I fly across the riding arena at a strong trot. A slight adjustment to my line and my perfectly trained school horse executes butter-smooth flying changes. I’ll admit: As a now die-hard Icelandic Horses rider my “dressage days” are long behind me. Riding instructor Nuno takes note of this smiling and saddles up a small Lusitano gelding for me. After just a few steps together, it becomes clear that this horse can do just about everything a dressage riders heart desires. I think I could have performed my changes on him even while riding backwards or blindfolded. A great school horse for developing a feel for advanced dressage movements. Trainer Nuno explains to me that, in addition to this school horse, he also uses his former Grand Prix competition horses for lessons with experienced guests. Here at the foot of Serra da Estrela ambitious beginners and advanced dressage riders alike leave with a great experience and alot of new knowledge.

Dressage training holidays in Portugal

  

I am starting my tour in northern Portugal in the coastal city of Porto. I drive about two hours inland in my rental car and I am soon greeted by the peaks of the highest mountain range on the Portuguese mainland. At the foot of the Serra da Estrela, nestled among countless vineyards, lies a modern 4-star country hotel with an on-site riding school. Spacious rooms, house-made wine and delicious à la carte cuisine promise a memorable experience. In the restaurant I find myself surrounded by wine lovers and horseback riders. Most of them are couples and groups of friends. The atmosphere is calm and politely reserved, yet warm. In addition to horseback riding, the hotel offers delightful experiences ranging from cheese to wine tastings and can also recommend some excursion ideas for the surrounding area to its guests. If you’d like to explore the Serra da Estrela a bit in addition to the riding program, renting a car is definitely a good option here.

Modern 4* Hotel in the heart of Portugal


Breakfast features all kinds of fruit and Portuguese delicacies: from pastel de nata to local cheeses. The Serra da Estrela is known for its creamy, tangy Queijo cheese. Now, in mid-March, it’s already pleasantly warm by late morning. My riding lesson with Nuno starts right on time at 10 a.m. Since the temperatures aren’t too high yet, we don’t have to go inside the indoor arena and can use the outdoor riding arena instead. My school horse is truly fearless, and I can focus entirely on Nuno’s tips. During their stay, our guests have the opportunity to book a comprehensive dressage training program with two private lessons per day. Nuno himself competes at the highest levels of dressage, up to Grand Prix class, and after the session, he proudly shows me his future star and a few young horses that are stabled here and are just learning the first basics. However, those who prefer a more relaxed experience don’t have to book a training vacation. The varied program—featuring riding lessons, trail rides, and tastings—also offers a great mix of educational sessions and Portuguese vacation vibe.

Training holidays for passionate dressage riders and wine lovers!

My time here in the Serra da Estrela is, of course, far too short. At this comfortable country inn, you can truly unwind and indulge in life’s simple pleasures: horses and wine! If you’re looking for an enriching getaway, you’re in good hands here in the mountains of central Portugal.

More information: https://www.equitour.com/pegasus/uk/reisen/europa/portugal/agusta.htm