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Vale de Ferreiros

Overview

This small, family-run equestrian centre offers dressage and jumping tuition with top quality horses and facilities, also acting as a venue for both national and international level competitions. The centre is located approximately 150 km from Lisbon in the central Portuguese region of Santarém and…

Highlights

  • Small and personal destination
  • Small teaching groups (usually 1 or 2 max per session)
  • Dedicated instructors specific to each discipline
  • Access to swimming pool and private gardens to relax
  • Located close to many historical and cultural sites

Essential Facts

  • 4 itineraries available
  • Max 5 riders per group
  • Average of 1 - 3 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: No weight limit within reason

Description

This small, family-run equestrian centre offers dressage and jumping tuition with top quality horses and facilities, also acting as a venue for both national and international level competitions. The centre is located approximately 150 km from Lisbon in the central Portuguese region of Santarém and is owned and run by Vitor and his daughter Filipa, who manages the smooth running of the centre and its events. Accommodation is provided in their modern guesthouse or one of two private cottages which are decorated in the traditional style, all furnished to a high standard, whilst meals comprise delicious local ingredients served as typical regional dishes. The local wine is also not to be missed! Of course, guests also have use of the swimming pool when not in the saddle.

The horses here are Lusitano, some trained up to Grand Prix level dressage, and Warmbloods (mostly KWPN and Selle Francais) that are capable of jumping courses up to 1m30. The centre can cater for riders of a novice level right up to intermediate for showjumping and dressage, with a chance to experience many different types of horse. The instructors speak very good English.

After your lessons, you may like to ride in the sun on a relaxing hack. There are c. 26km of trails around the estate for you to explore, which lead you through the surrounding pastures and cork woodlands, or into the village close by. It is possible to switch lessons for hacks and to take a relaxed stroll along the banks of the Tagus or up above the centre, to enjoy the full panorama of the surrounding countryside.

The area itself is known as a terrific producer of the fabulous Lusitano Horses as well as fine cuisine, delicious olive oil and robust wines. The great river Tagus flows freely through the region and ensures a constant supply of fresh, clean water to help crops, livestock and wildlife flourish. The picturesque town of Golega is located just 45-minute drive from the centre and is the site for the annual Lusitano horse fair - a true celebration of the breed Portugal has become so famous for. The national Lusitano stud farm at Alter do Chão is also an hour drive from the riding centre and well worth a visit.

Far and Ride team member Natalie has ridden at this destination - including visiting the world-famous Golega Horse Fair - and highly recommends the excellent tuition and warm hospitality.

LUSITANO HORSE SALES: For those interested in purchasing a purebred Lusitano horse, these stables can offer viewings and tailored sales advice to help you find the perfect horse for you. Please let us know if this is of interest at the time of booking and we can arrange this for you.

GOLEGA: Golega Horse Fair runs in November and can be incorporated into your stay.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English

Horses

Lusitano & Warmblood horses

The majority of horses for the dressage lessons are Lusitano, some trained up to Grand Prix level dressage.

For the jumping lessons the horses are Warmblood (KWPN and Selle Francais) that compete in jumping classes up to 1m and, in some cases, are capable of jumping courses up to 1m30.

Riding

There are 4 itineraries:

  • Dressage Programme is a based ride
  • Jumping Programme is a based ride
  • Combination Programme is a based ride
  • Tuition & Trails Programme is a based ride

Ages

None - please note that there are no ponies, so young children should be happy to ride a sensible horse. Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Health

No special requirements for riders, but please make us aware of any health conditions you might have which may affect your riding before booking.

Weight

No weight limit within reason

Food & Accommodation

Food

The food is usually regional Portuguese cuisine, which is cooked at a local restaurant. Dishes typically include steak, pork and fish with seasonal vegetables and local produce. The menu will certainly depend on what is available at the time of year and vegetarian or special dietary requirements can be catered to with prior information. Evening meals will be served with local wine (usually one bottle per 4 guests) and other drinks can be ordered and paid for on-site.

