Alentejo Dressage & Countryside

If you’re looking for an authentic Portuguese riding holiday with excellent riding on Lusitano horses and stunning architectural accommodation in great surroundings, look no further! This stud farm in the Alentejo region will blow you away.

Best period

Year-round

Price

From € 600 (3 nights, standard room)

Ideal length

3 - 6 nights

Interested?

Get in touch

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the rich Portuguese equestrian culture at an award-winning stud farm.
Improve your dressage skills on incredibly well-trained Lusitano horses.
Take a trail ride through the wonderful Alentejo countryside.
Enjoy stunning architectural accommodation and a pool with a view.

Quick facts

At a glance

A stay at this authentic family-run Lusitano stud farm is a must-do for anyone wishing to experience world class dressage instruction with a dash of trail riding in stunning surroundings. The stud farm runs a very successful breeding and dressage competition program and is internationally recognised as one of the best breeders of the Lusitano horse. In 2021 their homebred bay stallion Equador MVL and his rider João Torrão represented Portugal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where they reached the Team final with the Portuguese team. Having the opportunity to learn more about the breeding and dressage competition programme during your stay is a real privilege.

The stud farm can cater for every riding level and has five different riding programmes available for the guests. These programmes consist either of dressage lessons, trail rides in the countryside or a mix of both. The dressage lessons are semi-private with a maximum of two people and given by a member of the experienced instructor’s team. The horses are well-schooled Lusitanos, primarily homebred, which are well suited to dressage due to their gentle character and elevated movement.

The trail rides last 1,5 hour each and navigate through extraordinary surroundings. You can ride for several hours without ever crossing paved roads, going through various lakes and experiencing a typical Alentejos landscape, with its cork and holm trees and the various herds of cattle. Depending on the programme that you choose, you will ride once or twice a day.

More information

The property has exquisitely designed accommodation available for the guests, that blends with the surrounding countryside. Each room opens to a furnished balcony with an amazing view to the dam inserted in a piece of the typical landscape of Alentejo. Similarly, the cuisine comprises of typical Alentejo ingredients.

The property is also very appealing for non-riders. Guests can spend their days relaxing by the rooftop pool with panoramic views, work out in the gym, go on a picnic, take a bike ride or go fishing or canoeing on the lake. There is also a spa, where guests can enjoy the jacuzzi, a sauna or have a relaxing massage. Those who appreciate some sightseeing can explore the city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is only 30 km away and well worth a visit.

What do others say?

We had a wonderful riding holiday in Portugal with Outside the Corral. The location of Monte Velho Equo Resort is indescribably beautiful. The terrace has an incredible a view where you can see the horses galloping from the terrace. Also, I have never had a more beautiful view while sitting in the sauna. I can definitely recommend the trail rides. The trail horses are top notch and this way you get to know the surrounding area. Our guide always took us to the most beautiful spots. My biggest fear was that the horses would not be treated well, but nothing could be further from the truth. The horses are very well looked after. Lastly, Laure-Anne guided us very well. Even though it was our first riding holiday, we knew exactly what to expect. Definitely highly recommended!
We went to Portugal and what a super cool trip it was! Very sweet people, beautiful surroundings and well cared for well behaved horses. Laure-Anne made sure that everything was well organized. Very nice to go on a trip like that and nice that she checks how it was afterwards. Highly recommended for every horse lover!
Marjolein Van Zundert
Wow wow wow! I have no more words to say how fantastic I thought my trip in Portugal was: the location, the horses, the group, the instructors, the rooms, the food, the rides. Wow! Also very satisfied with the preparation of the trip: clear emails, being able to let all control go, good communication. I'm already thinking about another riding holiday with Outside the Corral!
Just back from a week at Monte Velho (Portugal). It was a flawless trip and top service by Laure-Anne, thank you. An incredible and unique experience in a beautiful infrastructure and breathtaking environment. The instructors are all professional and very passionate, you are welcomed by a heartwarming family, and really a place full of history. A great riding holiday to remember!

Ready to discover the horse riding holiday of your dreams?