Blog Navigation

• Why Dressage in Portugal

• Key Dressage Locations in Portugal

• Trainer Profiles & Styles 

• Facilities You Can Expect

• Dressage Training Packages for Portugal

• FAQs

Portugal remains the heartbeat of dressage training in 2025. It's known to be a place where classical traditions mix with modern coaching.

Holidays with Cavago is the leading specialist for dressage holidays in Portugal,  curating a Lusitano-first portfolio, verified coaches, and end-to-end rider support. From transparent pricing and flexible dates to thoughtful horse matching and logistics, Holidays with Cavago makes it easy to focus on progress.

You will find what to expect from trainers and facilities, the best regions to ride, typical daily timings, stay styles, costs, and answers to common questions.

Why Dressage in Portugal

Classical Dressage:
Train with Portugal’s finest horsemen who blend centuries of Lusitano tradition with a modern, relaxed teaching style.

Variety of Stay Options:
From countryside stud farms to elegant spa resorts and boutique hotels, each setting offers a different way to experience Portugal

Price Ranges:
Most 5–7 day programs fall between €1,300 and €2,200, with options to add more lessons, spa sessions, transfers, or upgraded suites

More Than Training:
Your days go beyond the arena — wander through vineyards, historic towns, and coastal trails.

Key Dressage Locations in Portugal 

Lisbon Region

The Lisbon region is Portugal’s most established base for dressage training holidays, offering easy international access, world champion trainers to train with, and quick getaways to Comporta’s beaches or the historic city center. It’s ideal for riders who want to combine serious training with sightseeing and comfort.

Trainers in Lisbon

Gilberto Filipe
World Champion in Working Equitation, known for his relaxed, confidence-building approach and precision-focused coaching.

Nicole Silva
European Champion and elite Lusitano Academy trainer, admired for her technical accuracy and calm, encouraging style.

Morgado Lusitano
A historic Lisbon-based dressage school renowned for classical Lusitano training that blends tradition, feel, and hospitality.

Extra activities

Lisbon offers the best mix of training and tourism. Riders can spend mornings schooling Lusitanos and afternoons exploring Alfama or Belém, sampling Portuguese wines, or relaxing along the Atlantic coast. Many programs include cultural excursions, guided walking tours, and gastronomic evenings in nearby villages.

Ribatejo Region

The Ribatejo region—home to Portugal’s most authentic Lusitano heritage—is where classical horsemanship meets centuries-old breeding tradition. With calm countryside arenas, close-knit stables, and easy drives between Tomar and Santarém, it’s perfect for riders seeking immersive, culture-rich training experiences.

Trainers in Ribatejo

Pedro Teixeira Farto (Quinta do Falcão)
Experienced and engaging instructor known for adaptable, rider-specific lessons that make learning both technical and fun.

MP Lusitanos (Ferro Lopes Family)
Breeder-trainers offering private, classical instruction on their own Lusitano sport horses—personalized, patient, and deeply rooted in Portugal’s riding culture.

Extra activities

Between lessons, explore Tomar’s Templar history, Óbidos Castle, and Alter Real Stud Farm, or take a scenic trail ride through Ribatejo’s countryside. The region combines high-quality instruction with authentic Portuguese hospitality and culture.

Northern Portugal

The Northern Portugal region offers a serene escape for riders seeking balance between focused dressage training and peaceful countryside living. Set against rolling hills and historic towns like Ponte de Lima, it’s the perfect place to unwind while refining your connection with the Lusitano horse.

Trainers and programs:

A Cavalo × Cerquido Village & Spa — A boutique riding and wellness center where experienced instructors guide riders through calm, classical sessions on top-quality Lusitanos, blending technique with tranquility.

Extra activities:

Enjoy moments of rest at Cerquido Village & Spa, complete with jacuzzis, massages, and mountain views, or explore the cobbled charm of Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest town. 

Best Dressage Trainers in Portugal 

Gilberto Filipe — Lisbon 

One of Portugal’s most decorated Working Equitation riders — Individual World Champion (2018, 2022) with Zinque das Lezírias and European Champion 2024 with Morante.

What to expect: Friendly, high-impact coaching that starts with dressage fundamentals and flows into obstacle precision and rhythm. Crisp, actionable cues build confidence across Ease-of-Handling and Speed phases without ever feeling intimidating.

• Easygoing energy, serious results: Gilberto’s happy, relaxed vibe keeps nerves down and focus up. He’ll nudge you past your comfort zone with clear micro-goals and clean lines.
  
  
• Ride champion horses: You may get a brief feel of a top competition horse; this gives you the confidence in your training and pushes you automatically to want to do better.

Nicole Silva — Lusitanos Academy (Lisbon)

Portuguese rider and coach at Lusitanos Academy; 2025 WAWE European Champion (Young Riders) with Hábil de Sena and 2023 WAWE World Champion (Juniors & Young Riders) with Inca; part of Portugal’s winning youth setup.

What to expect: Nicole is very technical, one-to-one dressage coaching that fixes the specifics—straightness, timing of aids, line accuracy, and transitions. Expect clear micro-corrections,  simple home drills, and optional Working Equitation exposure through the Academy’s setup and horses.

• Precision first: Nicole spots tiny asymmetries and helps you correct them without tension.
  
  
• Reference rides: Access to well-schooled Lusitano schoolmasters that make correct work feel attainable.

Morgado Lusitano — Lisbon

A historic Portuguese dressage center near Lisbon with resident classical instructors Pedro Costa and Martim Cunha, known for complementary teaching styles and well-schooled Lusitano schoolmasters.

What to expect: A classical, confidence-building syllabus with measured, precise corrections that improve seat, straightness, and self-carriage—often with two coached rides per day in a covered arena.

