Travel blog: Dreamtour summer

A Unique Lusitano Experience: Cavago Portugal Summer Trip 2024

The summer of 2024 brought an unforgettable experience for riders from all over the world during the Cavago Portugal summer trip. This trip offered a perfect mix of high-quality horse riding, cultural excursions and pure relaxation - all in the beautiful countryside of Portugal. Here are some highlights of this inspiring trip.

The Magic of Lusitanos and High Performance Training

One of the biggest assets of this trip was the opportunity to ride on exceptional Lusitano horses - dapper, elegant and perfectly trained. The classes, conducted by renowned trainers such as Pedro Teixeira Farto and Gilberto Filipe, offered riders the chance to refine their skills.

Gilberto Filipe, a world champion in Working Equitation, gave personal guidance to each participant. His lessons made even less experienced riders feel confident and safe. One participant remarked: "The horses and instructors were top-notch, and the lessons focused on our individual levels. I felt I was making real progress!"

At Quinta do Falcao, one of the trip's beautiful locations, riders had the chance to try out both dressage training and Working Equitation. The highlight? The river ride, where horses and riders went into the water together to cool off after a hot day.
This unique adventure ended with a delicious picnic lunch by the river.

Luxury, culture and relaxation

The trip was more than just horse riding; it was a full cultural experience. Participants enjoyed exclusive wine and cheese tastings at Madre de Água, a working farm with luxurious accommodations and excellent hospitality. The combination of an outdoor ride through the vineyards and a relaxing massage made this stay an absolute highlight.

At Lisbon a Tuk Tuk tour added a unique element, with participants discovering the city's less touristy neighbourhoods and impressive street art. Although some would have preferred to visit more iconic sights, additional stops, such as the famous Pastéis de Nata in Belém, completed the experience.

Another cultural gem was visiting the Portuguese School of Equestrian Arts, where riders were given an exclusive tour of the stables and had the chance to see the carousel training sessions.

Areas for improvement and flexibility

As with any trip, there were some areas for improvement. One participant noted that the hotel in Évora did not meet expectations, with small rooms and limited facilities. However, Cavago's organisation responded quickly and efficiently to address this problem, reinforcing confidence in their commitment to quality.

In addition, a little clearer communication about the flexibility of the programme and the role of the driver on the last day would have been welcome. Yet both reviews stressed that these minor points hardly affected the overall experience.

A Journey to Never Forget

The Cavago Portugal summer trip offered a unique opportunity to bring together the beauty of the Lusitano, Portuguese culture and personal growth. Participants ended the trip with new friendships, improved riding skills and a deep appreciation for Portuguese traditions.

One participant summed it up perfectly: "I came with specific goals to work on my dressage skills and went home with so much more - valuable memories, new techniques and a renewed passion for riding."

Are you ready to discover the magic of Portugal and the Lusitano? This trip proves that it is possible to combine luxury, adventure and culture in one unforgettable experience.