Travel blog - Girlsweek on horseback in Portugal

Girlsweek on horseback in Portugal
A dream holiday on the back of a Lusitano

Horse riding has been much more than a hobby for me for years. Every week I enjoy riding at a riding school in the middle of the woods in Brabant near the Belgian border, where I cherish not only the contact with the horses, but also the friendships that have been made through this sport. Together with a group of girlfriends - all equally fond of horses - it has now become a regular social moment in my week.

One of those friends, Anita, has turned her passion into her job. She is now a trainer at Cosmic Horsemanship and came into contact with Floor from Global Horse Holidays through her network. Floor organises special horse-riding holidays, including in Portugal - the land of the graceful and powerful Lusitano. Both Anita and Floor love this breed, and by now I totally understand why: this holiday has made me fall in love with these beautiful horses myself!

When Anita suggested booking a riding holiday in Portugal in autumn 2024, I didn't have to think for a second. Combine horse riding with holidaying in my favourite country? Of course I was immediately excited!

And so our Girlsweek born: a tailor-made horse riding trip from 12 to 18 May 2025. A week full of unforgettable experiences: breathtaking outdoor rides on impressive Lusitanos through the enchanting Portuguese countryside combined with a visit to wine farm Casal das Freiras, private lessons in dressage and Working Equitation as well as a stay a typical Portuguese farmhouse.

We visited renowned breeding farms such as those of João Pedro Rodrigues and Veiga Horses, and discovered the special towns of Tomar and Golegã, where life is closely linked to the beautiful Lusitano. An absolute highlight in Golegã during xxv Expo Égua was our meeting with Gilberto Filipe, twice world champion Working Equitation, who warmly welcomed us to his stable and introduced us to his horses.

The hospitality of Pedro, Rui and his partner and the whole team at the Quinta were heartwarming. But especially the involvement of Floor, who managed to translate our wishes perfectly into a unique week's programme, made this trip unforgettable. It was not just a holiday, but an intense experience that will stay with me for a long time - and which only increased my love for both horses and Portugal.

Désirée Proost

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I recently embarked on an unforgettable horse riding tour that took me through the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia and Kalkan, and I can confidently say I really loved the experience!

The tour showcased some of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. From the breathtaking rock formations of Cappadocia to the picturesque beaches of Kalkan, every moment was a feast for the eyes. The scenery was absolutely magical!

One of the highlights for me was the horses themselves. All the horses were exceptionally well-trained, unbelievably surefooted, and clearly well taken care of. It was evident that they were healthy and well-fed, which made the riding experience even more enjoyable.

Our host, Floor, was outstanding. She was funny, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure I felt safe and comfortable. Her warm demeanor really made the experience great.

The guides were incredibly accommodating as well. Due to the wind there were no balloon flights on the first two days in Cappadocia, they offered us a quick riding session on our last day right before our shuttle to the airport. It was such a special gesture, allowing us to capture that magical experience without missing out on our travel schedule.

In Kalkan, the excitement continued with thrilling rides through enchanting forests and along stunning beaches. Each ride was a unique adventure and left me exhilarated.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this horse riding tour to anyone looking for an incredible experience. I had such a fantastic time, and I'm already looking forward to going again next year!

This trip was the absolute highlight of my 7-week holiday! From the welcoming reception by our driver Sergio to the excellent riding lessons on the majestic Lusitano's - everything was great. The lessons were tailored to our levels, and I learnt a huge amount. The outdoor rides, swimming with horses and careful organisation by Floor made it an unforgettable experience.

Girlfriends and Lusitanos: a top week in Portugal
Four girlfriends who know each other from a riding school in West Brabant. Four suitcases full of riding clothes, sunscreen and very good spirits. Destination: Portugal. More specifically: the beautiful surroundings of Tomar. What followed? A week full of Lusitanos, culture, culinary delights, great conversations and above all: lots of fun.

Our holiday was organised by Floor, owner of Global Horses. Her unparalleled talent for connecting and her genuine interest made it seem after a few days that we had known each other for years. She flawlessly managed to convey her great love for Lusitanos to us. Floor really seems to know everyone in the Portuguese horse scene. Therefore, doors open for her that remain firmly locked for others. Thanks to her, we were able to visit Manuel Veiga, the country's most renowned Lusitano breeder. On an ancient estate, owned by the family for many generations, where the mares and foals could graze in a protected nature reserve. How impressed we were! Floor also made it possible for us to meet some top riders. Who can say the same to us?

We stayed at Quinta do Falcao, owned by Rui Salvador - one of Portugal's most famous bullfighters. Rui has since retired, but his impressive career lives on in his own museum on the property. And as if that wasn't special enough: exactly during the week we stayed there, he became a grandfather for the first time! So we celebrated not only life on horseback, but also new life - with an extra festive glass of wine to go with it, of course.

