Portugals Top Dressage Champions Compared: Who should you pick?
Choosing a dressage trainer in Portugal already puts you in the heart of one of the most respected equestrian cultures in the world. But choosing between two World Champions — Nicole Silva and Gilberto Filipe — is a whole different (and exciting) decision. They are both celebrated. They are both technically brilliant. They are both […]
Why Train Dressage in Portugal
Training dressage in Portugal is unlike training anywhere else. The country has a way of merging history with modern competitive excellence, giving riders a path that feels both classical and current. Those who come for a week often leave feeling as though they have unlocked a new level of understanding. A Heritage That Still Shapes […]
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, Jerez: The Complete Visitor’s Guide
There is a moment, about ten minutes into the training session at the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, when the room goes quiet. Not because anyone asks it to. Because what is happening in the arena in front of you — a horse performing a passage in perfect rhythm, collected and light, entirely in […]
Top Dressage Holidays in Portugal
Portugal doesn’t do dressage like a product. It does it like a philosophy you step into. Some places ease you in gently, others sharpen you like a blade. This list moves from accessible, grounding experiences to full immersion and high-performance training blocks. Quinta do Falcão If you want your first dressage holiday in Portugal […]
Best Dressage Schools and Academies in Portugal
Portugal is one of the few places where dressage feels bigger than a training holiday. The Lusitano is woven into the country’s riding identity, the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art still preserves that tradition in public training and performances, and Portuguese equestrian art itself was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024. So […]
How Much Does a Dressage Holiday in Portugal Cost?
If you’re looking at a dressage holiday in Portugal, you’ll usually spend between €1,200 and €2,500 for a week. That’s the realistic range for most riders. If you want more training, a more polished stay, or a premium Lusitano experience, the price can move beyond €2,500 and into the €4,500+ range. For most people, though, […]
The “Big Four”: Europe’s Most Prestigious Classical Riding Academies
The most prestigious classical riding schools in Europe are known as the ‘Big Four’. These academies are internationally recognised for their dedication to classical dressage and the preservation of centuries-old equestrian traditions. The Big Four Classical Riding Schools of Europe: ???? The Spanish Riding School – Vienna, Austria ???? The Portuguese School of Equestrian […]
The Best Riding Schools in Europe (That You Can Actually Ride At)
You’ve dreamt of mastering the classical art of dressage like the riders at the prestigious ‘Big Four’ equestrian academies of Europe — the Spanish Riding School, Cadre Noir, Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. But here’s the truth: these schools are elite institutions for a reason. Gaining a place […]
Luxury Dressage and Serenity in northern Portugal
A Week of Equestrian Refinement & Northern Portuguese Charm Awaits Top-notch dressage, gentle spa days, riverside views, and cosy Porto streets. Swap your busy routine for a week of riding, resting, and exploring. You’ll get expert horse lessons, soothing spa treatments, and time to wander by the water or through Porto’s winding lanes. Dust […]
Dressage with Nicole Silva
Learn More Book Package