Overview

The Lusitano Riding centre is a fairly new centre in Portugal which has been operating for over 2 years and just 40 minutes from Lisbon.  Situated in a typical old Portuguese village surrounded by vineyards, stunning landscapes with beautiful Montejunto mountain views.  At the centre you will ride Lusitano horses, well trained in Dressage and Working Equitation.  Classical Dressage needs no introduction and Working Equitation is now becoming very popular in Australia.

Working Equitation aims to show off and utilise the working capabilities of the Luistano horse and competitors have to compete a gymkhana type event as well as a dressage test.  In this event competitors have to negotiate obstacles such as bridges, gates and jumps.  At high levels they may have to work with cattle or split a cow from the herd. Working Equitation lessons are available during the spring/summer whereas classical dressage lessons are available all year round.

• Runs all year round
• Arrive any day
• 6 nights / 5 days riding & shorter programmes available
• Centre based with Dressage & Working Equitation lessons
• English spoken
• Suits all levels and non-riders accepted
• Weight limit 100 kilos

No previous experience in Dressage or Working Equitation is necessary, as lessons are offered on very well-schooled horses suitable for novice (Must be able to walk, trot and canter) up to experienced riders.

The Lusitano horses are trained in Dressage and Working Equitation disciplines.

As a guest you will have the opportunity to learn all the Grand Prix exercises on our Lusitano horses and all obstacles from Working Equitation, and you are able to choose the discipline or make a mixed programme.

Depending on your chosen programme, you will have either one or two lessons per day. The lessons are given on schoolmaster horses, for 1 hour and maximum 2 riders per lesson.

All horses are very well trained in all dressage exercises: all Lateral Movements, Passage, Piaffe, Flying Changes (4, 3, 2, 1 tempi), Spanish Walk and Pirouette’s.

The instructor, João Batalha, has been teaching classical dressage for more than 7 years in Portugal and other countries in Europe. After several years teaching in one of the most renowned schools and riding holiday centres in Portugal, he now shares his time between teaching exclusively at our Lusitano Riding Centre and competing at national level in Portuguese Equitation and Working Equitation.

Horse breed: Lusitano

Height: 16hh

Tack type: Traditional Portuguese or Dressage saddles with simple snaffle or double bridles.

This small-scale riding stables is just 30-40 mins drive from Lisbon, situated in an area where you can “get lost in time” and feel the rhythm of a typical old Portuguese village surrounded by vineyards, gorgeous landscapes and mountain views. Joao and Susana welcome guests for tuition on their spectacular Lusitano horses. There is a 15×40 m indoor arena and a huge outdoor arena alongside paddocks and stables for their 15 horses. The stables are within easy walking distance of the Campo Real Hotel where you will stay – you have the possibility to use their modern facilities including swimming pools and spa when not in the saddle.

At this dressage centre you will ride Lusitano horses for both dressage and working equitation as the horses have been well trained in both these disciplines. Classical dressage needs no introduction and working equitation is becoming more popular now in Australia. The sport aims to show off and utilise the working capabilities of the Lusitano horse and competitors have to complete a gymkhana type event as well as a dressage test. In this event, rider and horse have to negotiate obstacles such as bridges, gates and jumps. At high levels and in team events, they may also have to work with cattle to split a specific cow from the herd.

Working equitation lessons are available during the spring/summer whereas classical dressage lessons are available all year round. During the lessons you will have the opportunity to try riding Grand Prix exercises such as piaffe and passage on the schoolmaster horses. All lessons are of one hour duration and there is a maximum of two riders in each lesson.

No previous experience of classical dressage is necessary but those who already understand some dressage will get plenty out of this holiday. You do need to be able to ride already (walk, trot and canter) but your dressage experience can range from beginner to experienced.

