Portugal Adults Only Tour: A Week of Horses, Heritage, and Hilarious Moments

Sunsets, saddle time, sardines… and some seriously unforgettable memories.

Our first-ever Adults Only Global Amateur Tour in Portugal has officially wrapped, and to say it exceeded expectations would be an understatement. This wasn’t just a horse tour -  it was a one-of-a-kind adventure that brought together 12 strangers from across the globe for a week of world-class training, culture, and connection in one of Europe’s most captivating countries.

🌍 The Crew That Came From Everywhere

With riders flying in from the UK, Canada, and South Africa, this group may have started as strangers - but it didn’t take long before inside jokes were flying and friendships were forming over glasses of Port and sun-drenched trail rides.

Our Tour Ambassador, the ever-infectious Tina Wallace (@life_on_the_left_rein), brought her signature charm and realness to the week, giving us a front-row seat via her social takeover!

🍷 Porto, Port Wine & The Port-side Launch

Things kicked off in serious style in Porto, with our custom Amazing Race challenge through the city’s cobblestone streets and scenic icons. From market antics to wine tasting, to cruising down the Douro River at golden hour on a 50-foot yacht… Day One set the tone: this wasn’t your average riding tour.

🐴 Saddle Up: Training, Trail Rides & Technique

As we made our way to Portugal Equestrian in Esposende, the training began in earnest. Under the expert guidance of Grand Prix Show-jumpers Anna Lindberg and Lucy Olphert, riders tackled everything from polework and stride control to full jumping rounds - sharpening balance, rhythm, and confidence in every session.

We even brought yoga to the mix, with a beachside sunrise session that prepped both minds and bodies for the days ahead.

And let’s not forget the trail ride through rolling vineyards - capped off with a wine tasting in the vines (because… when in Portugal). 🍇🐎🍷

✨ Culture Meets Equitation

This tour was about more than just the riding. We immersed ourselves in the very heart of Portugal’s equestrian soul with a private visit to Coudelaria Manuel Maia Correia, home of the legendary Lusitano horses. Walking among these noble animals and hearing the stories behind their centuries-old bloodlines was nothing short of magic.

We were also treated to two unforgettable masterclasses:

• 🐎 A dressage showcase from Swedish rider Ginny Palm, pure harmony in motion

• ⚔️ And a Working Equitation demo with another Swedish rider Astrid Hedman and her breathtaking Lusitano, Jaguar - tradition and flair on full display

💦 Waterfalls, Wild Ponies & Full-Body Laughs

Because GAT never does boring, we spiced things up midweek with an adrenaline-fueled canyoning adventure - think cliff jumps, icy plunges, and a whole lot of squealing (from the riders, not the horses). Then it was back to the saddle for a wild ride through Portugal’s National Park on local ponies, many of whom were once roaming free. It was rugged, raw, and completely unforgettable.

🏆 The Grand Finale

We wrapped the week with a final training competition - a celebration of progress, confidence, and connection. Special shoutouts to:

🏅 Lucy Strong (UK) – Equitation Award

⚡️ Karel Engelbrecht (South Africa) – Fastest Round

⏱️ Callie Turner (UK) – Closest to Optimum Time

But in truth? Every single rider came away with something powerful — be it new skills, new friendships, or just a really great story about raw sardines and canyon faceplants.

💫 More Than a Tour

This Portugal adventure was about coming together — to ride, to laugh, to explore, and to remember what it means to be completely in the moment. We may have called it “Adults Only,” but really, it was youth in spirit only. The laughs were louder, the conversations deeper, and the sangria stronger than ever.

Thank you, Portugal, for the horses, the hospitality, and the memories. And thank you to this incredible crew for showing up with open hearts and full enthusiasm.

Next stop? Germany.

And yes… the reunion plans are already in motion. 💃🍷

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