Equestrian Experience on an Alentejo Family Farm
Herdade Dagosto & Herdade da Carapuca
These two beautiful farms owned by the Moura Tavares Family, and have been in the family over 100 years. The farms have a heritage based in beef cattle and breeding Lusitano horses. To this day the family have impressive herds of the Alentjano cattle (Portuguese breed) and are breeding quality Lusitano horses.
It is a stunningly beautiful area with wide open spaces and rolling hills dotted with cork oak trees. On clear days you can see right the way to the Spanish Border. With such vaste landscapes the sky is expansive and at night unspoilt by urban light pollution. You will see beautiful velvet black nights filled with bright stars and you cannot help but find yourself in awe as the sunsets unfold and once again at the early morning misty sunrises.
The Opportunity
This is a special chance to stay on these farms and have an authentic Alentejo rural experience. Ride the lusitanos, learn how they are trained and how to work with the cattle. Unlike many farms that have adopted trackers and quads, Bernardo, the farm manager highly values the horses to work with the cattle and a majority of his work is from the back of his Lusitanos.
The cattle are managed using traditional methods largely influenced by the Spanish Vaquera style that includes the use of a Garrocha. It is impressive how much respect the cattle for the horses and are very willing to be guided. These traditional methods ensure that all the work needed to be done such as vacinations, separating calves or simply moving to a new pasture, is carried out with the minimum of stress. The horses are fine, intelligent managers that love the work, and they are agile and willing with their riders.
Now the family have open the farm to offer holidays for small groups each week. Keeping it an exclusive opportunity for those that love the countryside and farm life.
Your holiday will be packed with experiences that bring you closer to life on the cattle farm, authentic experiences of rural life and culture. Learn about working with the horses, and the cows.
Working with the cattle from the backs of Lusitanos – the very roots of working equitation.
We have different packages available to suit your requirements.
WHO WILL BE YOUR GUIDE?
Where Lusitanos ride, cattle follow. An unspoken
bond forged in trust and tradition..
A
All your equestrian activities will be headed by the highly skilled farm manager and trainer Bernardo. All his life Bernardo has had a passion for horses, cattle and working the farm in the traditional way. Although of course, from time to tme he uses tractors and quads, almost always he aims to be managing the farm from the back of a lusitano. He breeds and trains all his horses which are a mix or pure bred Lusitanos and Luso/Arabs. Favouring the Vaqueira / Garrochista style and he has adopted many of the techniques.
Particularly the use the Garrocha that is now seen in part of the working equitation competition.
His work is highly skilled and simpatic and it includes everything from simply moving cattle from one pasture to anaother to separating animals for vacinations etc. From horse back it is much less stressful for the cattle, they comply easily because they totally accept the horses as their managers .
There is a special bond between the Lusitanos and the cattle.
There are 3 herds of cattle on the farms made up of pure bred Alentjana cattle a Portuguese breed. All the cows are pure bred. Since they are breeding for beef the bulls they use are Limosine which provide more size and loin.
The horses are all highly trained and have many advanced exercises that they need to quickly react and manuveur during work. Exercises such as canter pirouettes, lateral movements, canter changes are all required in the work.
Bernardo will provide all the training during your stay and his gentle confident manner will guide you through a remarkable experince of the working horses and all they need to do their job effortlessly.
What is Included
The holidays are designed to be for small groups for a more intimate experience and learning opportunity. Depending on the length of your stay
Your days can include :
- Lessons in the Arena getting to know the working Lusitanos and how to ride them Vaquera style sometimes knows as a Garrochista.
- Garrocha training
- Riding out with the cattle
- Riding out with the cLearning how deal with natural working equitation obstaclesattle
- Rides to a neighbouring Quinta
- Rides to a neighbouring Quinta
- Not Included – Airport transfers Closest airport is ÇLisbon 2.15 minutes. Lunch and Dinner. Personal Insurance. Local Excursions.
- Lessons in the arena.
- Rides out with the cattle.
- working equitation skills out on the land.
- Accommodation in a stunning Alentejo barn conversion.
- Bedroom en suite, sitting room and kitchen.
- Meals
- Not included Flights, Airport Transfers, personal insurance. Going out there are ample heritage sites to see and high quality local restaurants in the area, You can also prepare your own meals in the beautifully designed and well appointed kitchen
- Lessons in the arena.
- Rides out with the cattle.
- working equitation skills out on the land.
- Accommodation in a stunning Alentejo barn conversion.
- Bedroom en suite, sitting room and kitchen.
- Meals.
