Portugal 2025

Discover the charm of Northwest Portugal, where the picturesque tiled buildings of Esposende meet the sandy beaches of the Atlantic in this exclusive new Global Amateur Tour (GAT) training experience. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, riders will train on top-quality sport horses at some of the finest facilities in Portugal.

 

Whether you're focused on improving your dressage or show jumping, this GAT training experience offers exceptional riding instruction led by an internationally renowned team.

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Enhance your skills with daily clinics, including a relaxed training show, and expand your equestrian knowledge through expert-led seminars on mental skills, course walking, rider fitness, and more. Between training sessions, explore the stunning city of Porto, visit a Lusitano breeding stud, and take in the breathtaking scenery of Northwest Portugal.

 

Tour Location: Esposende, NW Portugal 

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Tour Date: May 2025 (dates are approximate at this stage) 

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Tour Length: 9 days 

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The Tour Includes 

• 6 days of training (including both dressage, jumping, and a working equitation session)

• A training competition

• Full day sightseeing

• Recreational activities 

• A scenic trail ride 

• Visit to a Luistano breeding stud 

• Seminars with industry experts​

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Age criteria: Any
Experience level: Any 

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About the tour

 

The coaches:

Ensuring that you will get the absolute most out of your time spent with us here in Portugal, we have put together an international team of top instructors and chef d’equipes.

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This includes head coach, Portugal Equestrian director executive Bruno Barros, who holds a Master's in Sports Science and was the former coach of the Portuguese Youth Olympic Games team, GAT co-founder Lucy Olphert, a World Cup show jumper and trainer along with an international team of top instructors and support staff with specialists in working equitation, dressage, and jumping. 

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The facilities: 

Daily training will be held less than 10 minutes from your accommodation at the meticulously maintained state-of-the-art facilities of Hipico Norte. Their facilities offer an unparalleled environment for both horse and rider and features

• 3 indoor arenas

• 2 outdoor arenas

• On-site bar & restaurant

• Recreation areas

 

The horses:

• Dressage Horses up to Prix St. George level

• Show Jumping Horses up to 1.30m

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The training and activities:

• Riders will receive daily training with our world-class coaches, as well as the chance to compete on their borrowed sport horse in a fun and relaxed training show

• Seminars with industry experts, including mental skills, course walking, and more

• Rider fitness sessions to help you improve your fitness and posture in the saddle 

• Sightseeing opportunities include visiting a Lusitano breeding stud, the magnificent city of Porto, a beach trail ride, and more!

• Other recreational activities are available, such as surfing, kayaking, canyoning, wine tours, and more.

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The location:

The training stable is located in Esposende in the north of Portugal. Strategically situated between Porto to the south and Vigo in Spain, Esposende is a serene beachside village that offers a unique blend of tranquility and cultural heritage. 

 

Famous for its culinary diversity, and stunning sandy beaches, Esposende offers a wealth of activities and culture all year round for non-riding partners and families, with many traditional restaurants famous for their seafood, bars, and live music. There is truly something for everyone!

 

The village is also an excellent base for exploring the larger region. The Natural Park of the North Coast – a large area covering around 1,200 hectares and famous for its wetland areas and beautiful coastal dunes. Porto, one of the oldest cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies just 25 minutes south and is a remarkable tangle of historic streets and alleys. The traditional barcos rabelos (flat-bottomed boats) bob at the foot of the hillside, down which medieval buildings, Rococo façades, and Gothic churches tumble.

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The Accommodation: 

Our hotel is in Esposende, just a 9-minute drive from the stable and within walking distance of the city centre. It has an excellent restaurant, bar, and pool on-site.

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The logistics: 

The base package includes hotel-style accommodation in a standard twin-share room (single and superior options available at additional cost) 

 

Our tour Chef d'equipe will assist the selected riders throughout the trip. The GAT team and our official travel partners can provide administrative support with flights, accommodation, insurance, etc before the event. ​

 

Rider cost:

• USD $6999

• The price estimate excludes flights and travel insurance and includes, accommodation, horse lease, horse transport, training competition entry, stabling, airport and venue transfers, any included sightseeing, some meals (daily breakfast, lunch on training days, welcome and farewell dinner), plus accompanying Chef d'equipe.

• This cost is based on current charges and exchange rates and is an estimate only

 

Supporter cost:

• USD $3999

• The price estimate excludes flights and travel insurance and includes, accommodation, some meals (daily breakfast, lunch on training days, welcome and farewell dinner), airport and venue transfers, any included sightseeing activities plus accompanying Chef d'equipe. 

• This cost is based on current charges and exchange rates and is an estimate only

 

Terms and conditions:

• Riders under 18 at the time of the tour must be accompanied by an adult

• A full list of tour terms and conditions can be provided on request, this will form part of your pre-travel documentation to be signed before departure

• Dates are approximate and subject to change

• All selections for the tour are at the discretion of the Global Amateur Tour

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If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact the GAT Team or check our FAQ PAGE.  

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We also offer a range of other training and competition tours, check out the full tour program HERE.