It is not necessary to know that much, only the fact that it is a different option to explore the surroundings of Lisbon and that you will be pleasantly surprised. Why? Well, because many of the locations where these routes take you are little known and offer a multitude of incentives.

It is an excellent activity to share with your family or with your partner because all of them are aimed at beginners, so it is the best possible gift regardless of the time. Besides, apart from the fact that they are held in different locations (coast, forest, mountain, farm), in many cases, the main activity, the mandatory walk, is combined with other satisfying experiences that include a wine tasting, a meal or other means of transportation such as the ferry.

Without any discussion, hiring one of these itineraries is a great idea. You will only have to think with whom.

Where are the best places to go horse-riding in Lisbon?

• Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: The excursions scheduled in this group depart from Quinta da Marinha, a rural neighborhood located at the base of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Reserve, in the southern part of the national park. Just a 10-minute drive from the center of Cascais, Quinta da Marinha stands out for being surrounded by a fauna and flora of enormous heterogeneity and for giving us some magical sunsets.

• Guincho Beach: Surfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts will surely know the advantages of approaching this beautiful beach exposed to the force of the Atlantic Ocean, wedged between the vertical walls of the Serra de Sintra, giving rise to a unique hollow that descends progressively to the shore between dunes of significant size. The routes that are settled in this area follow the trails near the coast, with some treasures such as the Azenhas do Mar Cliff, with its beautiful village at the top, the imposing Cape of the Rock or the adjacent Cresmina Beach.

• Bucelas: This small parish belonging to the town of Loures, north of Lisbon, stands out as one of the great wine regions of Portugal. Nestled between green hills and narrow valleys, its characteristic calcareous soils make Bucelas the ideal place to grow white grapes, resulting in a wine of Arinto, the main vine planted in the vineyards, with denomination of origin. Throughout its area there are several estates, some with wineries, where quiet horseback riding excursions take place, particularly in Cavalos da Vinha, ideal for exploring the area and connecting with nature.

• Tróia Peninsula: 25 kilometers of coastline run along Tróia in front of the city of Setúbal, flanked to the west by the Atlantic and to the east by the estuary of the Sado River. The only route offered in these parts runs through the rice fields by the sea and the Herdade da Comporta reserves, however, you can also visit other sites of interest such as the Roman ruins, an old fish salting plant that was active between the first and fourth century, or the peculiar Porto Palafita da Carrasqueira, built on wooden pillars inserted in the mud.

What type of equine activities you do in Lisbon?

- Horseback riding baptism: As the name suggests, this activity is designed to introduce children to this discipline. In half an hour, they will learn from adjusting the saddles to a horse to putting into practice some of the basic techniques learned during a ride through a forest near the equestrian center.

- Pony rides for children: They do not exceed 20 minutes in duration and are aimed at children up to 12 years old. They take advantage of the environment in which they take place, one of the Bucelas farms, as they are a first contact with nature, allow interaction with other animals that are in the perimeter of the plot and are ideal for initiation into this world through the use of ponies instead of steeds.

- Horse-riding of different durations: This is the main classification criterion when it comes to categorizing the types of horse-riding tours available in Lisbon. Usually, the suitable rides for children tend to have a shorter duration than those for adults, ranging from 20 to 30 minutes. In fact, some of the tours designed for adults start after 60 minutes and last up to two hours.

- Routes combined with other activities: Two of the three companies that provide Lisbon with horse-riding circuits, among their range of alternatives, offer proposals that unify two or more different experiences but which, in turn, complement each other perfectly. One of them offers the possibility of a wine tasting after a quiet ride through the vineyards of a country house; another merges equestrian and gastronomic tourism by suggesting a meal after the tour; and the last one consists of a guided tour of Setúbal, a ferry ride to the Natural Reserve of Comporta, and, finally, a route through the Troia Peninsula on the back of a horse.

What are the requirements for horse-riding in Lisbon?

For most of the rides in the vicinity of Lisbon that use horses, it is not necessary to have previous experience, nor is it necessary to be in a certain physical condition. It would be recommended to have a minimum of experience for the rides that run through the sand, although, we repeat, it is not an essential requirement.

Generally, it is recommended not to exceed 18 stone (120 kg) in weight and to be accompanied by an adult for all those between 10 and 15 years old. On the other hand, pony rides and equestrian baptisms are restricted to children up to 12 years old and with a weight limit of 9 stone (60 kg).

Are these excursions safe?

100%, like the title of a Sonic Youth song. There are several factors, inseparable, that guarantee safety. First, the rides in the vicinity of the Portuguese capital are short, of moderate duration, so there is no risk of the steed or rider failing or showing signs of weakness.

Secondly, all the companies operating in Lisbon provide the experience with the presence of a qualified guide, true professionals of the sector, who supervise the activity from beginning to end, leading or closing the entourage of participants.

This brings us, inevitably, to the third point: without exception, all the instructors working in the horse-riding agencies in Lisbon give, before the departure, a short briefing with some essential guidelines for the handling of the animal.

Last but not least, all the companies provide approved equipment for personal use, such as a protective helmet for the head and a tested saddle (with its respective stirrups, stirrups, saddle tree, rings, etc.).

What should I wear on the day of the activity?

To get on a horse, it is recommended to wear comfortable, resistant clothing that is not too tight in order to facilitate the movements and the bending of the legs. Jeans or leggings will do. For the top, as Lisbon has a mild Mediterranean climate, a T-shirt or polo shirt would be enough, except during the winter months, when it would be advisable to cover up with an extra layer such as a vest or jacket. Finally, hiking boots or sneakers that are comfortable and fit well with the anchors are a must.

When is the best time to go horse-riding in Lisbon?

Since the temperature is mild, any time of the year is favorable for horse-riding in Lisbon. However, since all the excursions take place along the coast or in places with wild vegetation, the most logical, and cozy, is to make these tours in spring and summer, matching with the heat, as in the rest of the seasons are common rains and cold.

Book your horse-riding tour in the city of light and enjoy one of the most amazing experiences you will ever live.