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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Portugal
Intro to Portugal
 Alentejo / Blue CoastAlto Alentejo Azores Lisbon Area
Extensions:
Lisbon City Tour
Spain
France
Italy
Europe Overview
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Lusitano Riding Centre Alcainca Program A
Lisbon Area
Portugal
Spend a whole week or even just a few days at the world renowned Escola de Equitação de Alcainça. Each day you will work closely with and learn much from the knowledgeable professional trainers of dressage on site (tuition available from novice through to high school dressage!). The town of Alcainça lies only 25 miles northwest of Lisbon, 4 miles from the famous cloister of Mafra, and 6 miles from the stunning Atlantic Coast. It is surrounded by wild pastures and small forests. The Atlantic Ocean on the west coast helps assure a nice, even temperature throughout the year so that even in the heights of July and August it never gets too hot to ride. Your gracious host, Salette Rodrigues, will make you feel right at home.
The school's director, George Malleroni, studied with the legendary Nuno Oliveira for the last 10 years of the master's life. The instructors here are some of the finest dressage riders in the world, who can give lessons on any level. The riding school provides 20 highly trained Lusitano stallions for their guests. The program includes two 1.5 hour sessions per day - leaving very little time for activities other than a dip in the pool or sun tanning between lessons, so we advise if you wish to fit sight-seeing in as well into this intensive program you save some days on either end of your stay at Alcainça or downgrade to the one session per day. The groups are small, personalized and always divided according to riding level so that every rider gets a lot of personal attention.
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodation, all meals, 6 riding days - 2 instruction sessions (1.5 hours each) per day - with English speaking instructor.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP 2 sessions per day | 8d / 7n | €1435 | $1870 |
| Single supplement | €252 | $330 |
| Daily Rate (min 4 nights) per person - double occupancy | €205 | $270 |
| Daily Rate (min 4 nights) per person - single occupancy | €241 | $315 |
| 20% Discount for 1 Month stay | €0 | $0 |
Rates Note:
Shorter stays are possible - minimum of 4 nights.
No Single supplement if willing to share.
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Lisbon airport w/ return (per person, group of 1 to 3)
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€
85
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$110
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2013
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Transfer from Lisbon city center hotel w/ return (per person, group of 1 to 3)
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€
92
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$120
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Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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01/01
- 12/22
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP 2 sessions pe...
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1
/10
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Reserve
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Arrival can be any day of the week
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Rates do not include:
Transfers from Lisbon airport or Lisbon city center hotel
Lesson Meeting Point – Indoor Arena
Lesson Times – Morning 10:30h – 12:00h Afternoon – 16:30 -18:00h (in winter/spring sometimes from 15:00-16:30h).
With this program you spend a week riding at Escola de Equitação de Alcainça. Each day you will train with professional instructors in the morning and afternoon (2 sessions per day - unless downgraded to the one session package) . The magnificent horses are well trained and the instructors are some of the finest dressage riders in the world available for lessons on any level (the instructors do speak English as well as French!). The center has three instructors, with Head Instructor being the renowned Georges Malleroni. Within a short time you will improve your riding level. Your gracious host is Salette Rodrigues.
Riding Program:
The warm-up consists of 30 minutes of lateral work at the walk: counter shoulder-in, leg yield, zigzag, half pass and shoulder-in on small circles. The movements are done slowly in the classical manner of four tracks. Riders remain almost constantly on circles and bends. Then, a brisk rising trot period follows and leads into more collected work. Group lessons teach riders to pay attention to rhythm and be efficient with their aids. Escola de Equitaçao's style of dressage is rooted in lightness and following the Portuguese tradition, focuses more on artistry and on expression. The Portuguese way of dressage evolved from the bullfighter's needs to control their horses at all times and being able to place them instantly anywhere the rider wishes. The Lusitano can sit back on his haunches and collect his gaits extremely well, freeing his forehand for quick turns.
During your stay, you also have the opportunity to experience high-school movements such as the Spanish walk, levade, piaffe and passage. Believing that riders learn mostly by feeling, Malleroni aids the horse and tells the rider to just sit and feel the movement.
After a busy day, students enjoy a rustic Portuguese dinner and local wines. The day's experiences are exchanged, videos about classical dressage are watched or the local pubs of Alcainça are explored.
