How to get in some dressage-saddle time on your next vacation
By Kara L. Stewart
Seeing the sights. Learning the culture. Meeting the people. Ah, the joys of travel. What could possibly make your next vacation even better? Experiencing all these things in the company of a good horse!
If an international trip is on your list, why not tack on a few days for some dressage-saddle time? Options abound, including stays at riding centers that include lodging, lessons with high-level instructors on schoolmaster horses, combo lesson/trail-riding experiences, and more.
If you’re early in the planning process, consider choosing a destination where dressage is a cherished part of the culture—someplace like Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, or Italy. But even if you’ve already decided to travel elsewhere, I’ll give you advice on finding dressage-centric options in the country you’ll be visiting.
Ready to explore? Here are tips and options to plan the dressage holiday of your dreams.
Option 1: Use an Equestrian Travel Specialist
Using the services of an equestrian-specific travel company can turn your dressage-vacation dreams into reality without the time and stress involved in planning. The tour operator may handle lodging, lessons, optional excursions, and even airport transfers; all you may need to do is book your international flight.
Equestrian travel companies offer a range of trip lengths and experiences, including exclusive options that can be hard to book on your own. They can also help tailor the trip to your riding skill level, interests, and schedule; and they may even be able to recommend activities or particular facilities if you’re traveling with non-riding companions.
Here’s a by-no-means-exhaustive list of several equestrian travel companies you might want to explore, along with a sampling of the dressage-focused holidays they offer.
Ride in France with Far and Ride
Based at an equestrian estate in Provence, just a 40-minute drive from Marseille Airport, Far and Ride’s program focuses not only on dressage technique, but also on fostering a deeper connection and understanding with your horse. During your three- or six-night stay, you’ll receive instruction in ground and liberty work as well as riding lessons (or trail rides, if you prefer). Lessons are suited to your skill level with a maximum of two riders in each group, and you’ll be matched with a horse once you’ve arrived and discussed goals for your stay. Lodging is in an 18th-century style country house that’s nestled within a sculpted garden and beside a pool.
Ride in Germany with HorseXplore
In beautiful Südharz, in the east-central part of Germany, you’ll take private lessons on warmbloods or Iberian horses, with a focus on developing and improving your seat and aids. Depending on your dressage skill level, lessons may include lateral movements as well as instruction on the double lunge or in working equitation. Weeklong and shorter programs are available. Lodging is in private apartments on site.
Ride in Italy with Equitours
Located in the Chianti region of Tuscany, about an hour from Florence and 30 minutes from Siena, an 18th-century farmhouse and riding center are your home base for a week of dressage lessons or trail rides through vineyards and olive groves. All levels and ages of riders are welcome and will be partnered with the host’s Dutch Warmbloods, Anglo-Arabians, or crosses. Guests stay in private apartments and get ample time to explore the Tuscan countryside or just relax by the pool.
Ride in Portugal with Equus Journeys
Quinta Do Rol is a luxury family estate and equestrian facility an hour north of Lisbon. Here, in century-old wine country, you’ll ride a Lusitano schoolmaster in dressage programs that include one or two lessons per day. Optional rides on the estate grounds and on beach trails are available seasonally. All levels of riders are welcome. Any nonriders in your group can enjoy the pool and tennis court. Lodging is in cottages on the premises.
Ride in Spain with World on Horseback
If you’re an advanced rider (you’ll submit a video for evaluation prior to your acceptance), you may get the opportunity to ride young Friesian stallions at a picturesque facility in the Catalonia region, about two hours from the Barcelona airport.
During a four-day stay, approved riders help bring along the four- and five-year-old stallions using dressage-inspired exercises, such as carousels and quadrilles. Participants are encouraged to take an active role in the horses’ early education and life experiences. An unforgettable beach ride is a highlight of the final day.
Other travel companies that offer dressage-themed holidays include:
- Active Riding Trips: https://activeridingtrips.com
- Equescapes Equestrian Adventures: https://www.equescapes.com
- Globetrotting: https://www.globetrotting.co.
Option 2: DIY Dressage Adventure
If you enjoy research and the thrill of finding hidden gems, planning your own dressage vacation can be both fun and rewarding.
