MARIO CARDOSO - Head Instructor & Manager

Mário is an accomplished rider specialized in the training of young horses, and a Regional Champion in Working Equitation.
He has worked and trained with renowned Lusitano breeders, Olympic dressage rider Miguel Ralão Duarte, and Portuguese professional riders João Moreira, and José João Diniz. Alongside Miguel Fonseca, the several-time Working Equitation World Champion, Mário has also been riding in shows across all of Portugal.

Interview with Mário Cardoso

This interview has been translated from German, and was originally published by Pegasus Reiterreisen in December, 2025

How did you get into the equestrian world?
I wasn’t born into a family of horse people, but horses have fascinated me from a very young age. As a child, I loved being in the saddle. After finishing agricultural vocational school, I found my path into the equestrian profession of riding and horse training through internships with established breeders and professional riders.

Portugal is famous for its Lusitano horses. What makes the horse culture here so special?
In Portugal, we see the Lusitano as a living part of our cultural heritage. We feel a strong bond with “our horse.” It’s part of who we are and rooted in centuries of tradition. We take pride in the breed and live our equestrian culture every day through our work with the horses.

Can you describe what this human-horse relationship is alike?
It’s not a sport, it’s a tradition. I would say the Lusitano has a unique character. They are reliable partners and their rideability and strong work ethic make training them a real pleasure.

In 2024, you took over the management of the Alcainça Equestrian, which has a legacy over 40 years. Can you tell us something about its history and focus?
This place is truly special—almost like a sanctuary where time stands still. The founders fulfilled a dream when they started, and over the years the center has grown into a place where classical and Portuguese dressage are taught on well-trained school horses, up to the highest-level exercises.
Equitour/Pegasus was the first partner to offer this program as a riding holiday. Today, my team and I continue this tradition. We welcome riders from around the world to experience our equestrian culture, ride our well-trained Lusitanos, refine their technique, and grow as equestrians.

Working Equitation is becoming increasingly popular. You compete in it and also teach the discipline. What fascinates you about it?

For me, the partnership with the horse is always the heart of riding. In Working Equitation, though, horse and rider really become one. I’m fascinated by the canter work, the flying changes, and the precision needed to navigate obstacles smoothly and harmoniously.

Just as important as a good riding instructor are the horses used for teaching. Can you tell us something about them?

Because we train our school horses ourselves and ride them regularly, we know them very well. They reflect every mistake a rider makes, and we can immediately see what correction is needed. It’s all about partnership.

For me, the horses are the key to our success. We welcome riders from all over the world with very different levels of experience. With the help of our schoolmasters, we meet them where they are and often see noticeable improvement within just a few days.

Do you have a favourite horse at the school? Who is your personal champion and what is so special about him?

Yes, Caramelo is my most important partner. He has a special character and has been with us for many years. He is clever; if a rider’s technique isn’t quite right yet, he will gently challenge them—but always in a kind way.

He works with joy, but is always ready to tell me, “the rider doesn't know how to do it yet.”.

What kind of riders come to you? Who is your program suitable for?

We welcome guests from all over the world. For me, it’s important that our riders are open to our equestrian culture and traditions, and willing to learn from us.

For our dressage program, riders should already have a solid foundation, an independent seat, and confidence in all the basic gaits. From there, we build on their skills, introduce them to higher-level exercises, and even let them feel advanced movements like piaffe or passage.

Working Equitation requires a more advanced level. Lessons are conducted in canter, so riders must be able to control the horse in collected canter from the seat, maintain a good balance, and use weight aids effectively. The foundation is always dressage, which means we spend a lot of time on the fundamentals: seat, balance, and precise aids.