And speaking of wine, one of the highlights for me was the field trip through spring green grassland and rolling vineyards, followed by a wine tasting with snacks and then a delicious dinner at an enchanting location: Casal das Freiras. The horses left for home relaxed by trailer. Us? We stayed for a while.......Uttiltily, slightly rosy and full of stories, we were taken back to the Quinta by car.

All week we rode gorgeous Lusitanos - elegant, powerful, friendly, sensitive and SO willing to work. An unprecedented experience for all of us. We were taught privately by Pedro Teixeira Farto, a passionate instructor who knew how to pair us with exactly the right horse every time. A gift in itself. His lessons were intense and inspiring and he had an excellent sense of what we needed as riders. Besides dressage lessons, we could also choose Working Equitation. For me, this was the first time I was introduced to this branch of equestrian sport. Super fun and despite some clumsiness, I eventually managed to ring the bell, trot over the bridge and grab the decanter from the barrel. Also during the Working Equitation lessons, it became clear once again how fast, agile and well-trained Lusitanos are. On the last day, Pedro, himself a high-level WE rider, gave a short demonstration. Wonderful to see how he and his horse worked together!

In between, we made time for culture and wonder: the historic town of Tomar with its famous Convento do Cristo monastery, its aqueduct no less than 6 km long and one of the most impressive in Portugal, a tear-jerking performance by a great Fado singer with two musicians and a visit to Golegã, the horse capital of Portugal, where everything and everyone breathes horses. We were in our element as the ExpoEgua, a multi-day event focusing on the Lusitano horse, took place there in "our" week. We were able to attend a number of inspections of sweet mares, cute foals and curious young horses.

And the weather gods were also kind to us. In fact, the weather was so perfect that it seemed someone had arranged it especially for us. Not too hot, not too cold - just right for a riding holiday.
In short: a week that really had everything. Lusitanos, friendship, deepening, culture, wine, adventure and sunshine. And now that we are back home, we finally understand what the Portuguese mean by "Saudade" - longing back for something beautiful you have experienced...............

Lusitano dream in Portugal - a trip to remember

What a trip! Together with Anita, Barbara and Désirée - friends from our famous pony club - I went on horseholiday in Portugal. Barbara had convinced me to come along anyway, and how happy I am about that. Hooked up last, I immediately felt part of the adventure. Everything was right: the atmosphere, the people, the horses... just top-notch organised by Floor, our tour guide and driving force behind it all. We stayed at the beautiful Quinta do Falcao. Just sleeping there felt special, but it became even more beautiful.

We got private lessons from Pedro Teixeira Farto (what a fine and knowledgeable instructor!), rode outside through the Portuguese countryside with a sumptuous lunch along the way, and visited the historic city of Tomar. And as if that wasn't enough, we got an exclusive look at stud farms you normally only know by name: João Pedro Rodrigues, Master Picador of the Escola Portuguesa de Arte, and the impressive Manuel Veiga breeding farm - with guided tour of the estate and all.

Everyone we met was SO welcoming, friendly and visibly proud of their horses and tradition. And then that outside ride with wine tasting and dinner, and a visit to Expoégua in Golegã... it felt like we were part of something special.

But if I have to think of one moment or horse that will stay with me, it is meeting Lusitano stallion Gaio. What an impressive and beautiful horse - he really touched me.

A dream trip full of highlights, wonderful people and of course... unforgettable Lusitanos. How lucky I was to be there.

Angelique Joosten

The trip was perfectly organised. Floor made everyone feel welcome and everything went smoothly, even with unexpected challenges. The private lessons with experienced trainers and the opportunity to try Working Equitation were highlights. The culinary stops and cultural excursions, such as the Tuk Tuk tour of Lisbon, also added extra charm to the trip.

Lusitano life - tradição e liberdade

Sometimes everything falls into place during a holiday. For me, that was the case during our trip to Portugal, organised by Global Horses. What a wealth: travelling with horse friends, being fully immersed in the world of the Lusitano and all that in an environment brimming with culture, tradition and hospitality!

From the very first moment, we felt how deeply rooted the Portuguese people's love for 'their' Lusitano is. In every stud we visited, we tasted the pride and passion with which this special breed is bred and trained. We met beautiful horses - full of character, powerful, sensitive - and were always warmly welcomed. Thanks to Floor, the owner of Global Horses, we really felt welcome everywhere.

Floor was the driving force during this trip, Her enthusiasm, knowledge, love and dedication to Portugal and the Lusitano are contagious. Everything was taken care of down to the last detail: from the accommodations to the visits to breeders and the special moments at Quinta do Falco. She knows both the region and the people, which gave our trip an extra personal dimension. Her warm contacts with breeders and local riders gave us an insight into real Lusitano life - something you don't just experience as a tourist.