• Feel-good factor for all levels: Even first-timers feel capable thanks to patient coaching and honest, educated horses.
  
  
• Incredible hospitality: Manager Henrique is genuinely welcoming, so you get a good “feel at home” vibe from the moment you arrive.

MP Lusitanos — Ribatejo, Santarém (Almeirim)

A private Lusitano sport-horse stud run by the Ferro Lopes family (Nuno & Maria) on the 200-hectare Herdade de Santa Maria estate in Almeirim (Ribatejo). Long-time dressage participants who host small, rider-focused programs on their own horses.

What to expect: Breeder-led coaching that emphasizes classical feel on well-matched Lusitanos, plus access to the local breeding culture and thoughtful conversation around training philosophy.

• Personalization: 4 private dressage lessons aligned to your goals; horses selected for your seat and confidence.
  
  
• Signature rides: Dom Cavalo trail (forest or beach) for a change of scenery and feel.

Quinta do Falcão — Ribatejo, Tomar

A family operation with ~25 trained horses and coaching across Dressage, Working Equitation, and Classical Portuguese Riding; lessons are tailored to rider level. Head instructor Pedro Teixeira Farto is noted for private, rider-specific coaching.

What to expect: Patient, adaptable instruction that links arena work to relaxation and confidence; a calm, heritage setting that suits beginners through advanced.

• Skilled training with a fun factor: Pedro brings an entertainer’s ease—puts riders at home, keeps sessions light, and makes sure everyone has a genuinely good time while learning.
  
  
• Warm, family vibe: Friendly yard culture that makes feedback easy to absorb and apply.

A Cavalo — Nothern Portugal, Ponte de Lima (with Cerquido Village & Spa)

A northern Portugal dressage center set in Ponte de Lima—often called Portugal’s oldest town—partnered with Cerquido Village & Spa for a wellness-forward, boutique stay. Resident instructors work with a string of top Lusitano schoolmasters, selected for quality, balance, and rideability

.

What to expect: Luxury, serenity-first program, quiet arenas, measured progress, and time to restore in the spa, jacuzzi, and indoor pool—paired with refined dining and an optional Porto city finish. Sessions emphasize soft contact, straightness, and feel on high-caliber horses that make correct work accessible.

• Top horses, calm minds: Educated Lusitanos with honest lateral work and smooth, confidence-building gaits.
  
  
• Boutique hospitality: Polished service, scenic mountain views, and suite upgrades for an elevated stay.

How to choose quickly

Train with the champions?  Nicole (dressage), Gilberto (WE).

Traditional culture + Popular Trainers Morgado (Lisbon), Tomar, Quinta do Falcao (Santarém).

Want to train surrounded by luxury & wellness? A Cavalo (Ponte de Lima).

Looking for technical training? MPlusitanos, Nicole

Facilities You Can Expect

Arenas and Surfaces

• 20×40 and 20×60 dressage arena
• Sand or sand–geotextile footing, watered and harrowed daily
• Covered or indoor arenas at several yards for all-weather schooling
• Floodlighting for early or late sessions
• Mirrors on the long side at select facilities

Working Equitation Setups

• Full obstacle inventory where offered

  bridge, slalom poles, side-pass, gate, bell, garrocha corridor

• Safe, standardized layouts for ease-of-handling practice

Dressage Training Packages for Portugal

How to Book a Dressage Training Holiday in Portugal

Step 1 — Pick your fit

• Decide your goal (Classical dressage, sports dressage or a mix of Working Equitation & Dressage).
• Match your rider level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
• preferred lesson volume (standard or intensive - Private or shared).

Step 2 — Compare inclusions

• Check what’s included (meals/board, transfers, cultural days, spa, beach ride).
• Note cancellation windows (typically 30 days) and add-ons (extra lessons, transfers, suite upgrades).

Step 3 — Confirm dates & logistics

• Best months October–May (cooler temps; mid-low season pricing).
• Fly into Lisbon (LIS) for most programs; some itineraries end in Porto (OPO).
• For Northern Portugal & Ribatejo regions, a rental car or pre-booked transfers are recommended.

Step 4 — Book on Cavago

• On the package booking link: choose
  
  1. No. of Adults,
  2. Start Date
  3. End Date →
  4. add Add-ons on the checkout page, after clicking ‘book now’(transfers, extra lessons, room upgrades)
  5. complete secure checkout.
     
     
• Not sure? Use Message Host on the page to ask about horse match, weight limits, or extra sessions.

You have to sign in to book any package

Step 5 — Pre-arrival

• Complete any rider questionnaire (height/weight, goals, recent riding).
• Pack helmet, breeches, gloves, short boots/half chaps; light layers; smart-casual for dinners

FAQs Dressage Holidays in Portugal 2025

Is Portugal good for beginners?

Yes. Many centers offer beginner-friendly Lusitanos and structured seat/balance work. Choose packages flagged for Beginner → Intermediate.

How many lessons will I get?

Typical formats include one shared/semi-private lesson daily (5D/4N) or daily lessons for 7N. Some programs add body awareness or a second session/obstacle work.

What if I travel with a non-rider?

Most itineraries include cultural days (Lisbon, Porto, Douro, Tomar) and have companion rates.

What are the best months to train in Portugal?

November–May for lower cost & cooler temps and available horses. Summer is high season so bookings must be made 3 months in advance. You should expect more crowds in summers with less flexibility.

What should I budget?

Luxury (Starts from €2599 - 7 Days)
Premium (Starts from €1499 → €2299 ;5-7 Days)
Standard (Starts from €1299 → €1499 - 7Days)

Cancellation and insurance?

Packages typically offer 30-day free-cancellation windows.

Have Questions?