• Intensive Dressage Programme
• Dressage and Countryside Riding Combination
• Intensive Country Riding Programme
Type of horses:
Lusitano.
Nature of horses:
Well-schooled, sensible.
Height of horses:
15 - 16.2hh
Weight limit:
90kg / 198lbs
Tack type:
English and dressage saddles.
This family run Lusitano stud farm is located in the beautifully preserved region of Alentejo in Portugal. A traditional farmhouse lies at the heart of the estate and has been carefully restored and extended so as to offer luxurious accommodation to riders. The family hope to share their love of horses with guests who are looking for classical dressage tuition or rides out into the surrounding countryside - all levels of rider can be catered for at this sunny getaway. Free time can be spent in the pool overlooking the magnificent grounds, enjoying the spa facilities, cycling through the countryside or perhaps canoeing on the estate's lake.
The natural landscapes of Alentejo offer delightful riding country and the property itself lies inside an ecological reserve, a haven both for riders and the broodmares and foals roaming the meadows. If you choose to take advantage of the dressage tuition available you will be attended to by an experienced instructor who has competed at a national level. The horses are well schooled Lusitanos, primarily homebred, which are the most famous of the Portuguese breeds and well suited to dressage due to their agile and elevated movement.
In addition to the modern, upscale accommodation and the wonderful riding opportunities the farm also provides typical Portuguese cuisine. Riders choose to stay on either a bed and breakfast or a full board basis and those on the latter receive a bottle of wine each day as an added bonus. This is a holiday destination to suit those looking to experience some of the Portuguese equestrian culture and relax in sumptuous surroundings.
Please note that there is usually no riding on Sundays so that the instructors and horses can rest - your programme may be adjusted to facilitate this.
In 2021, the team are expecting 9 foals to be born between late February and May!
Cathy from Far and Ride has been lucky enough to ride here and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
See Programmes.
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.
Stays here including full board. Dinner is a three course meal (starter, main and desert) 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.
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. 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.
Guided tours of the surrounding area can be organised on request together with friendly, bilingual, qualified guides covering specific areas of interest including history, archaeology, literature and foreign languages. There are 6 new cultural walking/sightseeing tours available, with prices ranging from 100€ (EUR) to 150€ (EUR) per person for small groups of 1-4 people. Please do contact the office for more information if you are interested in receiving more information or in booking one of these.
Examples of some of the tours on offer include an Evora city walking tour, cork forests & industry, Arraiolos city & its handmade rugs, as well as a Vidigueira tour with a visit of a clay winery and tasting.
* NEW for 2021 - private hot air balloon ride over the resort. New for this year, a local hot air balloon company is offering private flights over the Monte Velho resort and surrounding areas. Flights must be booked well in advance, so please let us know if this is something you would be interested in doing.
Languages: Portuguese, English.
Health requirements: General good health recommended.
Age limit: No age limit for riders.
Tuition: Yes, depending on the programme.
Included: Accommodation, full board meals, wine with meals (approximately 2 glasses per person), horse riding according to your chosen programme and use of the pool, bikes and canoes on the property.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, tips, other drinks or services not mentioned.
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 6pm must use the airport transfer as the reception desk is closed.
Airport transfers are available for 1-4 people, at a price of €110 per car, each way (€220 round trip price) and are 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 of €20 (EUR) each way, above the standard transfer costs. So €130 (EUR) each way instead, 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 2pm. If you are late and miss your lesson, then it may not be possible to reschedule it.
