✨ A Rare Spring Escape at Monte Velho
An unexpected last minute opportunity has just opened at Monte Velho EquoResort.
From March 15th to March 21st, two Premium Rooms with riding packages have become available following a last-minute cancellation.
Spring has arrived in full beauty at Monte Velho — the Alentejo countryside is vibrant green, the days are longer, the air is warm, and the estate is alive with new beginnings.
This week has already welcomed the first MVL foals of the season, and guests staying with us may have the privilege of witnessing another foal arrive in the coming days — a truly magical moment and a rare glimpse into the heart of our breeding program.
Beyond the riding experience, the week will unfold with a selection of special moments:
— Dressage masterclasses with our riders
— The MVL breeding tour, discovering the Lusitano story behind our horses
— Wine tastings celebrating the flavors of the Alentejo
A week where horses, nature, gastronomy and tradition come together in a setting that feels both peaceful and unforgettable.
A last-minute opportunity to experience Monte Velho at one of the most beautiful moments of the year.
📩 For reservations, please contact our team:
[email protected] /+351 912371837
🌿 Where Nature Meets Comfort
At Monte Velho, architecture and landscape exist in perfect harmony.
Our premium rooms — designed by our owner architect Diogo Lima Mayer — reflect a philosophy of comfort through simplicity, framing the Alentejo’s raw beauty in every detail.
“They are the result of a life of traveling worldwide — a modern concept allied with simplicity, where the only painting is the unique view from each room.”
Suspended among rocks and cork trees, these rooms redefine luxury — not through excess, but through connection with nature.
✨ Limited availability for December stays.
Book your escape and experience the serenity of Monte Velho.
📍 Monte Velho Equoresort
🔗 www.montevelho.pt
#MonteVelhoEquoresort #Alentejo #LuxuryRetreat #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableLuxury #NatureMeetsComfort #PortugalTravel #LuxuryGetaway #DesignHotel #HiddenGemsPortugal #TravelInStyle #AlentejoEscape #BoutiqueResort #ModernArchitecture #VisitPortugal
A moment we will never forget.
Monte Velho Equoresort has been selected by International Traveller as one of the Top 13 Destinations to Travel in the World for 2026.
For us, this recognition is more than an award. It is the result of over 30 years of family work, dedication, and love for this land, our lusitano horses, and the unique spirit of the Alentejo.
We are truly speechless — and deeply grateful.
Grateful to our team, whose passion and commitment make Monte Velho what it is every single day.
Grateful to our partner agencies and to every guest who has believed in us since we opened the Equo-Resort.
And grateful for the privilege of sharing this small piece of heaven with people from all over the world.
Moments like this give us even more motivation to keep going, to keep improving, and to make Monte Velho even more special in the decade ahead.
Thank you, International Traveller, for this extraordinary honour!
@internationaltraveller
LUFADA MVL — APSL TURF PRIZE 2026 WINNER
We are deeply honoured to announce that Lufada MVL, owned by Monica Lindstedt, is the winner of the APSL TURF PRIZE 2026, awarded to the Best Lusitano Dressage Horse of the Year.
This recognition is especially meaningful: it is the first time this prize has been awarded to a mare, and it also marks Monte Velho’s second APSL Turf Prize, following Equador MVL victory in 2021.
Ridden by British Olympian Gareth Hughes, Lufada MVL (Franquelim MVL x Chiquinha MVL by Quixote MVL) made a stellar debut at international Grand Prix level, finishing 2025 as #46 in the FEI World Dressage Ranking — and as the highest-ranked Lusitano dressage horse in the world.
We would like to warmly congratulate Monica Lindstedt, Lufada’s owner, and extend our deepest appreciation to Gareth Hughes, Rebecca Hughes and the entire Hughes team for their exceptional work with Lufada.
A very special word of recognition also goes to Monte Velho’s Olympic rider João Torrão, whose outstanding work with Lufada played such an important role in making this achievement possible.
Our sincere thanks to the Turf Club and APSL for this recognition, which truly honours us.
At Monte Velho, we strongly believe that riding our mares is one of the most important paths to take the Lusitano breed to the next level. Lufada MVL is a powerful example of what can happen when quality, training and belief come together.
May she inspire more breeders to give their mares the opportunity to shine under saddle. We hope to see more and more Lusitano mares in the international dressage arenas in the years to come.
Congratulations, Lufada MVL!
@monica.lindstedt@garethhughes_official@apsl_official
A special 3-year-old stallion, and definitely one we have very big hopes for. A direct inbreeding of a stallion that still produces a legacy of several and different athletes: Quixote MVL.
Tornado MVL — Nuelo Lezirias x Chiquinha MVL by Quixote MVL — is a real “Puro Sangue”: elastic, refined and full of presence.
A horse that has already impressed us with his natural quality, his attitude, and the feeling that something very exciting may be coming for the future.
We’re delighted to announce the purchase of 7 y.o stallion Paris PHM (Rubi AR x E-Nabo) an outstanding Lusitano bred by Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza with the most incredible temperament, balance and rideability! Already among the favorites in Monte Velho, we would like to thank Jacobo and Mariana for their great work with Paris, without a doubt a very committed and passioned family that lives full time for their horses! @jacobobotero@marianaespsb@paulahermosodm
RIETA MVL officially graded in the Lusitano studbook with 78.5 points!
We are very proud to announce that Rieta MVL, our 5-year-old daughter of Equador MVL, has been officially graded with 78.5 points, with a score of 8 on her movements.