- Package Price 1980 euros per person.
- Not included Flights, Airport Transfers, personal insurance. Going out there are ample heritage sites to see and high quality local restaurants in the area, You can also prepare your own meals in the beautifully designed and well appointed kitchen.
- Lessons in the arena.
- Rides out with the cattle.
- working equitation skills.
- Long ride out to neighbouring farm & lunch.
- Accommodation in Alentejo barn conversion.
- Bedroom en suite, sitting room and kitchen.
- Meals.
- Package Price 3180 euros per person.
- Not included Flights, Airport Transfers, personal insurance. Going out there are ample heritage sites to see and high quality local restaurants in the area, You can also prepare your own meals in the beautifully designed and well appointed kitchen.
- Lessons in the arena.
- Rides out with the cattle.
- working equitation skills.
- Long ride out to neighbouring farm & lunch.
- Accommodation in Alentejo barn conversion.
- Bedroom en suite, sitting room and kitchen.
- Meals.
- Package Price 3780 euros per person
- Not included Flights, Airport Transfers, personal insurance. Going out there are ample heritage sites to see and high quality local restaurants in the area, You can also prepare your own meals in the beautifully designed and well appointed kitchen.
WHERE WILL YOU BE STAYING?
Immerse yourself in a serene haven where rustic charm meets modern luxury, designed for your ultimate comfort.
What you need to bring
If you would like to have a holiday at the farm you can contact us with your dates and requirements. We ask that you are able to ride and have some experience riding in the courtyside.
You will need to bring the correct riding attire –
Helmet, boots and riding trousers we also highly recommend long sleeve tops and sun protection as it can be strong sun.
We have space for maximum 4 riders per week. Non riders are welcome there are plenty of other activities they can enjoy. If there are other guests arriving / leaving at similar times, then these costs are shared between all those travelling (max 4 people per vehicle), but you will be cahrged the full amount if you are one passenger.
GETTING THERE – We can arrange transfers from/to Lisbon airport at a cost of approximately 160 euros each way for one vehicle.
If you prefer and it is recommended hire a car from Lisbon airport that way you can also explore the area which has many wonderful places to visit – historic sites, top restaurants and castle towns.
As a relitively new International Traveller. I found the HC farm and family FAR exceeded every expectation! It is was so much more than just a “resort”. the horses clearly love Bernando and their lifestyle here in the Alentejo hills. To be welcomed by the family and to share a meal in this beautiful setting was lovely. Our riding will most definitely be affected in a positive way! Portugal and HC have left an indellable mark on our HEARTS ! We hope to return soon.
October 2024. Melanie Hunter, Jen Johnson, Carrie St Clair. – Columbus OH USA
Welcomed by the family and to share a meal with them Magic!
One of the most amazing experiences of my life!! Thank you to Ana, Bernardo and the family for sharing your home, your horses and your culture with us! Bernardo you are an amazing horseman and an excellent riding instructor. Humaine is a very patience horse 🙂 I will take what I have learnt from you and continue to grow as a rider with my horses. The farm the cattle the fresh air everyday. The pastures, the hills, the trees no words to describe the peace of this counrtyside and the majoc of this adventure with my friend Lise Heblan has brought me.
We will see you again next year!
Cheryl Quast Stonehedge Stable, Cadshill, Ontario Canada
March 2024
One of the most amazing experiences of my life!
No Words No pictures can describe the magic that I experienced here at your beautifully restored farm. This experience was life changing for me. The vacation here exceeded all my expectations from the stunning accommodations to the excellent instruction from Bernardo. The suprior horses and the cultural immersion, the magestic cattle and all the while being enveloped by breathtaking views. And so warmly received by your hospitality.
The fresh baking and fresh friut kept me well fed Thank you!
I have learned so much ! Thank you Bernardo for your hard work. Obrigada por esta experienca! incrivel que ficara comigo!
Lise Le Blanc. Ontario Canada March 2024
No Words No pictures can describe the magic that I experienced here!
Nestled in teh stunning landscape of the Alenetejo Portugal, HC is a hidden gem. It offers a unique experience blending classical dressage and authentic traditional farming. From teh moment we arrived there Ana , Bernardo and the children welcomed us with open arms and made us feel very much treasured guests.
My first passage and canter piruoette – I will NEVER forget.
Watching the horses working in harmony while managing “defending” the cattle was mesmerising.
HC is more than just a farm, it´s a place were tradition, education and family values converge.
We won´t ever forget this eperience and you!
August 2024
My first passage and canter pirouette I will never forget!
