That's a wrap for GAT Portugal.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sunshine, world-class horses, and riding alongside some of the sport’s most inspiring coaches, then GAT Portugal 2025 was the place to be. From the moment our boots hit the ground in Esposende, the energy was off the charts — and it never let up.

Day one set the tone. Riders jumped straight into flatwork with Swedish rider Anna Lindberg, followed by a pole work and stride control session with New Zealand World Cup showjumper and tour co-founder, Lucy Olphert. Balance, striding, precision — it was all happening, and the horses (and humans) were firing. The facilities? Next-level. The horses? Seriously impressive. The vibe? Sky high. We knew right away we were in for something special.

Day two dialed things up again. Riders had their first jumping session with Anna Lindberg, focusing on calm, controlled approaches and fluid courses. Then came a stunning dressage demo by Ginnie Palm and her breathtaking Lusitano stallion — a real “wow” moment that had everyone glued to the arena rail.

But it wasn’t all about tack and technique. That afternoon, it was boards and paddles as the whole crew hit the water for kayaking and SUP adventures — cue splash wars, epic views, and plenty of laughs. Friendships were already forming fast, and the UNO games over lunch? Let’s say some competitive spirits emerged… off the horse this time!

And just when we thought things couldn’t get sweeter, our incredible host, Miguel Santos surprised everyone with a GAT Portugal cake. Yep — the man is full of surprises (and seriously good taste in cake).

Over the following days, the rhythm of the tour hit its stride. Lateral work, rollbacks, and position tune-ups with Anna. The return of the infamous “circle of death” with Lucy (a true crowd favorite, despite the name!). And in between — ringside yoga, course design masterclasses with Brazilian Grand Prix rider and course designer Gabriel Daher Jardim, and quiet moments of learning that reminded us this tour was about more than just riding. It was about growing.

Meanwhile, dressage rider Charlotte O’Grady continued making impressive progress under the expert eye of Portuguese coach Miguel Santos —joined by Swedish rider Astrid Hedman, a familiar face in Portugal’s dressage and working equitation circles. Precision. Connection. Power. Watching her progress was a joy — and a reminder of the magic that happens when the right rider meets the right mentor.

Midweek brought a shift — from arena to adventure. Horses were swapped for hardy trail ponies as the group explored Portugal’s breathtaking national park on horseback. Steep climbs, forest trails, and views that stopped us in our tracks. The ponies, many of them previously wild, handled the terrain like pros, giving everyone a new appreciation for just how versatile and brave these animals can be.

Then came canyoning. Yes, canyoning. Wetsuits on, nerves buzzing, and into the river we went. Waterfalls, rock slides, cliff jumps, plunge pools — the whole works. And while it pushed some comfort zones to the max, the grins at the end said it all: we did it. Together. And we’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Back in the saddle, the final days of training sharpened everything we’d learned. Jump-off strategies with Lucy. Polish and poise with Anna. Technical guidance from some of the best in the business. As the “show day” approached, there was a buzz in the air — not nerves exactly, but something even better: confidence. And wow, did they deliver.

On the final day, the team stepped into a show-like arena, ready to put their week of hard work to the test. Sophie Perrett of NZ nailed the Optimum Time round with perfect pace and precision, while Australian rider Savannah Hallgrath picked up the Style Prize with a round that blended elegance and grit. In the dressage division, Charlotte O’Grady and her borrowed stallion Doce wowed the judges with a spectacular test, taking top honours in style.

But beyond the placings and prizes, this tour was about something more. It was about riders from around the world pushing themselves, supporting each other, and walking away not just with new skills, but with friendships, memories, and a few hilarious inside jokes that’ll last far longer than the week.

A huge thank you to Anna Lindberg, who brought not only her expertise, but her heart, humour, and quiet wisdom to every session. And to our incredible host Miguel Santos — for the horses, the hospitality, the coaching, and yes, the cake — we are so grateful.

Portugal 2025, you were pure magic.

Ready to join the ride in 2026? See the full schedule HERE and find out how you can make the dream a reality.

Want to join us in Portugal in 2026? Pencil in April 2026 in your calendar and find out more about our Portugal training tour HERE

2026 GAT Schedule

Check out the action from GAT Portugal 2025