Portugal 2026

Adults Only - GAT Training Experience

Get ready for a GAT experience like no other, where the colorful tiled streets of Esposende meet the sparkling Atlantic coastline. In April 2026, join us for an exclusive 9-day training experience designed for riders of all ages and skill levels, set against the stunning backdrop of northern Portugal.

Train daily on top-quality sport horses at the world-class facilities of Hipico Norte, featuring three indoor arenas, two outdoor arenas, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Whether you're passionate about dressage, show jumping, or working equitation, you'll sharpen your skills with expert coaching from an internationally renowned team.

This incredible experience includes five days of elite training, one day of participation in a training competition, rider fitness sessions, educational seminars, course preparation, and so much more. Beyond the arenas, you'll explore the world-famous city of Porto, explore the National Park on horseback, visit a prestigious Lusitano breeding stud, plus enjoy optional activities like wine tours, surfing, canyoning, golf, and kayaking!

Esposende is the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and rich cultural heritage, with endless dining, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities for riders and supporters alike. It's also the ideal launchpad to explore Portugal’s breathtaking northern coast and the UNESCO-listed city of Porto, just 25 minutes away.

Stay in comfort just minutes from the stables at a welcoming hotel offering a pool, bar, restaurant, and easy access to the city center.

Tour Details

Location: Esposende, Northwest Portugal
Date: 18-26 April 2026
Duration: 9 days

The Tour Includes

8 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
Daily lunch on all training days
5 days of expert-led training (jumping and dressage)
One-day training competition to test your progress
Full-day National Park adventure – including a 2-hour scenic trail ride and an unforgettable canyoning experience
Porto river cruise with iconic views
Exclusive wine tasting experience
Spa & wellness package to unwind and recharge
Guided visit to a renowned Lusitano breeding stud
Welcome and farewell dinners to celebrate the journey
Inspiring seminars with leading industry experts
A variety of optional recreational activities

Age criteria: 18 years plus
Experience level: All experience levels welcome – from passionate amateurs to seasoned competitors

About the tour

The trainers:

Ensuring that you get the absolute most out of your time spent with us here, we’ve handpicked an exceptional international team of coaches and chef d’equipes, each bringing a wealth of experience across disciplines including jumping, dressage, and working equitation. Their mission? To guide, challenge, and inspire you every step of the way.

Lessons are offered in English, French, Chinese, Portuguese and Swedish/Norwegian.

The facilities:

Daily training will be held less than 10 minutes from your accommodation at the meticulously maintained state-of-the-art facilities of Hipico Norte. Their facilities offer an unparalleled environment for both horse and rider and features

3 indoor arenas
2 outdoor arenas
On-site bar & restaurant
Recreation areas

The horses:

Dressage Horses up to Prix St. George level
Show Jumping Horses up to 1.30m

The training and activities:

Riders will receive daily training with our world-class coaches, as well as the chance to compete on their borrowed sport horse in a fun and relaxed training show
Seminars with industry experts, including mental skills, course walking, and more
Rider fitness sessions to help you improve your fitness and posture in the saddle
Spa and wellness package to relax and restore vitality.
Sightseeing opportunities include the magnificent city of Porto, a wine and river cruise, a vineyard tour, visiting a Lusitano breeding stud, canyoning, and a trail ride in the National Park
Other recreational activities are available, such as surfing, kayaking, and more.

The location:

The training stable is located in Esposende in the north of Portugal. Strategically situated between Porto to the south and Vigo in Spain, Esposende is a serene beachside village that offers a unique blend of tranquility and cultural heritage.

Famous for its culinary diversity, and stunning sandy beaches, Esposende offers a wealth of activities and culture all year round for non-riding partners and families, with many traditional restaurants famous for their seafood, bars, and live music. There is truly something for everyone!

The village is also an excellent base for exploring the larger region. The Natural Park of the North Coast – a large area covering around 1,200 hectares and famous for its wetland areas and beautiful coastal dunes. Porto, one of the oldest cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies just 25 minutes south and is a remarkable tangle of historic streets and alleys. The traditional barcos rabelos (flat-bottomed boats) bob at the foot of the hillside, down which medieval buildings, Rococo façades, and Gothic churches tumble.

The Accommodation:

Our hotel is in Esposende, just a 9-minute drive from the stable and within walking distance of the city centre. It has an excellent restaurant, bar, and pool on-site.

The logistics:

The base package includes hotel-style accommodation in a standard twin-share room (single and superior options available at additional cost)

Throughout the tour, a dedicated Chef d’equipe will be on hand to support riders both in and out of the saddle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

In the lead-up to your departure, the GAT team will provide comprehensive administrative support, including assistance with travel information to help you book your flights and insurance, and logistics, so you can focus on what matters most — your riding and the experience of a lifetime.

Rider cost:

€7699 (€7399 Early Bird Rate**)
The price in Euros is an estimate and excludes flights and travel insurance and includes, accommodation, horse lease, horse transport, training competition, stabling, airport and venue transfers, included sightseeing activities (winery visit, river cruise, walking food and wine tour, spa day, national trail ride, Lusitano stable visit), some meals (daily breakfast, lunch on training days, welcome and farewell dinner), plus accompanying Chef d'equipe.
This cost is based on current charges and exchange rates and is an estimate only

Supporter cost:

€4599 (€4299 Early Bird Rate**)
The price in Euros is an estimate and excludes flights and travel insurance and includes, accommodation, some meals (daily breakfast, lunch on training days, welcome and farewell dinner), airport and venue transfers, any included sightseeing activities (winery visit, river cruise, walking food and wine tour, spa day, Lusitano stable visit) plus accompanying Chef d'equipe.
This cost is based on current charges and exchange rates and is an estimate only

Terms and conditions:

Riders and official supporters must be aged 18 or older.
A full list of tour terms and conditions is available upon request. This will form part of your pre-travel documentation to be signed before departure
Dates are approximate and subject to change
All selections for the tour are at the discretion of the Global Amateur Tour
** Early bird pricing is available to those who apply before August 31st, 2025.