After watching one of the most exciting and demanding equestrian events in the Olympics, three-day eventing, all of us horse lovers around the world are feeling the itch to give it a try ourselves! Eventing is a three-day event that includes dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping, all performed on the same horse. Believe it or not, three-day eventing is offered all around the world for beginner riders to more advanced riders.
Whether you are completely new to riding, a casual trail rider, a western rider, or a dressage rider, three-day eventing can teach us all important riding and training skills. Plus, eventing is one of the most exciting and fun times you will ever have. The best way to learn eventing, is to take lessons on an experienced horse that knows how to do dressage and jump.
Here are three Cavago hosts offering exceptional experiences that give you a taste of the 'eventing' lifestyle...from Dressage, to countryside hacks out.
1. PHR Equestrian, Madrid, Spain: Show Jumping, Dressage, and Hacking
PHR Equestrain in Madrid, Spain is home to the world renowned international rider, coach and trainer, Pablo Hernández Romero. PHR Equestrian is made up of three sections geared towards all types of riders, from beginner riders to competition teams, to casual trail rides and hacks out. Sign up for a 2 hour hack out in the mountains of Madrid, advanced show jumping clinics or classes, private classes, AC Dressage, or beginner lessons.
The center is only one hour from the Center of Madrid and close to tourist attractions such as the Palacio del Pardo, the Casita del Príncipe or the Cristo del Pardo, and of course within walking distance of a large number of restaurants where you can taste Madrid's famous gastronomy.
2. Lucknam Park Equestrian Centre, Chippenham UK: Advanced country hacks,
Lucknam Park makes an ideal place for an equestrian vacation, with not only excellent riding facilities, but 5 star luxury accommodation, an award-winning spa, Michelin star dining and elegant, and landscaped gardens. Soak in the wistful drive down the mile-long avenue of lime and beech trees, before arriving at the grand Palladian mansion, dating back to 1720. The equestrian centre carries on its history as a former stud farm.
Lucknam Park Equestrian Centre, set in 500 acres of unspoilt parkland in Wiltshire. Hacking through the estate for 1 hour is an unforgettable experience in a relaxed setting for all riding enthusiasts. More advanced horse riders can enjoy escorted hacks around the estate or longer rides through the beautiful Cotswold countryside. The Equestrian Centre also has a number of ponies perfect for younger guests. Lucknam offers hacks for children from the age of 3 up they must however be accompanied by a parent or guardian and lessons from the age of 7 depending on experience.
3. Quinta Do Rol, Miragaia, Portugal: Dressage and Beach Rides
Quinta do Rol is a centenary estate that focuses on premium wine production, rural tourism and equestrian clinics and riding.There are only a few places on the planet that combine top quality equitation with exquisite settings, elegant accommodation and a century old wine estate. Quinta do Rol is a masterpiece equestrian estate located just an hour north of Lisbon.
Learn dressage on a Lusitano schoolmasters, or go for a hack out around the estate and on beach trails. Quinta do Rol is a family estate, and there is no doubt that the staff and the owners welcome you with that same genuine authenticity of a cherished family member. During your free time, you are welcome to use the Estate's amenities or just enjoy watching lessons. Activities available are: 1 hour and ½ hour dressage lessons, 1 hour estate tour, beach trail ride, or a 4 to 10 day riding clinic.