Every November the small Ribatejo town of Golegã becomes the busiest place in the Portuguese horse world. The Feira Nacional do Cavalo fills its streets, arenas and cafés with Lusitanos, riders in traditional dress, breeders, carriage drivers and visitors from all over Europe. In 2026 the fair runs from 6 to 15 November, and it is a special one: the 50th Feira Nacional do Cavalo, held together with the 27th Feira Internacional do Cavalo Lusitano and the old Feira de São Martinho.

Whether you are coming to watch or bringing your own horse, this guide covers what to expect and how to plan. Last year we wrote about the atmosphere of the 2025 edition. This year we focus on the practical side.

What the Fair Is

Golegã calls itself the Capital do Cavalo, the capital of the horse, and during the fair it is easy to see why. The fair grew out of the traditional São Martinho market, and its high point is still 11 November, Saint Martin's Day. On that day the Cortejo dos Romeiros de São Martinho, a procession of riders, ends with a blessing in front of the main church. Roasted chestnuts and new wine are everywhere.

The heart of it all is the Largo do Arneiro, the central square with its arena. Riders circle it from morning until late at night, and much of the competition takes place there. The fair is organised by the municipality of Golegã, and the official site (feiranacionaldocavalo.com) publishes the full programme once it is confirmed. Check it before you travel.

A Showcase for the Lusitano

The Lusitano is Portugal's own breed: compact, brave, light in the hand and known for its talent for collection. It was bred for work with cattle on the plains of the Ribatejo and for classical riding, and both traditions are on show in Golegã. You will see stallions presented in hand, riders in the short jacket and flat hat of Portuguese tradition, working equitation, dressage and carriages.

What to See and Practical Tips for Visitors

  • Pick your days. Weekends and 11 November are the busiest. Weekdays are calmer and better for watching the horses properly.
  • Book early. Rooms in Golegã and the towns around it fill up months ahead. Santarém, Torres Novas and Entroncamento are all close by.
  • Dress for November. Mornings are cool, the ground can be muddy and evenings go on late. Wear boots you do not mind getting dirty.
  • Respect the horses. Horses move through the crowds all day. Give them room, never walk directly behind them, and ask the rider before you touch a horse.

Bringing Your Own Horse: Forage and Feeding

If your horse is coming, the biggest risk is not the crowd. It is a sudden change of routine. A horse's digestive system depends on a steady supply of forage, and switching to different hay from one day to the next is a well-known trigger for digestive upset. Changes are best made gradually, over one to two weeks.

The simplest solution is to bring the hay your horse already eats, and enough of it for the whole stay plus a few spare days. Keep hay in front of your horse for most of the day. A hay net helps when a horse is tied up or standing in a temporary stable for long periods. Chewing produces saliva, which helps buffer stomach acid, and a busy fair is exactly when a horse needs that protection. If your horse has a medical condition or you are unsure about feeding, talk to your vet before you travel. And always travel with your horse's passport.

Water, Bedding and Stress

Water. Some horses drink less in a new place, and the water can taste different. Bring your own buckets, keep them clean and full, and check how much your horse drinks each day.

Bedding. Temporary stables can be hard and cold in November. A thick, dry bed of straw or shavings encourages your horse to lie down and rest after long, noisy days.

Stress. Music, crowds and late nights are a lot for any horse. Keep feeding times the same as at home, give quiet breaks away from the Largo, and watch for signs that your horse is not coping, such as not eating, drinking little or changes in its droppings. The organisers usually publish rules for horses during the fair, for example the hour after which riding in the Largo do Arneiro stops at night. Check the current rules before you ride in.

Hay and Bedding Close to Golegã

Our Ribatejo depot is in Almeirim, about 25 km from Golegã. From there, the Prime Hay team or a trusted transport partner can bring hay, straw and shavings to your stable, house or rented yard in the area. If you want the same forage all week, order ahead so everything is in place before the fair begins.

Browse hay and feed in our shop, see our straw for horses, or read how delivery works. Portuguese speakers will find local details on our Golegã page. The minimum order is €150. Enjoy the fair, and give your horse a calm, well-fed week.