Horsemanship Week in Portugal (14–20 June 2025)
Join a horsemanship retreat in Portugal — a week in the heart of Alentejo, staying in a luxury remote villa where each room has its own bathroom and you enjoy villa amenities plus a private swimming pool. This horse riding holiday in Portugal is designed for beginners and intermediate riders who want to learn, connect and experience nature.
You’ll spend 7 days / 6 nights in the countryside, staying in the villa, sharing breakfasts and lunches daily, and enjoying three villa dinners: a welcome dinner, a Portuguese cooking night, and a farewell dinner. Transfers from Lisbon airport are included (all guests arriving the same day), and transport between the villa and the horse centre is provided.
What’s Included
- 7 days / 6 nights accommodation in a luxury remote villa in Alentejo — each room with en-suite bathroom, private pool, villa amenities
- Daily breakfasts and lunches
- Three dinners at the villa (welcome, cooking night, farewell)
- Transfers from Lisbon airport on arrival day
- All transport between villa and horse centre for horsemanship sessions
- Horsemanship foundation sessions, riding lessons and guided trail rides
- Small group maximum of 5 participants, with professional tour leader from The One Adventure
Not Included
- Flights to/from Portugal
- Personal travel insurance
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Arrive at Lisbon airport and meet the group for your transfer to the villa in Alentejo. Settle into your room, walk the grounds, unwind by the pool. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner at the villa — your first shared moment of connection.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Groundwork & Connection
This morning begins your horsemanship journey with theory and groundwork: understand how horses think, move and communicate. Afternoon free for a swim or hike near the villa — there’s the option to walk gently through olive groves and countryside.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – First Ride & Portuguese Cooking Night
Today you mount up for your first riding lesson. You’ll ride, learn posture, rhythm and communication in motion. Later, return to the villa and participate in a local cooking night — together we prepare a traditional Portuguese meal, then enjoy it as a group dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Trail Ride & Possible Sea Visit
A guided trail ride through Alentejo’s countryside: open fields, cork oak trees, the horses at your side. In the afternoon you may head towards the coast — a light sea visit is possible, swim or stroll by the sea (weather and schedule permitting).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Roundpen Work, Hike Option & Sea Visit
In the morning you’ll work in the roundpen, refining communication and trust with your horse. Afternoon options include a hike around the villa’s surroundings or another sea visit if weather allows.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Final Ride & Farewell Dinner
Your final full riding session brings together everything you’ve learned — posture, rhythm, trail, trust. In the evening we gather for the farewell dinner at the villa, sharing memories, laughs and new friendships.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Departure
After breakfast, spend a last moment by the pool or on a final walk. Then transfer to Lisbon airport for your departure. Note: daily plans may change due to weather, local conditions or other factors, but the spirit and quality of the experience remain.
Meals included: Breakfast
Packing List
Here’s a suggested list of what to bring for a week in Portugal in June during a horsemanship retreat:
- Passport & travel documents (valid at least 6 months)
- Riding boots or boots with good grip, comfortable trousers or jodhpurs
- Riding gloves, sunhat or cap, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen & lip balm
- Swimwear (for pool and possible sea visit) and compact towel
- Lightweight layers: T-shirts, long sleeves, fleece or light sweater for evenings
- Waterproof or windproof shell jacket (just in case)
- Daypack (for hikes or coast visits) with reassured capacity 15-20 L, reusable water bottle
- Casual outfit for dinners at the villa
- Day-hiking shoes or comfortable trainers for trails / seaside walks
- Personal travel insurance documentation, credit/debit card + some euros cash
Note: The daily programme is indicative and may change due to weather, horse-availability or local conditions. We will always maintain the high standard of care, learning and adventure.
Practical Details
- Group size: maximum 5 participants
- Suitable for: Beginners & Intermediate riders
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Arrival location: Lisbon airport — transfer arranged for all participants arriving the same day