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Quinta dos Pinheiros

Overview

Your hosts Kristin Dolke and Pedro Neves believe that a well-ridden and trained horse is the key to an enjoyable ride. The art of classical dressage gives their team of fabulous Lusitanos the gymnastic workout to develop their muscles to be strong, reliable and friendly partners. Pedro Neves is …

Highlights

  • Discover the art of classical dressage
  • Try traditional Portuguese working equitation
  • Ride glorious and well-schooled Lusitano horses
  • Receive private tuition by professional riders
  • Develop your skills in a homely & inviting environment

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 4 riders per group (8 in camp)
  • Average of 1 - 3 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 88kg / 194 lbs / 13 stone 12lbs

Description

Your hosts Kristin Dolke and Pedro Neves believe that a well-ridden and trained horse is the key to an enjoyable ride. The art of classical dressage gives their team of fabulous Lusitanos the gymnastic workout to develop their muscles to be strong, reliable and friendly partners.

Pedro Neves is a professional rider and trainer who offers a high standard of classical dressage and working equitation tuition. At Quinta dos Pinheiros you will have the chance to benefit from his knowledge and that of his professional team, as well as experiencing some genuine Portuguese horse culture. Lessons can be tailored for all levels of rider as well, from the beginner to the experienced competitive equestrian. You will be taught by Pedro or one of his professional riders for your lessons and these are always private one-to-one.

The quinta has fantastic facilities with both an indoor and outdoor school (with Ebb & Flow surface) and working equitation obstacles. The horses really are something special, three having performed in 'The Pride of Portugal' display at Olympia in 2016. All meals, snacks and drinks are included (the local wine is delicious!), as are transfers from the nearby station with an easy, direct connection to Lisbon.

The wonderful facilities and well-schooled Lusitano horses of Quinta dos Pinheiros are waiting for you.

Horses & Riding

Tack

You will ride in traditional Portuguese tack - the schooling saddles are cut somewhat like a dressage saddle and often have a 'xairel' (fox pelt) behind them, traditionally to protect your coat from getting dirty! Depending on your level, you may be asked to ride in a double bridle (with two reins).

Horses

All the horses you will meet here are Lusitano or Lusitano Cruzado. They can vary in height from around 15.2 - 17 hh and are all intelligent, willing and noble horses. Many of the horses have been trained to medium or advanced-level dressage and are naturally adept at collected work.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Lusitano Passion Short Break (3 Night) is a based ride

Ages

12+ years recommended to gain the most from your lessons. However, younger riders may be accepted by prior agreement. All children should be comfortable riding a horse as there are no ponies available.

Health

General good health is recommended.

Weight

88kg / 194 lbs / 13 stone 12lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

The programmes include full board. Lunches and dinners are taken in the garden during summertime or at a big, sociable table in front of a warm fireplace during winter.

The programme also includes drinks with your meals (water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine).

Accommodation

Quita dos Pinheiros is a charming rural guesthouse offering accommodation in double or twin rooms with private showers and toilets. The Quinta is home to your hosts and their team of fabulous Lusitano horses. There is a spacious living and dining area with a gallery overlooking the indoor school - you can enjoy a delicious glass of local wine or a cold beer whilst watching other lessons or horses being schooled. In colder months there is a roaring log fire.

Itineraries

Lusitano Passion Short Break (3 Night) Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-riding guests are very welcome to join riding friends and partners on these programmes. Between lessons, you will have time to visit the local area and discover many of the wonders of the Alentejo, from historic cities and medieval castles to fantastic wineries, olive oil producers and a host of other typical products of the area. We would recommend hiring a car if you plan to explore locally between riding sessions.

There is a beautiful pool at the quinta to relax by if you prefer and you are welcome to watch other lessons or the professional riders schooling the horses.

Travel

It is just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon airport to the quinta - we can organise transfers at additional cost, please enquire.

Transfer can be provided from/to the nearby station of Santarem at no additional cost, from where you can take an easy train to Lisbon.

Testimonials

Pat, March 29, 2023

We had such a wonderful week and awesome lessons. My goal was for Chloe to become comfortable with the walk, trot and canter. She surpassed that goal and was even comfortable cantering on the trail by the end of the week! Perry is such a great instructor. He kept things interesting by mixing up the lessons where we rode in the indoor, outdoor, did the obstacle course and then one morning we headed out on the trail. Perry even let Chloe try to jump which was exhilarating for her.

We loved our accommodations and the big group meals. We felt like part of the family. I wish I could fly back next month to continue my lessons. I learned so much from Perry and Pedro! Thank you for suggesting we ride there. It was a glorious experience.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Tuesday - Arrival

Riding: 1 - 3 hours

Arrive in the morning and have your first private lesson on one of the well-schooled and trained Lusitano horses. Three of the horses at this quinta were part of The Pride of Portugal demonstration at Olympia in 2016, so you can be assured they are all superb to ride. You can have lessons in classical dressage, working equitation or show training (such as with a traditional garrocha pole or even fire for experienced riders) depending on your wishes and riding ability. Lessons are approximately 50 minutes long.

After lunch, ride a different horse on a hack in the beautiful countryside around the farm. Hacks last c. 1.5 hours.

Days 2 to 3 - Wednesday and Thursday

Riding: 1 - 3 hours

The programme follows a similar routine as yesterday, with a private lesson in the morning and a group hack in the afternoon.

Day 4 - Friday - Departure

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast.

Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

You should have some basic riding experience already, but the programme can be tailor-made to suit different abilities.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 4
Accommodation for up to 8.
Departure windows

At any time during: Feb. 6, 2024 - Dec. 6, 2024  (Available to suit with Tuesday arrivals and Friday departures.)

Pricing

2024
Rider; Sharing		 £1005 $1250 €1175
Included 3 nights shared accommodation, 3 private lessons, 3 hacks, all meals including local drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks etc), local train station transfers.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, single supplement, insurance, tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Additional Night (shared) £163 $200 €190 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Sharing room price for an extra night at Quinta dos Pinheiros including meals and a private lesson. The single supplement for this additional night is €20.
2024 - Lisbon Airport Transfer £77 $96 €90
Paid to Far and Ride
Each way (1-3 pax)
2024 - Single Supplement £103 $128 €120
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for anyone who requires a single room.
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.