Adventure vacations in Florida

Florida Dressage Getaway

Overview

This destination is the winter base for the team that runs our dressage program in Massachusetts. If you are searching for top quality dressage instruction, well trained school horses, and the added benefit of an escape from winter weather then this is the right choice. Regardless of your dressage experience the instructors can help improve your seat, the effectiveness and timing of your aids and your understanding of the discipline. An added benefit is the opportunity to watch the instructor training his master school horses and other students. It is an educational and edifying experience regardless of your ability level.

The winter location of Wellington, Florida is one of the world’s most prestigious destinations for the serious horse enthusiast. Wellington is a horse lover’s dream with numerous tack shops, educational opportunities, international dressage and jumper shows as well as weekly polo matches. The farm is located a short 10 minute drive from the Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festival. It is 15 minutes from Palm Beach International airport.

Stay in the beautiful boutique resort featuring 5 guest rooms with en suite bathrooms, complimentary breakfast, a full kitchen and dining room, work spaces with WIFI, as well as several intimate sitting spaces throughout the 5,000 square foot home. Guests can cool off after a day of riding in the picturesque pool or relax on the veranda with a book or a drink.

Breakfast is provided. You will find an excellent selection of exceptional restaurants and local markets to purchase groceries for breakfast and dinner.

  • Overview:
    The farm has Lusitano stallions and mares imported from Brazil and Portugal, as well as several Lusitano Warmblood Crosses. To help his students to develop the feeling and create the possibility of a harmonious dance with a horse, the instructor and his staff prepare their own equine schoolmasters. The center uses custom dressage saddles which have a comfortable seat and knee rolls.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Majority are Lusitano.
  • Trip Pace:
    To suit riders
  • Tack:
    Dressage saddles
  • Weight limit:
    170 lbs
  • Hours of Instruction:
    Typically two 45 min-1 hr semi-private lessons per day
  • Instruction and Training:
    As head instructor, Vitor Silva presents to his students exemplary training in the art of classical riding. With a strong background in classical dressage, he shares the knowledge and skill acquired through years of study with recognized riding masters of Portugal. Vitor teaches his students that while masters or trainers can share their knowledge and explain the technical aspects of riding, each rider must open him or herself to feel the horse's movements, responses and needs. Ultimately, he strives to develop this intuitive feeling in his students so that harmony between horse and rider can be achieved. For those riders new to the saddle or still developing a balanced effective seat, Vitor has developed a systematic method of developing the rider’s seat and effectiveness of aids on the lunge-line. Here the rider develops the balance, rhythm, and feel within the movement of the horse. Once the rider progresses through the process of developing balance, the instructors and their equine schoolmasters introduce and reinforce the riders understanding and feel of effective aids. This time and preparation on the lunge-line allows the student to develop the ability to follow the movement of the horse without inhibiting it …to ask of the horse with great finesse and to allow the desired movement. Once the rider has developed an effective seat, the work continues in group lessons.
  • Types of Instruction:
    Clinics and Lessons, Dressage Training

Meet at the farm, 10 minutes from downtown Wellington and 15 minutes from the Palm Beach International Airport.

Itinerary Summary

An initial assessment of each student is made upon arrival. The student and instructor then define goals and set up an individual program for the week. Students will ride twice per day (mostly in group lessons), as well as having an opportunity to observe other lessons and watch Vitor and his staff train horses and fine tune the school masters. This is a progressive program that develops the rider's seat, balance, timing, and deeper understanding of the classical principles of dressage.

The length of the lessons varies, depending on the individual or the group. Lunge lessons are generally 20 minutes and group lessons are approximately 45 min to an hour.

Itinerary Addendum

THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Packages available from December November 20, 2020 to March 31, 2021
Additional Pricing Information:
It is necessary to have a car available. The above prices include either 2 or 4 nights accommodation in the onsite guesthouse. Meals are NOT included in this trip. Full payment is required to confirm your booking.


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Preferred Trip Dates

Florida Dressage Getaway
December 3, 2024
January 1, 1970
January 1, 1970
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... I actually could feel the change in my riding and the horse's way of going - I experienced collection and lightness. 2nd ride of 3rd day - final for the trip - was absolutely amazing - sitting on and assisting a horse while the instructor guided him through all of the... Read more  

Kristin Soares