Ride Report
In October 2016 I visited Quinta do Rol, a lovely family estate in the ‘orchard of Lisbon’. Here, I discovered excellent instruction and gorgeous Lusitano horses so well-trained that they are a treat to ride.
My hosts are Carlos and Rita Melo Ribeiro, owners of Quinta do Rol. They are passionate about rural tourism and are keen dressage enthusiasts.
The guest accommodation is spread amongst three lovely cottages and a suite in the main house. Each cottage has a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious lounge and garden or patio area. Meals are served in the main dining room and there are plenty of places you can relax between riding sessions. When you are not riding, you can use the lovely swimming pool, or have a game on the tennis or basketball court.
In the brand-new purpose built equestrian centre, the Lusitano horse reigns supreme. Their every need is catered for, with spacious stables, deep beds and regular turnout. Riders are spoiled too, with their very own lounge encompassing sitting room, well-stocked bar and viewing gallery to the indoor arena.
Lessons at Quinta do Rol are always on a private basis, so you can concentrate totally on what you wish. For example, if you’re struggling with your own horse’s flying changes at home, resident instructor Pedro will give you some hints and tips and will work through the movement with you on a few different horses to hone your skills before you go home.
What I feel is so special about Quinta do Rol is that the horses are total ‘eye candy’. You see them in the stables and cannot wait to try them out…and they certainly don’t disappoint. There’s no resistance or evasion and they really want to work for you, so it is a total joy to ride them.
A fantastic dressage holiday which I wholeheartedly recommend.
If you’d like to read more about our dressage holidays in Portugal:
Read my blog: A Dressage Dream in the Orchard of Lisbon
If you can’t decide on your next dressage holiday: Holidays for Lusitano Lovers
Abbie Wood, 6th December, 2016