Start by searching online for “dressage holiday in [country].” You’ll find small, privately owned riding centers among the listings of larger travel operators.
Review websites for professionalism, recent updates, and clear information. Then search “[company name] reviews” and “[company name] complaints” to find independent feedback. Look for consistent patterns in reviews rather than focusing on isolated comments.
Ready to DIY your dream vacation? Here’s some inspo.
Ride dressage schoolmasters in Germany. Located in Europe’s “horse triangle” between Holstein, Hannover, and Oldenburg, Heinshof offers individualized dressage training on Holsteiners, Selle Français, and other breeds. You can stay in luxurious apartments surrounded by the serenity of Lüneburger Heide national park.
Study classical dressage in Italy. Il Paretaio, has been providing classical dressage instruction for all levels in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany since 1987. Week-long programs include six or 10 lessons, and you can stay on-property, surrounded by hills, woods, vineyards, and olive groves. Those who choose to stay elsewhere may reserve individual dressage lessons by the day. Il Paretaio’s horses represent a wide selection of breeds, including Lusitano, Anglo-Arabian, Sella Italiano, Holsteiner, Arabian, KWPN, Maremmano, Mérens, and ponies.
Refine your dressage and learn working equitation in Portugal. You needn’t be an expert, but basic dressage skills are required at Alcainça Equestrian by Mário Cardoso, where you’ll receive top-level instruction aboard Lusitano schoolmasters. The facility, located 30 minutes from Lisbon, has provided classical dressage instruction to riders from around the world for more than 40 years. It also offers an introduction to the discipline of working equitation.
Combine dressage with resort amenities in Portugal. Monte Velho Equo Resort is a boutique hotel located on a Lusitano breeding farm and riding center in Portugal’s Alentejo region. When you’re not taking a dressage lesson or riding the trails on the beautiful property, enjoy luxurious lodging and amenities including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and more.
Train with an Olympian in Spain. Among Epona Equestrian Center’s eight programs is an immersion in classical dressage, with multiple lessons (including one private with Spanish Olympic dressage silver medalist Rafael Soto), seat lessons on the lunge, and instruction in training piaffe and Spanish walk in hand. Or opt for a lesson/trail-riding combo, or just trail riding. Lodging is a few minutes away in an elegant historic hotel.
Know Before You Go
If you haven’t traveled outside the country for a while, here are a few pointers that can help smooth the process. I’ll also share tips on finding quality, humane equestrian facilities abroad. I’ll end with a word of advice on helping to ensure that your equestrian experience is a positive one.
- Passport check: Months (or more) before your scheduled departure date, check your passport’s expiration date and renew if needed. Know that some countries require that a passport be valid for at least several months after your trip.
- Get paperwork in order: Is a visa or other travel document required by your destination country or any countries through which you will pass en route? Research and apply well in advance for anything you’ll need.
- Do a safety check: Check the US Department of State’s website for specific information about your destination, including any travel advisories.
- Research equine welfare at your destination:Horse and animal care can vary in different countries. That said, be sure you’re booking places where equine welfare is a priority. Riding centers and travel companies should be eager to share their welfare policies. (Note: Operators of day-trip rides located near major tourist attractions may have less-stringent care policies than more established or privately owned facilities.)
Resource: The Brooke, which strives to improve the welfare of working equines, offers a 10-step Happy Horses Holiday Code. - Be honest about your equestrian skill and experience: Take note of prospective programs’ required or suggested riding experience. Be honest with yourself, too: It’s more fun—not to mention safer for yourself, other riders, and the horse you’ll be riding—to participate in a program that’s within your abilities rather than one that is outside your comfort zone.
Where To?
Now that you’ve discovered a few options for your dressage holiday, what’s calling to your adventurous soul? Whether your bucket list includes experiencing advanced dressage movements on a schoolmaster or simply enjoying stunning views “between the ears,” a destination awaits that can help provide an experience you’ll remember always.
Kara L. Stewart is an award-winning freelance writer living in California. Researching this article has resulted in a list of must-do equine experiences.
