The purebred Lusitano has Portuguese origin and is the oldest saddle horse in the world. It features a natural aptitude for the high airs exercises. The Lusitano is not only used in classical riding but also in other equestrian disciplines such as dressage, working equitation and carriage driving.
Our experienced instructor, Nuno, is involved in breeding and training the horses, which allows him to pair each guest with the horse best suited to their experience.
A selection of the horses are capable of performing advanced dressage movements, including Passage, Piaffe, Pirouettes at a Gallop, Flying Changes, and other Grand Prix-level exercises. There are also horses suitable for intermediate-level riders.
The outdoor dressage arena and an indoor arena, allows riding lessons year-round. In the summer, lessons are scheduled for the coolest hours of the day, making them comfortable for both horses and riders.
Day 1
Arrive into Porto or Lisbon airport where we can arrange for you to be collected and taken to your accommodation (approx. 2hrs). Transfers are to be paid for directly in Euros (see bottom of the page for transfer prices). You are also welcome to hire a car and drive to the Quinta, or get the train to the closest railway station.
You will stay in a lovely traditional country house situated at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, boasting exceptional facilities including 10 modern guest bedrooms, an onsite restaurant, onsite riding stables, outdoor swimming pool, vineyards, winery, orchards and even an olive grove.
This afternoon we encourage you to take a walk around the Quinta to get your bearings and to meet the staff and horses. Riding will commence in the morning.
This evening enjoy dinner in the comfort of your hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast you will start your riding programme with an assessment lesson. Here we can teach beginners at dressage up to the most experienced of riders.
Our resident instructor has trained all of the horses and will be able to match you with the perfect schoolmaster horse for your level.
This afternoon after lunch you will continue your riding programme.
Later this afternoon why not book yourself a massage.
Guests are very welcome to enjoy a guided tour of the stud farm, where they can learn about the breeding program, meet the mares, foals, and stallions, and gain a better understanding of the Lusitano breed and the daily work at the stud.
Day 3 - Day 7
Today will follow the same programme as yesterday before your flight home.
PRICES
2026 prices:
The price for 2 nights half board (breakfast and dinner) plus 2 lessons and 2 x 2hr hacks is from £625 per rider based on two people sharing a double or twin bedroom.
3 nights £935 per person in shared twin
4 night £1245 per person in shared twin
5 nights £1555 per person in shared twin
6 nights £1865per person in shared twin
7 nights £2175 per person in shared twin
For a solo traveller there is an additional £50 per night change for a double room for single occupancy.
The miminum stay here is 2 nights although we do recommend you stay for longer to get the most from your equestrian experience. You are welcome to stay for any length of time. Unless specified upon booking, riding will include 2 lessons a day, each lesson is one to one and is an hour long.
If staying more than two nights you may want to swap your lesson on one of the days to enjoy a 2-hour ride from the estate. The hacking routes here vary, surrounded by the magnificent landscapes of Serra da Estrela National Park.
The maximum weight limit is 110kg / 17 stone
The swimming pool is open from 01 June to 01 October
Availability
This holiday is available all year round. There is no set arrival/departure date, we will arrange the holiday to suit your flights.
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.
Transfers costs are as follows:
PORTO 2hrs - €220 per car (max 4 people) / €280 per van (5-8 people)
LISBON 3hrs - €320 per car (max 4 people) / €420 per van (5-8 people)
These transfer prices are each way and not for the return journey.
The closest train station is Mangualde. You can get the train from both Lisbon and Porto to Mangualde, the Quinta is 30 minutes away. This transfer is €30 each way.
Approx. train prices:
Lisbon (Oriente station) to Mangualde: €30.00 per person
Porto (Campanhã station) to Mangualde: €25.00 per person
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.