Experience the fascinating world of classical and Portuguese riding styles and the proud Lusitano horse, which are part of Portugal's living cultural heritage and are closely linked to the country's traditions.
What does a piaffe feel like? Have you ever wondered?
At the idyllic country inn in a family atmosphere very close to the Atlantic coast, an authentic riding experience around the art of riding and the Lusitano awaits you. This breed of horse with its proud charisma and noble character is particularly suitable for classical riding thanks to its natural carrying power and harmonious movements.
“Classical dressage” has a long tradition here.

For over 40 years, the training center has been welcoming riders from all over the world and systematically introducing and instructing them in the collection lessons such as traversals, pirouettes, piaffe/passage and flying canter changes on excellently trained lesson horses according to classical principles. New and exclusive; “Portuguese riding style and introduction to working riding style”. On finely ridden horses you will discover a riding style that is becoming increasingly popular. The program combines the principles of classical riding with elements such as flexibility, agility and balance, which are essential for working equitation. You will be gradually introduced to the techniques of working equitation by combining dressage and gymnastic lessons.
You have the choice between “Classical dressage” and “Portuguese riding style with introduction to working riding” programs, which you can flexibly combine with two or one lesson per day. The traditional infrastructure includes a hall with lounge, a spacious and partially covered riding arena and an arena (round pen).
In this idyllic place of tranquillity, you can effortlessly escape from everyday life and recharge your batteries. Nestled in the countryside approx. 30 km north-east of Lisbon and only 14 km from the coast, the proximity to historic towns such as Lisbon, Sintra or Mafra as well as the picturesque coastal town of Ericeira offer a variety of possibilities for individual excursions before or after riding lessons.

Itinerary

Dressage training:
Program A: 12 riding lessons ( 2 per day, 2 private lessons and 10 group lessons) Be assured: The lessons are so intensive that you won´t have time to think about anything else. But it is always enough for a swim in the pool.

Program B: 6 riding lessons (1 per day, 1 private lesson and 5 group lessons) For those who also want to get to know the numerous sights in the beautiful surroundings. The riding lessons are given in English or French.

Groups up to 6 people, on average approx. 50-60/lesson
Upgrade to individual lessons possible, on average approx. 40-50 minutes
Riding lessons are tailored to the individuals riding level. The lessons last as long as the riders need to achieve the learning objective. The lessons are intensive and are aimed at advanced riders. An independent and balanced seat in all basic gaits is a prerequisite.
The language of instruction is English, if required also multilingual (French).

Your riding instructor:
Mario Cardoso has a special feeling and talent for training horses. He learned from Olympic rider Miguel Ralão Duarte, among others, and found his mentor in Miguel Fonseca, the multiple World Team Champion in Working Equitation. Mario patiently develops the feeling and technique of his riding students in both classical dressage and Portuguese riding.

Sunday is a break day for horses and riding instructors as well.

Accomodation
You live on the stud farm among the horses, 25 km northwest of Lisbon and 10 km from the sea, in a quiet village location. An indoor riding arena and an outdoor arena 65 x 25 m are used for dressage training, a swimming pool for cooling off. There is also a billiard room and a lounge with a fireplace and TV. Accommodation is in double rooms with private bathroom, air conditioning/heating and laundry service. The rooms are simply furnished but functional. This is not a hotel complex, but a horse farm accommodation. Meals are taken together in the dining room with a view of the indoor riding arena. Lunch and dinner are each a warm meal with salad and dessert.

Saddle & Tack: Double bridle and englisch saddle

Experience: At least low-intermediate: You should have at least 30-40 hours of basic training. From then on it goes up to the highest level at class S. Rider weight max. 85 kg.

Horses: Lusitanos and Cruzados. Mostly stallions and some geldings and mares.