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Lusitano Dressage

Overview

This small-scale riding stables is just 30-40 mins drive from Lisbon, situated in an area where you can "get lost in time" and feel the rhythm of a typical old Portuguese village surrounded by vineyards, gorgeous landscapes and mountain views. Joao and Susana welcome guests for tuition on their spe…

Highlights

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

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 4 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 30-40 mins drive from Lisbon, situated in an area where you can "get lost in time" and feel the rhythm of a typical old Portuguese village surrounded by vineyards, gorgeous landscapes and mountain views. Joao and Susana welcome guests for tuition on their spectacular Lusitano horses. There is a 15x40m indoor arena and a huge outdoor arena alongside paddocks and stables for their 15 horses. The stables are within easy walking distance of the Campo Real Hotel where you will stay - you have the possibility to use their modern facilities including swimming pools and spa when not in the saddle.

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.

Working equitation lessons are available during the spring/summer whereas classical dressage lessons are available all year round. During the lessons you will have the opportunity to try riding Grand Prix exercises such as piaffe and passage on the schoolmaster horses. 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 here 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 7 years or older, although 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

Half board meals are included (breakfast and dinner).

Breakfast is taken at the hotel and is a buffet selection.

Dinners are taken in nearby restaurants accompanied by your hosts. These usually comprise two courses and include a starter followed by either fish or meat, together with accompanying salads and vegetables. The meals are typically Portuguese.

You are at the hotel during lunchtimes and this has three restaurants and two bars so you can choose and pay for meals as you like.

Alcoholic and soft beverages are paid separately and there is a bar so you can choose what you wish to drink.

Accommodation

You stay at the Dolce Campo Real resort hotel in Torres Vedras, which is 500m from the stables (10 minute walk or a short drive).

This five star hotel is a charming deluxe property surrounded by ancient vineyards. It has indoor and outdoor pools and an extensive spa. Guests have access to the spa facilities (jacuzzi, sauna etc) but massages and treatments are all payable locally. There is also an 18 hole golf course (payable locally).

All rooms have a private balcony or terrace, free WiFi, air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machine and TV. Rooms are entry-level, but you can upgrade for extra cost if you wish - please enquire.

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. The hotel is located within the heart of the Protected Landscape of Socorro and Archeira Mountains and does have a Spa, golf course and tennis courts (all payable locally).

There are many distinguished wineries in the region where you will be able to go and taste some typical Portuguese wines.

You can also visit the beautiful Santa Cruz beach, which is only 30km away.

In addition to the area surrounding the hotel, which has some typical villages to explore, you can also visit some of the following tourist areas:
Mafra - 33 km
Ericeira - 45 km
Lisbon - 45 km
Portuguese School of Equestrian Art - 45 km
Óbidos - 50 km
Sintra - 53 km

Additional information on these areas is provided by your hosts.

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 2 pm and 6 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

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.


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.


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.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

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 4

Riding: 2 hours

You will have two lessons each day and 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.

During spring/summer it is possible to have Working Equitation lessons, which includes negotiating obstacles such as bridges, jumps and gates. Classical dressage lessons are available all year round and 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 5

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

Prices are based on entry-level rooms at the hotel in Torres Vedras. These are comfortable five star hotel rooms with private bathrooms. For last-minute bookings costs may be more expensive if no entry level rooms are available.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All abilities can be catered for, but you should be comfortable in walk, trot and canter in an arena.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 3
Accommodation for up to 6.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 2, 2022 - Oct. 31, 2022

Pricing

2022
Non-Rider (sharing with rider), Mid Season (Apr-June & Sept-October)		 £395 $505 €470
2022
Non-Rider (sharing with rider), High Season (July-August)		 £440 $555 €515
2022
Intensive Programme (7 lessons), High Season (July-August), Sharing		 £1010 $1275 €1190
2022
Intensive Programme (7 lessons), High Season (July-August), Single		 £1235 $1560 €1450
2022
Intensive Programme (7 lessons), Low season (Jan-March & Nov-December), sharing		 £950 $1200 €1115
2022
Intensive Programme (7 lessons), Mid Season (April-June & Sept-Oct), sharing		 £970 $1225 €1140
2022
Intensive Programme (7 lessons), Low Season (Jan-March & Nov-December), Single		 £1110 $1405 €1310
2022
Intensive Programme (7 lessons), Mid Season (Apr-June & Sept-October), Single		 £1150 $1460 €1355
2022
Non rider (sharing with rider), Low season (Jan-March & Nov-December)		 £375 $475 €445
Included 4 nights of accommodation, half board meals (breakfast and dinner), 7 Dressage lessons, swimming pool and use of hotel spa/gym facilities.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, lunch, off-site tours, spa treatments, golf, tennis, drinks, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2022 - Lisbon Airport Transfer €80
Paid locally
Cost is per vehicle, each way (max of 4 passengers)
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 - 2 hours

Start the day with a lesson each morning, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the hotel (payable locally) 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

Prices are based on entry-level rooms at the hotel in Torres Vedras. These are comfortable standard hotel rooms with private bathrooms. For last-minute bookings costs may be more expensive if no entry level rooms are available.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

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

At any time during: Nov. 14, 2021 - Dec. 23, 2021

At any time during: Jan. 2, 2022 - Dec. 31, 2022

Pricing

2022
Rider, Mid Season (Apr-June & Sept-October), Sharing		 £875 $1110 €1030
2022
Rider, Mid Season (Apr-June & Sept-October), Single		 £1060 $1340 €1250
2022
Non-Rider (sharing with rider), Mid Season (Apr-June & Sept-October)		 £550 $695 €650
2022
Rider, High Season (July-August), Sharing		 £920 $1160 €1080
2022
Rider, High Season (July-August), Single		 £1140 $1445 €1345
2022
Non-Rider (sharing with rider), High Season (July-August)		 £590 $750 €695
2022
Non rider (sharing with rider), Low Season (Jan-March & Nov-December)		 £530 $670 €625
2022
Rider, Low Season (Jan-March & Nov-December), sharing		 £855 $1085 €1010
2022
Rider, Low Season (Jan-March & Nov-December), single		 £1020 $1290 €1200
Included 4 nights accommodation, half board meals (breakfast and dinner), 4 dressage lessons and 3 tours as described and use of hotel spa, swimming pool & gym facilities.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, lunches, additional off-site tours, spa treatments, golf, tennis, drinks, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2022 - Lisbon Airport Transfer €80
Paid locally
Cost is per vehicle, each way (max of 4 passengers)
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.