The instructor, João Batalha, has been teaching classical dressage for more than 6 years in Portugal and other countries in Europe. After several years teaching in one of the most renowned schools and riding holiday centres in Portugal, he now shares his time between teaching exclusively at this stables and competing at national level in Portuguese Equitation and Working Equitation.

Snaffle Travel was lucky enough to  ride and experience the school in May 2019 and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Please contact us for further information and details at info@snaffletravel.com.au.

You stay at the Campo Real hotel in Torres Vedras, which is 500m from the stables (10 minute walk or a short drive).

The hotel has a pool and spa. Guests have access to the spa facilities (jacuzzi, sauna etc) but massages and treatments are all payable locally. There is also an 18 hole golf course (payable locally).

All rooms have a private balcony or terrace, free WiFi, air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machine and TV. Rooms are entry-level, but you can upgrade for extra cost if you wish – please enquire.

All meals are included.

Breakfast is taken at the hotel and includes a buffet selection.

Lunch and Dinner are taken in nearby restaurants accompanied by your hosts. These usually comprise of two courses and include a starter followed by either fish or meat, together with accompanying salads and vegetables. The meals are typically Portuguese and include coffee or tea, water and juice. There is also local wine included with the evening meal (approximately one bottle between two people).

Additional alcoholic and soft beverages are paid separately and there is a bar so you can choose what you wish to drink.

Open all year round (Closed 24 December – 1^st January).

You may arrive and depart on any day. Minimum three night stay and longer stays are recommended.  For novice riders on a “Learn to ride programme” are generally recommended to stay at least 5 nights.

Included

• Accommodation, all meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner), and wine (1 bottle per 2 persons at dinner) and water.
• Swimming pool and use of hotel spa/gym facilities
• Dressage lessons according to the program chosen

Not included

• Flights and transfers
• Compulsory travel insurance
• Additional tours, extra drinks and incidentals
• Spa treatments, golf and tennis
• Transfers can be arranged locally for 80 euros per vehicle (max 4 passengers) and paid locally.

Rates are based on the Euro and subject to currency fluctuation, so please contact us for the most up to date pricing in Australian dollars for your riding holiday. We use the ANZ sell rate to calculate the euro.

Enquire for up to date Australian rates please give us a call on 03 5428 6061 or email us at info@snaffletravel.com.au

Location

The Lusitano Riding centre is located 45 minutes from Lisbon Airport and 50 minutes from Lisbon city.

Weather

Warm and dry for most of the year. During July & August temperatures can reach the late 20’s°C or early 30’s°C. The wettest months are October to March when it can also feel a little chilly, particularly in the evening.

Weather website: http://www.holiday-weather.com/

Other activities

Non-riders are welcomed but we recommend hiring a car so you are free to explore the local area. The hotel is located within the heart of the Protected Landscape of Socorro and Archeira Mountains and does have a Spa, golf course and tennis courts (all payable locally).
There are many distinguished wineries in the region where you will be able to go and taste some typical Portuguese wines.

You can also visit the beautiful Santa Cruz beach, which is only 30km away.  In addition to the area surrounding the hotel, which has some typical villages to explore, you can also visit some of the following tourist areas:
Mafra – 33 km, Ericeira – 45 km, Lisbon – 45 km
Portuguese School of Equestrian Art – 45 km, Óbidos – 50 km and Sintra – 53 km

There are a few special programmes which include visiting Lusitano events – if you wish to visit at these times then please contact us for more information:

April 2020: Horse Auction at Alter do Chao – there is a typical stallion grading before the famous Alter Real stallions and mares are auctioned.

May 2020: Expoegua at Golega – a number of competitions including Working Equitation and Dressage as well as showing for mares and foals and lots of displays.

June 2020: International Lusitano Horse Show – the most important Lusitano event in Portugal where stud’s compete and show their best progeny as well as competing in dressage and working equitation.

Please contact Snaffle Travel for further information, booking terms and conditions to info@snaffletravel.com.au

Conditions and terms apply to this riding holiday