Portugal - Quinta da Fe
Immerse yourself in the art of dressage in the Alentejo region of Portugal. A unique riding school, dedicated to dressage, to excite all standards of rider. Quinta da Fe is the ultimate holiday destination for the dressage enthusiast. The cosy, five-bedroom farmhouse will become your shared home while the adjoining stable yard and sand schools set within orange groves and vineyards is a veritable sanctuary to the soul. Instruction is led by two exceptional and experienced riders and trainers who are equally gifted in communicating their riding philosophy – using video lessons, lunge lessons, individual and small group lessons and with riding sessions set to music. For those wishing to experience the true Portugal, food is cooked to traditional farmhouse recipes and there’s opportunity to visit the nearby town of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Any stresses and strains are bound to be released during your stay especially while relaxing by the lovely pool or with the help of the on-site masseuse.
Quinta da Fe is possibly unique in its existence devoted, as it is, to educating all abilities and ages of rider in the art of dressage. The focus is on medium level dressage riders who want to learn classical dressage on properly educated horses. Marc competed up to Grand Prix level and has trained some top riders, but don't let that intimidate you as he is equally enthusiastic about teaching complete novices and also hosts 'learn to ride' weeks. The atmosphere at Quinta da Fe is informal and intimate and it’s a place that will help you learn as much about yourself as about dressage. With just five rooms and a maximum of ten guests, your week long stay could lead to finding life-long friends from many corners of the world in the reassuringly safe and secure environment that means Quinta da Fe is equally suitable for independent travellers. And, many guests return throughout the year or year on year to help hone their skills.
Your multi-lingual hosts and trainers are Marc and his assistant Diana, who is also a top level Grand Prix rider. Both are on hand through much of the day and guests are invited to share experiences and encourage each other in training, watching or swapping anecdotes.
A timetable of the next day is produced every evening to allow flexibility in the programme to suit individual needs and requirements. Conversation, discussing the horses and training, will not be in short supply over supper and depending on energy levels riders may relax by the pool, settle down to watch dressage DVDs, read, or even turn the evening into a bit of a party!
The Riding: For those on the popular ‘dressage and body conscience’ programme however, breakfast will be followed by a theory lesson – covering history of the horse, basics in riding, the creation and circulation of energy/activity, transitions and mind and body control. Riders will then have two lessons per day – one before lunch and one later in the day with timing depending on the temperature/season and the rider’s on-site massage appointments. Lunge lessons are individual while there is a mix of other training with no greater than four riders in any group session. Riding lessons are leisurely and often last well over an hour as riders are encouraged to soften to the horse and feel its paces, only performing the advanced movements when their seat and understanding is established. Hacking in the area is offered with a guide and, given the significant value of the horses, is kept at a controlled pace and teaching a horse to lunge is also offered.
Dressage is taught up to intermediaire level with exceptionally experienced and qualified English-speaking instructors on site.
The horses: The 15 Lusitano stallions used are quite unlike the ‘riding school’ horses many guests will have encountered. They are trained to a high level yet forgiving and safe for the novice rider. And, they will still excite the experienced competition rider, helping them to re-establish their seat and perform advanced movements with greater accuracy and finesse.
Ten or so Lusitano stallions and a warmblood horse are used for dressage tuition, lungeing and hacking. Riders are typically paired up with one horse throughout the week – chosen to suit the rider’s experience, age and weight such that they can really bond with the horse though changes, where necessary, are allowed for. There are horses suitable from beginners/novice to high level. Most horses can perform exercises like piaff, passage, Spanish walk, flying changes. However, before performing these, most guests, even quite experienced riders, must have a few lessons to correct their incorrect use of aids/position. In this case, the special dressage program – see below – that includes theory lessons, private sitting lessons and massage is highly recommended ( 80% of guests book this program) .
Facilities include a 20x40m outdoor sand school and a lunge ring. The arenas are overlooked by the farmhouse, vineyards and orange groves.
The Lusitano
This lovely horse was closely associated with another of our favourites, the Andalucian until the breeds separated in the 1960’s to refine the particular qualities of the Lusitano. Proud, noble and intelligent, these horses are a pure breed that originate from the Iberian peninsular and have adapted to the rough and challenging terrain there, making them both careful and surefooted. Their bravery and agility led to them being used firstly as war horses, then for bullfighting, but have since evolved to be used as saddle horses. Their very good balance enables them to have particular strengths in the dressage arena, having the ability to carry out complex moves such as the piaffe, passage and flying change.