It is possible to opt for the half board if you have hired your own car and wish to drive out to explore local restaurants.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided either in the modern, renovated guesthouse or one of two private cottages in the traditional style, which have all been finished to a high standard. 9 rooms are available in total and all are large, modern, comfortable double or twin rooms generally with en-suite bathrooms. Most can also be offered for single use. The accommodation is located around half a mile (800m) from the riding centre itself, down a dirt track which is downhill towards the stables, but uphill back to the guesthouse.

All rooms have wifi access, cable television, towels, linen and shower gel. Some have bathtubs with a showerhead and others have only a shower. One room on the ground floor has been modified in order to accommodate guests in a wheelchair and includes an adjoining accessible bathroom.

Meals are generally taken in the comfortable dining room on the ground floor of the main guesthouse, or on the patio outside when the weather is good. Your hosts may join you for the meals and it is a great chance to get feedback on your riding lessons or to talk about the local area. Breakfast is usually served between 7:30 am and 9:00 am on weekdays, and later on weekends. However, later meal times can be arranged and discussed with your hosts on arrival.

The main house also has a swimming pool which guests are more than welcome to use when not riding (typically open May to October).

Itineraries

Dressage Programme Standard accommodation.

Jumping Programme Standard accommodation.

Combination Programme Standard accommodation.

Tuition & Trails Programme Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

There are many facilities for non-riders including use of the Swimming pool, a sitting room with satellite TV and wifi available throughout the accommodation buildings. The surrounding area is wonderful for walking, jogging or bike riding, through the extensive, beautiful, unspoilt countryside, quiet lanes and well-marked leisure routes too. The riding centre's close proximity to the Tagus river means that there are a number of options for routes to enjoy bird watching and the local town of Abrantes features a delightful Moorish Castle which is well worth a visit. Cultural visits to other nearby towns, such as Tomar and Fatima, as well as notable local castles, can also be organised. It is even possible to schedule cookery classes and wine tasting visits with local producers.

During the summer months, the days can be too hot for riding other than the early morning or evening. During the day your hosts can suggest a multitude of activities to entertain you when out of the saddle. The following are a few examples;

The Lakes: Visit a beautiful waterpark on the edge of a large lake and enjoy swimming, boating and a variety of watersports.

Boat Trip down the Tagus: Take a guided boat trip down the Tagus river with a picnic or restaurant lunch (as preferred). This offers a unique and phenomenal view of the region from the water.

Please contact us for prices and availability.

Travel

If you fly into Lisbon we can arrange your transfer by taxi at an additional cost. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Alternatively, it is very simple to take the train from Lisbon Oriente railway station direct to Abrantes. You will need to take the metro or a taxi from the airport to the trains station, which takes around five minutes. The train trip will take around one and half hours with a direct intercity service, or longer on a regional service and then you can be collected from the station or take a taxi to the guesthouse (approximately 10 minutes away).

You may prefer to hire a car as car rental is fairly cheap in Portugal. Hiring a car will enable you the flexibility to explore further in this wonderful area when you are not riding. Driving directions and GPS location can be provided on request.

Testimonials

Kendelle T., Oct. 19, 2022

Fun trying some of the more advanced dressage movements and a good group SJ lesson.


Barry A., March 29, 2022

I was there to ride horses and rest - it was the perfect place for that. My main focus was to learn some new dressage / horse riding skills. The accommodation was very good and welcoming. More importantly they have top quality horses and teachers. Highly recommend. Favourite memory? Learning proper flying changes. My instructor Fernando was exceptional. He had the positive approach and was hugely patient. He picked the right horse for me.


Alicia V., June 7, 2021

I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved riding dressage schoolmasters - and was proud to ride a full jumping course, albeit small jumps! Fantastic location, accommodation and horses! Great instructors. (Favourite memory?) Riding Oscar - the Grand Prix dressage schoolmaster - we danced together. And Jingo - my jumping steed. So patient & forgiving.


Jessica, Feb. 18, 2020

Excellent trip, one to tick off my bucket list! Jumped for the first time in years, the instructors were firm but fair, which is exactly what I needed. Very happy with the cottage that we stayed in, food was great!