We stayed in the Ribatejo region, where Tomar and Golegã, were the historical gems during our stay. This region breathes horses: the traditional costumes, driving, dressage, Working Equitation- everything here revolves around the Lusitano horse as a cultural symbol. As a horse lover, I felt completely at home here. The surroundings were beautiful, the food delicious and every day brought new impressions and encounters.

One of the highlights was riding under the guidance of Pedro Teixeira Farto, an exceptionally skilled and passionate instructor in both dressage and working equitation. He flawlessly senses what the horse and rider need. He adjusts his guidance professionally to that - both in class and during the outrides.

What made this trip really special for me was the combination of beautiful horses, good friends, depth of culture and excellent organisation. It was more than a holiday: it felt like coming home because of my passion with the horses. I can recommend travelling with Global Horses to anyone - especially if you want to experience the Lusitano in its origins.

Até para o ano!

Anita Manniën

The Lusitano horses were absolutely amazing - I have never ridden such well-trained and elegant horses. The accommodations were generally luxurious, with a few exceptions, and the wine and cheese tastings were delicious. The programme offered a perfect balance between lessons, outdoor rides and relaxation, like the massages and swimming pool at Madre De Agua.

What I really appreciated was the personal attention during classes and the programme. Each trainer took into account our levels, and I never felt overloaded. The small group size and the shared WhatsApp group for photos and videos made it extra special. The Working Equitation class with Gilberto Filipe was a highlight!

Although the programme was generally fantastic, one of the hotels did not have the level we were used to, and the lessons on the last day could have been better organised. But despite these minor flaws, the trip was a success. I went home with new knowledge, many pleasant memories and a deep appreciation for the Lusitano horses and Portuguese culture.

Now I've had a smorgasbord of dressage experience in Portugal I hope I can do a trip like this again in the future. 🤩🐴

This trip delivered a wonderful mix of riding, cultural immersion, and luxury. From the breathtaking vineyards of Madre de Água to the high-level dressage training at renowned facilities, every moment was enriching. The camaraderie, excellent horses, and Floor's exceptional hosting made it a standout experience. I look forward to another dressage-focused trip in the future!"

The cultural experiences were well-curated, from the Tuk Tuk tour showcasing Lisbon's street art to the private tour of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Arts. The wine and cheese tastings, combined with massages at Madre de Água, provided the perfect balance of relaxation and luxury. Exploring iconic spots like the Belem Tower and tasting the best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon added memorable touches to the trip.

This trip was a highlight of my summer holidays! The variety of experiences, from riding exceptional Lusitano horses to exploring the rich Portuguese culture, made it unforgettable. The river ride at Quinta do Falcao was exhilarating, and the trail through the vineyards at Madre de Água, complete with wine tasting, was a dream. The overall organisation and attention to detail by Floor and the Cavago team were top-notch.

Girlsweek on horseback in Portugal
A dream holiday on the back of a Lusitano

Horse riding has been much more than a hobby for me for years. Every week I enjoy riding at a riding school in the middle of the woods in Brabant near the Belgian border, where I cherish not only the contact with the horses, but also the friendships that have been made through this sport. Together with a group of girlfriends - all equally fond of horses - it has now become a regular social moment in my week.

One of those friends, Anita, has turned her passion into her job. She is now a trainer at Cosmic Horsemanship and came into contact with Floor from Global Horse Holidays through her network. Floor organises special horse-riding holidays, including in Portugal - the land of the graceful and powerful Lusitano. Both Anita and Floor love this breed, and by now I totally understand why: this holiday has made me fall in love with these beautiful horses myself!

When Anita suggested booking a riding holiday in Portugal in autumn 2024, I didn't have to think for a second. Combine horse riding with holidaying in my favourite country? Of course I was immediately excited!

And so our Girlsweek born: a tailor-made horse riding trip from 12 to 18 May 2025. A week full of unforgettable experiences: breathtaking outdoor rides on impressive Lusitanos through the enchanting Portuguese countryside combined with a visit to wine farm Casal das Freiras, private lessons in dressage and Working Equitation as well as a stay a typical Portuguese farmhouse.

We visited renowned breeding farms such as those of João Pedro Rodrigues and Veiga Horses, and discovered the special towns of Tomar and Golegã, where life is closely linked to the beautiful Lusitano. An absolute highlight in Golegã during xxv Expo Égua was our meeting with Gilberto Filipe, twice world champion Working Equitation, who warmly welcomed us to his stable and introduced us to his horses.

The hospitality of Pedro, Rui and his partner and the whole team at the Quinta were heartwarming. But especially the involvement of Floor, who managed to translate our wishes perfectly into a unique week's programme, made this trip unforgettable. It was not just a holiday, but an intense experience that will stay with me for a long time - and which only increased my love for both horses and Portugal.

Désirée Proost

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