Ride Lusitanos | Work Cattle | Live Authentic Portugal
HERITAGE FARM STAYS
Handpicked partnerships rooted in authentic Portuguese rural life
Some places cannot be experienced from the outside — they must be lived.
Our Heritage Farm Stays invite you into the heart of rural Portugal, where the rhythm of the day is shaped by the land, the animals, and generations of knowledge.
Stay with carefully chosen families who continue Portugal’s equestrian and agricultural traditions — from Lusitano horses and cattle work to local food, craftsmanship, and countryside life.
These are not resorts. They are real places, real people, and authentic experiences.
Bernardo Moura Tavares
Shaped by the traditions of the Alentejo, Lusitanos and cattle move with Bernardo in an unspoken partnership — a connection formed through trust, land, and generations of horsemanship.
Bernardo has spent his life working horses and cattle in the traditional Alentejo way. While modern machinery is sometimes used on the farm, much of the work is still carried out from horseback — preserving the calm precision and deep connection between Lusitano, rider, and cattle that defines the Vaquera tradition.
The Lusitanos are highly trained working horses, combining agility, balance, and responsiveness developed through real farm work and classical training. During your stay, Bernardo will guide you through this rare and authentic experience with patience, confidence, and quiet expertise.
A Living Portuguese Alentejo Tradition.
PRESERVING TRADITIONAL WAYS
This is not a staged ranch experience. It is a functioning cattle farm where Lusitano horses are used daily for real working equitation. Participation is limited to four riders per week to protect the integrity of the farm and the welfare of the horses.
Who This Is For
• Confident riders at walk, trot, canter
• Riders comfortable in open field
• Those seeking authentic working equitation exposure
This itinerary invites you into the daily life of an Alentejo family whose devotion to their Lusitanos, their cattle, and their land has quietly captivated a global audience. Here, under wide skies and among ancient oak pastures, you’ll ride trained Lusitanos, learn the Vaquera and Garrochista styles, and experience the gentle, intelligent artistry that defines Iberian working equitation.
Your days blend classical Lusitano work, countryside riding, and authentic cattle handling taught with precision, calm, and respect.
This is horsemanship in its purest, most soulful form — a rare chance to live the story that so many have seen on film.
“Every moment is authentic, heartfelt, and deeply Portuguese”.
What to Expect
Our riding experiences are kept intentionally small,ensuring each guest enjoys a personal, immersive experience in the heart of the Alentejo.
Your itinerary will vary depending on the length of your stay and may include:
Arena lessons on well-trained Lusitanos, learning the Vaquera (Garrochista) style.
Garrocha training, developing balance, precision, and advanced communication.
Cattle work in the fields, experiencing authentic ranch life and working equitation in its original form.
Scenic trail rides to a neighboring Quinta, moving through open pastures and ancient holm oak landscapes.
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THE 5 ⭐ ALENTEJO FARM STAY
Our signature programme is designed to allow space for true integration — where subtle shifts in feel, posture, timing, and understanding become embodied rather than purely intellectual.
YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES –
- Daily private classical riding lessons in the arena
- Daily riding out with the cattle
- 5 Nights accommodation in the farm
- Daily nourishing meals
- Immersion within Portugal’s living equestrian heritage
- Priority access to the Lusitano Heritage Circle
From €3,290 per person.
Flexible Retreat Durations | Authentic Living
We maintain small group numbers to preserve quality, focus, and individual attention.
Every stay includes access to the Lusitano Heritage Circle, so you can keep learning after you’re home: articles, interviews with master horsemen, and stories from the yard.
2 Days · 3 Nights
Daily private morning lessons
Afternoons out with the cattle
3 nights accommodation
Daily meals, wifi & drinks
Heritage Circle access
From €1990
3 Days · 4 Nights
Daily private morning lessons
Afternoons out with the cattle
4 nights accommodation
Daily meals, wifi & drinks
Heritage Circle access
From €2590
5 Days · 6 Nights
Daily private morning lessons
Afternoons out with the cattle
6 nights accommodation
Daily meals, wifi & drinks
Heritage Circle access
From €3990
6 Days · 7 Nights
Daily private morning lessons
Afternoons out with the cattle
7 nights accommodation
Daily meals, wifi & drinks
Heritage Circle access
From €4950
Accommodation -Stay in a stunningly transformed Alentejo barn :
Immerse yourself in a peaceful haven where rustic Alentejo charm blends effortlessly with modern comfort — a place designed to make you feel completely at home.
Your stay unfolds inside a beautifully restored Alentejo barn,
a thoughtful and stylish transformation created by Ana Tavares Moreira,
Bernardo’s mother and the artistic spirit behind the property. Here you will find:
Two elegant en-suite bedrooms
A spacious, welcoming living area ideal for relaxing after time in the saddle
A fully equipped kitchen, offering convenience and comfort throughout your stay
Additional en-suite rooms in the farm’s gallery wing, available on request for larger groups
This is more than accommodation — it is a warm embrace from a family who has cared for these lands for generations.
What Our Riders Have To Say
*****
As a relatively new International Traveller. I found the HC farm and family FAR exceeded every expectation! It was so much more than just a “resort”. The horses clearly love Bernardo 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 indelible mark on our HEARTS! We hope to return soon.
October 2024. Melanie Hunter, Jen Johnson, Carrie St Clair – Columbus OH USA
Nestled in stunning landscapes of Portugal HC is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of classical dressage and authentic farming experiences. From the moment we arrived Ana, Bernardo and the children welcomed us with open arms and made us feel very treasured guests, My first passage and canter pirouette I will never ever forget. Watching the horses working in harmony while managing and defending the cattle was mesmonizing. HC is more than just a farm it is place where tradition, education and family values converge.
Candy Cameron and Freda Newton Scotland
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 give excellent riding tuition and you were always so patient with us. I will take what I have learnt from you and continue to grow as a rider with my own horses.
The farm, the cattle the feel good feeling everyday the pastures the views no words to describe the deep sense of peace it brings and the magic this adventure with my friend has given me. We will see you again !
Cheryl Quest Stonehedge Stables Canada March 2024
Everything you need to know before your visit
Yes. During your stay, the mornings will be in the arena learning the exercises used out on the farm with the cattle including pirouettes, changes and lateral work.
Our farm stays are personalised for each rider. We welcome riders seeking deeper understanding of feel, timing, seat, balance and communication with the horse out on the land and the cattle.
Yes. Guests train on carefully selected Lusitano horses educated within our authentic farm work principles.
The farm is located close to the Spanish border in the Alentejo region, about 2.5 hours from Lisbon.
The lessons and riding around the farm is led by Bernardo Tavares Moreira, the farm manager and trainer whose life has been dedicated to Lusitano horses and traditional cattle work.
Yes. All guests are required to have their own travel insurance that specifically includes horse riding activities.
Lusitano Heritage operates with the appropriate insurance required under Portuguese regulations; however, personal travel, medical cover, cancellation protection and riding activity cover remain the responsibility of each guest.
For comfort and correct fit, we recommend guests bring their own riding helmet, riding boots and preferred riding equipment.
Approved riding helmets must be worn when riding. We do have a limited selection of helmets available if required.
The welfare of our horses is always our first priority. Our Lusitano horses are strong, athletic and carefully conditioned, but we believe every horse should carry a suitable weight for their size, age and workload.
For this reason, our general maximum rider weight is 90kg. If you have any questions, please contact us before booking so we can advise honestly and ensure the best match between horse and rider.
Yes, your meals are included throughout your stay.
This is a programme for riders who value the joy of traditional life close to the land.
Real connection and horsemanship begins with self awareness and self work.