Portugal, Golega - Dressage or Showjumping
This training destination is just a little over 40 kilometers from Golegã, known for its annual horse festival, with hundreds of horses, riders in traditional clothes, plenty of wine, music & dance. A gem for all our dressage and showjumping loving riders.
A small equestrian center with horses and instructors of the highest class has opened its doors to us. The equestrian center is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Lisbon in the region of Santarém. Lusitanos are trained here up to Grand Prix movements and Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) that competing in jumping up to 115 cm.
You will live and eat well and you can relax at the pool between rides. Here you can develop your riding and have a good time.
If you can’t manage a full week, you can always take a long weekend.
Travel Information
Ability description: Dressage level 1-5, Showjumping level 1-5>>
Included: 6 or 3 nights, riding described in program, half board incl. wine. If you want to see full board price, click on "book on request".
Not included: Flight, transfer, drinks except wine.
Group discount: If you are a group of 6, you will each receive 15% discount.
Travel: Book flight/rental car >>
Flight: To Lisbon.
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay on spot.
From Lisbon airport about 1,5 hours (140 km).
Price: 250 EUR for a big car (up to 5 people) and 185 EUR for a standard car (up to 3 people) one way.
Train: From Lisbon Oriente to Abrantes, when arriving a short taxi ride (10-15 EUR) to the riding center. Tickets can be purchased from an automatic kiosk at the station. You can see train timetable at www.cp.pt
Car: It is cheap to rent a car in Portugal, so if you would like to have a look around between lessons we recommend a rental car.
Arrival and departure times:
Weekly program - arrival Sundays afternoon/evening, departure following Saturday after breakfast.
Weekends - arrival Thursdays about 3.00 pm for the first lesson, departure Sunday after breakfast. If you arrive on Thursday evening you can have the last lesson Sunday morning instead.
Optional arrival/departure: You can choose another arrival and departure day, just mail us on info@horsexplore.com
Season: All year.
Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.
Other activities: For families where everybody doesn't ride there is also special bike trails, a great golf course at Obidos in the dunes along the beach, 100 km away from the riding center. Rowing and cannoeing is also possible nearby.
Currency: Euro
Credit card: Accepted at riding center.
Tipping: Not required but appreciated.
Wifi: Yes
Electricity jack: EU standard
Age limit: No
Closest village: You live in small village, 7 km away from an old village with a lot of history, shopping, restaurants and sight seeing. The oldest Lusitanos breeding public insitution Alter Real is 60 km away and is also worth visiting.
Beach: About 1 h away by car but also a big lake 14 km away where you can do water sports or boat tripping.
Pool: Yes, open May-October.
Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet
Saddle bag available: No
Special diet: Inform when booking.
Program
You can choose from dressage, show jumping lessons (á 50-60 minutes) and an all-round program of both disciplines. If you like, you can replace some lessons for 1-hour hacks in the surroundings. There are two outdoor arenas and also a covered arena 20x50 meters with fiber sand.
Week Program: Arrive Sunday afternoon / evening and depart Saturday after breakfast.
Training week, intensiv: 10 lessons
Training week, basic: 5 lessons
You choose which discipline you want to ride under Date & Prices below - Book on request
Weekend Program: Arrival Thursday, latest 3.00pm, for the first lesson. Depart, Sunday after breakfast. If you arrive in the evening during Thursday you can ride the last lesson on Sunday morning instead.
Training weekend, intensiv: 5 lessons
Training weekend, basic: 3 lessons
You choose which discipline you want to ride under Date & Prices below - Book on request
Based on your previous experience, we will determine which horse and trainer is best for you. Your stay begins with an evaluation lesson where you get a chance to feel whether you like your horse.
You can always replace a training session with a hack. If you want to ride more hours, you can also book on site.
1. Dressage. Your training will be based after your prior knowledge and preferences. Normally, you train seat and grounds and detachment movements such as shoulder in, travers, leg yielding, etc. And depending on how it goes, it is possible to practice more advanced moves such as pirouettes and flying changes. Teaching is 2 people per lesson.
2. Jumping. Your training will be based after your prior knowledge and preferences. There will be flatwork with low jumps and the level of difficulty will be increased gradually with more obstacles, changed distances and series. To finish up, you will jump a course at the appropriate height. The group may be up to 4 riders.
3. All-round. If you want to practise both dressage and jumping select this program.
You choose which discipline you want to ride under Date & Prices below - Book on request
Accommodation and Food
The accommodation is also of excellent standard in comfortable double or single rooms about 200 meters (650 ft) from the riding center. Single: It is possible to book a single room (price for single supplement is available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.
Safe deposit box: No
A/C: Yes
Hair Dryer: Yes
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: Yes
Between rides you will be served good meals in the guesthouse. The price is for half board so you can choose if you want to eat lunch or dinner. If you choose dinner, you can buy lunch on site or vice versa.