Arena Facilities:
There is an indoor and outdoor riding arena (195ft x 75ft), round pen (120ft).
Subject to change
Meeting:
Alcainca
Airport:
Lisbon
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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pure-bred and part-bred Lusitano horses, mostly stallions
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Pace:
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all
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Level:
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(1
to
2
out of 5) All riding levels
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Under the direction of Georges Malleroni, Alcainça became a dressage stable in which you will find horses at different training levels. You can indeed look forward to getting a mount which is not only well-tempered and of a docile character but who will allow you to explore the great feeling of riding a well-trained dressage horse.
The Horses
The Lusitanos, which come from the same origin as the famous Andalusians, can be considered as some of the finest horses in Europe, especially for dressage. Together with their Spanish brothers, the Lusitanos were the first horses which were brought to the New World and thus became ancestors of all American breeds. The Lusitano horses were at their full grandeur when the classical dressage of 'Haute Ecole' was having its era throughout the last centuries, before the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) requested the performance of extension in modern dressage. This is a movement which can only be performed in a limited way by Lusitanos as these horses have never been chosen for respect to long strides. They are instead known for their splendid abilities and glamour performing the collected movements.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Passport Note(a) Sufficient fu. more
The Atlantic Ocean on the west coast keeps an even temperature for the riding center throughout the year so that even in summer it never gets too hot.
In spring approx. 12° to 20° C with many sunny days, but rain is always possible. During summer approximately 22° to 28° C and dry. During fall 17° to 22° C, many sunny days, but rain always possible again.
The temperatures are never extreme and you will usually find it very pleasant for riding. However, be prepared for quick showers which may occasionally occur. The main "rainy season" in Portugal is from November to April.
Informal attire prevails during this ride; however riding breeches and high boots are most appropriate for the lessons. Casual sportswear is appropriate for the evenings. Do bring a sweater and jacket for the cooler evenings. We do recommend that you obtain a belt pack to carry your valuables and other small items while out hacking. We also like to carry along some leathers for tying things to the saddle.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding breeches |
| High riding boots |
| Riding helmet (best to bring your own, riding center does not have any to lend out) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
You will be staying in the newly constructed guesthouse at the riding school (four double rooms with private bath) or at the adjoining facilities (three rooms with two separate baths). Available also is swimming pool, billiards, and living room with fireplace and TV.
Riding facilities include indoor and outdoor riding arena (195ft x 75ft) and round pen (120ft).
Meal Times – All meals take place in the Dining Room
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(from 31/10 until 31/03)
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(from 01/04 until 30/10)
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Breakfast: 8:30h – 9:30 h
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Breakfast: : 8:30h – 9:30 h
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Lunch: 13:00h
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Lunch: 13:00h
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Dinner: 19:30h
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Dinner: 20:00h
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For non-riding companions there are several golf courses nearby. A visit to Sintra, Mafra, and the wide open beaches, (a 10 minute drive away), is always a great outing.
No internet available on site. There is an intenet cafe in town however if needed.
Sightseeing options and prices are available upon request.
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Tack:
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English
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|
Horses:
|
|
pure-bred and part-bred Lusitano horses, mostly stallions
|
|
Pace:
|
|
all
|
|
Level:
|
|
(1
to
2
out of 5) All riding levels
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Under the direction of Georges Malleroni, Alcainça became a dressage stable in which you will find horses at different training levels. You can indeed look forward to getting a mount which is not only well-tempered and of a docile character but who will allow you to explore the great feeling of riding a well-trained dressage horse.
The Horses
The Lusitanos, which come from the same origin as the famous Andalusians, can be considered as some of the finest horses in Europe, especially for dressage. Together with their Spanish brothers, the Lusitanos were the first horses which were brought to the New World and thus became ancestors of all American breeds. The Lusitano horses were at their full grandeur when the classical dressage of 'Haute Ecole' was having its era throughout the last centuries, before the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) requested the performance of extension in modern dressage. This is a movement which can only be performed in a limited way by Lusitanos as these horses have never been chosen for respect to long strides. They are instead known for their splendid abilities and glamour performing the collected movements.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Sufficient funds are required for all except EU nationals. (b) Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/consulate to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Lusitano Riding Centre Alcainca Program A
Tour Code:
PG-ACRA
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,870.00
Dates :
Available All Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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