Portugal’s Classical Dressage Program

Coralie Baldrey has been offering exceptional dressage training to riders of all levels for the past twenty years. In 2015, she teamed up with Monte Velho, a distinguished Lusitano breeding and premier guesthouse operator, to make this experience even better. As the... 

Hotel

All meals included

Diane B.

We had a wonderful time at Monte Velho enjoying both trail rides and lessons. We worked on clear communication; Dianne focused on position and cantering, while I worked on collection, straightness, and half pass in all three gaits. The instructor even let me try passage and piaffe! Also, the facility was wonderful, as was the food.  The only negative was hot weather (mid-90s). Highly recommended!

Patrick L.

My third time visiting this fabulous resort and again it did not disappoint. Located 1.5 hours from Lisbon, it is a peaceful, family-owned location with top-notch Grand Prix instructors, excellent design accommodations, and fresh seasonal regional cuisine. It is also close to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Évora for quick trips.

John & Annie P.

A great experience we hope to repeat. Excellent rooms, delicious local meals paired with the family’s wines, and helpful staff led by Diogo, who easily accommodated schedule changes. The Lusitano horses are high-level and well-matched to riders. Lessons are intense, trail rides are relaxing, and instructors Coralie and João provided thoughtful classical and competition dressage instruction.

Cynthia F.

The horses and training from Coralie and Cendrine were impeccable! I learned a lot from seat and in-hand lessons with Cendrine. Be aware that cell service is limited (a SIM card helps), and renting a car at the airport gives extra freedom, though driving is easy. Overall, a wonderful experience.

Bob E.

Coralie runs a fantastic program with wonderful horses, grooms, and staff. Morning lessons on sensitive horses and afternoon trail rides (including one to the Castelo) were beautiful. Visiting nearby Arraiolos during the carpet festival was fun. Staying at the Pousada was nice, though exploring local cafes for food variety is a great alternative.

DJ L.

An incredible experience! Coralie and her team were welcoming and friendly. I learned so much, loved the horses (now considering the breed for myself), and even got to ride Coralie’s Grand Prix horse. My mother thoroughly enjoyed her rides as well, and we plan to return.

Julie E.

Fantastic instruction from Coralie and Vasco. The lessons were presented in plain language that made complete sense. The hotel was beautiful with views of the riding school, though the meal portions were huge, so we enjoyed joining the staff for simpler meals in town. Highly recommended.

Barbara T.

A fantastic trip with great instruction from Coralie and Marcus. My trainer was thrilled with my progress. A major highlight was watching a lesson with Daniel Pinto (Portuguese WEG team trainer), who praised Coralie’s methods. The horses were the best we’ve ridden.

B.B.

Monte Velho is a beautiful facility with great food, pool, jacuzzi, and sauna. The horses and instructors were top-tier. We would definitely return!

B. Lazaroni

An absolute dream vacation! Beautiful scenery, comfortable rooms, delicious food, superb horses, and top instruction. A piece of advice for travelers: do not take the train from Lisbon to Évora due to unexpected transfers—opt for a direct transfer or taxi instead.

A. Brookfield

An unforgettable trip arranged smoothly by Active Riding Trips. The property is breathtaking, the horses are well cared for, and the instructors structured lessons so that real progress was made every day.

Cindy H. (Review 1)

Beautiful accommodations and superior riding. The lessons and trail rides were tailored to my specific needs, and Active Riding Trips made the entire process seamless.

Sandra F.

An unforgettable week made special by wonderful people and exceptional staff. Stacey at Active Riding Trips provided excellent support matching our mixed riding levels. The classical program caters to all levels and ages. Lessons offered major breakthroughs (flying changes, travers, half pass, passage), while trail rides through the peaceful countryside were relaxing. Excellent buffet meals, beautiful architecture, and an amazing breeding tour with the Lusitano mares and foals.

Laurie B.

A gorgeous resort in Portugal’s Alentejo region. The Lusitano schoolmasters are fantastic for lower-level through entry FEI riders. Accommodations are comfortable and the food is varied and delicious.

Kathy B.

Set in a peaceful cork forest, the facilities feel like a private hacienda with private patios and scenic views. Lessons with Bernardo and Teresa were transformative, helping me improve my frame and flying changes, while my daughter achieved two-stride tempis and passage. A wonderful program for riders and non-riders alike.

Cindy H. (Review 2)

Monte Velho always delivers a quality trip experience. The facility is beautiful and it is wonderful to have accommodations where you ride. Active travel made it easy to get from Lisbon to the farm. I was contacted by the driver and by Stacy regarding time and pick up location. This is really appreciated when you are travel weary. I only book with Active Travel because I know I have their support.