Airport: Lisbon
This is a six night programme featuring a one hour dressage lesson each morning for five days (you do not ride on arrival or departure day). The lessons take place between 9am and 1pm each day and may include two pupils. They are given by experienced instructors using the farm's Lusitano horses. All levels of rider can be catered for but we would recommend some prior riding experience to make the most of this programme. When not riding you can explore the region, relax by the pool or make use one of the estate's bikes or canoes. |
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Minimum group size: | 1 |
Maximum group size: | 5 |
Ability description: | All levels are catered for. |
Type of ride: | Based stay with dressage lessons. |
Total riding time: | 1 hour lesson per day for 5 riding days. |
Departure dates: | 2021/22: Dates to suit all year. |
Pricing: |
2021: High Season (28 March-3 July 2021, 29 August-30 October 2021, 19-31 December 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1468 per person Double occupancy £1156 per person Non rider £788 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £1234 per person Double occupancy £1026 per person Non rider £658 per person Mid Season (28 February-27 March 2021, 4 July-28 August 2021, 31 October-27 November 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1204 per person Double occupancy £996 per person Non rider £715 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £892 per person Double occupancy £892 per person Non rider £611 per person Low Season (1 January-27 February 2021, 28 November-18 December 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1022 per person Double occupancy £892 per person Non rider £611 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £788 per person Double occupancy £788 per person Non rider £507 per person Included: 6 nights full-board accommodation, riding as described. 2022: Book your stay for 2022 and pay 2021 prices for a limited time only! 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. |
This is a six night programme featuring two lessons per day on four days, plus one day with a lesson and a trail ride (a total of nine lessons over the five days, plus one trail ride). You do not ride on arrival or departure day. and there is generally no riding on Sundays so that instructors and horses can rest. Each lesson is one hour long and may include two pupils. They are given by experienced instructors using the farm's Lusitano horses. All levels of rider can be catered for but we would recommend some prior riding experience to make the most of this programme. When not riding you can explore the region, relax by the pool or make use one of the estate's bikes or canoes. |
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Minimum group size: | 1 |
Maximum group size: | 5 |
Ability description: | All levels are catered for. |
Type of ride: | Based stay with dressage lessons. |
Total riding time: | Two lessons (1 hour per lessons) on 4 days and one lesson plus one trail ride on one day. |
Departure dates: | 2021/22: Dates to suit all year. |
Pricing: |
2021: High Season (28 March-3 July 2021, 29 August-30 October 2021, 19-31 December 2021): Premium room Single occupancy: £1797 per person Double occupancy £1486 per person Non rider £788 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £1564 per person Double occupancy £1356 per person Non rider £658 per person Mid Season (28 February-27 March 2021, 4 July-28 August 2021, 31 October-27 November 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1455 per person Double occupancy £1247 per person Non rider £715 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £1143 per person Double occupancy £1143 per person Non rider £611 per person Low Season (1 January-27 February 2021, 28 November-18 December 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1273 per person Double occupancy £1143 per person Non rider £611 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £1039 per person Double occupancy £1039 per person Non rider £507 per person Included: 6 nights full-board accommodation, riding as described. 2022: Book your stay for 2022 and pay 2021 prices for a limited time only! 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. |
This is a six night stay with a one and a half hour ride into the countryside each day (for five riding days). Riding out across the estate is a lovely way to experience the Alentejo countryside and enjoy the willing and sure-footed nature of the horses. Spend the rest of your day relaxing, swimming, cycling, canoeing, walking or exploring! |
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Minimum group size: | 1 |
Maximum group size: | 8 |
Ability description: | All levels are catered for. |
Type of ride: | Based stay with rides in the surrounding countryside. |
Total riding time: | 1.5 hour ride in the countryside each day for 5 riding days. |
Departure dates: | 2021/22: Dates to suit all year. |
Pricing: |
