Alcainca - Portugal

Riding Holiday

5 star rating   21 June 2026

Vivienne (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) A dedicated week of instruction in Portuguese equitation (dressage) | Alcainça Equestrian provides a relaxing and picturesque environment to receive intensive instruction for improvement in equestrian ability and knowledge. The horses are stunning, all proficient and responsive schoolmasters who are clearly well cared-for. There is no doubt that the welfare of the horses takes precedence in all activities at the school.

Two lessons per day were scheduled; a one-to-one in the morning, and then a 3-rider group lesson in the afternoon, which allowed us to perform some drill work. With personalised guidance delivered by experienced instructors who are passionate in their craft, my riding skills improved rapidly and I found myself performing complex lateral movements and certain collected movements which would otherwise have taken years to achieve!


The Riding

How well were you matched with the right horse for your ability?
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How would you rate the variety of riding, pace or terrain?
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How would you rate the overall standard of the horses, tack and stables?
5 star rating

The Accommodation

How would you rate your room(s) for comfort and facilities?
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How would you rate the standard of the food?
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Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

My room was clean and comfortable, with an ensuite shower and plenty of storage.

Three meals per day are provided, delicious Portuguese cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients, served with red or white wine if desired. Water, tea/coffee and juices are always on hand to help yourself.

After riding, guests are free to swim and relax by the pool - which we did, every day!


Before Your Holiday

Did you have all of the information you needed to:

Plan and prepare for your holiday?
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Feel comfortable about your transfers and what to expect?
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How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

Communication was very efficient, I had all the information I needed.


How could we improve the way we handled your booking and payment?

Booking and payment was very efficient.