"The place where dreams are made!"
"Myself and a friend booked our holiday through equestrian escapes and we really have had the time of our lives, the horses couldn't be better cared for and was very happy in their work. Our host in Portugal was the owner of the riding centre and he really couldn't do enough for us. He was very knowledgeable in all areas of riding, he gave us some interesting techniques to use at home with our own horses. Thank you so much for an amazing adventure"
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 will be staying in a beautiful converted Monastery with lots of original features and tradionally decorated rooms and living rooms. The hotel also has a salt water pool and tennis courts. The pool is unheated and is opened April / May through to September.
This afternoon you will start your riding programme with an assessment, followed by a lesson (the stables are right next door to the hotel). 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.
Breakfast is included in the price. You are able to purchase lunches directly at a number of local recommended restaurants in the area for approx 15€ pp or buy provisions for a picnic lunch locally. Evening meals will be served in local restaurants and are included in the price.
Day 2
After breakfast you have a full day of 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. For the more experienced riders a longer route will be offered where you can hack to Constância, a local historical village where you can stop for a coffee.
Day 3 - Day 7
Miminum stay is 2 nights although we have people staying for up to 14 nights. Choose your length of stay and your riding programme.
Prices 2024
We offer excellent accommodation next door to the riding centre:
Converted Monastery - historic building with stunning antique decor, swimming pool, tennis courts and grounds.
The price for a 3 day 2 night holiday including plus half board (breakfast and dinner) and riding is £495 per rider based on two people sharing a room.
For a solo traveller the cost is an additional £55 per night for a double room for single occupancy.
4 days 3 nights stay in Monastery £750 pp
5 days 4 nights stay in Monastery £1000 pp
6 days 5 nights stay in Monastery £1250 pp
7 days 6 nights stay in Monastery £1500 pp
8 days 7 nights stay in Monastery £1750 pp
9 days 8 nights stay in Monastery £2000 pp
Availability
This holiday is available all year round. There is no set arrival/departure date, we will arrange the holiday to suit your flight times.
Additional Information
Maximum weight limit 90kg.
Golegã Horse Fair
Visit Golegã Horse Fair from the 01 - 11th November 2024 .
This National Horse Fair is an annual event which takes place over 10 days in November. During this time, the usually quiet town transforms into a lively horsey hub! It is a spectacle like no other in the world and we recommend that every horse person puts this visit on their bucket list. The Fair has run since the mid 18th century when Golegã became the capital of the Lusitaniuan Horse. This is a sell-out event and we have limited availability so get in touch if you are interested, we can work with additiontal hotels in the area but places are always limited. During the day you still get to ride our Lusitano horses either lessons or riding out in the surrounding countryside. All transfers to the fair are included.
Golegã Fair 2024
Golega Fair 5 days 4 nights packages from £1200
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 (for a Jan visit) 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.