2021: High Season (28 March-3 July 2021, 29 August-30 October 2021, 19-31 December 2021): Premium room Single occupancy: £1273 per person Double occupancy £962 per person Non rider £788 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £1039 per person Double occupancy £832 per person Non rider £658 per person Mid Season (28 February-27 March 2021, 4 July-28 August 2021, 31 October-27 November 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1052 per person Double occupancy £845 per person Non rider £715 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £741 per person Double occupancy £741 per person Non rider £611 per person Low Season (1 January-27 February 2021, 28 November-18 December 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £871 per person Double occupancy £741 per person Non rider £611 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £637 per person Double occupancy £637 per person Non rider £507 per person Included: 6 nights full-board accommodation, riding as described. 2022: Book your stay for 2022 and pay 2021 prices for a limited time only! 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. |
A six night stay combining dressage lessons with guided rides into the surrounding countryside. Each day there is a one and a half hour ride out in the morning and then a one hour dressage lesson in the afternoon (no riding on arrival or departure day). This is the ideal combination - ride to learn and ride for fun! |
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Minimum group size: | 1 |
Maximum group size: | 5 |
Ability description: | All levels are catered for. |
Type of ride: | Based stay with dressage tuition and rides in the countryside. |
Total riding time: | One hour dressage lesson and a one and a half hour ride in the countryside each day for five riding days. |
Departure dates: | 2021/22: Dates to suit all year. |
Pricing: |
2021: High Season (28 March-3 July 2021, 29 August-30 October 2021, 19-31 December 2021): Premium room Single occupancy: £1642 per person Double occupancy £1330 per person Non rider £788 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £1408 per person Double occupancy £1200 per person Non rider £658 per person Mid Season (28 February-27 March 2021, 4 July-28 August 2021, 31 October-27 November 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1334 per person Double occupancy £1126 per person Non rider £715 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £1022 per person Double occupancy £1022 per person Non rider £611 per person Low Season (1 January - 27 February 2021, 28 November-18 December 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1152 per person Double occupancy £1022 per person Non rider £611 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £918 per person Double occupancy £918 per person Non rider £507 per person Included: 6 nights full-board accommodation, riding as described. 2022: Book your stay for 2022 and pay 2021 prices for a limited time only! 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. |
This is a six night stay with two separate one and a half hour rides into the countryside each day (for five riding days). Riding out across the estate is a lovely way to experience the Alentejo countryside and enjoy the willing and sure-footed nature of the horses. Spend the rest of your day relaxing, swimming, cycling, canoeing, walking or exploring! |
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Minimum group size: | 1 |
Maximum group size: | 8 |
Ability description: | All levels are catered for. |
Type of ride: | Based stay with rides in the surrounding countryside. |
Total riding time: | Two 1.5 hour rides in the countryside each day for 5 riding days. |
Departure dates: | 2021/22: Dates to suit all year. |
Pricing: |
2021: High Season (28 March-3 July 2021, 29 August-30 October 2021, 19-31 December 2021): Premium room Single occupancy: £1447 per person Double occupancy £1135 per person Non rider £788 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £1213 per person Double occupancy £1005 per person Non rider £658 per person Mid Season (28 February-27 March 2021, 4 July-28 August 2021, 31 October-27 November 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1182 per person Double occupancy £975 per person Non rider £715 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £871 per person Double occupancy £871 per person Non rider £611 per person Low Season (1 January-27 February 2021, 28 November-18 December 2021): Premium room: Single occupancy £1001 per person Double occupancy £871 per person Non rider £611 per person Standard room: Single occupancy £767 per person Double occupancy £767 per person Non rider £507 per person Included: 6 nights full-board accommodation, riding as described. 2022: Book your stay for 2022 and pay 2021 prices for a limited time only! 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. |
This destination offers three night short breaks with three riding days. You can choose one of the following riding options during your short stay: - 3 lessons - 5 lessons - 3 lessons and 2 hacks - 3 hacks - 5 hacks Please contact us for detailed pricing for these programmes. |
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Minimum group size: | 1 |
Maximum group size: | 5 |
Ability description: | All levels welcome. |
Type of ride: | Based stay with dressage tuition or hacking. |
Total riding time: | Depends on chosen programme. |
Departure dates: | 2021/22: Dates to suit all year. |
Pricing: |
2021/22: All of our week long programmes can also be tailored to accommodate a short duration of stay. Please contact us for detailed pricing and to discuss your riding preferences. 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. |