Packages and Options

Lesson Meeting Point – Indoor Arena

Lesson Times – Morning 10:30h – 12:00h  Afternoon – 15:30 h – 17:00h

With this program you spend a week riding at Escola de Equitação de Alcainça. Each day you will train with professional instructors in the morning or afternoon (2 sessions per day). These magnificent horses are well trained and the instructors are some of the finest dressage riders in the world who can give lesson on any level (the instructors do speak English as well as French!). The center has three instructors, with Head Instructor being Georges Malleroni. Within a short time you will improve your riding level. Your gracious host, Salette Rodrigues, will make you feel right at home.

Riding Program:
The warm-up consists of 30 minutes of lateral work at the walk: counter shoulder-in, leg yield, zigzag, half pass and shoulder-in on small circles. The movements are done slowly in the classical manner of four tracks. Riders remain almost constantly on circles and bends. Then, a brisk rising trot period follows and leads into more collected work. Group lessons teach riders to pay attention to rhythm and be efficient with their aids. Escola de Equitaçao's style of dressage is rooted in lightness and following the Portuguese tradition, focuses more on artistry and on expression. The Portuguese way of dressage evolved from the bullfighter's needs to control their horses at all times and being able to place them instantly anywhere the rider wishes. The Lusitano can sit back on his haunches and collect his gaits extremely well, freeing his forehand for quick turns.

During your stay, you also have the opportunity to experience high-school movements such as the Spanish walk, levade, piaffe and passage. Believing that riders learn mostly by feeling, Malleroni aids the horse and tells the rider to just sit and feel the movement.
After a busy day, students enjoy a rustic Portuguese dinner and local wines. The day's experiences are exchanged, videos about classical dressage are watched or the local pubs of Alcainça are explored.

Riding Facilities:
There is an indoor and outdoor riding arena (195ft x 75ft), round pen (120ft).

Subject to change

The Atlantic Ocean on the west coast helps assure a nice, even temperature throughout the year so that even in July and August it never gets too hot.

In spring approx. 12°‑to 20° C with many sunny days. Rain is possible. During Summer approximately. 22°‑to 28° C, dry. During fall 17°‑to 22° C, many sunny days, but rain possible.

The temperatures are never extreme and you will usually find it very pleasant for riding. However, be prepared for quick showers which may occasionally occur. The main rainy season in Portugal is from November to April.

Informal attire prevails during this ride; however riding breeches and high boots are most appropriate. Casual sportswear is appropriate for the evenings. Do bring a sweater and jacket for the cooler evenings. We do recommend that you obtain a belt pack to carry your valuables and other small items while out hacking. We also like to carry along some leather thongs for tying things to the saddle.