|
Hacking and Riding instructions
You may ride for hours through untouched nature, then pass small farms and
large old country estates and pick your way through eucalyptus and pine
tree groves, under ancient cork oaks and past fruit-laden orange trees.
Long sandy tracks invite you to heart bursting gallops. Tiny white
villages offer an opportunity to rest in a small café. Adjust yourselves
to a totally different pace of life. Or if you have come to refresh your
equestrian skills, the instructors are some of the best in the country and
the purebred Lusitanos are a joy to ride. Of course you can do a bit of
both during your week’s stay.
Embedded in the lovely rolling hills of the upper Alentejo region, 100
miles northeast of Lisbon, lies this country estate. The equestrian center
is surrounded by cork oak groves and a wonderful garden, blooming all year
round. Go for a refreshing swim in the pool or simply hang out in the sun
on the lawn.
The Lusitanos derive partly from the center’s own stud. Most of them are
trained by the instructor, João Dias Branco (CMFED Centro Militar de
Educação Física de Desportivo), from the very first steps up to High
School movements.
The highly trained horses can teach the Grand Prix dressage movements or
simply carry the rider through the most secret places of Portugal. From
the 'piaffe' in a high level dressage lesson, to cantering along deserted
tracks through wonderful wildflower fields, you will find all is possible.
The instructor will help you to discover the magnificent beauty of the
country, introduce you to the region's nature and wildlife, and most
certainly "infect" you with his enthusiasm for Lusitano horses.
 IT-PGSR01
2006 Rates include: Accommodations, all meals, 5 riding days -
up to
15 hours of hacking. English speaking guide.
7 days/ 6 nights $ 1,045
Single: +$210
-- based on €
850 / € 170
- no single supplement if willing to share
Special Clinic based on the
"Alexander Technique" from May 14 to 20:
7 days/ 6 nights $ 1,245
incl. transfer from Lisbon
see details
Packages with instructions:
A.10 hrs hacking / 5 hrs group lessons
$1,095 (€
875)
B.10 hrs hacking / 5 hrs private lessons
$1,225 (€
991)
.D. 10 hrs private lessons
$1,175 (€
945)
Dates: Open year-round Sunday-Saturday.
Meeting: Ponte de Sor
Airport: Lisbon
Transfer: $125 (€
100) to pay locally, or by scheduled bus to Ponte de Sor
(~$35)
Level:
For instructions - all levels
for hacking - intermediate level
Tack:
English
Horses:
Lusitano stallions and geldings
Pace: Moderate, trots, canters,
gallops
Min/Max Riders: 3-8
Note: Max weight 185 lbs.
Combine your stay with a visit to the “Feria Nacional do Cavalo”, the
Lusitano horse fair in Golega during the first 10 days in November.
Itinerary
Throughout the week we include 10 hours of hacking and 5 hours of
instructions in dressage and introduction to the art of classical
Portuguese riding in the indoor or outdoor arenas. Each day, under the
expert eye of the top instructors you can learn shoulder-in, extensions,
flying changes, circles and diagonals and even thrill to piaffe and
passage. The less experienced rider has the opportunity to learn to use
their seat as well as the precise control of the horse.
On the daily
guided trail rides (some half and some full day rides) you may ride for
hours through untouched nature, passing small farms and large old country
estates. Adjust yourselves to a totally different pace of life.
All guests
are free to use the communal rooms at the main house. It includes a living
room with fireplace, a common room with a billiard table and a chess table
etc., a large dining room, a TV-room, all with central heating, and a
swimming-pool (12m x 6m) with a pergola-shaded terrace.
Trips for "horse nuts" lead to the traditional stud of Alter do Chão
nearby, whose dark brown Alter Real once were the ornament of the Kings of
Portugal's very own stables.
There are plenty activities for non-riding companions: The vast Alto
Alentejo countryside invites you to long walks through forests and cork
oak groves or to mountain bike tours. At the great lake of Montargil, you
can go swimming, water-skiing and sailing; canoeing and kayak tours on the
river Tejo are also possible.
Only 10 minutes away the carriage museum on the country estate "Herdade da
Margalha" shows Europe's second largest private collection of 19th century
carriages. Visits to local horse breeders can also be organized on special
request or visit historical sites such as Marvão, Castelo de Vide,
Portalegre or the town of Tomar, founded by the Knights Templars.
Among the great events of the year in the "Lusitano world" list both the
Lusitano fair in Lisbon during the last week of June and the "Feria
Nacional do Cavalo", the Lusitano fair in Golegá, during the first 10 days
of November. You can easily combine the stay with a visit to each of these
absolutely remarkable events.
 |
view
|