Beverley, Oct. 30, 2019

Great horses, amazing staff & instructors. Superb accommodation, lovely home cooked food.


Kate M., May 1, 2019

We wanted you to know we had an absolutely fabulous time in Portugal and wouldn’t change a thing! Lovely staff, accommodations, food, horses, scenery and riding facility. Trip of a lifetime!


Kathy T., May 1, 2019

Our stay was amazing! It's a beautifully run establishment with wonderful horses, great facilities and inspirational instruction! I've never learnt so much in one riding lesson, let alone the seven I had! Horses were incredible! Fit, healthy and wonderfully schooled. Tack, stables, everything was immaculate! Filipa and João both excellent. João's dressage lessons were amazing - he really challenges to get the best out of horse and rider!


Jessica & Holly H., Nov. 23, 2017

Everything I'd hoped it would and more! Before we went I had a silly dream of riding a Lusitano stallion - not only did I get to do that (on the first day) I was thrilled to ride Grand Prix dressage movements on him! Holly's horse was absolutely perfect for her. All horses were clearly very happy and well looked after. (Favourite memory?) Riding a canter half pass on the schoolmaster stallion. Seeing my sister improve so much. Paulo the fab instructor - firm but fair. He clearly wanted us to learn and get something from all our lessons.


Debra H., March 8, 2017

This is a lovely facility with a homey feel. The equine centre is wonderful, with fabulous horses, great training and wonderful footing in the arenas. Everything was fabulous. The food was exceptional and Vitor could not have been a better host. The horses were lovely, they were well trained yet provided enough of a challenge to demand learning and improvement from the rider. Paulo (instructor) was very good. He was patient, but demanded we accomplish something with the horses.


Susan B., March 6, 2017

It was Fabulous! None of us wanted to leave. Vitor was a pleasure to meet and made us all feel welcome at his beautiful facility. The accommodations were first class - modern, very clean and charming. The food was wonderful - every meal was special. Vera, the manager, could not have been nicer or more accommodating. Paulo was an excellent instructor - I feel I really learnt a lot from him. (Favourite memory?) Being able to ride a Grand Prix level Stallion.


Laura D., March 31, 2016

IT WAS AMAZING!!!!
Incredibly good, people were very very very nice, instructors, everybody! Very good food, very nice and comfortable rooms, super good horses... so I'm very pleased!!
As I have a young new horse now I had the chance to practice the flying changes with a horse that can already do them very well, so now I'm ready to try with my horse in Milan!


Noreen & Peter H., Dec. 3, 2015

Very Enjoyable. Beautiful equestrian centre, good horses, lovely accommodation and food. Hosts were very pleasant and welcoming. Location is very central in a very attractive and interesting part of Portugal. (Favourite memory?) Evening meals on the balcony and fascinating day trips taken to places like Tomar and Marvão. Horses were good and equipment was in perfect condition. Instructors are extremely helpful.


Natalie Garner, Far and Ride, Sept. 15, 2015

Overall, the gracious and amicable nature of the hosts and the friendly staff at this destination ensures that it is the perfect getaway for both individuals and small intimate groups looking for a relaxing experience with good company, great food and a welcoming atmosphere. I must admit that I enjoyed a rather short but certainly very sweet break here, where I encountered some of the highest class of hospitality from a riding trip and made friendships I shall not forget easily (both of the human and equine variety!). I would whole heartedly recommend this destination and hope to make a return venture in the very near future in order to further improve my riding and visit new found friends.


Itinerary & Pricing

Days 1 to 7

Riding: 1 - 3 hours

During the Dressage lessons, you will have the opportunity to ride one of the centre's beautiful schoolmaster horses, many of which are pure-bred Lusitano. These horses are of differing training levels, but range up to Grand Prix. You may be offered the chance to establish the basics of lateral work and straightness, before developing towards the collection and extension of paces. The emphasis is placed on the correct training of horse and rider in order to achieve a balanced, supple and relaxed partnership. You will then be able to enjoy the pleasure of riding a well-schooled horse.

