Where tradition, horses, and family make you feel at home.
Come to us…
Our signature and best-selling program…
THE VALENÇA METHOD PROGRAM 2026
Created for true admirers of classical horsemanship and the art of in-hand work, this experience offers a unique and immersive journey into the essence of the Valença Method.
The Centro Equestre de Lezíria Grande (CELG) is situated in Vila Franca de Xira, a short drive from Lisbon Airport. Now with the New Valença Academy Residence where you can stay with us!
Come for the horses, stay for the experience.
Over the course of seven nights and six full days of instruction, guests will experience the fundamental principles of our tradition, guided with care and precision. Each day brings two classical riding sessions and one in-hand lesson, ensuring a harmonious balance between practice in the saddle and the refinement of work from the ground whether you are an experienced or new rider.
At the Valença Academy, we believe learning also happens through quiet observation. Students are warmly invited to attend our daily training sessions a rare opportunity to witness the living heritage of our method.
Our atmosphere is exclusive yet welcoming, refined yet familiar. Every guest becomes part of our extended family, embraced by the spirit of generosity, tradition, and passion that defines the Valença way.
THE VALENÇA METHOD PROGRAM 2026
2200 Eur / Person (Individual room)
2000 Eur / Person (Sharing room)
– 7 NIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION AT THE NEW VALENÇA ACADEMY RESIDENCE
Half-Board Accommodation – Breakfast and your choice of lunch or dinner included (beverages not included)
– 6 FULL DAYS OF INSTRUCTION
– 12 CLASSICAL RIDING LESSONS (Two per Day)
Lessons on our Lusitano schoolmasters – All levels welcome
– 6 IN HAND WORK LESSONS (One per Day)
Learn the method that we use ourselves with all of our horses. In this portion of the program you will learn how to teach your horse the foundations of good movement, suppleness, lateral flexibility – without the encumbrance of a rider. Essential for those who want to do their own training at home
– DAILY ACCESS TO THE ACADEMY’S TRAINING AND OBSERVATION OF OUR LIVING TRADITION
– TRANSFERS INCLUDED
Excluding Flights
– EXCLUSIVE YET FAMILY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, BECOME PART OF THE VALENÇA FAMILY
*600€ non-rider sharing room
Or…
For those seeking a more personalised experience, we also offer the possibility to create a tailor-made program, designed to meet each rider’s goals and rhythm.
Private lesson
123 €
Taxes included
Group lesson
85 €
Taxes included
In hand lesson
85 €
Taxes included
Additional Services
(Price upon request)
You can design your own riding holiday, the only limit is your imagination. Below is an example of some extra services that we are able to provide:
Accommodation
The Valença Academy Residence
Transfers to/from airport
Private shuttle one-way 50€ per shuttle
Typical Portuguese dinners including transfers
Dinner in a traditional Portuguese restaurant in Lisbon or a village by the ocean. Includes dinner, drinks and return transfer. 75€pp Private shuttle one-way 50€ per shuttle
Guided tours to historic studs
Guided visits to the Ortigão Costa coudelaria where you will meet black beauties and learn about the history of Ortigão and of the Lusitano horse which dates back to at least 25,000 BC. Transfers included. 20€ pp.
*If you have a special stud you would like to visit, we can make arrangements under consultation.
Guided tours to the Portuguese riding school
Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre – A must see. You will see their morning work and when available a guided tour of the stables is included. Transfers included. 35€ pp
Guided tours to historic Portuguese towns and buildings
Sintra / Óbidos / Lisbon – Price includes transfer, guide & welcome pastry. 130€/80€ Full day/half day visit
Golf and tennis days
(for you and/or your non-riding partner!)
Prices vary. Please contact us for current information
Surfing and other water sports
Prices vary. Please contact us for current information
Car hire
Assistance with booking rental vehicle
Book now
If you would like to design your own package, please email us and give us an idea of how you would like your riding holiday to look.
Valença Team gala show book now
If you would like to design your own package, please email us and give us an idea of how you would like your riding holiday to look.
Riding Holiday
If you would like to design your own package, please email us and give us an idea of how you would like your riding holiday to look.
Valença Method
If you would like to design your own package, please email us and give us an idea of how you would like your riding holiday to look.
Low Cost Program
If you would like to design your own package, please email us and give us an idea of how you would like your riding holiday to look.
Custom Program
If you would like to design your own package, please email us and give us an idea of how you would like your riding holiday to look.