Horse Paradise in Portugal at Valencia Equestrian

Blog Post, Horsemanship, Travel & Adventure / Monday, February 18th, 2019

An Exceptional Equestrian Experience!

How can I begin to describe the week I spent in Portugal at Valencia Equestrian with Patrick King Horsemanship ?I guess the word magical would be a great beginning. Learning the basics of Classical Dressage (which I went in knowing very little about) from world masters was the opportunity of a lifetime.

The patriarch and “heart” of the center is Master Luis Valencia, who is widely regarded as the foremost authority on Classical Dressage in the world today. But a more charming, down to earth man I have yet to meet.

Master Luise Valencia & me! — Master Luis Valencia & me!

The Lusitano Horse

Master Luis provided us with an introduction to the origins of the Lusitano horse, and their importance on the Iberian Peninsula from ancient times until today.

Lusitano as war horse. — Lusitano as war horse.

Image result for Lusitano horse in the bullring — Lusitano in the bull ring.

The dexterity that this breed has developed in their roles throughout the ages is what gives us the beautiful ride we enjoy today. We were all amazed at the skills that they, and the excellent (and patient) trainers brought out in us.

Valencia Family Values

In spite of the professionalism and hard work needed to be world class, life at the center is a genteel orchestration.

The fabulous instructors brought out the best in us!

Carrots — Little bribes didn’t hurt either…just say’n!

The adventure continued as we toured the beautiful region!

The sights of scintillating Sintra

Moorish Castle over 1,000 years old! — Moorish Castle over 1,000 years old!

Quinta da Regaleria — Quinta da Regaleria

Through clever architecture, tapping into a multitude of mystical beliefs throughout time and many different cultures, the place has managed to conjure up an atmosphere of enchantment.

Hermes stands guard. Somehow appropriate for us! — Hermes stands guard. Somehow appropriate for us!

The Initiation Well, (7 Steps to Hell) an architectural metaphor for Dante’s Inferno — The Initiation Well, (7 Steps to Hell) an architectural metaphor for Dante’s Inferno

Nobody said getting out of hell would be easy! — Nobody said getting out of hell would be easy!

Ah! Regaleria Chapel! We’re saved!

All going well so far, thanks to Bruno, our wonderful guide! — All going well so far, thanks to Bruno, our wonderful guide!

Off in the “Mystery Machine”
to Ortigao Costa Lucitano breeding farm, producing the world’s finest Lustino horses.

Worth the wait! — Worth the wait!

Put a bell om Mama Mare to keep track of her before foaling! — Put a bell om Mama Mare to keep track of her before foaling!

picture of horse — This one almost came home with me. Denver & Pirate wouldn’t have it!

An on to Lovely Lisboa…

Largo Camoes Square — Largo Camoes Square

Sara do Monte — Sara do Monte

Maybe not how the monks made them...but still delicious! — Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pasteis de Nata) Maybe not how the monks made them…but still delicious!

Evora, an ancient Roman town in dramatic Alentejo.

The Cathedral of Evora — The Cathedral of Evora

Templo Romano Évora. 1st. Century — Templo Romano Évora. 1st. Century

The interior walls of this small, 16th-century chapel are lined with the bones & skulls of monks. — Capela dos Ossos. The interior walls of this small, 16th-century chapel are lined with the bones & skulls of monks.

WE BONES HERE, FOR YOURS AWAIT (Inscription at the entrance!) — WE BONES HERE, FOR YOURS AWAIT (Inscription at the entrance!)

Well, after that, some wine was in order! Green Wine!

Vinho Verde, which translates to “green wine” in English, is one of Portugal’s best known (and most unique) offerings to the great wide world of wine. Delicious!

And of course, with great wine goes great food. And we had plenty of that!

Best Sea Bass ever…straight from,well, the sea!

The Espetada was equally delectable. — The Espetada was equally delectable.

No sojourn is complete without shopping!

man in cape — Absolutely Fabulous Patrick!

It was all about the hats...

All about the hats...and jackets.... — All about the hats…and jackets….

man in cape — and capes..

I picked up a copy of Traditional Portuguese Cooking at the world's oldest bookstore. We'll see... — I picked up a copy of Traditional Portuguese Cooking at the world’s oldest bookstore. We’ll see…

half chaps. — Passed on the half chaps. Beautiful…but who has the time?

They said “Tack Tack” so we headed to the tack shop!

Traditional Portuguese Saddle — Traditional Portuguese Saddle

For those who love a sidesaddle!

Someone had to actually tell me that these are stirrups!

saddle pads — Not bad saddle pads!

An art filled stop at the LX Factory.

Then Back to Home Base in Villa Franca de Xira for a final wrap up!

Wine infused...of course! — Wine infused…of course!

And we leave you with Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre:

woman on horse — Ate mais tarde!

Please follow and like us: