Global Horse Promotion, run by Floor Schoenmakers, organised a week I’ll never forget. She organised every detail of our stay at Quinta do Falcão, a beautiful family-run Lusitano estate near Tomar owned by Rui Salvador, one of Portugal’s most famous bullfighters, and his wife Sandra, and matched us with exactly the right horses for our level.
Our coach, Pedro Teixeira Farto, was outstanding — patient, observant and full of good humour, whether we were practising dressage in the arena or out on a trail. The riding wasn’t confined to the school: we had a lovely ride along the river, and a memorable outing through the vineyards that ended with a tour of the wine cellar and a wine tasting — a real highlight of the trip.
Equally special was the day Floor arranged for us to visit Manuel Veiga’s stud farm near Golegã — seeing the mares and foals grazing on his historic estate, with the family’s generations of breeding history all around us, was a genuine privilege.
Rui and Sandra made us feel completely at home at Quinta do Falcão, and Floor’s local knowledge and network turned this into a truly personalised trip rather than a standard tour package. I highly recommend Global Horse Promotion to anyone who wants a genuine, horse-centred week in Portugal.

 

𝗔 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀.
When one of the world's most respected equine veterinarians enjoys your journey enough to come back, you know you're doing something right. Dr Sue Dyson, internationally renowned for her work in equine welfare and performance, joined us in Portugal and shared this wonderful review. And the best news? She'll be joining us again in 2027. 🇵🇹✨🐴

 

Sue: “ My Highlights; The camaraderie among our group of ladies - we discussed, debated, shared experiences, laughed, cried and supported each other - a great experience

Managing at times, albeit fleetingly, to achieve the true feeling of harmony with a horse, moving with power, elasticity and athleticism - flying in extended trot - with the horse attentive and responsive.

Being able to practice how to communicate to get the best dance with the horse as a partner - and learning on the way.

The genuine warm hospitality.

The flexibility to change plans - to get the most out of every day - Floor did her utmost to ensure that everybody had a good time.

The opportunity to experience some of the culture of the Portuguese people, their way of life, & cheese, olive oil & wine.

Laughing at /with Pedro ! “

Hugs Sue

In November, I travelled to the A place every Lusitano enthusiast should visit at least once in their lifetime: Golegã, the capital of the Portuguese horse. This year was extra special, as twenty people joined me for a fully catered trip with accommodation in two houses – right on the Manga. You can hardly get any closer to the heart of the festival.

From the moment you set foot on the grounds, you will be completely swept up in the magic of this Feira. The smell of roasted chestnuts, traditional music echoing through the streets, horsemen in classic attire... and horses everywhere. A great many horses. For ten days, the city transforms into one large, vibrant equestrian village filled with culture, tradition, festivities and, above all, passion.

Living among horses – literally

Our accommodation was about 200 metres from the Manga, which meant that everyone could switch between the hustle and bustle of the festival and the peace and quiet of the house. Need to change clothes or recharge your batteries? A four-minute walk and you were back among the Lusitanos. No shuttles, no hassle – just living in the heart of the Feira.
Not 5-star luxury, but a 5-star experience., as described by the participants themselves.

A programme full of highlights

We visited several large breeders, met famous riders, tasted Ginja (of course!) and saw up close how horses were stabled under houses to be as close as possible to the festival.

The absolute hit for many?
The 2-hour ride on horseback across the Manga.
Experiencing for yourself what it feels like to be part of this centuries-old tradition among hundreds of riders... that really stirs something inside you.

We also visited names such as Gilberto Filipe and Manuel Veiga, were given a behind-the-scenes look at breeders, and enjoyed the atmosphere, competitions, stands, shops and parties that went on until the early hours every day.

How participants experienced it

A few quotes that say it all:

• “What a wonderful experience to see everyone riding through the streets in their finest clothes and harnesses. Five days of watching, enjoying and never getting enough.” – Liza
• “We were completely taken care of. Thanks to Floor's contacts, we saw things you normally never see.” – Jos & Thea
• “Despite last-minute changes, Floor had arranged everything perfectly. Such a relaxed journey.” – Iganda
• “It exceeded my wildest expectations. You are swept away in a magical equestrian event.” – Sasha
• “This trip was completely outside my comfort zone, but you made me feel at ease right away.” – Jos
• “A wonderful trip with unique locations and encounters. This leaves us wanting more.” – Wim & Nienke

Would you like to join us in 2026?

In 2025, the journey was sold out in no time, and the expectation is that 2026 will be even faster.

Dates 2026 – 6–15 November

• First weekend (more peaceful, more traditional)
• Second weekend (busy, bustling, festive)

What you can expect:

• Stay in the heart of Golegã, right on the Manga
• Horse riding on the Manga
• Visits to breeders and well-known riders
• Personal guide
• Unique encounters and experiences
• Breakfast included
• The purest experience of the Feira you can get

Would you like to be the first to know about the packages?
Send an email to info@ehscommunications.nl and I'll put you on the early-bird list.

 

The 'Get-to-know-the-Lusitano' trip was absolutely fantastic.

What a warm welcome we received at Quinta do Falcão. It was great to stay there, everything is very well taken care of and the horses look great too.
We were with a small, international, cosy group with people from Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands. With the hospitality Rui and Sandra, the other guests and all the people working at Quinta do Falcao, it immediately felt very familiar.

During this trip, I was keen to learn more about the Lusitano breed and I certainly succeeded. Visiting the village of Tomar, Gilberto Filipe, Joao Pedro Rodrigues, Veiga Horses, Luis Valença allowed me to take a look at the history of the Lusitano, the world of breeding and classical dressage. All were very passionate and told passionately about their business and horses.

It is also great to be able to experience the horses themselves during the lessons. The unique outside ride to the river and a ride through a vineyard followed by a delicious dinner and wine tasting were unforgettable. You get to know the character of the Lusitanos very well. They are reliable, willing to work and, above all, very handsome. Finding the right buttons is not always easy, but top trainer Pedro Teixeira Farto helps you with that. He is clear and tries to bring out the best in you to make the horses run optimally. The necessary humour makes it not only instructive, but also fun to take his lessons.
I look back on a top week that I wouldn't have wanted to miss!

Greetings Marja Kempershoek