Equestrian riding is one of the oldest sporting disciplines in the world — and in Portugal, it has deep cultural and competitive roots. The Lisbon region, particularly Cascais and the Quinta da Marinha corridor, is one of the country’s strongest equestrian centres.
What Is Equestrian Riding?
“Equestrian riding” is the broad term for any disciplined horsemanship activity, from recreational trail riding to Olympic-level competition. In organised equestrian sport, the main disciplines are:
Dressage
The art of communicating with the horse through subtle aids — leg, weight and rein — to produce precise movements. Dressage is sometimes described as “horse ballet”: the horse appears to perform effortlessly while the rider gives almost invisible signals.
Showjumping
Horse and rider navigate a course of coloured poles at speed. Faults are incurred for knocked poles or refusals. Showjumping is the most widely watched equestrian discipline at competition level in Portugal and internationally.
Eventing
A three-phase discipline combining dressage, cross-country (outdoor jumping over fixed obstacles) and showjumping. Requires an exceptionally versatile horse and a courageous, well-rounded rider.
Trail riding (leisure riding)
Recreational riding outside the arena — on trails, through forests, along coastlines. No competition element; the focus is on the experience of riding in a natural environment.
Equestrian Riding at Quinta da Marinha, Cascais
Miguel Alves Horses offers all aspects of equestrian riding at one of the finest facilities in Portugal:
Lessons for all levels
- Beginners — first contact with horses, walk and trot, basic communication
- Intermediate — canter work, direction exercises, arena figures
- Advanced — collection, lateral work, jumping foundations
- Competition preparation — FEP-level dressage and showjumping coaching
Group lessons: max 4 riders per session. Private lessons also available.
Instructor: Miguel Alves, FEP certified since 1997. Instruction in English, Portuguese and French.
Trail rides at Guincho
For riders who want to experience equestrian riding in the landscape rather than the arena, our guided trail rides at Guincho are hard to beat. Routes run through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the Quinta da Marinha pinewoods and along the edge of the Atlantic dunes.
Available from €35 per person, 30 minutes, no experience required.
Competition training
For riders preparing for FEP showjumping or dressage events, Miguel Alves offers bespoke competition programmes — from introductory heights to national circuit level.
The FEP: Portuguese Equestrian Federation
The Federação Equestre Portuguesa (FEP) is the governing body for equestrian sport in Portugal. It sets standards for riding schools, instructor certification and competition organisation.
A Monitor FEP certification means the instructor has completed standardised training and passed practical and theoretical assessments. It is the baseline professional qualification for a riding instructor in Portugal.
Miguel Alves has held this certification since 1997.
Prices
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| Beginner lesson | €40 (30 min) |
| Advanced lesson | €60 (50 min) |
| Monthly plan — 1×/week | €140/month |
| Monthly plan — 2×/week | €240/month |
| Trail ride (30 min) | €35/person |
| Trail ride (60 min) | €60/person |
Full price list at /en/prices/.
How to Get There
Address: Rua do Mirante, Casa 25 Pátio E, 2750-004 Cascais
From Lisbon: A5 motorway, follow to end, then signs to Quinta da Marinha — approximately 30 minutes.
Parking: Free on site.
Open every day, 08:00–20:00.
Start Your Equestrian Journey
Whether you’re new to horses or returning after years away — or somewhere in between — Miguel Alves Horses is the right place to ride near Lisbon.