7 days - Porto to Porto

This itinerary 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 other local species, may be seen.

During dressage lessons you will ride skillfully trained horses, most of them Lusitanos, that can do flying changes (tempi changes), lateral work (half pass, leg yielding, shoulders in), extended trot, canter pirouettes, piaffe, passage, Spanish walk and work on the long lines. The lessons are with Miguel Magalhaes (2007 Vice-Champion of Portugal) 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 internationally renowned riders, such as Georg Heyser and Heike Kemmer and has numerous victories in national and international dressage competitions. There is a superb indoor arena at Hippikos (26 x 64 metres) providing ideal facilities for winter tuition. Each day's riding will include lessons and a trail ride through the stunning wilderness areas that surround the centre. The trail riding offers a totally different dimension and allows you to experience the beauty of Portugal whilst getting to know your horse in a more relaxed way. If you would like an itinerary solely for trail riding then this can also be arranged.

Your board and accommodation will be on site, in a lovely guesthouse, where your hosts will make you feel totally at home. There is an indoor swimming pool and you can make use of tennis courts or ride mountain bikes and explore the beautiful countryside. For golf enthusiasts, the Ponte de Lima Golf Club is just 12.5 miles from Hippikos.