- 4003 Wagener Road, Aiken, SC 29805
- Sun - Fri : 06:00 - 18:00
- +1 (707) 812-3441
The Carneiro family has been breeding, training, and selling Lusitanos for generations. Located near Lousada in the Porto district in northern Portugal, the training and breeding farm, Centro Hipico e Turistico do Vale de Sousa, is a picturesque and expansive operation dedicated to the principles of classical dressage and the breeding of the magnificent Lusitano, often called the Pride of Portugal.
Classical dressage is still considered the training foundation of today’s competition dressage. The same basic principles are also used in other equestrian sports. Classical dressage is about improving the horse’s natural ability to collect. This potential for natural collection is visible in all breeds from Friesians and Haflingers to Welsh Cobs and Arabs. Although we specialize in Lusitanos, the same concept and training techniques can benefit all riding horses.
We train along the traditional lines allowing the horse to develop the correct muscle structure and movement. Ultimately the horse achieves balance and self-carriage. The horse can then respond appropriately to a rider’s slight aids to perform willingly and with impulsion whilst remaining relaxed and looking effortless. Our aim is to produce happy, relaxed and confident horses, and for horses and riders to maximize their potential and achieve harmony.
At Classical Equines you will witness and experience Portuguese classical dressage and the beauty and talent of well-trained Lusitanos. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Many riders have said that they have learned more with us in just a few days than in years of previous experience riding at home. Whether you would like to purchase a Lusitano or learn more about our customized training programs for you and your horse, we are here to help.
Classical dressage is still considered the training foundation of today’s competition dressage.
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Daily Clinic Charges $1000 Food + Accomodation + Travel Cost will be additional
We have hand selected quality Lusitanos for sale, which are trained by classical dressage professionals. We also offer clinics, lessons, training and riding holidays. You may wish to combine your training and horse shopping together and therefore custom packages are available on request. We have access to the highest quality breeders in Portugal and can help find your ideal horse. We can help negotiate the purchase price, arrange vet-checks with x-rays, and transportation from Portugal.
For horses that are to be transported to the USA and Canada, we can contact the Böse Laboratory in Germany and arrange blood tests to ensure that the horse does not carry piroplasmosis. Piroplasmosis has been reported in a wide range of European countries, but all the horses born in the northern Portugal that we have tested to date have been negative for piroplasmosis. We have previously exported many Lusitanos to the USA successfully.
We hope to make your dressage dreams a reality and send you home feeling inspired and fulfilled.
The Carneiro family has been has been participating and competing in this spectacular event over many years. We highly recommend it to anyone truly interested in understanding the Lusitano breed in Portugal. The horse fair occurs every year in November in the town of Golega, known as the “Capitol of Horses.” The most remarkable difference between Golega and other horse events is the fact that this show practically runs 24 hours a day for 10 days. Here it is not unusual to find riders on horseback standing shoulder to shoulder at the bar or enjoying a drink inside the discos.
Most riders attend in their finest traditional Portuguese dress and ride around the bridle path surrounding the main ring. They show off their horses and riding abilities, often carrying multiple riders. There are also plenty of carriages with horses dressed in traditional Portuguese tack with all the bells and whistles. Here you see everything from beautiful Lusitanos to little Shetlands pulling carriages. In many ways, the bridle path is the equivalent of the show itself. Portuguese music plays almost constantly from the arenas or the discos adding to the atmosphere of electric enthusiasm and a genuine feeling of excitement at Golega.
The video below illustrates the breadth of Golega and the Carneiro family’s Center for Classical Horsemanship is also highlighted toward the end of the video (19:34-25:33).
