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, 15 C
Forecast:
Sun - Fog Late. High: 14 Low: 7
Mon - AM Fog/PM Sun. High: 17 Low: 6
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Classical Dressage and Carriage Driving
2012 Prices per person:
Programme A: Seven nights, six Dressage lessons, four Rides Outdoors.
Full board: £870 Half board: £761
Programme B: Seven nights, ten Dressage lessons.
Full board: £931 Half board: £817
Programme C: Seven nights, five Dressage lessons, four Rides Outdoors, three Carriage driving Outdoors.
Full board: £866 Half board: £764
Programme D: Seven nights, ten lunging lessons, two Carriage Driving.
Full board: £728 Half board: £633
Programme E: Seven nights, six Dressage lessons.
Full board: £716 Half board: £608
Programme F: Seven nights, eight lunging lessons.
Full board: £658 Half board: £554
Programme G: Seven nights, six Carriage driving outdoors.
Full board: £566 Half board: £462
Programme H: Non-riding Guest, seven nights.
Full board: £462 Half board: £354
Programme I: Seven nights, eight Dressage lessons.
Full board: £791 Half board: £687
Single supplement £125
Short Breaks :
Four nights, 6 equestrian activities
Full board: £524 Half Board: £474
Four Nights, 8 equestrian activities
Full Board £599 Half Board £549
Single Supplement £71
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
In the heart of the Southern Alentejo region of Portugal lies this beautiful countryside residence, home to a herd of purebred Lusitano horses and the ideal base for a dressage focused riding holiday. This top equestrian centre offers programmes based on classical dressage, traditional equitation and carriage driving, all under the watchful eye of the talented instructor Nuno Baptista. The beautiful centre is surrounded by centenary and cork trees, olive groves and the colours and sounds of a peaceful world almost forgotten in this day and age.
Being situated in such a region as this, your hosts offer you a true approach to countryside life with calming surroundings, local traditions and the best of Alentejo's gastronomy, including items such as the speciality black pork. They have excellent riding facilities including an indoor and outdoor menage, allowing them to conduct daily schooling, give tuition and to promote riding clinics throughout the year. Riding tracks around the estate offer guests the chance to appreciate the Portuguese countryside, though limited hacking is offered only to experienced riders due to the quality and schooling of the horses.
Nuno Baptista is a highly experienced and patient instructor, respected as both a national and international rider and trainer who competes at Prix St George level and has been a member of the national dressage team. He has the 7th saddle level degree of the Portuguese Equitation Federation, is a national referee for working equitation (having taken part in the national championship in 2003) and also an international referee for horseball. Nuno is renowned for his excellent approach to tuition, giving riders confidence and providing them with achievable but impressive goals for their stay whilst also giving tips which they can apply to riding their own horses at home.
This tranquil destination is designed for those with an appreciation of dressage, carriage driving or a love of the Lusitano horse. It is a remote location but suited to relaxation with a good book by the swimming pool and enjoying the sunshine. There is a choice of programmes which you can choose from to ensure that you get the right mix of activities for you.
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 fabulous swimming pool.
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 or take part in some 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, according to chosen programme.
Included: Accommodation, meals (full or half board according to what you choose), drinks with meals, horse riding activities according to programme.
Not included: Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, drinks and extras not mentioned.
Travel Information
As the destination is very remote, car hire gives you the flexibility to explore the area further.
Alternatively, we can organise a transfer service at an additional cost (to be paid locally) from the airport to the centre:
• Lisbon Airport return transfer: 130€ per person (one person) 110€ each person (more than one person)
• Faro Airport return transfer: 110€ per person (one person) 90€ each person (more than one person)
Airport: Faro
Alternative Airport: Lisbon
Programmes
Classical Dressage and Carriage Driving
|
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. Please note that hacking is limited to experienced riders only who have already taken some of Nuno's lessons - the horses are not your traditional trail horses but extremely well-schooled dressage horses. Hacks are short. The itinerary may vary depending on the programme you have chosen but each day you may enjoy a mix of instruction and short rides out 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 you will be introduced to your horse and will perhaps begin with your dressage tuition. 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 facilities 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 a short hack 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. Day Eight:
After breakfast a fond farewell to your new friends before returning to the airport.NB. The above itinerary is just a sample itinerary to give you a taster of what to expect. Your activities will depend on your chosen programme and preferences. |
|
| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Beginner to Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Dressage tuition, carriage driving and short hacks |
| Total riding time: | Please see individual programmes |
| Departure dates: | Dates to suit all year around |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |