Show jumping is the discipline that draws more newcomers to horse riding than almost any other. There is something undeniably exciting about a horse and rider clearing a course of coloured fences against the clock. If you have watched it — at the Olympics, at a local competition, or on a video that landed in your feed — and thought “I want to do that,” this guide is for you.
The honest truth is that show jumping basics for new equestrians have very little to do with jumping at first. The riders who progress fastest are the ones who accept that the sport is built on a foundation most people underestimate. This guide explains what that foundation is, what a realistic path looks like, and how to get started properly at the Centro Hípico da Quinta da Marinha in Cascais.
What Show Jumping Actually Is
Show jumping is a timed equestrian discipline in which horse and rider navigate a course of obstacles — verticals, oxers, and combinations — arranged in a set order inside an arena. The goal is to complete the course cleanly, without knocking down poles or refusing fences, and often within a time limit.
At the top level, courses reach heights of 1.60 metres. That is not where anyone starts. Beginners work over ground poles, then cavalletti (small raised rails), then cross-poles rarely more than 40–50 centimetres high. The progression is deliberate and slow, and there is no shortcut through it.
What makes the sport compelling is that it rewards partnership over power. A well-schooled horse ridden with tact and balance will out-perform a stronger, faster horse ridden badly. That is why the fundamentals matter so much.
Why You Need a Flatwork Foundation First
Here is the part most beginners do not want to hear: before you jump anything, you need to ride well on the flat.
Flatwork — riding on the level, without fences — is where you develop the position, balance, and control that make jumping safe and effective. A rider who cannot maintain a steady rhythm, ride an accurate turn, or adjust the horse’s pace has no business pointing that horse at a fence. The jump simply magnifies every weakness.
Specifically, before you begin jumping you should be able to:
- Maintain a secure, independent seat in walk, trot, and canter — meaning your balance does not depend on the reins or on gripping with your legs.
- Rise to the trot in rhythm and hold a consistent pace.
- Canter on both leads with control, and understand which lead you are on.
- Ride accurate lines and turns, stopping and starting the horse smoothly.
- Adopt a light seat (also called two-point or jumping position), lifting your seat slightly out of the saddle while keeping your lower leg still.
This usually takes several months of regular lessons for an adult beginner, and it is time well spent. At Miguel Alves Horses, this foundation is built through structured riding lessons before any jumping work begins. Rushing it produces nervous riders and confused horses — the two things a good instructor works hardest to avoid.
The First Steps Over Fences
Once your flatwork is solid, the introduction to jumping is gradual and logical. A good instructor will not put you over a real fence on day one.
Ground Poles
The first stage is riding over poles laid flat on the ground, in trot and then canter. This teaches the horse and rider to maintain rhythm and to judge distances, without any height involved. It sounds simple; it is not, and it is where good habits are formed.
Cavalletti
Next come cavalletti — poles raised slightly off the ground on small blocks. They encourage the horse to lift its feet and the rider to fold forward into the jumping position. You will spend real time here, learning to stay balanced as the horse’s stride changes.
The First Cross-Pole
The first actual fence is almost always a small cross-pole: two poles crossed in an X, which is low in the middle and guides the horse to the centre. From an approach in trot, the horse pops over and you learn the feeling of the jump — the fold of your upper body, the release of your hands, the recovery afterwards.
From there, progression is measured in centimetres, not metres. Verticals, then small oxers, then two fences in a line, then a short course. Each step is only taken when the previous one is secure.
Equipment You Need to Start
One of the appealing things about starting show jumping is that you do not need to buy much. Reputable schools provide the essentials.
Provided by the school:
- A riding helmet to current safety standards — non-negotiable for all jumping.
- A body protector, strongly recommended and provided for jumping work.
- The horse’s tack, correctly fitted for the work.
What you should wear:
- Long trousers — jodhpurs or leggings are ideal, but any comfortable long trousers work at first.
- Boots with a small heel, to prevent your foot slipping through the stirrup. Short ankle boots are fine to start.
- A close-fitting top; avoid loose or flapping clothing.
Gloves are useful and inexpensive. Everything else — your own saddle, custom boots, competition attire — can wait until you know the sport is for you. There is no need to invest heavily before your first season.
Where to Learn Show Jumping near Lisbon
Greater Lisbon’s equestrian activity is concentrated in the Cascais area, along the coast west of the city. The focal point is the Centro Hípico da Quinta da Marinha, one of the largest equestrian complexes on the Iberian Peninsula, with multiple arenas — including a covered indoor school for poor weather — and direct access to the trails of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
This is where Miguel Alves Horses is based. Miguel Alves has held the Monitor FEP certification — the Federação Equestre Portuguesa’s national teaching standard — since 1997, giving nearly three decades of coaching experience across disciplines including jumping.
For riders who catch the competitive bug, the school also offers dedicated competition training, taking riders from their first cross-poles towards schooling shows and, for those who want it, affiliated competition. Lessons are available in Portuguese, English, and French, so international riders and expats are well catered for.
The centre is roughly 30 minutes from central Lisbon by car via the A5, or accessible by the Cascais suburban train from Cais do Sodré followed by a short taxi.
Address: Centro Hípico da Quinta da Marinha, Rua do Mirante, Casa 25 Pátio E, 2750-004 Cascais. Open Monday to Sunday, 08:00–20:00.
What It Costs to Get Started
Show jumping training in the early stages is simply riding lessons — you are not paying for anything exotic. At Miguel Alves Horses, group lessons run at €140 per month for one lesson a week, €240 for two, and €340 for three, with a one-off enrolment fee of €150 on monthly plans.
If you prefer to test the water before committing, a single introductory lesson for beginners is €40 (30 minutes), and one-hour private lessons — the fastest way to progress towards jumping — are €80. A 12-lesson card is available at €600, valid for six months, which suits riders who want flexibility.
The full breakdown is on the prices page. Two lessons a week is the realistic minimum for anyone serious about progressing to jumping within a reasonable timeframe; one lesson a week keeps you ticking over but progress is slower.
A Realistic Timeline
It is worth being honest about pace, because unrealistic expectations are the main reason beginners give up.
An adult starting from zero, riding twice a week, might expect to be doing controlled flatwork in canter within two to three months, popping over cavalletti and cross-poles around the four-to-six-month mark, and riding small courses of 50–70 centimetre fences comfortably somewhere in the first year. Children often progress at a similar or slightly faster rate.
These are averages, not promises. Nerves, natural balance, fitness, and consistency all play a part. What matters is that every rider progresses on their own timeline, and a good instructor adjusts to yours rather than pushing you before you are ready.
Safety and Mindset
Show jumping carries more inherent risk than flatwork, which is exactly why the build-up is so gradual. The single biggest safety factor is riding within your ability on a horse suited to your level. A calm, experienced schoolmaster horse is worth a great deal to a beginner — it forgives small mistakes and builds confidence.
Equally important is the mental side. Confidence in jumping is built by success, not by being pushed over fences that frighten you. If an exercise feels beyond you, a good instructor drops the height, breaks it down, and rebuilds. There is no bravery award for jumping something you are not ready for — only setbacks.
Approach it patiently, and show jumping becomes one of the most rewarding things you can do on a horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a complete beginner learn show jumping?
Yes, but not immediately. Every beginner starts with flatwork to build position, balance, and control. Jumping over ground poles and small cross-poles usually begins after a few months of regular lessons, once the basics are secure. No prior experience is needed to start the journey.
How high do beginners jump?
Very low. Beginners start with poles on the ground, then cavalletti, then cross-poles rarely above 40–50 centimetres. Height increases slowly and only when each stage is secure. The dramatic heights seen in competition are years of training away.
How long before I can jump?
For an adult riding twice a week, small jumps typically come around the four-to-six-month mark, though this varies with balance, fitness, and consistency. Flatwork must come first, and rushing it makes jumping less safe rather than faster to learn.
Do I need my own horse or equipment?
No. The school provides a suitable horse, a helmet, and a body protector for jumping work. You need only long trousers and boots with a small heel. Buying your own equipment can wait until you know the sport is for you.
Is show jumping safe for children?
When taught properly, yes. Children begin with the same flatwork foundation, jump only very low fences on suitable horses, and always wear a helmet and body protector. Lessons for children are available from age five, with the progression carefully matched to each child’s ability.
Where can I try show jumping near Lisbon?
The Centro Hípico da Quinta da Marinha in Cascais, about 30 minutes from Lisbon, is one of the best-equipped centres in the region. Miguel Alves Horses offers lessons there for beginners through to competition level. To book, call +351 918 101 733 or use the contact page.