Outside the Corral | Alentejo Dressage & Countryside

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 € 660 (3 nights, standard room)

Ideal length

3 - 6 nights

Level

Beginner to experienced

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

Centre Based Rides, Family Riding Holidays, Non-Riders Welcome, Instruction, Equestrian Short Breaks

3 - 6 nights

Beginner to experienced

90KG

Groups up to 5

2 - 3 hours/day in the saddle

Lisbon

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?

I’ve just returned from my second amazing riding holiday in Portugal! Both times, everything was perfectly organised by Laure-Anne. She communicates clearly and promptly, is always available to answer questions, and pays great attention to every detail. It was an incredible experience, and when I plan my next trip like this, I will definitely book through Laure-Anne again. Highly recommended!

Inas Chemali

Via

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About

Thanks to Laure–Anne from Outside the Corral and her good advice, I had a great experience with a first horse riding holiday. Laure–Anne is very friendly, immediately presented me with some suitable options and was able to answer all my questions with great enthusiasm. I eventually chose Portugal in Alentejo. The introduction immediately felt familiar and personal and I couldn‘t wait to start my first solo trip. I also liked knowing that the destinations have been carefully chosen and that they are places where the horses are well cared for. In addition, it was very nice that Laure–Anne was able to organize this for me at short notice, I only had to arrange my ticket and could therefore travel last minute without any worries. The experience was completely in line with what Laure–Anne had told me about it. It was actually even more beautiful; the place, the friendly people and of course the fantastic, gentle Lusitano horses. I’ve been home for a few weeks now but I’m still reminiscing about this magical trip. I have rediscovered my passion and can’t wait to book my next riding holiday. I look back on this special adventure with very warm feelings!

Roos Van Loon

Via

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About

After a 10-year riding break, I made the decision to return to horseback riding at Monte Velho, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. The fantastic location, delicious food, and the camaraderie of the group, along with personalized dressage lessons and trail rides for each rider, ensured that I had an exceptional stay!

Leonie Hermans

Via

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About

Laure-Anne has been a perfect guide for our riding holiday to Portugal. From the first moment, she gave a lot of confidence and was also always willing to answer questions as quickly as possible. The holiday itself was more than successful. To such an extent that we will immediately book again for next year. The countdown can already begin! Thank you, Laure-Anne, for this unforgettable experience!