What age range is suitable for this experience?

This advanced riding session is open to riders aged 6 and above who have experience controlling three gaits.

Is prior experience with Lusitano horses required?

No prior Lusitano experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable with advanced riding skills.

What languages are the lessons offered in?

Instruction is available in Portuguese, French, and English.

Are there group sessions or is it private?

This experience is designed for individual riders, ensuring personalized attention.

What should I wear to the lesson?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for riding and bring riding boots for safety.

Is equipment provided on site?

Basic riding equipment like the horse and saddle are provided; other materials are not included.

Mastering Lusitanian Horsemanship: Advanced Equestrian Adventure in Ponta Delgada

Located on the volcanic island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada offers a rare opportunity for equestrians seeking advanced riding experiences amid lush, green scenery and temperate Atlantic climate. The Experiência Equestre Avançada at Lusitano Garden Villas invites skilled riders aged six and up to refine their abilities with a uniquely focused lesson on mastering the three classical horse gaits and foundational dressage exercises. This 45-minute endeavor is not just a riding lesson but an immersion into the nuanced art of Lusitanian horsemanship—a tradition inseparable from Portugal’s cultural heritage.

Riders enter an intimate setting where the motto is precision, control, and presence. The exercises—Espadua a dentro (a lateral movement where the horse’s shoulders move inward), cedência à perna (yielding to the leg aids), and ladeares (sideways movements)—are taught with expert guidance in Portuguese, French, or English. This personalized instruction emphasizes communication between rider and horse, elevating riding beyond mere technique to a fluid language of subtle aids and responses.

What distinguishes this experience is its location and the elite Lusitano horses, known worldwide for their agility, temperament, and historical significance in classical dressage and bullfighting traditions. Riding here connects you to centuries of equestrian innovation shaped by the volcanic landscapes surrounding you—fields and pastures backed by ocean views and rolling hills.

The Lusitano Garden Villas setting itself enhances the experience; with checked-in riders welcomed at the facility’s reception, the stage is set for a safe, focused, and exhilarating session. Participants must wear comfortable clothing and riding boots, and are advised to be confident in controlling the three gaits to unlock the full potential of the lesson.

Beyond technical riding, the experience is a gateway to understanding Portugal’s equestrian legacy and enjoying the scenic pleasure of the Azores’ natural splendor. Ponta Delgada, the closest city, offers charming accommodations and local hospitality, making it a perfect base to combine adventure with cultural exploration.

For those keen to push their riding skills in a spectacular setting—without competing with large groups—this is a definitive choice. The one-on-one format ensures all focus remains on you and your equine partner, promising not just skill development but a memorable connection to one of the world’s most noble horse breeds and a distinctive cultural landscape. Whether you’re polishing dressage elements or reveling in the unique feeling of an Atlantic island ride, the Experiência Equestre Avançada stands as a unique highlight in the Azores' expanding outdoor adventure options.

About Lusitano Villas

Lusitano Villas is a Ponta Delgada–based hospitality and equestrian experience provider in the Açores. They offer a curated collection of outdoor and wellness activities for visitors staying on São Miguel island. The program includes guided horseback experiences from introductory 'Batismo Equestre' sessions through 'Experiência Equestre Intermédia' and 'Experiência Equestre Avançada', a picnic service labeled 'Cesta de Picnic' available for pick-up between 10:30 and 16:30, on-site yoga classes overlooking the riding arena, and in-villa spa treatments such as the 'Massagem Salted Atlantic' using Portuguese sea salt.

Many experiences are available in Portuguese, English and French, and the yoga offering references a qualified instructor. Lusitano Villas emphasizes safe, progressive riding instruction that works on posture, trot and control of three gaits for more advanced riders. The Batismo Equestre focuses on balance, relaxation and comfort while riding, suitable for newcomers.

Lusitano Villas operates from Ponta Delgada, Açores, and provides location-specific services including villa-based massages and arena-facing classes. Descriptions and schedules are transparent — for example, picnic pick-up hours are published — helping guests plan. The mix of equestrian training, wellness treatments and outdoor picnic options makes it straightforward for visitors to choose experiences that match their skill level and relaxation goals.

All offerings are described with language options and practical details to support informed bookings and a comfortable stay. Advanced sessions include specific exercises such as 'Espadua a dentro' and 'cedência à perna' to develop control and harmony with the horse. The picnic option is designed specifically for two people in serene surroundings.