OUR TEAM
ANGELIQUE HOFMAN
Angelique Hofman was born and studied in the Netherlands. She has a bachelor in Art Therapy and is first degree (Art) Teacher.
After traveling Europe for 5 months she lost her heart in Portugal. For the riding culture and Lusitano Horses.
She has lived and worked in Portugal for since 2006. Always learning and developing, training with several (Olympic riders) and highly educated trainers!
She educated horses up to Grand Prix and competed up to Intermediair A and B.
She gives clinics since 2011. Most frequent in Denmark, Austria and Switzerland, occasionally South Africa, Germany and The Netherlands. Mainly Icelandic horses.
Since 2018 she has her own farm in Portugal, Equi-Resort Courela da Vala. It is a small, but very successful breeding project and training stable.
RITA ANDRADE
Rita Andrade is one of our riders and a key element of the project, having started competing in 2007 and achieving several podium placements at National Championships.
With extensive experience in dressage, including the development of young horses, she brings great sensitivity to each horse’s individual timing and overall well-being. Her approach to training is based on respect, harmony, and a deep understanding of the horse, ensuring both performance and welfare go hand in hand.
Beyond her equestrian career, she is also an artist who leads art workshops. Having studied Painting as well as Art and Politics in London, she is fluent in English and brings an even more international perspective to the project.
To discover more about her artistic work, visit ritaandradestudio.com.
INTERNS & STUDENTS
At our farm, we rely on the invaluable help of our interns and students who contribute daily to the well-being of the horses and the smooth running of our routines. We believe in each person's potencial and value their training, promoting an environment where they can develop their skills and envolve in the pratice of increasingly conscious and technical horsemanship.