A special result for a mare we deeply believe in — and also a reflection of the incredible work done by Monte Velho’s rider, Bernardo Neves, who has been with Rieta since the very beginning of her training.
This result is also an important symbol of the vision we defend for the future of the Lusitano breed.
At Monte Velho, we strongly believe that mares must be given the role and recognition they deserve. They should not only be evaluated standing still or through their bloodlines — they must be understood under saddle, tested in their rideability, functionality, temperament, balance and real athletic potential.
Today, Monte Velho has eight MVL mares currently under saddle worldwide, with a clear direction towards sport and performance. For us, this is not a detail. It is a principle.
If we want the Lusitano to reach the next level, we must become more demanding in the way we select our mares. Knowing their real ability as riding horses is crucial to becoming more effective breeders and to making better decisions for the future of the breed.
Dressage history has already shown us the power of great mares: Dalera, Mount St John Freestyle, Bella Rose… mares have shaped the very top of the sport.
The Lusitano needs more mares being ridden, developed, tested and promoted. Only then can we truly understand what they carry — and what they are capable of passing on.
Monte Velho has always believed that success in breeding is not about having a large number of mares. It is about having the right mares, knowing them deeply, and being demanding with the ones we choose to breed from.
Rieta MVL’s grading is another step in that direction.
Congratulations to Bernardo and to everyone involved in her journey.
More than riding — a connection.
Yasmina, joining us from Morocco and based in London, spent a week at Monte Velho and highlighted something that truly defines our approach: the balance between high-level training and deep respect for the horse.
Her experience went beyond technical progress in the dressage lessons. Through the guidance of our trainer Teresa Grandvaux Barbosa, she discovered a way of riding built on feel, understanding, and harmony.
But what impacted her the most was the relationship she built with the horses — a reflection of our core philosophy: horse welfare and respect are at the heart of everything we do.
⸻
Availability Update
April and May are now almost fully booked, with only a few remaining spots until June. Get in touch with our team for last availabilities.
📩 [email protected]
ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT — WORKING STUDENTS (APRIL–MAY 2026)
Spring at Monte Velho is the peak of the year — green landscapes, mares foaling season and the most stunning views.
We are opening the final 2 positions for working students to join our equestrian team.
• Train in a top professional environment and be part of a young international team
• Improve your riding and meet worldwide riders at the Equoresort
• Lead the trail rides with our clients
• Learn from our veterinary team
• Experience the unique lifestyle of Alentejo
This is not just an internship — it’s a gateway into a leading Business in Portugal.
Only 2 spots available. Starting April.
📩 Apply now:
+351 967 469 999
[email protected][email protected]
LAST MINUTE OPPORTUNITY – WORKING STUDENT INTERNSHIP
A last-minute spot has opened for a Working Student Internship at Monte Velho EquoResort, from now until end of April.
This is a unique opportunity to experience Monte Velho at its very best, during the peak of spring — one of the most beautiful and vibrant times of the year at the farm.
As a working student you will have the chance to:
✨ Ride and develop your skills
✨ Work alongside our professional team
✨ Integrate into our leading Dressage riding holiday program
✨ Experience daily life at a leading Lusitano breeding and training facility
If you are passionate about horses and eager to learn in a high-performance yet inspiring environment, this is an opportunity you truly cannot miss.
📩 Applications are now open:
[email protected] / [email protected]
+351 967 469 999
Places are extremely limited — apply now and join us for an unforgettable spring at Monte Velho.
✨ Quiebro MVL – Approved Lusitano Stallion
We are delighted to share that Quiebro MVL has been officially approved as a breeding stallion in the Lusitano Studbook.
This 6-year-old stallion, by Escorial out of Mapa MVL (by Pagão MVL), achieved an overall score of 72 points, with an 8 for his walk, trot and canter.
Magnificently presented by our Olympic rider João Torrão, Quiebro MVL represents the modern sportive Lusitano we aim to produce: a horse with exceptional balance, outstanding temperament and a natural willingness to please.
Quiebro MVL also stands out for his outstanding uphill canter, combined with an unusual class and athleticism, qualities that make him a truly exciting prospect for the future of the breed and for sport.
We look forward to using him on several mares as part of the continued development of our breeding program.
Quiebro MVL is proudly owned by Monte Velho and Enrique de Benito (Yeguada BRH) and will be available for the upcoming breeding season, with further details to be announced soon.
A special thank you to Enrique de Benito for his passion, dedication and commitment throughout Quiebro’s journey, and also to Laerke Sonnenborg, who played a very important role in Quiebro’s development.
FINAL SPOT AVAILABLE— PIA WALLBERG TRAINING WEEK
From 25–31 January, Monte Velho Equoresort opens one final place in its exclusive Dressage Rider Development Program with Swedish olympic trainer Pia Wallberg 🇸🇪
🔹 1 place available | 25–31 January
🔹 Private coaching & seat training sessions
🔹 Individual diagnosis of weaknesses & corrective tools
🔹 A system designed to reshape your seat and elevate your riding
🔹 Integrated work with your regular trainer for lasting results
With decades of experience working with riders at all levels, Pia Wallberg is renowned for her precision, clarity, and ability to unlock a rider’s full potential. Since 2015, she has been a cornerstone at Monte Velho, combining seat training, body awareness, and rider biomechanics into a complete, transformative program.
This is the ideal moment to recalibrate your body, your balance, and your communication with the horse — in a focused, calm, high-performance environment.
📩 [email protected]
📞 +351 912 371 837
@pia_wallberg
