Are horse riding lessons in Cascais available in English?

Yes. All our instructors speak English and lessons are conducted in English for international riders and expat families. We also teach in Portuguese and French.

How often should I take riding lessons as a beginner?

Once a week is the minimum to make consistent progress as a beginner. Twice a week accelerates development noticeably. The most important thing is regularity — irregular lessons make it harder to build muscle memory and confidence.

Do you offer individual or group riding lessons?

Both. Individual lessons give more focused attention and progress faster. Group lessons (maximum 4 riders) are a good option for children and for adults who enjoy the social side of riding. We recommend individual lessons for the first month if you're starting from scratch.

From what age can children start riding lessons in Cascais?

We accept children from age 5 for introductory lessons. From age 7–8, children can join regular group lesson programmes with structured progression through levels.

Can I take riding lessons as an adult with no experience?

Absolutely. Many of our adult students start with zero experience. Adults often progress quickly because they can follow instruction well and understand the reasoning behind each exercise. Starting late is not a disadvantage — it's just a different starting point.

O que é equitação?

Equitação é a arte e desporto de montar e trabalhar com cavalos. Inclui desde o lazer e passeios simples até disciplinas desportivas como dressage, saltos de obstáculos e concurso completo de equitação. Em Portugal, a equitação tem raízes históricas profundas ligadas à tradição do Cavalo Lusitano.

Para que serve a equitação?

A equitação desenvolve equilíbrio, postura, coordenação e concentração. Para além dos benefícios físicos, a relação com o animal trabalha a confiança, a responsabilidade e o controlo emocional. É também usada em contexto terapêutico — a hipoterapia usa o movimento do cavalo para tratar condições neurológicas e motoras.

O que se faz numa aula de equitação?

Uma aula de equitação típica começa com a preparação do cavalo (escovagem e selagem), seguida de trabalho no picadeiro com instrutor. Para iniciantes, o foco está na postura, equilíbrio e comunicação básica com o animal — passo e travagem. À medida que o aluno evolui, introduz-se o trote, o galope e exercícios técnicos mais exigentes.

A partir de que idade se pode começar a montar a cavalo?

A maioria dos centros hípicos aceita crianças a partir dos 4–5 anos em aulas de iniciação com cavalos de pequeno porte (póneis). A partir dos 7–8 anos já é possível começar aulas regulares de equitação em cavalos. Não há limite máximo de idade — adultos e seniores começam a montar com excelentes resultados.

Qual a diferença entre dressage e saltos de obstáculos?

A dressage foca-se na precisão dos movimentos — cavaleiro e cavalo executam uma sequência de figuras coreografadas, avaliadas por juízes. Os saltos de obstáculos (ou concurso de saltos) avaliam a capacidade do binómio cavaleiro-cavalo em transpor uma sequência de obstáculos no menor tempo possível e sem derrubar nenhum. São as duas disciplinas olímpicas de equitação mais populares.

Horse Riding Lessons in Cascais — For Adults and Children

A lot of people who move to the Cascais and Lisbon area put riding lessons on their list and then don’t get around to it. The quinta is close, the landscape is perfect for it, and the schools are good — but somehow it keeps getting pushed back. If that’s you, this page exists to make it straightforward. Miguel Alves Horses offers riding lessons in English for adults and children of all levels, at Quinta da Marinha in Cascais. No experience needed to start. No equipment to buy before your first session.

Riding lessons for adults

Most adult beginners arrive expecting to feel awkward and leave surprised by how quickly things click. The first few lessons focus on position, balance and learning to follow the horse’s movement — none of which requires athleticism, just a willingness to relax and listen. The horses used for adult lessons are calm, well-schooled animals that forgive mistakes and respond honestly to correct aids. For adults who already ride, we offer structured sessions that pick up wherever your training left off. Whether you want to work on your position, develop your trot work, introduce canter, or prepare for a specific discipline, lessons are tailored to where you are and where you want to get to. We don’t put experienced adult riders in beginner group classes. Individual lessons are 45 to 60 minutes. We recommend a minimum of one session per week to make steady progress — twice a week if you want to develop faster.

Riding lessons for children

We accept children from age 5 for introductory lessons. From age 7 or 8, children can join our regular group lesson programme, which runs through a structured progression from basic position and pony handling through to trot, canter and simple jumping exercises. Group lessons for children have a maximum of 4 riders, which keeps the session focused and gives the instructor time to work individually with each child. Children who develop quickly can move up a level at any point — we don’t make anyone wait for a fixed term end.

Children's horse riding lessons in Cascais — group sessions in English — Children’s group lessons run with a maximum of 4 riders per instructor, ensuring individual attention throughout.

How lessons are structured — levels and progression

We work with four levels, for both adults and children:

Beginner — no prior experience. Focus on position, balance, walk work and basic communication with the horse. First trot introduced once the basics are solid.
Elementary — confident at walk and trot. Working on rhythm, contact and early canter. Students at this level can join group classes.
Intermediate — established canter, working on transitions, lateral work and early jumping or dressage exercises depending on the student’s goal.
Advanced — individual programme designed around specific objectives: competition preparation, classical dressage, improving a particular technical area.

Placement is assessed in the first session. If you’ve ridden before but aren’t sure of your level, just tell us — we’ll figure it out in the first ten minutes of riding.

What’s included and how to get started

All lessons include the horse, tack, riding helmet and instruction. You don’t need to own any equipment to start. If you ride regularly and want to bring your own helmet or gloves, that’s fine too. Lessons are booked as single sessions or in blocks of 5 or 10. Blocks are better value and easier to schedule — once you’re in a regular slot, it tends to stick. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice cannot be rescheduled. The first lesson is always individual, regardless of experience level. It lets us assess your riding properly and pair you with the right horse from the start.

Frequently asked questions

Are lessons available in English?: Yes. All instructors speak English. We also teach in Portuguese and French.
How often should I take lessons as a beginner?: Once a week is the minimum to make consistent progress. Twice a week accelerates development noticeably. Regularity matters more than frequency.
Individual or group lessons — which should I choose?: Individual lessons progress faster and are recommended for the first month if you’re starting from scratch. Group lessons (max 4 riders) suit children well and adults who enjoy the social side of riding.
From what age can children start?: From age 5 for introductory lessons, and from age 7–8 for the regular group programme with structured level progression.
Can adults start with no experience at all?: Absolutely. Many of our adult students start from zero. Adults often progress quickly because they follow instruction well. Starting late is just a different starting point.

Book your first lesson

The first lesson is individual for everyone — it’s how we make sure we pair you with the right horse and set you up properly from day one. Fill in the form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm a slot.