Herdade da Burquilheira: Breeding Dreams and Equestrian Magic in Alentejo

The family-run Herdade da Burquilheira (homestead) offers Poldril da Burquilheira, a place where the foals raised here were formerly weaned. It was rebuilt, making it a modern equestrian center for training and breeding horses. The Herdade da Burquilheira is located approximately 150 km from Lisbon in the central Portuguese region of Alentejo and is owned and run by Laura and her family. Laura manages the smooth running of the retreats.

Discover Horses in their Natural Habitat

The homestead has excellent infrastructure for horse riding. It’s composed by 8 stables (4x4 m) with natural light, an Indoor (20 x 40 m) and an Obstacle Course (60 x 70 m) both with white sand (silica) floor, an electrical walker for 4 horses, and 6 large paddocks (Horse Rail fences) where nowadays horses live most of the year, enjoying nature and freedom.

In addition to infrastructure aimed mainly at training and teaching horses, we have unique conditions for trail riding, taking advantage not only of the 300ha of our homestead but also of all its surroundings whose landscape is classified as a National Ecological Reserve. In this way, it is possible to take equestrian tours of several hours without ever crossing paved roads, passing through dams, and traversing the typical landscape of the Alentejo, with its Cork Oak and Azinheiras in a rural and natural environment. The horses here are recovered horses from dressage and show jumping competitions or other activities and the centre can cater for riders of a novice level right up to intermediate.

Relaxing Pool Day

Meet Your Host

Laura and the other instructors speak very good English. Laura has been a show jumper to 1,30m level for 15 years and a keen endurance rider, competing over distances up to 120km on her own horses. Laura is a horse lover since she recalls being herself, and is passionate to teach how in a natural and balance way, humans and horses can enjoy themselves.

Your Journey to Herdade da Burquilheira

Accommodation is provided in the private cottage, Monte da Burquilheira, a traditional Alentejo family country house, which is decorated in a traditional, modern and cosy style. After your ride, you can take a ceramic or painting workshop, yoga or meditation classes, or explore the 300 acres that Burquilheira offers, where you can find the surrounding pastures and cork woodlands. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Évora is located just a 45-minute drive from the homestead.

Equestrian center and riding experiences

Activities Beyond the Saddle

There are several activities for when you’re not in the saddle and for non-riders: guests can have ceramics or painting workshops, ioga or meditation classes. When too hot, of course, guests also have use of the swimming pool! The surrounding area is wonderful for walking, jogging or bike riding, through the extensive, beautiful, unspoilt countryside. Cultural visits to other nearby towns, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Évora is located just a 45-minute drive from the homestead. It is even possible to schedule olive oil and wine-tasting visits with local producers. During the summer months, the days can be too hot for riding other than the early morning or evening. During the day your hosts can suggest a visit to Alqueva — The big lake (1-hour drive) and enjoy swimming, a boat trip and a variety of water sports; or to the beach (one hour drive) of Comporta, Carvalhal and Pego.

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