4 minute read
Travel: Indulge yourself
TRAVEL
Indulge yourself
Is working equitation your thing? MATHILDE GREGOIRE has a few suggestions as to how you might indulge your passion.
If you have ever been interested in learning the skills needed for cattle work and ranch riding, perhaps southern Europe, the cradle of working equitation might be your perfect holiday destination. Referred to as Equitação de Trabalho in Potuguese, and Equitación de Trabajo or Doma Vaquera (cowboy dressage) in Spanish, working equitation stems from ranching techniques used by the region’s horsemen for centuries.
Successfully negotiating a working equitation course requires great agility: horse and rider speed up, stop, spin, jump small obstacles, cross bridges, and open gates – all scenarios they might come across when working in the field. National competitions and championships, in which horse and rider display the great depth of their partnership, are common in both Spain and Portugal.
Spoil yourself
With several of the most prestigious classical dressage schools in the world, stunning landscapes and year-round gorgeous weather, Spain and Portugal top the list as two of the most popular riding holiday destinations. While interest in working equitation is certainly growing outside of southern Europe, when compared to other disciplines it generates significantly less tourism for the region – one of the reasons why only a few riding centers in either country offer exclusive working equitation programs, while others list it as an additional activity in an otherwise classical dressage or touring holiday.
Gems in Portugal
But all is not lost! On the beautiful southern Portuguese coastline you’ll find a little gem known as Quinta Lusitana where there’s a focus on riding holidays centered around traditional Portuguese working equitation.
Quinta Lusitana’s private stables offer classes on stunning schoolmaster Lusitano stallions, all with impressive lineages. The equestrian facilities include a newly renovated outdoor arena with a working equitation course where guests can try their hand at a variety of exercises, including flying changes around slalom poles, small jumps, bridges, gates, and lateral work exercises. And the spectator terrace, with its views to the ocean, is a great place to relax and watch riders in the arena.
As a bonus, Quinta Lusitana also offers stunning trail rides. You can admire the breathtaking beauty of the Algarve coast, with its sharp edged cliffs, lagoons and white sandy beaches, all from the back of your horse.
Further north, in the vicinity of Lisbon, the Lusitanos Riding Center prides itself in its ‘puro sangue Lusitano’, it’s magnificent purebred horses. Offering working equitation package holidays which include riding, food and accommodation, the Centre’s stunning Lusitanos, fully equipped with artistically crafted traditional saddles and bridles, will take you through an unforgettable journey of dressage, agility, and the speed required to complete a Portuguese working equitation obstacle course. With a maximum of two riders per class, students benefit from individual attention
to fast-track their progress. And if you’re interested in discovering the region’s culture, take one of the tours that include visits to local towns, wineries, and a traditional tack shop.
Discover southern Spain
What could be dreamier than a riding holiday in a traditional Spanish Hacienda? Located one hour east of Sevilla, Las Alcabalas is a luxurious 16th century estate nested in the Sierra de Esparteros. With its own private stables, Las Alcabalas is renowned for its world-class Andalusian horses, who are schooled to perform some of the most advanced figures in Doma Vaquera as well as classical dressage.
This magnificent property welcomes working equitation enthusiasts. With teachers experienced in classical dressage, haute école, and traditional working equitation, Hacienda Las Alcabalas is a wonderful riding holiday destination if you’re looking to expand your knowledge and switch between the different disciplines. With a focus on groundwork and long reins, guests have the opportunity to learn the Spanish Walk, piaffe, levade, and other haute école movements.
The hacienda itself has a traditional Andalusian patio, tastefully decorated rooms, and an organic vegetable garden from which is harvested much of the produce for the delicious meals guests enjoy each day. The perfect setting for a peaceful holiday, the hacienda’s swimming pool overlooks the Andalusian countryside and is the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon after your ride. Choose one of Hacienda Las Alcabalas’ vacation packages, or customise one of your own to include the riding discipline and activities you are most interested in. You may even be treated to a flamenco show!
Affordable and fun
Spain and Portugal are two of the cheapest European countries for food, as well as accommodation, particularly if booked in advance. Essential eating in Spain? Mouthwatering seafood dishes, paella, and pastries. In Portugal, seafood rules with succulent pork a close second, and no visit is complete without sampling their signature custard tarts.
For more information, visit Lusitanos Riding Center and Quinta Lusitana in Portugal, and Hacienda Las Alcabalas in Spain to book your working equitation holiday.