They are forward going and can be fiery, though are also biddable and affectionate and are known for their classic good looks as well as their very comfortable gait. Like the Lipazzaner, they tend to go grey as they age. The rarer palomino, buckskin and cremello coloured Lusitano is highly sought after.
For accompanying non-riders and for the day off:
Quinta da Fe offers an oasis of calm where they can relax – taking a walk through the orange groves with the plethora of friendly dogs that live at the farm, enjoy bird-watching –of which there are many – take a dip in the lovely pool or read a book in the communal sitting room or lie in the garden. Bikes can also be hired to explore further afield though for those who like to keep in touch with the outside world, where within range, wireless internet access is available.
Accommodation & Facilities
Communal sitting room with open fire, library of books, TV with video and DVD player and dining room for all breakfast, lunch and supper. Soft drinks are provided with a self-service tab. All meals provided.Rooms: Each of the five rooms has an internal and external door enabling riders to watch the riding from the combined vine-covered porch. Each room is decorated to reflect Portugese culture and are thus named Vinho, Lusitano, Alentejo, Vasco da Gama and da Fe. Bathroom comprising mirror, toilet, sink, bath including shower option. Twin or double beds including pillow, duvet and throw. Wireless internet access is available in some rooms and in the communal sitting room
Local Area
The Alenjento region is the size of Belgium but is famous for being the untouched third of Portugal. Typically agricultural, fields, vineyards and cork woodlands are commonplace whereas industry is rare. The village of Pegrogao is just 2.3km away from Quinta da Fe, offering local amenities and, like many surrounding villages, is a delight to walk around, admiring the fresco wall paintings.
Evora, thirty minutes away is a UNESCO World heritage site and offers visitors a chance to see the remains of a Roman temple and numerous churches in a mile-wide area.
For those wishing to visit other equestrian establishments, your hosts can arrange trips to studs in the region and for other activities, a golf-driving range exists nearby, Grande Lago, created after one of the biggest dams in Europe was built, offers water sports and wine-tasting is also popular.
Prices are half board per person sharing a double room with riding (as specified). Flights and transfers are extra - see below for details. See relevant sections below depending on LOW or NORMAL SEASON.
LOW SEASON (01-01/28-02 and 01-11-19/12)
PRICES FOR 7 NIGHTS on half board: HALF BOARD : £389 or 409 EUROS FULL BOARD : £503 or 528 EUROS basic price then add your riding from the list below:
RIDING PLAN A DRESSAGE : £261 or 275 EUROS with 10 hours DRESSAGE or ADULTS LEARN TO RIDE WEEK
RIDING PLAN B HACKING : £261 or 275 EUROS with 5 DAYS (c. 2 hrs per day) RIDING OUT with guide TOTAL 10 HOURS This is for experienced riders only since you will be riding highly schooled pure Lusitano stallions. Walk, trot and canter.
RIDING PLAN D DRESSAGE AND BODY CONSCIENCE: £469 or 492,50 euros with 10 hours DRESSAGE, INCLUDING 1 PRIVATE SITTING LESSON, 6 THEORY LESSONS (history of the horse, basics in riding, the creation and circulation of energy/activity, transitions, mind and body control), 3 hours massage and personal training.
RIDING PLAN E DRESSAGE week with one HACK: £288 or 302,50 EUROS with 9 hours DRESSAGE and a 2 hour ride out for experienced riders with guide.
RIDING PLAN F CHILDREN: £148 or 165 EUROS (Children from 7/8 to 12 years old ) with 6 hours DRESSAGE (1 hr per day) and 6 THEORY LESSONS: ££66/70 EUROS. Also, LEARN TO RIDE week (same price).
Other prices: Learn how to lunge a horse : 10 euros /£ per session. RELAX PACK (3 massages): £114/120 euros. Extra private lesson in any of the packages: £23 or 25 euros
SHORT BREAK £470 or 494 euros. 4 nights on full board with 6 hours riding (2 sessions per day of dressage 3 day course). Excludes transfers. Price based on 2 sharing.
