There’s a place in the countryside of Portugal on the outskirts of Lisbon where one can go to learn the art of classical Dressage. Morgado Lusitano is located at Quinta de Portela, an elegant country estate built in 1775 and established as an equestrian center in 2005. Built by the Marquis of Castelo Melhor, Morgado Lusitano now offers all the modern conveniences in a historical setting.
With a mountain top view of the valley below with the Tagus River, one feels like nobility when walking around the estate.
Morgado Lusitano offers equestrian holidays as an intensive training program with two lessons a day on highly trained Lusitano Stallions. While out of the saddle, riders are treated to freshly prepared full course meals, which can be enjoyed al fresco when the weather is pleasing.
And if it gets a bit warm in the afternoon, a cool pool stands invitingly.
Changing mounts in each lesson continues to challenge the rider to improve their riding ability. Within a five-day period, I rode seven different stallions in ten lessons. My favorite of the barn was Nordeste. Who could ever resist this face?
The stallions in the stables at Morgado Lusitano are of the highest caliber of training and temperament. Mind you, I was a bit concerned about riding stallions in the first place. Known for their strength and athleticism, stallions can be a handful, to put it mildly.
By riding both highly trained horses helps to understand what an upper level movement, when well executed, should feel like. Then being placed on a lesser trained stallion helps to hone the rider’s ability to properly ask for the moves desired.
Nordeste is one of the older and wiser stallions in the stables. As an amateur rider, I frequently sent mixed messages to Nordeste when asking for an advanced movement. He’d go through his repertoire in attempts to guess at what I was asking for. Spanish Walk? No. Passage? No. Trot? YES !
Nordeste is such a forgiving soul, putting up with my getting in his way, and being awkward with my aids. But Nordeste is also a wonderful teacher. My favorite part of riding Nordeste? When I truly was out of his way and quietly asked for a half-pass, he just floated to the wall. What an awesome feeling!
I have yet to make plans for my 2013 vacation – which is quite rare. By now, my trip has been decided on, booked and paid for. I’ve got a number of great ideas, but somehow Nordeste keeps coming to mind. I think I need to go and pay him another visit.
Categories: Equitrekking
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Oh my! You have experienced something that I can only dream of! Im so envious. Your words made me feel like I was there and the pleasure of riding such a horse would stay with you for always! Could you provide the info for how to book? Maybe one day I may be able to book!!
Just getting to these comments and saw that you posted this on your blog. Thank you SO MUCH ! If you click on the Morgado Lusitano name on the top paragraph, it’ll lead you directly to their website. Really, for all the lessons, room and wonderful meals they are quite affordable. I hope you can make it there someday, the horses are fabulous!
I looked yesterday!! I now have a quest for my savings!!!
Let me know if you really might go.. I may join you!
Absolutely!!! I will keep you posted!
Great pictures Bella!!! I love horses and the Lusitanos are SO beautiful!
Hi Calee ! I didn’t realize you’re another horse lover. Wonderful ! Truly, these Lusitano stallions were gorgeous and so well trained. You would love it there.
I started horseback riding when I was 5 🙂 Love horses, they’re the most amazing animals of all!
That is so wonderful ! Another wonderful horse lover. Are you still riding? I love my Swedish Warmblood and visit her most days of the week. Amazing how patience, loving and cookies can transform a horse!
Since I moved to Holland I don’t have any horses of my own anymore.. I live in the center of Amsterdam and have no car. Last time I was on a horse was in June, I was exploring Iceland from horseback, was fantastic!! Strongly recommend you to try that if you have the opportunity! 🙂
Must have been an amazing experience! What a place and beautiful horse! That pool looks darn fine too. 🙂
Thank you Phil ! It really was an experience of a lifetime, and I am thinking of possibly going back. I had learned so much in such a short period of time. When I went it was quite cool, so couldn’t enjoy the pool. 😦
Loving your photos – BEAUTIFUL Stallion indeed! Imagine being able to eat outside like that – would love it! Happy Tuesday:)
Their food was absolutely amazing Renee. Full three-course meals with wine. You had to ride just to burn off all you ate ! It was a perfect picnic setting wasn’t it?
Nordeste is just adorable. How fortunate you are that you were able to ride him. Love all the photos of this wonderful place. I would also go back there. 🙂
Ok..so you’re starting to encourage me then. Perhaps I should go back. I really did love it there.
Beautiful shots… 🙂
Thanks Drake ! Bet you’d love hanging around those stallions…
Reblogged this on 41 by Lucy Gutteridge and commented:
My dream holiday!!!
Thank you so much ! My dream holiday as well.
Beautiful horses – would love to go – have always wondered what it would feel like to ride a highly schooled dressage horse. Does one hack out too? I thought I saw a beach in the background….