Come and spend a few unhurried days riding Lusitano horses in the countryside near Mafra, 35 minutes from Lisbon and close to the coast at Ericeira.

This is a retreat for riders drawn to the classical Portuguese tradition. You'll train with Nuno Cavaco, who spent over 35 years within the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, and Mike Ferreira, a Portuguese rider and trainer known for his patient work producing young horses.

The riding is deliberately unhurried. We would rather you ride well than ride often, so the days leave room to watch others work, ask questions, and let what you learn settle.

Your stay includes:

• Daily private classical riding lessons on schooled Lusitanos

• Groundwork and in-hand sessions to deepen your feel and communication

• A relaxed lunch together each day, home-cooked, with vegetarian options

• Access to the Heritage Circle, so the learning continues after you're home

• Time to explore Portugal's living equestrian heritage, and our handcrafted attire and tack if you'd like to take a piece of the tradition home

Optional wellness sessions (breathwork, body awareness) can be added to your stay.

This retreat runs over 3 nights and 2 riding days. Longer stays are listed below, or tell us what you have in mind and we'll shape a stay around you.

Some riders come to us to refine their dressage. Others come to meet the Lusitano for the first time, or simply to slow down for a few days in the Portuguese countryside. Whatever brings you here, you'll find the same welcome.

Our retreats run as small groups, so we can get to know you, match you carefully to your horse, and shape the days around your riding. Most guests leave with more than they came for — a clearer feel in the saddle, and often a few friendships that outlast the week.

We believe good horsemanship and care for the land belong together. The farm sits among ancient oak trees we're committed to protecting, we're slowly rewilding our orchard, and we try to live lightly on the earth in the small daily choices as much as the big ones.

If you'd like to support this, you can add a contribution to our carbon offset programme when you book — it goes toward preserving Portugal's natural and cultural heritage for the riders and horses who come after us.

A master of classical dressage and 35 years of equestrian practice, with 25 of those years as a veteran of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, Nuno Cavaco is known for his calm precision and sharp eye. His teaching helps riders find harmony, balance, and lightness with the Lusitano.

With experience producing young horses, teaching riders and competing in dressage, Mike Ferreira combines technical knowledge with patience and respect for the individual horse. His work reflects the values at the heart of Lusitano Heritage — correct foundations, harmony and a partnership built on trust.

Founder of Lusitano Heritage, Teresa blends her deep equestrian knowledge with warmth and vision. She ensures every retreat is more than a holiday — it’s a soulful immersion in Portugal’s equestrian culture.