Single supplement : £122 or 127,50 EUROS. Child discount (under 12): £122 or 127,50 EUROS.
NORMAL SEASON (01/03 - 30-10 e 19/12 – 31/12)
PRICES FOR 7 NIGHTS on HALF BOARD : £418 or 439 EUROS or FULL BOARD : £531 or 558 EUROS then add the riding from the list below:
RIDING PLAN A DRESSAGE : £261 or 275 EUROS with 10 HOURS DRESSAGE
RIDING PLAN B HACKING : £261 or 275 EUROS with 5 DAYS (2 hours each day) RIDING OUT with Guide, TOTAL 10 HOURS
RIDING PLAN D DRESSAGE AND BODY CONSCIENCE: £468 or 492,50 euros with 10 hours DRESSAGE, including 1 PRIVATE SITTING LESSON, 6 THEORY LESSONS (history of the horse, basics in riding, the creation and circulation of energy/activity, transitions, mind and body control), 3 hours massage and personal training.
RIDING PLAN E: DRESSAGE AND HACKING: £288 or 302.50 EUROS, 9 hours DRESSAGE, 2 hours RIDING OUT with Guide
RIDING PLAN F : CHILDREN: £157 or 165 EUROS (Children under 12), 6 HOURS DRESSAGE (1 hour per day), 6 THEORY LESSONS: £67 or 70 EUROS
Other prices:
LEARN HOW TO LOUNGE A HORSE: 10 EUROS per session,
RELAX PACK (3 MASSAGES): 120 EUROS
SUPPLEMENT SINGLE : 142,50 EUROS
DEDUCTION UNDER 12 : 142,50 EUROS
Cycling: Hire of bicycles is 10 Euros per day
Badminton/Darts/Swimming Pool & additional towels FREE
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Getting there
Flights: Quinta da Fe is approximately equidistant from Lisbon and Faro Airports – around 1 hour 30 minutes away. Both airports are served by many low budget airlines such as Easyjet and from many regional airports.
Transfers: We can organise airport transfers on request. Transfers to and from the airport are approximately 75 Euros one way for 3- 5 persons (with 1 suitcase per person). Individual transfers are 150 Euros or for two persons it is 100 Euros per person, one way.
Transfers from Lisbon:
Train: The inexpensive option is to take the train from Lisbon Estacao Oriente to Cuba, Alentejo. Trains at certain times in the morning and one at night (around 18:30 - !9:00). Journey time: 2 hours, cost 14 Euros one way. Transfers from the railway station to Quinta da Fe (10 mins) are 15 Euros per person.
To get from the airport to the train station, take a taxi (very cheap in Portugal) to “Estação Oriente' (just 3 km). There are also airport buses. From Estação Oriente, there are trains to Cuba - Alentejo.
Buses: Hourly buses from Lisbon bus station “estação Entrecampos to Évora - we will meet the bus to take you to the farmhouse. Cheapest option./
Transfers from Faro:
We can arrange pick up at Faro for £85 each way or you can take the bus from the " terminal rodoviario" under the Hotel EVA in Faro, to Beja at 16 :30. It arrives in Beja at 19:25 (cost approx. 15 eur). Someone from the farm will pick you up from there.
Car hire: Europcar costs approximately 200Euros/week. Toll road en route: approximately 13 Euros from either airport.
Riding Ability
Beginners to advanced riders. There is a child or adut 'learn to ride' programme for complete beginners new to the sport and also riders training for the Olympics ! Horses are prepared ready for riders though guests are welcome to ask questions or assist.
What to bring
The Riding Company always advises taking your own hat. Appropriate footwear and riding apparel is advised. Swimming things.
General information:
The official national language is Portuguese, you’ll find many people who speak English, French, and Spanish.The local currency is the euro, and banks are generally open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3pm. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Tourists travelling with electronics should note that the electric system uses 230/400 volts with the European-style two-pin sockets. Local shopping hours are generally 9 or 10am to 7pm, with a lunch break around 1-3pm. Shops are generally closed on Sundays, except mornings in December for holiday sh
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to Portugal at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
Consumer protection
As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), an Association approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, this company has provided a Bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. These regulations apply to packages sold in the UK and this Bond provides security for the money paid over by its UK customers and for their repatriation to the UK in the event of this company's insolvency.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
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