Refine your riding from the ground up — with clarity, softness, and renewed connection.

Join us at Lusitano Heritage for a retreat that explores the foundations of classical in-hand work and its direct translation into balanced, refined, and harmonious riding.

This boutique retreat combines:

• daily individual in-hand sessions;

• daily individual ridden lessons;

• theory, presence work, and video analysis;

• work with horses at multiple levels of training;

• a beautiful and calm Lusitano environment;

• a personalised post-retreat online lesson with your own horse.
  

This is not a riding holiday — it is a classical education immersion guided by Master Trainer Nuno Cavaco. Limited to 4–6 riders.

At Lusitano Heritage, we believe a retreat is more than just riding — it's a journey of connection. Whether you dream of refining your dressage, discovering the spirit of the Lusitano, or simply finding peace in Portugal's beautiful countryside, we welcome you with open arms. Our retreats are small, personal, and crafted with care, so that every rider leaves not only with new skills but with unforgettable memories and friendships.

Our Heritage Pledge
At Lusitano Heritage, we believe that true horsemanship is inseparable from caring for the land. We are committed to protecting our ancient oak trees, rewilding our orchard, and living lightly on the earth. Each guest may choose to support this vision through our carbon-offset programme, helping us preserve Portugal's natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.

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 is known for his calm precision and sharp eye. His teaching helps riders find harmony, balance, and lightness with the Lusitano.

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.

"Nuno teaches riders to feel, not force — to listen before asking. His approach blends classical precision with deep empathy, creating lightness without tension."

We love Ericeira! And hope you do too ! It is the perfect blend of charm, authenticity, locals, surfers and beach lovers. Boho hand craft shops, restaurants to suit all diets. Simply passing the time watching life outside one of the shady cafes you will feel so peaceful and ready for your classical experience.

“Over the 4 days in this small retreat you will discover so much about the horses and yourself.
You’ll learn to feel subtle shifts in balance, breath, and intention — the quiet language that underpins all classical work. As you move between in-hand sessions, ridden lessons, observation and reflection, you begin to sense how your energy shapes the horse’s response, and how the smallest adjustments create profound change. This is a space where confidence grows, clarity emerges, and the partnership between horse and human deepens in ways that stay with you long after the retreat ends.”

I had the most wonderful riding vacation as well as horse shopping with my stepmom with Teresa and Nuno. They are both wonderful people and knowledgeable equestrians. They know the area and Lusitano market in depth and have many important connections. Nuno is a phenomenal trainer in classical dressage and was able to give me tips to improve my riding in a short period of time. He not only taught me how to ride their Lusitanos but also helped me translate the information to how it could help my eventing thoroughbred. I couldn’t recommend Nuno and Teresa any more highly for riding lessons, vacations, and horse shopping. I’m incredibly grateful to them for a wonderful experience in Portugal! Anna Roger Hanson USA 2024

“We know how important it is to take everything you have learned here and apply it with your own horse. To support you in this next step, you will receive a personalised live online lesson or video review within three weeks of your retreat. This follow-up session helps you translate the classical principles into your daily work at home, refine your technique, and continue your progression with confidence and clarity.”