The MM&RA Dressage project is intended to transmit our passion for the past, the present but also the future of the equestrian world. By respecting the history of horse riding, but also that of the Lusitano Horse, we want to build the future. MM&RA Dressage was born with two horse lovers who evolve with them using their natural sensitivity, dedication, and motivation.
Who is behind MM&RA Dressage
Rui Alvim started very young riding with a student of Master Nuno Oliveira, Master João Resendes in São Miguel Island. The azorean rider went to the jumping, until he dedicated himself to dressage. Among the teachers he had, Rui highlights Francisco Teves, a person with a very special ability to transmit teachings and respect for the horse. He also worked with Henrique Cymbron, who gave him important bases on horseback riding, especially in the teaching of horses, which is an aspect that always interested Rui. At the same time that he participated in equestrian shows and competitions, Rui began to teach horses, as well as giving lessons at the Equestrian Association of São Miguel. The passion for horses grew over the years and for this, the various clinics held with riders such as Pedro Azevedo e Silva (Pedro Valadas), Jeanette Jenny, Ricardo Almeida, Rodrigo Torres or Paulo Caetano were also important.
Marie Morgane rides since her childhood. Her first professional experience was with racing horses but she was really interested in dressage since a long time. She started working with Lusitanos with the french breeder Dany Lahaye (also a student of Master Nuno Oliveira). The passion for Lusitano grew and Marie wanted to understand it better and know its bases and, for that, nothing better than a total immersion in Portuguese culture. In 2007, she came to Portugal, also aiming to evolve technically as a rider. She started working at Coudelaria Lobo de Vasconcellos. Later, she moved to Morgado Lusitano, riding horses of different levels under the eyes of Portuguese Riding School riders and teaching. In search of more knowledge, Marie realized what she considered to be a dream and worked with Master Luis Valença, at CELG, where in addition to riding and teaching, she also participated in equestrian shows.
To meet the demand of their french students with whom they worked during dressage clinics several times a year, they decided to spend two years there. They settled in Brittany, north of France, with their lusitano horses, to give lessons and ride. It was for them a great opportunity to experience other breeds like warmbloods, Selle-Français… They participated as well in various competitions.
In 2019, they came back in Portugal to open their own equestrian facilities.
Mission
Our mission is to develop equestrian sport namely, the Dressage, to teach horses until Grand-Prix level, provide new equestrian sensations to our students and promote the Lusitano horse.
Vision
The work we develop aims to create an harmonious relationship between horse and rider, ensuring the well-being of the horse, and the confidence of their riders and owners, practising a modern riding based on classical principles. One of our priority is to train horses without let them loose their own personality.
Values
- Passion: The most important for us is to be passionate and to transmit this feeling to our Client. It’s the “sine qua non” condition.
- Respect: With horses everything is a matter of respect. And we should be inspired by it.
- Dedication: Without dedication, no one can achieve their targets whatever they are.
- Seriousness: We take everything that involves our work seriously.
- Evolution: Step by step, we want to grow together and accompany your evolution.
- Patience: Each person, each horse has its own timing. Patience is part of the way.
Services
- Horse Pension/ Training: We welcome your horse in training and we define together work objectives. We also ensure the promotion of horses for sale with photographic support, videos, etc…
- Dressage Lessons: On one of our schoolmaster or with your own horse, we give lessons during which we will transmit knowledge but especially sensations (duration 50 min).
- Competition/ Presentation: We prepare horses and riders for the dressage competition or in various events like model and movements, males grading…
- Equestrian Holidays: We organize equestrian stays for you in our stable in Portugal. Our stays, include lessons, accomodation and meals. It can also be a good way to discover Portuguese culture.
- Horse selling: If you are looking for your future horse, we can support you in this challenge thanks to our equestrian connections and our experience to choose the best for you.
- Clinics: We travel abroad to meet you during our dressage clinics. Individual and personalized lessons, work in hand, possibility to ride your horse ( All conditions on request).
Why us?
- Because we host you and share with you our life with horses in our modern and comfortable facilities at less than 1 hour distance from Lisbon.
- We are surrounded by a relaxing and calm landscape, we will do our best to make you enjoy our moments together. Our criteria are based on the well-being of the horse and ours.
- We have modern facilities (22 boxes, indoor arena 15×35, outside arena 50×20, High quality floor, lunging ring, paddocks).
- We have more than 30 years of experience in horse’s world.
- We are attentive professionals with great sensitivity and acuity.
- We are a motivated and enthusiastic teamwork.
- We have high knowledge of Lusitano origins.
- You can easily find us, we are accessible with highways, 50 min from Lisbon, 30 min from Golegã (the capital of horses), 50 min from the coast (beaches) and less than 10 min from Santarém city cemter, gothic capital of Portugal.
- We have Lusitano horse schoolmasters of great quality.