DRESSAGE, JUMPING & TRAILS in Santarém

(PORTUGAL)

Tucked away in the beautiful Santarém region of central Portugal, this intimate, family-run equestrian retreat offers riders a rare combination of high-level training and warm hospitality. Just under 1.5 hours from Lisbon, the center is home to expertly trained Lusitanos schooled to Grand Prix level and KWPN horses competing in showjumping up to 115 cm. Owned by Vitor and his daughter Filipa, the facility blends professional-grade instruction in both dressage and jumping with a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. Guests are accommodated in a charming guesthouse or traditional-style cottages, and have access to a swimming pool between their lessons. Regional cuisine is served using fresh, local ingredients, often accompanied by a glass of the area's excellent wine. Trail rides through the picturesque countryside are also available. The center is located near Golegã, renowned for its lively annual horse fair.

Man riding a grey Lusitano horse in an arena in Portugal, doing dressage.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy a selection of programs from dressage with lusitanos to jumping, working equitation and trail rides.

  • Enjoy riding beautiful and highly trained lusitanos some trained up to Grand Prix level dressage,

  • Jumping lessons with Warmbloods (mostly KWPN and cross breeds) that are capable of jumping courses up to 1m30.

  • Try Portuguese Working Equitation!

  • Hack near the Tagus River, through pine and cork trees, pastures and small Portuguese towns.

  • Relax by the pool after riding!

QUICK GUIDE:

  • Airport: Lisbon International Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport - LIS)

  • Program length: 3 to 7 nights (longer stays also available - please inquire)

  • Price: From €780 per person

  • Riding Level: Beginner to advanced (all levels welcome, programs are tailored to each rider)

  • Who Can Join: Riders, non-riders, children… everyone is welcome!

  • Programs Available: Dressage, Show Jumping, or a combination of both, as well as mixed programs with lessons and trail rides.

  • Availability: Open year-round. Pick your dates!

4 PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

GENERAL INFORMATION

DRESSAGE PROGRAM

A lady is riding a bay lusitano horse in an arena in Portugal, during her dressage class.
  • Min 3 nights stay – Half or Full board

  • From €645 per person based on shared accommodation

  • Open to all levels

A fantastic program for those wanting to improve their dressage skills with the stunning, highly trained Lusitano horses. During lessons, you will ride one of the centre’s beautiful schoolmaster horses, many of which are pure-bred Lusitanos. These horses vary in training level, all the way up to Grand Prix.

You’ll start with basics like lateral work and straightness, then progress to collection and extending the horse’s movement. The focus is on building a balanced, flexible, and relaxed partnership between rider and horse. Training is adapted to your experience and goals, usually covering seat work and lateral exercises such as shoulder-in, travers, and leg yielding. If ready, you may advance to moves like pirouettes and flying changes.

Depending on whether you choose the standard or intensive option, you can have one or two lessons per day. Arrival and departure are flexible, any day of the week, subject to availability. Lessons can often be swapped for a relaxed trail ride to explore the countryside. Private lessons are preferred, but in some cases, two riders of similar level may share a lesson.

Note: The 3-night and 6-night stays are examples to give an idea. Stays of 4, 5, or more than 6 nights are available on request.

  • Pricing (varies by season):
    3 nights / 4 days (3 to 5 lessons depending on package, half board): from €645
    6 nights / 7 days (5 to 10 lessons depending on package, half board): from €1190

Longer stays (7 nights or more) are also available. Please note that package prices vary by season (low, medium, and high). Inquire for an exact quote based on your preferred dates.

SHOWJUMPING PROGRAM

A man is jumping over an oxer with a bay Lusitano horse during his showjumping class in an arena in Portugal.
  • Min 3 nights stay – Half or Full board

  • From €645 per person based on shared accommodation

  • Open to all levels

This program is ideal for riders wanting to improve their show jumping skills through a personalised training plan tailored to your experience and goals. Training includes flatwork with low jumps, gradually increasing in difficulty with more obstacles, varied distances, and combinations. The session usually finishes with jumping a course at a suitable height. Groups can have up to 4 riders.

During the showjumping lessons, you will have the chance to ride a selection of lovely warmblood horses from jumping backgrounds, including Dutch KWPN, Selle Francais, and German Oldenburg breeds.

Depending on whether you choose the standard or intensive option, you can have either one or two lessons per day. Arrival and departure are flexible and can be scheduled for any day of the week, subject to availability. Lessons can often be swapped for a relaxed trail ride if you wish to explore the countryside.

Note: The 3-night and 6-night stays are examples to give you an idea. Stays of 4, 5 or more than 6 nights are also available on request.

  • Pricing (varies by season):
    3 nights / 4 days (includes 3 to 5 lessons depending on package, half board): from €645
    6 nights / 7 days (includes 5 to 10 lessons depending on package, half board): from €1190

Longer stays (7 nights or more) are also available. Please note that package prices vary by season (low, medium, and high). Inquire for an exact quote based on your preferred dates.

