Beautiful Lusitanos, experienced jumping horses and time to enjoy the Portuguese countryside - Vale de Ferreiros is a lovely choice for riders who want to improve their riding while still feeling they’re on holiday. Focus on dressage, spend your time jumping or enjoy a mixture of both, with the option to head out for a hack between arena sessions.

Near Abrantes in the Santarém district of central Portugal, approximately 150km from Lisbon, this small, family-run estate is owned and run by Vitor and his daughter Filipa. Horses have been part of family life for years, and Filipa oversees the equestrian centre and its events. There’s a personal, welcoming feel, alongside the facilities and experience of a yard that hosts national and international competitions.

The flexibility is a big part of the appeal. You might arrive with something specific to work on - improving your jumping confidence, sharpening up your flatwork or getting a better feel for lateral movements - or simply want a few days riding good horses with helpful instruction. Choose your preferred balance of dressage and jumping when booking, with changes and hacking during your stay available on request, subject to availability. It works equally well as a short escape or a longer riding holiday.

For classical dressage lovers, the Lusitanos are a particular draw. Horses range in training level, with some schooled to Grand Prix, giving riders the opportunity to learn on horses that already understand the questions being asked. Depending on your experience, lessons might focus on your position, balance and timing, or progress towards lateral work, collection and more advanced movements. There’s plenty to take home and put into practice with your own horse.

If jumping is your thing, the centre has experienced Warmbloods, mainly KWPN and Selle Français, with some capable of courses up to 1.30m. That gives you an idea of their schooling, while your own lessons and fence heights are tailored to your ability and confidence. Work on finding a consistent rhythm, riding better lines or bringing a whole course together. English-speaking instructors teach mainly individual lessons, allowing time to focus on what will help you most.

The facilities include two outdoor arenas and a covered arena, but the riding extends well beyond the school. Around 26km of trails give you the chance to explore the countryside, riding through open pastures, beneath cork trees and along the banks of the River Tagus. Some routes take you through the nearby village, while others lead onto higher ground with wide views across the river and surrounding countryside.

Hacking makes a lovely addition to the tuition, giving both you and your horse a change of scene. Enjoy a relaxed wander beside the water, take in the woodland and farmland, and spend some time simply enjoying being out on a horse. You can choose a package combining lessons and hacks, or request to swap a lesson for a hack, subject to availability. Let us know how much hacking you’d like to include when booking so we can help arrange the right balance.

There’s plenty to enjoy when you’re not riding, making Vale de Ferreiros a lovely option for non-riding companions too. Spend a lazy afternoon by the swimming pool, settle into the sitting room with a book or explore the quiet country lanes on foot or by bike. For a day out, visit Abrantes and its castle, explore historic Tomar or arrange a wine tasting with a local producer. The nearby River Tagus offers birdwatching and guided boat trips, while Castelo de Bode lake is a great spot for swimming, boating and watersports. In summer, when riding usually takes place in the cooler mornings and evenings, there’s time to fit in an outing or simply relax by the pool. Activities can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability.

This is also a beautiful part of Portugal to explore beyond the saddle. Include a visit to Golegã, around 45 minutes away. In November, its famous horse fair fills the town with horses, riders, breeders and celebrations - a wonderful addition to a riding holiday. Visits can be discussed when booking, along with a trip to the Alter Real stud at Alter do Chão.

For anyone considering buying a Lusitano, the team can also arrange viewings and help you explore suitable horses. Let us know in advance if this is something you’d like to include.

Whether you come for a few focused days of tuition or a longer stay combining lessons, hacks and afternoons by the pool, Vale de Ferreiros gives you plenty of choice - and plenty of time with the horses.