at Quinta do Brejo, Portugal

You are most welcome to come and enjoy a classical riding holiday, or a programme of dressage training, at the beautiful Quinta do Brejo, where Maestro Nuno Oliveira – perhaps the greatest of all horsemen – lived and trained his horses.

This is a peaceful, welcoming place, where guests can unwind and immerse themselves in the rich Portuguese tradition of classical horsemanship. We invite you to share the good local food and wine, comfortable accommodation, warm hospitality and picturesque setting; while developing your skills and understanding as a rider, or simply experiencing our beautiful Lusitano horses.

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The farm is surrounded by rolling hills and woodland in a beautiful part of Portugal, close to the coast and only around 25 minutes drive from Lisbon and its International Airport.

Charlotte Wittbom – your instructor here – speaks fluent Swedish, English and Portuguese, and is very used to working successfully with guests from around the world.

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL

We extend a warm invitation to all, regardless of abilities or experience. Of course, those guests with a degree of skill in walk, trot and canter will be better able to perceive the benefits of working with our classically trained horses. More proficient riders will have chance to experience the advanced movements of classical dressage.

We are also very happy to welcome advanced riders who wish to work on particular aspects of their horsemanship – whether riding, training, work in hand, or anything else. It might be that you wish to develop your skills in dressage specifically, or perhaps you would like to explore how classical approaches can help with your all-round development as a rider or trainer. Or, perhaps you’d simply like to come and refresh yourself with  something a little different in a beautiful setting.

Non-riders are most welcome to accompany their partners or friends.

There are many wonderful things to see and do in the area around the farm – both within and outside of the horse world. Please click on ‘Quinta do Brejo‘, to read more.

PRICES for 2012 RIDING HOLIDAYS AND COURSES at QUINTA DO BREJO

COURSE PROGRAMME FOR ONE WEEK (7 NIGHTS):

• 12 lessons with Charlotte Wittbom and our Lusitano horses (1hr am / 1hr pm), plus opportunity to observe others’ lessons and our own schooling.
• 1 rest day (we will happily arrange trips or other activities for your non-riding day)
• All meals included
• Accommodation in a private room or apartment at Quinta do Brejo
• Prices are per person

Peak season (March to November)

• Single room – €1200
• Double room – €1120
• Non-rider sharing room – €585

Off-Peak season (December, January and February)

• Single room – €1090
• Double room – €1000
• Non-rider sharing room – €510

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COURSE PROGRAMME FOR 3 DAYS:

• 6 lessons (1hr am / 1hr pm) plus opportunity to observe others’ lessons and our own schooling.
• All meals included
• Accommodation in a private room or apartment at Quinta do Brejo
• Prices are per person

Peak season (March to November)

• Single room –  €540
• Double room – €500
• Non-rider sharing room – €250

Off-Peak season (December, January and February)

• Single room –  €490
• Double room – €460
• Non-rider sharing room – €230

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COURSE PROGRAMME FOR ONE DAY:

• 2 lessons (1hr am / 1hr pm) plus opportunity to observe others’ lessons and our own schooling
• All meals included
• Accommodation in a private room or apartment at Quinta do Brejo
• Prices are per person

Peak season (March to November)

• Single Room – €180
• Double Room – €170
• Non-rider sharing room – €90

Off-Peak season (December, January and February)

• Single Room – €170
• Double Room – €160
• Non-rider sharing room – €80

WHAT IS CLASSICAL HORSEMANSHIP?

The classical approach to horsemanship is simply the art of riding and schooling in harmony with, rather than against, the horse’s nature.

Classical dressage (the progressive, gymnastic training of horse and rider) is founded on a careful, scholarly observation – through the ages – of the natural abilities of the horse and its movements in the wild. Its ultimate goal is to help the horse to perform under saddle with the same degree of athleticism and unburdened grace that it naturally shows when free.

The classical approach then seeks to develop both horse and rider, to move together in balance and harmony; to achieve the posture and understanding necessary to work efficiently in an unforced, calm yet athletic manner.  Just as the most accomplished human athletes – such as ballet dancers – create beauty through their advanced and informed physical development, this too is the goal for classical riding. But the classical approach is historically most closely associated with the training of military horses and riders whose requirements for balance, poise, calmness, agility, communication, strength and stamina were a practical necessity in the battlefield.

The classical approach, exercised with care, understanding and patience, applies to all horses, and all riders, of all abilities.

OUR LUSITANO HORSES

The Lusitano is a Portuguese horse breed of the Baroque type. The breed’s characteristics include powerful musculature; intelligent and willing nature; bold spirit; agility and elevated movement.  Originally bred for war, dressage and bullfighting, Lusitanos are still used today in the latter two. They have competed in several Olympics and World Equestrian Games as part of the Portuguese and Spanish dressage squads, and are employed by the Portuguese School of Equestrian Arts (EPAE) in their classical dressage presentations.  As is traditional and commonplace across Portugal, we school our Lusitanos according to the principles of classical horsemanship.