Day 1
Lisbon airport to Quinta dos Pinheiros, a drive of around forty-five minutes. After a welcome drink you will get straight onto the horses to enjoy your first ride on one of these magnificent Lusitanos. You will ride through cork and eucalyptus trees and can start to relax and get to know your horse. On returning to the Quinta there will be some time for relaxation before dinner which is eaten in front of the the fireplace during the winter or out in the garden during the summer months. Overnight at Quinta dos Pinheiros or a lovely guesthouse nearby (depending on the number of participants).

Day 2
Today is the start of the trail! For this day there are two beautiful alternatives, depending on the number of participants.

A) If your group is a minimum of four riders then Kristin will try to include this option… a ride to the vineyard at Quinta da Ribeirinha. On these lovely Lusitanos you will ride out from the Quinta in the direction of Povoa de Santarem. The riding is over rolling hills with beautiful views before you come to the narrow historical roads of a typical Portuguese village. After around two hours riding you will reach Quinta da Ribeirinha where you will receive a warm welcome, a wine tasting and a delicious lunch. After visiting the winery, you will continue on in the direction of the Tejo, arriving at Quinta Boa Vista- this is home to a Lusitano horse breeder, and they are especially successful in carriage driving at an international level. You will stay here overnight, enjoying special views of the river and gaining an insight into life at this gran Quinta. Approximate riding time of four hours.

B) If the group is less than four riders then you will ride out from the Quinta in the direction of Alcanoes, passing through this typical Portuguese village. There are wonderful views all around you as you continue on through green meadows which are used by a bull and horse breeder. Whilst the countryside starts with rolling hills and patches of cork trees it will soon start to open up. You will reach the Tejo valley, home to impressive vineyards, and the flatter terrain brings lovely opportunities to canter. The shore of the Tejo River is the ideal spot for a picnic, and you can take the time to eat, relax and enjoy your lovely surroundings. After the lunch break your ride continues into some mountain areas with excellent views over the river before making your way to Quinta dos Pinheiros. Dinner tonight is in the Quinta or at a traditional restaurant in Santarem. Riding time is around five and a half hours.

Day 3
Today you will enjoy riding in the Tejo valley, experiencing the charm of the Ribatejo region. There are excellent opportunities for long trots and canters which are a pleasure on these comfortable horses! Upon leaving from Quinta Boa Vista the trail route takes you to ride upon the banks of the Alviela River before you once again reach the Tejo with its delightful sandbanks and beaches. You will pass by some old farmhouses before reaching your picnic spot, a calm and peaceful place where you can rest amidst nature and simply enjoy the fresh air and good company.

In the afternoon the ride leads you through huge cornfields, following twisting paths until you arrive in Azinhaga. This is renowned as being one of the most typical Portuguese villages in the Ribatejo region. After passing through this village, you will soon be alongside some fields with grazing mares; this is Quinta da Brôa, the home of the famous Veiga stud farm and your destination of today. You will be welcomed to this traditional farm which can be called the cradle of the Lusitano, known for its long tradition in breeding Lusitano Horses. The Veiga family has been breeding these magnificent horses for more than a hundred years – breathe the atmosphere full of tradition, experiencing the farmhouse and admiring their stunning Lusitanos. The guesthouses have been renovated and restored from former workers’ houses. You will have time for a little rest in your apartment before you go out to dinner in the ‘capital of the horses’, Golega!

Day 4
This morning you can have a more leisurely breakfast and rest a little before taking a guided tour through the Veiga stud farm, learning more about this special place. With a bit of luck, you will see Manuel Veiga (international dressage rider) training one of his beautiful Lusitanos. Often you can see him training one of his stallions with a special workout, riding in the same fields that his breeding mares are grazing in or even having a bit of fun by working two horses at the same time.

After a little snack and feeling inspired by the morning tour, you will get your horses ready to leave Quinta da Brôa. Your trail takes you through the meadows of the Veiga stud farm, where you can see the mares grazing with their foals, and then continues along the natural reserve of Boquilobo. Some nice canters are waiting for you! After approximately three and a half hours of riding, you will reach Golega, the ‘Capital of the Horses’, where you will spend the night. Golega has a long tradition and is famous for its annual horse fair in November. You may like to go for a little walk to discover the roads and hidden traditional shops or coffee bars, otherwise, you are welcome to join your hosts as they visit their friend and artist Sabine Marciniak. Sabine has dedicated her life to her passion, the painting of Lusitano Horse and equitation art. Tonight, you will enjoy a delicious dinner with views over the main square.

Day 5
You’ll prepare your horses for another great day of riding. You will start by riding around on the famous manga of Golega to get the feeling that you are participating in the festival! Then you will leave this ‘horse town’ by following small roads, following back in the direction of the Tejo River. In the morning you will pass by big cornfields and will come to understand why the region is named the ‘Garden of Lisbon’ – the very fertile ground of the riverbank creates rich fields with tomatoes, potatoes, corn, sunflowers and more. After approximately two and a half hours of riding, you will recognise again the stately, beautiful buildings of the Veiga stud farm. You will stop for lunch in a restaurant in a small village and will enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch in an authentic atmosphere whilst your horses wait outside. Well-rested you will continue your ride, passing eucalyptus and beautiful old cork trees, riding amongst the cowherds before reach Quinta Mata Rural where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night. The Quinta is a charming, family-run farm producing olive oil and cattle. Do not miss a chance to marvel at the night sky full of stars!

Day 6
It’s time to leave this little paradise and head back in the direction of the home farm. The ride today begins over some rolling hills, passing a big cattle farm. Riding uphill and downhill, the ride takes you through a variety of countryside with cork trees and lovely views. You will ride through the olive trees until reaching your picnic place where you and the horses can have a little rest. Antonio is waiting for you with one of his well-known picnics. You will then continue riding through vineyards, going around a beautiful lake where the horses can drive. The horses already know that they are close to home. Full of new experiences you will arrive back home at Quinta dos Pinheiros, finishing the week with a delicious dinner. Your hosts hope that you keep their Lusitano Horses in your memories for a long time.

Day 7
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye – you will be transferred back to Lisbon airport for your journey home. Or perhaps you would like to stay a night or two longer and have some Classical Dressage and Working Equitation lessons with Pedro.