COMBINATION (DRESSAGE & JUMPING) PROGRAM

A lady riding a bay Lusitano horse in an arena during her working equitation class in Portugal.
  • Min 3 nights stay – Half or Full board

  • Dressage, Working Equitation and Jumping lessons

  • From €645 per person based on shared accommodation

  • Open to all levels

This option is perfect for riders looking to combine different disciplines. Guests can mix and match dressage, traditional Portuguese working equitation, and jumping lessons. You'll benefit from either one-to-one lessons or in a small group setting depending on your level and the time of year.

Depending on whether you choose the standard or intensive option, you can have either one or two lessons per day. Arrival and departure are flexible and can be scheduled for any day of the week, subject to availability. Lessons can often be swapped for a relaxed trail ride if you wish to explore the countryside.

Note: The 3-night and 6-night stays are examples to give you an idea. Stays of 4, 5 or more than 6 nights are also available on request.

  • Pricing (varies by season):
    3 nights / 4 days (includes 3 to 5 lessons depending on package, half board): from €645
    6 nights / 7 days (includes 5 to 10 lessons depending on package, half board): from €1190

Longer stays (7 nights or more) are also available. Please note that package prices vary by season (low, medium, and high). Inquire for an exact quote based on your preferred dates.

LESSONS & TRAILS PROGRAM

A man riding a white Lusitano horse, along with a lady riding a bay Lusitano horse, are trail riding on a path in the forest in Portugal.
  • Min 3 nights stay – Half or Full board

  • Lessons & trail rides

  • From €785 per person based on shared accommodation

  • Open to all levels

This option is ideal for riders looking to combine lessons with relaxed countryside hacking. You’ll enjoy a mix of lessons (dressage, jumping or a combination of both), and short trail rides through the beautiful landscape surrounding the equestrian centre.

The 3-night stay includes 3 lessons (up to 1 hour each) and 2 trail rides (up to 1.5 hours each).
The 6-night stay includes 6 lessons and 4 hacks. Guests can arrive and depart on any day of the week, subject to availability.

Note: The 3-night and 6-night packages are examples. Stays of 4, 5 or more than 6 nights are also available on request.

Private 1-on-1 lessons is standard, though occasionally two riders of a similar level may share a lesson. Trail rides are gentle and mostly at a walking pace.

  • Pricing (varies depending on season):
    3 nights / 4 days (includes 3 lessons and 2 trail rides, half board): from €785
    6 nights / 7 days (includes 6 lessons and 4 trail rides, half board): from €1565

Longer stays (7 nights or more) are also available. Please inquire for an exact quote based on your preferred dates.

  • TESTIMONIALS

    "This is my first time in Europe and I am absolutely loving it! I can’t say enough good things about my stay in Portugal. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. They accommodated my camper van and answered any questions I had. The meals were absolutely delicious and I even made some new friends that were also staying there! My lessons went well and the hacks were super fun and relaxed. I only wish I could have stayed longer! Vale De Ferrerios is a little piece of horse heaven and I will definitely be back the first chance I get! ” — Jaclyn H

  • TESTIMONIALS

    “I discovered World on Horseback while looking for a high-quality riding retreat in Portugal, and the experience went far beyond my expectations. From the very first exchange with Mathilde, I felt confident: smooth communication, great follow-up until arrival, and clear information on the website. Once there, it truly felt like paradise: beautiful, well-cared-for horses, an incredible setting, and a warm, family-like atmosphere where you instantly feel at home. The individual lessons are top-notch and a real opportunity to improve your technique, while the trail rides offer total disconnection and peace of mind. The rooms are comfortable and perfectly suited for this kind of retreat, and the hospitality is impeccable you quickly feel part of the family. I highly recommend World on Horseback to anyone looking for an authentic, caring, and animal-respectful riding experience. For solo female travelers, it's an absolute gem!! - Anastasia Della Faille

  • TESTIMONIALS

    “My stay was absolutely wonderful - I had such a great time. The accommodation was comfortable, and I loved having that big room all to myself lol. The coach was amazing and so encouraging, and of course the horses were beautiful. I learned so much while I was there, it was honestly a special experience. The trip back was long (as expected 😅) but definitely worth it. I’ve already had friends say they’d love to do it too after hearing about my trip! If I had to give one tiny piece of feedback - and this is me being a very picky - it would be that there wasn’t laundry service on-site. I don’t think that’s unusual for European hotels? But can be a bit tricky if you’re staying a while and need to repeat riding outfits. Other than that, it was absolutely fantastic.✨” - Karen K

  • TESTIMONIALS

    “We just arrived on Friday and I had my first riding classes on Saturday and it is so amazing! VIP treatment at the apartment, with delicious local food all freshly made. So it's great for bringing you non-riding add-on as well. 

    But the horses  they are so gorgeous and well trained, all I hoped for and more.

    So happy I came across World on Horseback!” - Astrid W.