The programme includes a six-night stay with five days riding. You can choose to have 1 or 2 lessons per day depending on whether you book the intensive or regular riding options. You can choose to arrive and depart on any day of the week. A lesson can usually be swapped for a trail ride if you are interested in doing this as well.

The preference is for individual, private lessons but there are some situations in which instruction will be given for two riders of a similar level at the same time.

Our example programme includes 6 nights stay, but longer or shorter stay can also be organised.

Accommodation

Twin/double bedrooms in the guesthouse with own bathrooms, or in one of two private apartments.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All levels of rider can be accommodated, from Novice to Experienced.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 2
Accommodation for up to 5.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 4, 2023 - Jan. 4, 2024  (Dates to suit all year round, including Christmas and New Year.)

Pricing

2023
Regular Programme, Low Season, Sharing		 £830 $1045 €975
Low Season operates from 5th January - 19th March and 13th November - 17th December 2023.
2023
Intensive Programme, Low Season, Sharing		 £1110 $1395 €1300
Low Season operates from 5th January - 19th March and 13th November - 17th December 2023.
2023
Regular Programme, High Season, Sharing		 £985 $1240 €1155
High Season operates from 20th March and 12th November and 18th December 2023 - 4th January 2024.
2023
Intensive Programme, High Season, Sharing		 £1265 $1590 €1480
High Season operates from 20th March and 12th November and 18th December 2023 - 4th January 2024.
Included 6 nights accommodation, all meals, wine with meals (1 glass per person), ten lessons on the intensive programme or five lessons on the regular programme
Not included Flights, travel insurance, transfers, drinks, other activities, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Airport Transfer €185
Paid locally
Lisbon airport transfer each way standard car (up to 3 pax)
2023 - Airport Transfer €250
Paid locally
Lisbon airport transfer each way larger car (up to 5 pax)
2023 - Single Supplement £144 $181 €168
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by everyone in 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.

Days 1 to 7

Riding: 1 - 3 hours

The perfect opportunity for those wishing to improve their show jumping technique with a personalised training programme tailored to your needs and wishes. 

During the Showjumping lessons, you will have the opportunity to ride one of a number of lovely warmblood horses from jumping backgrounds, including Dutch KWPN horses, Selle Francais and German Oldenburg during your lessons. These horses are at various stages of their training but most are capable of jumping courses of fences up to 1 m or more with varying degrees of difficulty.

The programme includes a week-long, six-night package with five days riding. You can choose to have 1 or 2 lessons per day depending on whether you book the intensive or regular riding options. You can choose to arrive and depart on any day of the week. A lesson can usually be swapped for a trail ride if you are interested in doing this as well.

The preference is for individual, private lessons but there are some situations in which instruction will be given for two riders of a similar level at the same time.

Our example programme includes 6 nights stay, but longer or shorter stay can also be organised.

Accommodation

Twin/double bedrooms in the guesthouse with own bathrooms, or in one of two private apartments.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All levels of rider can be accommodated, from Novice to Experienced.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 2
Accommodation for up to 5.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 4, 2023 - Jan. 4, 2024  (Dates to suit all year round, including Christmas and New Year.)

Pricing

2023
Regular Programme, Low Season, Sharing		 £830 $1045 €975
Low Season operates from 5th January - 19th March and 13th November - 17th December 2023.
2023
Intensive Programme, Low Season, Sharing		 £1110 $1395 €1300
Low Season operates from 5th January - 19th March and 13th November - 17th December 2023.
2023
Regular Programme, High Season, Sharing		 £985 $1240 €1155
High Season operates from 20th March and 12th November and 18th December 2023 - 4th January 2024.
2023
Intensive Programme, High Season, Sharing		 £1265 $1590 €1480
High Season operates from 20th March and 12th November and 18th December 2023 - 4th January 2024.
Included 6 nights accommodation, all meals, wine with meals (1 glass per person), ten lessons on intensive programme or five lessons on regular programme
Not included Flights, travel insurance, transfers, drinks, other activities, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Airport Transfer €185
Paid locally
Lisbon airport transfer each way standard car (up to 3 pax)
2023 - Airport Transfer €250
Paid locally
Lisbon airport transfer each way larger car (up to 5 pax).
2023 - Single Supplement £144 $181 €168
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in 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.

