Join us in Portugal for an exclusive, intimate early-Christmas experience combining classical dressage, Portuguese equestrian heritage, traditional food, music, art and friendship.

Over five very special days, you will ride and learn with us at Lusitano Heritage, discover some of Portugal's great equestrian traditions, experience the beauty of Portuguese dress and craftsmanship, and share Christmas celebrations with members of our local equestrian community.

Non-riders are welcome! Bring a loved one to enjoy everything but the lessons and costume photoshoot for €1,450 per non-rider, or include the costume photoshoot for a total of €1,650 per non-rider. Get in touch with us so we can adjust the price for your retreat package.

December 2 — Arrival & A Portuguese Christmas Welcome

Arrival in Portugal and airport collection, followed by transfer to your hotel and time to settle in.

In the evening, we begin our time together with a relaxed Portuguese Christmas food and wine experience, introducing some of the flavours, traditions and seasonal treats of Christmas in Portugal.

A chance to meet your fellow riders and the Lusitano Heritage team and settle into the rhythm of the days ahead.

December 3 — Classical Dressage at Lusitano Heritage

Our first full day is devoted to the horses.

Spend the morning at the Lusitano Heritage farm with your first classical dressage lesson, getting to know your horse and beginning your work with our teaching team.

For lunch, we head to Mélita, a wonderfully cosy and traditional local Portuguese restaurant.

In the afternoon, we return to the farm and the horses for further classical dressage work.

December 4 — The Portuguese Classical Tradition

The morning takes us to Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, home to one of Portugal's most important living equestrian traditions.

Discover the history, horses and classical Portuguese horsemanship that have influenced generations of riders — and which form an important part of the story of Lusitano Heritage.

Afterwards, we return to the farm for lunch and an afternoon classical dressage lesson, bringing some of that inspiration back into our own riding.

December 5 — Classical Riding & In-Hand Work

Another morning with the Lusitanos, beginning with an individual classical dressage lesson.

Lunch today is wonderfully informal and Portuguese: a visit to our famous local grilled-chicken restaurant, loved by the people who live here.

In the afternoon, we change perspective and work from the ground with a classical in-hand lesson, exploring communication, balance, connection and the foundations of the more advanced classical work.

December 6 — Portuguese Equestrian Art, Costume & Fado

A day celebrating the artistry surrounding the Portuguese horse. We visit a traditional equestrian tack shop and enjoy a braiding your horse experience.

Later, we step into the visual heritage of Portuguese horsemanship with our traditional equestrian costume experience and professional photo session. You will receive 10 professional images.

The day culminates in a very special evening together: dinner and live Fado, shared with some of our local friends, riders and breeders. An evening of Portuguese food, music, horses, stories and friendship — and a celebration of our time together.

December 7 — Christmas in Óbidos

For our final day, we leave the horses behind and travel to the beautiful medieval walled town of Óbidos, transformed for the festive season.

Time to explore the Christmas market, wander through the old streets, enjoy the decorations, discover local food and crafts and simply soak up the atmosphere of Christmas in Portugal.

A relaxed and festive ending to our Portuguese Equestrian Christmas.

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.