Alentejo. Here they experience hot, dry summers and cool winters. The centre is surrounded by centenary trees, stunning fragrances, olive groves, cork trees, fabulous colours and calming sounds. Their aim is to provide a relaxed atmosphere in close proximity to the Lusitano horse, country lifestyle, local traditions and the best of the Alentejo's gastronomy.
Being fortunate enough to live in such a beautiful region like this, your hosts feel responsible for preserving the nature around them, the traditions of the local area and the culture of the local Portugese. They also offer short tours to the local village, and the chance to visit other places of historical, social, cultural or religious interest.
They are able to offer excellent horse riding facilities including an indoor arena (40x20) and an outdoor menage (70x30). This enables them to conduct daily schooling, tuition and promote clinics all year around. Also you will find fabulous tracks inside and outside the estate so trail riding will be a pleasure in this wonderful countryside.
Traditional equitation, dressage, and driving are the disciplines which they conduct daily. As breeders those are the disciplines they believe promote and contribute to a finer selection of their horses, the Lusitano. Only pure bred Lusitanos are used in the lessons.
This is an ideal destination for couples and those with a passion for classical dressage or Lusitanos alike and there are also activities for non-riders.
Expect to receive highly experienced and professional instruction from Nuno Baptista in classical dressage, also riding out around the farm, lunge lessons, cattle driving and carriage driving are available. Nuno Baptista is an equine judge and has much experience in the breeding programmes of Lusitano horses. Nuno is a highly respected national and international rider and trainer, he competes at Prix St George level. He speaks fluent English and transmits his remarkable patience through to his clients, whilst conducting his lessons. All lessons are done on an individual basis and are tailored for guests to get as much out of their experience as possible and to benefit from his knowledge and expertise.
Below you will find an example programme, this is one of many variations, please see pricing for the full list of options. These are all individual packages with different combinations of dressage, lunge lessons, rides and carriage drives and for different lengths of stay.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The traditional farmhouse was renovated and re-equipped to give it a modern feel and to provide practical comforts. Its design is respectful of the the original characteristics and architectural features of the region.
The accommodation provides eight rooms, each with a private bathroom and equipped with a television. They also offer two apartments with a living and dining room.
The newly finished swimming pool is heavenly - take a look at the photos in the gallery. There's no better way to relax after riding than by taking a refreshing dip in the pool on a sunny day. If you're more of a sun worshipper then simply relaxing on the loungers and enjoying the surroundings is the perfect option for you.
Here you will find the finest Alentejo cuisine enabling you to sample local and traditional dishes and regional delicacies. Typical Alentejo confectionary can be found here using well known tasty recipes. The farm itself supplies the quality fresh produce used in the cooking including the finest Alentejo's meat, black pig, fruits, vegetables and different kinds of jam that they serve at meal times. The chef produces wonderful meals from these fresh local ingredients.
Activities
Guests here can enjoy the new facilities such as the fabulous swimming pool, Whether you prefer relaxing in the warmth, making a splash and cooling down in the pool or playing sports then this place has it all.
There are plenty of opportunities for long walks and cycling in the lovely countryside. You can also enjoy a visit to see the breeding stock, fishing and hunting.
Local activities include visits to places of cultural interest such as the Chapel of Nossa Senhara, the ruins of an Islamic castle and Aljustrel’s Urban museum.
Further Details
Languages: English and Portuguese
Health requirements: None
Age limit: No age restrictions.
Tuition: Yes
Included: Full or half board accommodation and mealtime drinks
Not included: Flights, transfers,
Travel Information
We also organise a transfer service at an additional cost (to be paid locally) from the airport to the centre:
•Lisbon Airport return transfer: 110€ per person
•Faro Airport return transfer: 100€ per person
Airport: Faro
Alternative Airport: Lisbon
Programmes
Classical Dressage and Carriage Driving
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This is a wonderful opportunity to be guided by Nuno Baptista whose skill and patience will give you a better understanding of the Lusitano horse. Nuno is both a national judge and a member of the national dressage team in Portugal. His skill and patience with the horses is evident in every corner of this wonderful farm and he will make your experience here one you will never forget. When you have settled in to your comfortable accommodation, Nuno will show you around the grounds of the farm. Over dinner, he will discuss with you the itinerary you have chosen whether it is dressage instruction, trail rides, or carriage driving. Nuno will do his best to tailor each day to suit your particular needs and preferences and mixed groups of riders and non-riders, drivers and non-drivers are equally welcome. The surrounding area is crossed with miles of trails and tracks and you will be fortunate enough to be able ride or carriage drive in this wonderful tranquil countryside. It is possible to ride or drive for miles without meeting a vehicle so you will certainly be able to relax. The itinerary may vary depending on the programme you have chosen but each day you may enjoy a mix of instruction and trail riding or carriage driving. Day One: You will either arrive at Lisbon or Faro airport where you will be met and transferred to the centre. You will initially be given a short tour around the facilities and shown to your beautiful, newly renovated room with en-suite facilities. At dinner, the chief instructor, Nuno Baptista, will talk to you in order to discuss your programme and ensure that a suitable horse has been made available for your activities. Day Two: After a delicious breakfast today you will be introduced to your horse and will perhaps take a trail ride around the park where the cattle are kept and you can spend some time relaxing with your new friend. If you have chosen carriage driving, you will discover that Nuno is also an expert in this discipline. Lunch is served at the equestrian centre and after time for a rest in the shade you will be ready to have some instruction on expertly trained horses. Day Three: After breakfast you will continue to enjoy the facilties offered here whether riding in the indoor or outdoor arena or carriage driving. Nuno will be able to help you overcome any difficulties you may have and advise you on the way forward. His skills are endless and his patience with both horses and riders is very evident. Day Four to Day Seven: After breakfast, you may wish to ride out on the trail through this beautiful unspoilt countryside. The Alentejo area is known for its stunning landscape and riding through the cork, olive and centenary trees will be a fabulous experience. After lunch you may wish to have some instruction or of course you may wish to relax by the new swimming pool. Non riders can take advantage of the other activities such as fishing, canoeing or archery. There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy a glass of the local wine in the sunshine. There are several horses here and the main sire is a Grand Prix stallion named Satelite, a nine year old grey. Ulysses and Palaciano are both at medium level and Xogum and Saleiro are used on the trails and on the farm and for carriage driving. There are other horses each with their own skills. Day Eight: After breakfast a fond farewell to your new friends before returning to the airport. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Beginner to Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Dressage, Driving & Carriage |
| Total riding time: | Please see individual programmes |
| Departure dates: | Dates to suit all year around |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |