Monte Velho Equo Resort

Horses & Riding

Tack

English and dressage saddles.

Horses

The horses are predominantly well-schooled Lusitanos which are the most famous of the Portuguese breeds and well-suited to dressage due to their naturally elevated movement. There are two separate groups of horses; one specifically for dressage lessons and one for the countryside riding programme (trail rides). The dressage horses are trained using classical dressage principles which are quite different to the more modern way of dressage training. You may find it takes a lesson or two to get used to this way of riding if you have never done it before. The horses used for the trails aren't as highly schooled or not as well suited to school life as those used for the dressage lessons.

Riding

There are 4 itineraries:

• Regular Dressage Programme is a based ride
• Intensive Dressage Programme is a based ride
• Dressage and Countryside Riding Combination is a based ride
• Country Riding Programme is a based ride

Ages

No age limit for riders.

Health

General good health recommended.

Weight

90kg / 198lbs / 14 st 2 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Stays here include full board. Dinner is a three course meal (starter, main and dessert) comprising of typical Alentejo ingredients. Some wine is included with lunch and dinner and tea and coffee is included with all meals. Additional drinks cost extra.

Accommodation

This beautiful estate offers two different accommodation options:

1) Premium rooms (7) - these modern, sophisticated rooms offer incredible views over the valley. They are 25m2 and including a king-size bed, bathroom, open balcony with outdoor shower, air-conditioning, TV, iPod dock, free wireless and a Nespresso machine. There are three in the main building and four in a new block which appears to float on the hillside.

2) Standard rooms (2) - these standard rooms are located in the original building but have been renovated to offer a modern, minimalistic feel. They are 20m2 with two single beds, bathroom, air-conditioning, TV, iPod dock, Nespresso machine and free wireless.

Extra beds can be added to rooms on request.

There is also a newly built spa with sauna and jacuzzi, and a gym, which are situated close to the swimming pool with great views over the valley.

Please note that two people sharing a Double/Twin room cannot both book the Intensive Dressage Programme as it leaves other rooms with no lesson availability. For the Intensive Dressage Programme you must book a Single room, or be sharing with a Non-Rider or a rider only wanting hacks.

Itineraries

Regular Dressage Programme Luxury accommodation.

Intensive Dressage Programme Luxury accommodation.

Dressage and Countryside Riding Combination Luxury accommodation.

Country Riding Programme Luxury accommodation.

Other Activities

There are free bikes and canoes available at the property for guests to use. You can use the canoes on the property's own lake. Guided tours of surrounding areas can be organised on request. Arraiolos is just 7km away and features an impressive medieval castle as well as many examples of traditional architecture and a variety of restaurants serving local cuisine. Evora is just 20km away and is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the excellent preservation of its old town.

Travel

We recommend that guests fly into and out of Lisbon airport. A hire car is recommended as it gives you the flexibility to explore the region more fully during your stay. You will need to plan your arrival to Monte Velho before 6 pm in this case. Arrivals after 6 pm must use the airport transfer as the reception desk is closed.

Airport transfers are available for 1-4 people, at an additional cost, payable locally. If you are planning to spend a few days in Lisbon before or after your visit, then city transfers are also available for a supplementary cost, again payable locally.

Airport (or city) transfers are required if you are arriving in Lisbon in the evening (after 6 pm).

Riding is not usually possible on the arrival day. If you specifically request riding on your arrival day, then you MUST arrive before 2 pm. If you are late and miss your lesson, then it may not be possible to reschedule it.

Testimonials

Abbie T., Oct. 18, 2023

A dream come true! (Favourite memory?) The amazing horses.

Anna B., Sept. 27, 2023

One of the best holidays I have ever had. The two instructors we had were different but both really good. My riding improved and each lesson I took something away. I felt that they read the briefs we sent them. and they worked to our briefs. Me on my laterals and Annie on experiencing the feel of special moves (changes/Piaffe etc) Diego guided us on the trail rides which was really special.

Annie H., March 14, 2023

The holiday exceeded my expectations! Wonderful location, superb accommodation, yummy food, friendly and helpful staff, gorgeous horses, a relaxed vibe and a great learning experience ………… a unique and special holiday!

Catherine A., Nov. 16, 2022

Loved every minute – gorgeous horses, fabulous food, friendly helpful staff, great setting so peaceful and relaxing. Enjoyed every minute of being in the Monte Velho bubble!

Candi D., Nov. 15, 2022

Excellent experience and value for your money. Whether you are a Grand Prix rider or Green as Grass, this dressage based resort in the Alentejo has a program, instructor and horse for you. They try very hard to accommodation and, in turn, expect you to strive to get the most out of your lessons. Favourite memory? "Nailing" a movement I could never do, and having such a great sense of accomplishment in the challenge, which was also supported by a newfound crew of fellow riders! Accommodation/food? The accommodations are lovely. Every room has a view. The food and wines are fresh, tasty, appealing and delicious every meal. They also strive to prepare delicious vegan options.

Dominique T., Sept. 21, 2021

It was a wonderful experience at a beautiful resort – all high class: accommodation, other facilities, horses, lessons – simply great!

Meg L., June 7, 2021

We had a great time. The property and surrounding area is stunning, the people are lovely, there's a good selection of horses who were clearly well cared for and well trained, and the quality of tuition was excellent. (Favourite memory?) For me: our first lesson with Joao. He's not only a fantastic rider but has a lovely way of teaching, so I felt I took a lot away from that lesson and I enjoyed the slight challenge my horse Afonso offered. For Sam (beginner): his lunge lesson with Diogo (a last minute replacement for our joint lesson which weren't quite working, as he hadn't quite mastered steering his horse who was a suitable steed but had his own ideas about which direction they should be going in!). It was his final ride and he felt everything really clicked, He finished on a high and is keen to continue riding.

Phoebe, March 9, 2020

We had a really enjoyable time. Food, room and location were exceptional. Very relaxing, we enjoyed walks around the property which was beautiful. Horses in fabulous condition and the instructors were all very good.

Catherine A., Nov. 30, 2017

Excellent - fabulous hotel in a gorgeous setting, riding amazing horses. Very friendly helpful staff. Peaceful tranquil setting - heaven on horseback!! Great food. Room and hotel spotlessly clean, comfortable and welcoming. Horses were well looked after and a pleasure to ride. I rode different horses which added to the experience. All tack was of a high standard. All instructors were extremely friendly, encouraging and patient. Rita who led the trail rides was lovely. (Favourite memory?) Wonderful canter on the last trail ride. Beautifully collected canter in the sunshine in wonderful scenery.

Friederike J., Oct. 12, 2017

The holiday was absolutely perfect. Loved the architecture and landscape of the resort. Very friendly staff. Well cared for horses. The rooms are just wonderful. Very modern and clean. The staff made sure to choose the right horses for each guest. It was great to get to try different horses though. Very careful and involved trainers. Liked Rita (trail rides) and Annie (dressage) very much. (Favourite memory?) Early morning rides exploring the estate. Sitting in the beautiful bar/pool area with a cool drink.

Nina M., Oct. 12, 2017

The trip was absolutely wonderful. Great accommodation. Well-trained horses. Great service. The American teacher (Annie) was quite good. Very honest with her feedback, so that we could actually learn something. We reserved Monte Velho already for next October!

Elaine S., July 11, 2017

Amazing facility, so kind and helpful. the horses were wonderful and the quality of the instruction was great. I loved that no matter what level of rider you are everyone gets the same level of attention. I never once felt that I was less interesting than other, better riders. The accommodation was fabulous and the food was great. I particularly loved the outdoor shower!! Especially after a lesson in 38 degrees! The horses were so well trained and kind.It was wonderful to get to ride true schoolmasters. The tack was perfect and very comfortable. All the instructors were fabulous. They were very patient and clear in their instructions and really gave us all individual attention. While I was there, there was a real spread of riding abilities and I think each one of us got very individualised instruction.
The ride was very much as described and met all our expectations. My husband was a non-rider but he really enjoyed the location and the facilities. There are lovely walks and lots of wildlife, the pond is nice for canoeing too. I was very impressed with the level of service we received from Far and Ride especially how well you stayed in touch before the holiday.

Sally, May 18, 2016

The only word to sum up Monte Vehlo is 'paradise'. This place is true luxury; the perfect place to escape the real world. The instruction is first class, the accommodation was stunning (I stayed in a 'standard' room, but there wasn't anything standard about it) and the food was homely and hearty. The horses were also lovely: polite, well-schooled and responsive.

Ana & Daniela S., Nov. 25, 2015

This holiday was beyond our expectations. Our dressage lessons with João Torrão were outstanding, he truly helped us improve our riding. The service was also spotless. Everyone at Monte Velho is friendly and accommodating. Both the accommodation and food are superb! Rooms are spacious, beds are comfortable, the food was all home-cooked and was healthy and gourmet-quality. (Far and Ride) you were very detailed, thorough and helpful with every aspect of the trip. Natalie was lovely to work with!