An inside look at my unforgettable 10-day journey with world-class coaches, breathtaking trail rides, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures on the Global Amateur Tour Portugal 2025.
There are trips you take — and then there are experiences that stay with you forever. My time on the Global Amateur Tour Portugal 2025 easily falls into the second category. For 10 incredible days, I was immersed in a once-in-a-lifetime equestrian adventure that went far beyond just riding. It was about growth, connection, pushing boundaries, and making unforgettable memories with an amazing group of people.
Our Home Base: The Beautiful Seaside Village of Esposende
From the moment we arrived in the charming coastal village of Esposende, just 40 minutes north of Porto, I knew this week would be special. The picturesque scenery, with its ocean views and laid-back vibe, offered the perfect backdrop for the adventure ahead.
World-Class Coaching & Life-Changing Lessons
Every ride felt like a gift. With each session, the knowledge shared by our coaches layered beautifully into our riding. My dressage lesson with Miguel was exactly what I needed — focused on refining my position and working on collection and extension. I was hoping to get a dressage lesson in and was so appreciative that Miguel made time for me.
Later, I watched Anna Lindberg ride her young horse in a session with Antonio Portela Carneiro, mirroring the very exercises we had worked on ourselves just the day before. It was fascinating to see these same principles applied at such a high level, and it gave me a fresh perspective on my own training.
Lucy Olphert’s stride and grid work lessons built on that foundation, helping us fine-tune our rhythm and balance. The grids challenged us to focus on precision while building our horses' confidence. Every lesson offered something new — practical tools and insights I knew I’d be bringing home to my rides with Fal.
One of my favourite activities was the hands-on course-building seminar. We didn’t just learn how courses are designed — we built our own from scratch. Walking the strides, adjusting the distances, and physically setting up the jumps brought a whole new level of understanding to the sport. The best part about it was we first watched Anna take two of her Grand Prix horses through the course and then we jumped it ourselves on competition day!
Adventures Beyond the Arena
While the riding was incredible, the adventures beyond the arena made this trip truly unforgettable.
One day, with the horses enjoying a well-deserved rest, we set out on a trail ride through one of Portugal’s national parks. The trails wound their way up and down the mountains, through fields blanketed with purple flowers, and into quaint mountain villages that felt like they belonged in a storybook. As we rode, I found myself completely lost in the beauty of the landscape, savouring every moment.
Later that day, we traded our breeches for wetsuits and took on the challenge of canyoning. With nervous excitement, we rappelled down waterfalls, laughed through the icy cold water, and cheered one another on. It was one of those experiences that both pushed me out of my comfort zone and left me feeling exhilarated.
Of course, no trip would be complete without a bit of shopping. Between visiting the HorseFire warehouse and browsing local shops, we all managed to find some treasures to take home. And every evening seemed to end perfectly — sharing delicious meals, swapping stories, and simply soaking up the peaceful beauty of Portugal.
Competition Day: Putting It All Together
As the final day approached, a new kind of excitement settled in. It was time for competition day — the moment where everything we had learned over the past week came together. The nerves were real, but so was the support from the entire group. We cheered each other on, celebrated each round, and rode with the confidence that only comes from being part of such a supportive, positive environment. Crossing that finish line felt like the perfect culmination of everything this tour represented: growth, learning, and shared passion. There is also something to be said about walking through the gates of an international show arena. I had seen the Esposende entrance on social media, and walking through it was a pretty cool feeling.
The People Made It Unforgettable
What made this trip truly extraordinary wasn’t just the incredible riding or breathtaking scenery, but the people. The coaches, the staff at Portugal Equestrian, the team behind the Global Amateur Tour, and every single rider and family member created a community that felt like family. We learned together, laughed together, and supported one another every step of the way.
Gratitude Overflowing
As I packed my bags to leave, my heart was full of gratitude. I am deeply thankful to the Global Amateur Tour for organizing such a phenomenal experience, to the coaches who poured their expertise into every lesson, and to my fellow riders who made every moment fun and meaningful. This trip has not only made me a better rider, but given me lifelong memories and friendships I’ll always cherish.
Thank you:
- Global Amateur Tour for organizing this incredible experience.
- Portugal Equestrian, the staff and all of the amazing coaches: Anna Lindberg, Miguel, and, of course, Bruno and Antonio.
- Lucy, for continuing to be a coach and mentor. Most of all for always encouraging me and giving me the best advice.
- Every single rider and family who made this week so special. Thank you for being a part of my journey.
Until Next Time
Leaving Portugal was bittersweet, but I know this is only the beginning. I cannot wait for the next Global Amateur Tour adventure, wherever it may take me. If you are interested in applying for a Global Amateur Tour Competition or Training Tour, I hope you become a lifer, just like me and who knows, maybe we will end up sharing an experience together!