Days 1 to 7

Riding: 1 - 3 hours

This option is perfect for those wishing to combine some high-level dressage tuition and improve their showjumping technique. You will be able to take advantage of a combination of lessons and learn either on a one-to-one basis or as part of a small group.

The programme includes a week-long, six-night package with five days riding. You can choose to have 1 or 2 lessons per day depending on whether you book the intensive (2 lessons per day) or regular (1 lesson each day) riding options. You can choose to arrive and depart on any day of the week. A lesson can usually be swapped for a trail ride if you are interested in doing this as well.

The preference is for individual, private lessons but there are some situations in which instruction will be given for two riders of a similar level at the same time. 

Our example programme includes 6 nights stay, but longer or shorter stay can also be organised.

Accommodation

Twin/double bedrooms in the guesthouse with own bathrooms, or in one of two private apartments.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All levels of rider can be accommodated, from Novice to Experienced.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 5
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 4, 2023 - Jan. 4, 2024  (Dates to suit all year round, including Christmas and New Year.)

Pricing

2023
Regular Programme, High Season, Sharing		 £985 $1240 €1155
High Season operates from 20th March and 12th November and 18th December 2023 - 4th January 2024.
2023
Intensive Programme, High Season, Sharing		 £1265 $1590 €1480
High Season operates from 20th March and 12th November and 18th December 2023 - 4th January 2024.
2023
Regular Programme, Low Season, Sharing		 £830 $1045 €975
Low Season operates from 5th January - 19th March and 13th November - 17th December 2023.
2023
Intensive Programme, Low Season, Sharing		 £1110 $1395 €1300
Low Season operates from 5th January - 19th March and 13th November - 17th December 2023.
Included 6 nights accommodation, all meals, wine with meals (1 glass per person), 10 lessons on the Intensive programme or 5 lessons on the Regular programme
Not included Flights, travel insurance, transfers, drinks, other activities, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Airport Transfer €185
Paid locally
Lisbon airport transfer each way standard car (up to 3 pax)
2023 - Airport Transfer €250
Paid locally
Lisbon airport transfer each way larger car (up to 5 pax)
2023 - Single Supplement £144 $181 €168
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in 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.

Days 1 to 7

Riding: 1 - 3 hours

This option is perfect for those wishing to combine some high-level tuition with relaxed hacking. You will be able to take advantage of a combination of lessons and short trail rides in the countryside surrounding the equestrian centre.

The programme includes a week-long, six-night package with five days riding. You will have 6 riding lessons of up to 1 hour each, as well as 4 hacks in the surrounding countryside (up to 1.5 hours duration). You can choose to arrive and depart on any day of the week. You can concentrate on either dressage or jumping during your lessons or choose a combination of both disciplines.

The preference is for individual, private lessons but there are some situations in which instruction will be given for two riders of a similar level at the same time. Please note that the hacks are slow-paced, usually no faster than walk.

Our example programme includes 6 nights stay, but longer or shorter stay can also be organised.

Accommodation

Twin/double bedrooms in the guesthouse with own bathrooms, or in one of two private apartments.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All levels of rider can be accommodated, from Novice to Experienced.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 5
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 4, 2023 - Jan. 4, 2024  (Dates to suit all year round, including Christmas and New Year.)

Pricing

2023
High Season, Sharing		 £1210 $1525 €1420
High Season operates from 20th March and 12th November and 18th December 2023 - 4th January 2024.
2023
Low Season, Sharing		 £1060 $1330 €1240
Low Season operates from 5th January - 19th March and 13th November - 17th December 2023.
Included 6 nights accommodation, all meals, wine with meals (1 glass per person), six lessons and four hacks (ten sessions in total)
Not included Flights, travel insurance, transfers, drinks, other activities, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Airport Transfer €185
Paid locally
Lisbon airport transfer each way standard car (up to 3 pax)
2023 - Airport Transfer €250
Paid locally
Lisbon airport transfer each way larger car (up to 5 pax)
2023 - Single Supplement £144 $181 €168
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in 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.