Alcainça was a family run dressage yard with a selection of pure and part bred Lusitano schoolmasters suitable for leisure, amateurs and experienced riders. It all started with Antonio Assunção Duarte, when he discovered horses and the pure-bred Lusitano. He started riding and training in Portuguese classical equitation relatively late in life in his forties with Luis Valença, Mestre-Picador of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Arts.

It was Antonio who originally built the Quinta in the 1970’s as a retreat for the family to spend weekends and holidays riding together. Meanwhile, Antonio’s growing passion for Lusitanos and classical dressage saw the Quinta develop into an equestrian centre focused on training high-quality Lusitano horses in the classical Iberian principles, as well as for trail rides in the untouched mountains and along the beaches of the Atlantic coast.

After many successful years, the time has come for them to retire and new blood is taking over the reins, they still own the extensive facilities, but Mario and Telmo, huge Lusitano enthusiasts, will manage the horses and teaching, while Marianne will take over the smooth running of the guests. Together they will  continue the Escola de Equitação de Alcainça tradition of enabling riders from all four corners of the world to discover the magic of the Lusitano horse and its gift for classical equitation in a relaxed, warm atmosphere.

This is most definitely the place to visit if you are a Classical Dressage enthusiast, no prior knowledge of this way of teaching is needed as the teachers are sympathetic and aim to inspire and improve technique and feel.

It’s also a lovely place to take a non-riding partner especially in the summer months, when they can relax by the pool, watch some of your training or disappear on day trips to fishing villages, the beach or nearby towns.

Golegã Festival
Each year in November in the small town of Golegã, the most magical celebration of the Lusitano Horse takes place. Riders, breeders, buyers and locals from all over Portugal and beyond, gather in the town to showcase their animals, watch and socialise, it has a unique carnival atmosphere which is to be experienced if you have a special interest in the Lusitano breed. We can easily add this into your package and include some days riding either side.