Classical Dressage & Trail Riding
7 days - Porto to Porto
This holiday offers you the chance to explore the Green Coast of Portugal on horseback whilst improving your classical dressage skills. The equestrian centre is located on the border of the Peneda-Geres National Park, a stunningly beautiful wilderness of rugged boulder strewn mountains interspersed with the bright purple and yellow of heathers and gorses, where animals like the wild Iberian wolf, the "Garrano" (wild north Portuguese mountain horse), and many others local species may be seen.
During the lessons you will ride skilfully trained horses that can do flying changes, tempi changes, Spanish walk, lateral work, extended trot, half pass, and work on the long lines. If your riding is good enough you may also get the opportunity to ride some of the competition horses. The trail riding offers a totally different dimension and allows you to experience the beauty of Portugal and to get to know your horse in a more relaxed way. During the trail rides one has the opportunity to meet lots of gentle "Garranos" and see rural Portugal from another angle.
The classical dressage lessons are with Miguel Magalhaes and David Alves. Miguel is an extraordinary dressage rider, who has obtained excellent classifications in dressage competitions from Young Horses to Grand Prix. He has trained with several international renowned riders, such as Georg Heyser and Heike Kemmer and has numerous victories in national and international dressage competitions. He is currently Vice Champion of Portugal in Dressage.
Your board and accommodation will be on site, in a lovely guest house, where your hosts will make you feel totally at home.
- Day 1 (D)
- Arrive Porto. On arrival you will be met and transferred the beautiful guesthouse at Hippikos Equestrian Centre.
- Day 2 to Day 6 (B,L,D)
- During the days you will ride for between three and four hours. There will normally be two 60-minute sessions of dressage training and a trail ride. There is plenty of time to relax by the indoor pool, hike, play tennis or visit the nearby beaches.
- Day 7 (B)
- Transfer back to the airport.
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- Cost per Person:
- Ride Only: £1099
- Includes: Transfers from the airport, accommodation and meals as indicated, wine with meals and all riding. One can upgrade to private lessons for a supplement of Euro 500 per person payable locally. If additional instruction is required you can book a further 5 60-minute private lessons for a supplement of Euro 450 per person payable locally.
- Single Supplement: £360
- Departure Dates: Sundays throughout the year.
- The Accommodation: Accommodation, for a maximum of 6 guests, is provided in a beautiful guesthouse at the equestrian centre. All rooms are en-suite. There is an indoor swimming pool and tennis court as well as a large dining room/living area where meals are taken en-famille. The guest house offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and is only 30 minutes from the beach, 40 minutes from Porto, 20 minutes from Ponte de Lima and 10 minutes from Braga. The farm is located at the border of the National Park Peneda-Geres.
- Food & Drink: Meals include a variety of local and international dishes using home grown ingredients and locally produced wine. Special diet requirements such as vegetarian can also be catered for.
- Laundry: A small amount of laundry can be done without extra charge.
- Children: Children of 6 or older can participate in riding lessons but children of any age are welcome as companions to riders. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Non-Riders: Are welcome at a special non-riders price of £475 for the 6 nights. Non riders can relax by the indoor pool, hike, play tennis or explore the beautiful countryside.