The Portuguese Amazonas Retreat (Side Saddle)
Side Saddle Riding in the Classical Tradition
Side Saddle riding has a long and respected place within Portuguese equestrian culture. The Amazonas were skilled horsewomen who rode Lusitano horses with elegance, balance, and classical correctness.
Today, this heritage continues through a small number of dedicated teachers committed to preserving Side Saddle as a living equestrian tradition.
Limited to 4 Riders
Queen Amélia and the Portuguese Amazonas
Rainha Dona Amélia, the last Queen of Portugal, became one of the most recognised symbols of the Amazonas tradition. Frequently depicted riding Lusitano horses side saddle, she embodied the harmony, discipline, and elegance that remain central to correct Side Saddle riding today.
Her legacy continues to inspire a tradition that is both historically significant and deeply connected to the classical Portuguese horse.
Meet Inês & Carolina
custodians of Portugal's Side Saddle traditionMother and daughter, Inês and Carolina Conde are among the leading custodians of Portugal’s Side Saddle tradition, combining generations of equestrian knowledge with a deep respect for classical horsemanship and horse welfare.
"Rainha Dona Amélia remains one of the enduring symbols of Portugal's Amazonas tradition. Her image riding Lusitano horses side saddle continues to inspire generations of riders who value elegance, discipline, and harmony with the horse."
Inês Conde
With over 30 years of professional riding experience, Inês was raised within the school of her father, horseman Alfredo Conde, and was influenced by the teachings of Master Nuno Oliveira. Throughout her career, she has competed and demonstrated extensively, carrying forward the principles of balance, harmony, and classical correctness that define Portuguese equestrian culture
Carolina Conde
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Carolina has dedicated herself to the study and preservation of Side Saddle riding. She has trained in both Portugal and Spain, becoming a member of the Asociación Española de Monte a Amazona (AEMA), and in 2025 became the first woman in Portugal to compete in a Working Equitation trial ridden Side Saddle.
Together, they offer a rare opportunity to learn from a living tradition, sharing their knowledge with generosity, precision, and a commitment to preserving one of Portugal’s most elegant equestrian arts.
The Horses
A key part of this retreat is the opportunity to learn on experienced Side Saddle horses carefully trained for the discipline.
Inês and Carolina bring their own Lusitano horses and traditional Side Saddles, ensuring riders learn within an authentic and established framework. Each horse has been thoughtfully prepared for Side Saddle work and is selected for its balance, temperament, and suitability for the individual rider.
Whether you are discovering Side Saddle for the first time or refining existing skills, lessons are tailored to your experience, allowing you to develop confidence, harmony, and understanding in a safe and supportive environment.
Working with these experienced horses enables riders to focus on position, balance, and communication while experiencing one of Portugal’s most elegant equestrian traditions.
Investment & Retreat Details
€2,300 per participant
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Group Size
Maximum 4 Riders
Included
- Daily Side Saddle riding lessons with Inês and Carolina Conde
Use of trained Lusitano horses carefully selected for Side Saddle riding
Use of traditional Side Saddles
Theory sessions covering Side Saddle riding, history, and tradition
Demonstrations of traditional Portuguese riding attire
Homemade lunches each day
Four nights accommodation in charming Ericeira
Daily transfers between accommodation and the farm
Small group tuition with individual attention
NOT INCLUDED –
Flights, airport transfers and travel insurance
Join us – for an unforgettable journey into the tradition of the Portuguese Amazonas.
for a unique opportunity to experience one of Portugal’s most elegant equestrian traditions while learning from two of the country’s leading Side Saddle instructors.