Step into the timeless world of Portuguese Classical Dressage and discover the unique bond between rider and horse. Our 5-day retreat is designed for those who want more than lessons — it is an immersion into the Lusitano heritage, where tradition, wellness, and connection meet. Learn with Meastre Nuno Cavaco former rider of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art
Daily Classical Riding Lessons with Lusitano masters
Groundwork & In-Hand Training to deepen communication
Wellness Sessions (optional add-ons: breathwork, yoga, body awareness)
Heritage & Culture: explore Portugal’s living equestrian traditions
Artisan Touches: access to our Lusitano Heritage shop and local crafts
Lunch included daily (fresh, home-cooked, vegetarian options available)
This retreat is 6 nights and 5 days riding. There are other options for different length of stays or you can create your own.
At Lusitano Heritage, we believe a retreat is more than just riding — it’s a journey of connection. Whether you dream of refining your dressage, discovering the spirit of the Lusitano, or simply finding peace in Portugal’s beautiful countryside, we welcome you with open arms. Our retreats are small, personal, and crafted with care so that every rider leaves not only with new skills but with unforgettable memories and friendships.
Our Heritage Pledge
At Lusitano Heritage we believe that true horsemanship is inseparable from caring for the land. We are committed to protecting our ancient oak trees, rewilding our orchard, and living lightly on the earth. Each guest may choose to support this vision through our carbon offset program, helping us preserve Portugal’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.
A master of classical dressage and 35 in equestrian practice of which 25 years a veteran of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, Nuno is known for his calm precision and sharp eye. His teaching helps riders find harmony, balance, and lightness with the Lusitano.
Founder of Lusitano Heritage, Teresa blends her deep equestrian knowledge with warmth and vision. She ensures every retreat is more than a holiday — it’s a soulful immersion in Portugal’s equestrian culture.
2 Daily classical riding sessions on Lusitano horses, tailored to your level, blending in-hand work and ridden exercises for true connection. All lessons are 50 minutes individual lessons 10 lessons
Our horses are trained to do the working equitation obstacles and you can have the opportunity to learn them for yourself or fine tune your technique. Also working with a garrocha /one hand riding
Enjoy fresh, home-cooked meals each day, made with local organic ingredients. Vegetarian options always available. Hot & Cold beverages available all day. Client WiFi. in our coffee area
Retreat limited to just 5 riders, ensuring highly personalized attention, focused learning, and a supportive environment
You can have the opportunuity to join our Lusitano Heritage Circle Memebership for access to many offers and learning opportunities
we always carried a small collection of hand made products for sale and visits to the local tack shop for boots fitting etc
We have hotel options added into our options extras section you can choose from our menu of hotel levels. Book your hotel in our add ons section
Our nearest airport is Lisbon. Wevare located 35 minutes from the Airport close to the coast. We can help with airport transfers hotel bookings etc.
We can arrange airport transfers for you and any other trips requiring transport. Book your transfers in our add on section.
Lunch is included in our package but all other meals such as breakfast and dinner are not. If you book your hotel with us we usually organise bed and breakfast with en suite room
We had a wonderful experience with Teresa and Nuno enjoying their beautiful horses and hospitality. A week of learning and growth filled with lots of laughter and delicious food. Could not have asked for a more wholesome experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and even extended our stay. We will be back for sure.
When I was young I loved watching the masters in the Portuguese School of equestrian Arte (EPAP) I would stay for hours. It was both inspiring and transformative for me, those memories are still so alive in my mind. Today I still practice many methods I saw.
Groundwork with horses is an important communication that can strengthen bonds, understand your horse's physical ability and enhance suppleness and learn many exercises before riding them.,Also perfect for recovery and rehabilitation.
Spending time at Lusitano Heritage was a very positive experience for me. NC shared his knowledge with great wisdom and respect to both horse and rider helping us achieve better harmony and balance together.
I felt in his teaching the true meaning of classical horsemanship as he assessed each of us individually and focused on what we could do in the moment, knowing the results will come over time. Without force. The goal was to achieve mutual understanding and uncover the best qualities of the pair, without changing the nature of either horse or rider.
I really appreciated the attention to details, the calm learning environment and the fact that the horses well being is a priority at LH. Both teresa and Nuno were very welcoming open to any questions and listening to the clients needs.I would recommend to anyone who wishes to get deeper understanding of horses and improve their riding with classical principles. Claudelle Quebec Canada 2021
