"Brilliant time from start to finish. No hassle pick up and drop off for the airport. Great riding, both hacking and lessons on well schooled responsive horses. Fantastic service ferrying us too and from Golega for the fair, to be honest it couldn’t have been better and Joaquin and Antonia were absolutely fabulous. Huge thank you."
Dates 01 - 11 November 2024
Combine a chance to experience the Golegã Horse Fair with riding the famous Lusitano horse in an unspoilt area of Portugal less than 1hr north of Lisbon.
The whole 'capital of horses' Golega transforms for ten days into a frenzy of horses, carriages, food and drink stalls. From late afternoon the streets are packed until the early hours. There are wonderful stalls selling everything from traditional tack and clothing to childrens toys, antiques and artwork. Food and drink is very much part of the visit!
There are Lusitano classes ridden and inhand, competions for equitation and jumping. The main arena - the Manga - features classical shows and fast action riding and prize giving parades.
Back at our ranch we create a personalised riding programme designed especially for you - whether you are just starting or an experienced rider. Half board, daily lessons and hacking out through eucalyptus and pines trees, olive groves and rivers.
Day 1
Arrive into Lisbon airport where you can be collected and then taken to your accommodation, transfers are to be paid for directly in Euros. Lisbon is within easy access of many regional UK airports, if you have any problems finding flights just ask and we'll try to help you. You can either stay in a traditional Portuguese rural house described by our guests as homely and quaint. It has a lovely outdoor pool - unheated - so refreshing! Or a beautiful converted Monastery with lots of original features and tradionally decorated rooms and living rooms. Also features a salt water pool and tennis courts.
This afternoon you will start your riding programme with an assessment, followed by a lesson (the stables are right next door to the hotels). Your Portuguese riding instructor is able to teach basic flat to advanced dressage lessons, for the more experienced riders show jumping and cross country is available. During your lessons you will enjoy learning how these amazing Lusitano horses move.
Sample Day
After breakfast you have riding to look forward to. The riding programme is completely flexible and will be tailor made to suit you. Depending on your preference you can have a lesson in the morning followed by hack out in the afternoon, or a second lesson. Those who just want to enjoy the local scenery can hack in the morning and afternoon, with a break for lunch in the middle. The hacking routes vary. You ride through eucalyptus, pine and cork trees, past corn fields and along the Tejo and Zezere rivers.
Trips to the Fair will be in the late afternoon and once in Golega you are free to wander around and lose yourself in the capital of horses.Your host will be able to let you know what performances are scheduled during your visit.
Golegã Fair 2024
31 Oct - 04 Nov Golega Fair 5 days 4 nights £995pp in Casa Rural or upgrade to Monastery £1195pp FEW SPACES MONASTERY ONLY
04 - 08 Nov Golega Fair 5 days 4 nights £1000pp in Casa Rural or upgrade to Monastery £1200pp FULL
08 - 12 Nov Golega Fair 5 days 4 nights £1100pp in Casa Rural or upgrade to Monastery £1300pp FULL
Prices are based on two people sharing a room. If you require a double room for single occupancy please add £70 per night to the prices above.
Lisbon Airport Transfers
Equestrian Escapes are happy to reserve your transfers for you however, as payment for this service is made directly to the transfer provider this service does not form part of our contract with you. As such, we are unable to accept responsibility for any delays, missed transfers etc. Approximate cost per return trip 140€. (this can be more during The Golega Fair week)
Customer feedback -
"An unforgettable experience riding beautiful brave Luistano horses in outstanding countryside. The accommodation was homely and quaint, the rural hotel offered comfortable beds, warm rooms and lots of hot water. Friendly and welcoming, Ingrid and Heinz were the perfect hosts and served a first class breakfast."
"Our instructor Antonio made us welcome from the start, nothing was too much trouble. He organised horses, rides out, lessons and planned every meal. A whole four days of not having to think! Wonderful!! I can thoroughly recommend this venue and we are already planning our return trip. Thanks to Antonio for being such a fantastic host and a caring, considerate instructor."
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For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
With easy access and collection from Lisbon airport you can enjoy a stress free relaxing holiday close to the beautiful historic town of Golega. With frequent flight connections from many UK airports this is a great short break that you can enjoy at any time of the year. This is one of our most popular European horse riding holidays.
https://www.equestrian-escapes.com/Ride-in-the-Sun-Portugal/