Beginner Dressage Experience in Santarém | José Carvalho Neto

Beginner dressage experience in Vale de Santarém for anyone who has ever been curious about horses and never known where to start. Led by José Carvalho Neto, a production animal engineer, equestrian trainer and 2015 National Open Dressage Champion, this one-hour session introduces you to the most elegant and technically demanding equestrian discipline in a setting at the heart of the Ribatejo, Portugal’s historic horse country. No prior experience needed, just a willingness to try and closed shoes to wear.

The session is divided into two equal halves. The first 30 minutes are spent on the ground: getting to know the space, approaching the horse, learning how to care for it, brush it and tack it up for the lesson. This is where trust between you and the animal is built, and José treats it as a fundamental part of the experience rather than a preamble to the real thing. The second 30 minutes are in the saddle. With constant accompaniment from José, you experience balance on horseback, feel the first movements and begin to understand the foundations of dressage as a discipline where horse and rider communicate in perfect harmony. Session times are agreed directly with José based on his availability and the temperature of the day. On very hot days lessons take place early in the morning or late afternoon for the wellbeing of both horse and rider.

What you’ll experience

🐴 An introduction to the space and an approach to the horse before mounting

🐴 Hands-on horse care including brushing and tacking up for the lesson

🐴 30 minutes in the saddle with constant accompaniment from José throughout

🐴 The experience of balance, movement and early communication on horseback

🐴 The foundations of dressage as a discipline rooted in harmony between horse and rider

What’s included

🏇 Full one-hour guided session with José Carvalho Neto

🏇 Ground preparation including horse care and tacking up

🏇 30 minutes of riding with constant instructor accompaniment

🏇 A unique introduction to dressage in the heart of the Ribatejo

What to bring

Closed shoes are required. Comfortable clothing recommended. Session times agreed directly with José based on availability and weather conditions.

What you leave with

An hour spent genuinely connecting with a horse, the foundations of what dressage involves, and an experience that very few people in Portugal have had the opportunity to try.

I am José Carvalho Neto, a production animal engineer, equestrian trainer and the founder of José Carvalho Neto Dressage in Vale de Santarém. My career has been dedicated to managing equestrian centres and training sport horses, and my competitive path in dressage includes the National Open Champion title in 2015 and multiple podiums in prestigious competitions including the Taça de Portugal. In 2017 I made my debut in Grand Prix level competition. I train regularly with Olympic rider Gonçalo Carvalho, a commitment to continuous evolution and the excellence that this discipline demands. I believe the best way to share that passion is to start exactly here, with someone’s very first hour on a horse.

Schedule subject to availability and weather conditions. Closed shoes required.