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.
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.
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.
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. If you wish to create your own experience, you are welcome to design a tailor-made program simply choose the type of lessons you prefer and the number of sessions per day.
Guests may also enhance their stay with additional services and exclusive tours, carefully curated to complement their time at the Academy and to explore the beauty and culture of Portugal.
THE VALENÇA METHOD PROGRAM 2026
Price for Rider:
2200 Eur / rider (Individual room)
2000 Eur / rider (Sharing room)
Price for non rider:
600 Eur / Person (Sharing room)
*there is an option of not including the meals on this program
7 nights’ accommodation at The Valença Academy Residence
6 full days of instruction
12 classical riding lessons (two per day)
6 in-hand work sessions (one per day)
Daily access to the Academy’s training and observation of our living tradition
Half-board accommodation – breakfast and lunch included (beverages not included)
Transfers included (excluding flights)
Exclusive yet family friendly atmosphere become part of the Valença family
Stay at Valença Equestrian Academy…
Come for the horses, stay for the experience.
At Valença Equestrian Academy, every detail has been carefully considered to offer an unforgettable stay — where equestrian tradition meets the comfort, elegance, and warmth of a true home away from home ✨
About the accommodation
At Valença Equestrian Academy, we believe that true comfort comes from feeling at home.
For this reason, we created an exclusive residential accommodation within the Academy itself — allowing our guests to live their days with our schoolmasters and rest just a few steps away from them.
We offer five cozy and comfortable air-conditioned suites, thoughtfully designed to provide privacy while encouraging connection. All suites share access to a welcoming lounge and a fully equipped kitchen, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere where riders naturally come together.
This shared space is ideal not only for unwinding after a day in the saddle, but also for exchanging ideas, reviewing daily riding sessions, hosting small workshops, and enjoying meaningful conversations in a family-like environment.
Services Included
Breakfast included (self-prepared with fresh products provided)
Practical Information
Check-in: from 14:00
Check-out: until 12:00
Late check-out: available upon request and subject to availability
Facilities
Shared kitchen with microwave, stove, fridge, dishes, cutlery, and cooking utensils
Laundry facilities available for guests
Shared lounge area — a comfortable space to relax, exchange experiences, and truly feel at home
Meals & Dining
Breakfast
Breakfast is included in your stay and is self-prepared by our guests, allowing you to enjoy your morning at your own rhythm and convenience.
We provide everything needed for a fresh and complete breakfast in the shared kitchen, including:
- Coffee, tea, milk, and fruit juices
- Bread and croissants
- Cheese and ham
- Seasonal fruit
- Cereals
- Butter and jam
Our aim is for you to start your day calmly, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Academy, with everything prepared so you can focus on what truly matters — the horses and the experience.
Lunch & Dinner
Guests are welcome to prepare their own meals in the fully equipped shared kitchen, with supermarkets located within easy walking distance. (We can also provide shuttle to supermarket)
For those who prefer to dine out, the nearby town of Vila Franca de Xira offers a variety of excellent restaurants, easily reached by Uber or taxi, where you can enjoy the very best of Portuguese gastronomy. Food delivery services are also available, bringing different cuisines directly to the Academy.
A half-board option is available only within selected programs, offered in partnership with a charming local restaurant. In these special programs, guests can enjoy traditional Portuguese meals prepared with fresh regional ingredients, carefully chosen to complement a full day of riding and learning.
Please note that dinners are not included unless clearly specified as part of a special program.
Prices per night if you don’t book a specific program
Cost per night : 100€ single room | 115€ sharing
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 € | 45 minutes
Taxes included
Group lesson
85 € | 45 minutes
Taxes included
In hand lesson
85 € | 45 minutes
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.