The food is portuguese homecooking so you will leave the table satisfied. The dinner begins with an appetizer in the form of soup or salad, followed by a fish or meat dish and finally you will be offered a good dessert. It includes wine with dinner (about 1 Bottle for every four people). Other beverages can be ordered and paid for on the spot.
If you choose half board there are 2 restaurants at a walking distance in the village. One called Pegacha is very traditional with grilled meat and fish, Portuguese dishes with cod, octopus, etc, and a wide range of regional sweets. The other one called Tulipa is a bit more sophisticated, also with traditional Portuguese food and nice seafood. Then, in the nearest town called Abrantes, 10 minutes away by car, you have at least 4 very good restaurants to choose from.
Between rides it is lovely to take a refreshing dip in the pool.
There is free WiFi in the accommodation.
Horses
There are approximate 15 horses. 8 are dressage horses (7 pure Lusitanos) and 5 are dutch warmbloods (KWPN) for jumping. There are also 2 horses suitable for children.
Minimum number of riders is 1 and maximum 6 for the dressage and showjumping program and 8 for the allround program.
Climate
Daytime temperature is around about 20 + C (68 F) in spring and autumn, about 15-20 + C (60-68 F) in winter and 25-30 + C (77-86 F) in the summer. During winter, it is cold evenings and at night so it's good to bring some warmer clothes.
Christmas and New Year
You are welcome to this small and very hospitable farm both during christmas and new year, they offer high class dressage and show jumping training. Good food and drinks will make this both an active and cozy holiday. You can choose between week and weekend.
You can buy an exklusive christmas- or new years eve dinner for 75 EUR/person.
If you are a big group or family you can be considered to get taylormade program.
Feedback from our travellers
Exceeded Expectations!
Such wonderful and friendly people on site! The accommodation was even better than expected—beautiful surroundings, cozy and clean rooms, and fantastic horses! From warmbloods to Lusitanos, ending with a Grand Prix stallion. The movements were at a high level—an incredible experience! The staff was kind and helpful, and the trainer, Fernando, was both skilled and relaxed. My husband, who arranged the trip through HorseXplore, said the communication was excellent!
Karin Emilsson Falkenström
Fantastic Riding & Hospitality!
The accommodation was beyond expectations—such a stunning house with lovely rooms. The riding was absolutely amazing, with both dressage and jumping horses exceeding all expectations. I already want to return as soon as possible! Great staff, wonderful horses, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Maria Lybeck
Unforgettable Training & Well-Trained Horses!
My room and the house were fantastic. The food was simple but fresh and filling. I had high expectations, and they were still exceeded! I rode both dressage and jumping daily. Despite a 10-year break from jumping, I quickly found my rhythm again. The dressage sessions pushed me to new levels, with exercises I had never done before—piaffe, passage, flying changes, and Spanish walk. The jumping horses were smart, positive, and forward. The arena and obstacle course were top-notch. I traveled alone but felt very well taken care of.
Tove Munthe
Outstanding Instructor & Lovely Stay!
Fantastic, fresh room with a great balcony/terrace! The staff was incredibly kind and service-minded. Our instructor was phenomenal—skilled, encouraging, and made everything feel possible. His philosophy that both horse and rider should be happy after each session was excellent. All the stable staff were friendly and welcoming. This was my third trip with HorseXplore, and I am super satisfied!
Lena Öhnfeldt
A Perfect Balance of Luxury & Nature!
This was my second time visiting, and it’s a perfect mix of rural charm and luxury. I had an entire suite with a stunning landscape view—so relaxing! The house with the pool was a great bonus. The meal system was excellent, with fresh salads and delicious food. Jumping lessons were tailored to my level, and Filipa immediately saw what I needed to improve. Her teaching style was clear and memorable. I also had two dressage lessons, which were very rewarding. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming!
Sarah Strandell
A Warm, Personal, & Well-Rounded Experience!
Skilled and passionate instructors, fantastic horses, and a wonderful atmosphere! Beyond riding, we enjoyed vineyard visits, watched Portugal in the European Championship semi-finals with locals, and swam in a breathtaking lake. The place was so personal and welcoming—we felt truly taken care of. Loved being able to mix dressage, jumping, and even trail riding!
Helen Murdoch Engman
Great Connections & Inspiring People!
We were extremely well taken care of—such a warm and friendly place! Thanks to Filipa, I even made valuable contacts in Portugal for my work. She is an impressive, driven woman who did everything to make sure we had an amazing experience. I wish I had her energy!
Gudrun Svedberg
Top-Level Training & Horses!
A high-quality training facility with exceptionally well-trained horses. I rode the same horse for dressage all week and got to practice both new and familiar movements. This experience will stay with me as I continue training my own horse—exactly what I was hoping for!
Marie Österman
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