For those of us still dreaming about getting a pony for our birthday (hint, hint), vacations with horses hold perpetual allure. Highsun Tourism Experiences offers a six-day, five-night escape to Portugal to celebrate the country’s largest equestrian event, the National Horse Fair 2022 in Golegã, held just north of Lisbon.

Focusing on the elegance and beauty of the Puro Sangue Lusitano breed — commonly referred to as the Lusitano — this massive event brings top breeders and competitors from around the world for sales, exhibitions and competitions. There are also scheduled demonstrations including cattle driving, classical riding and the choreographed art of dressage.

Highsun specializes in authentic travel excursions, and the horse fair itinerary has been designed to capture highlights of Portuguese culture. The horse fair adventure begins with arrival in Lisbon and dinner with an evening Fado show. The next day, head to Ribatejo to enjoy a leisurely boat ride and to catch glimpses of wild horses in their natural habitat along the Tagus River. Afterwards, tour the village of Escaroupim and have lunch in a traditional restaurant in Almeririm. The day wraps up with a visit to a manor house in Ribatejo for a wine and cheese tasting.

Following breakfast on the third day, depart for Casa-Estúdio Carlos Relvas house, dating to the 1870s and regarded as the world’s first photography studio. Enjoy lunch, then spend the rest of the day on your own. Over the next two days, enjoy the National Horse Fair and its programs and events. The horse-centric expedition includes accommodations, transfers and entrance to Casa-Estúdio Carlos Relvas. Items and experiences not included in the expedition are flights, visas, city taxes or additional excursions.

Customized tours can include pre- and post-trip nights, as well as a focus on specific programs or events. Acquiring a pony of your own (and getting it through airport security) is entirely up to you.