Horse Riding & Ownership in Benahavís

Why Benahavís is Perfect for an Equestrian Lifestyle

Set between the sea and the Serranía de Ronda foothills, Benahavís offers year-round riding weather, miles of rural tracks and pine-clad valleys, plus access to first-class stables and competition-grade arenas minutes from home. For residents in private estates like La Zagaleta or Marbella Club Golf Resort, riding is part of everyday life — not just a weekend hobby.

Where to Ride: Local Equestrian Centres

La Zagaleta Riding Club (private / residents & members) – A first-class, members-only equestrian centre inside La Zagaleta with competition-standard training areas, ~20+ stables and multiple paddocks. Lessons for adults and children are available for residents. Zagaleta →

Marbella Club Equestrian Centre (Benahavís hills) – Competition-level facility 20 minutes from Marbella, hosting Spanish National Show Jumping events, with two modern arenas and guided hacks through Benahavís’ rugged countryside. Open for lessons, treks and training. Marbella Club →

Nearby (Estepona area, ~15–25 mins)

• Centro de Cría y Doma El Padrón – Schooling, livery (pupilaje) and dressage services.
• Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol – Major Andalusian equestrian centre offering lessons, shows and full livery options. Visit Escuela de Arte Ecuestre →
• Real de La Quinta (Benahavís): the new luxury residential resort includes a planned on-site equestrian centre as part of its amenities. Guide →

Trails, Hacks & Etiquette

From the Benahavís village valley up towards Monte Mayor and the surrounding hills, you’ll find scenic rural tracks suited to guided hacks. Always respect private estate boundaries, posted restrictions, grazing livestock and seasonal fire-risk rules on rural access. (Ask your chosen stable to recommend safe, permitted routes — many organise guided treks directly from their yards.) Marbella Club →

Owning a Horse in Andalucía: The Essentials

If you plan to stable a horse at home (finca/plot) or operate any type of holding, Spain requires registration as a livestock holding in the REGA (Registro General de Explotaciones Ganaderas). Andalucía implements this via regional rules and assigns each holding a unique Código REGA. Junta de Andalucía →

Identification & passport (DIE): All equids must be individually identified and hold a Documento de Identificación Equina (DIE); the microchip/passport process is handled by authorised vets and issuing bodies designated by the Junta de Andalucía under national rules (e.g., RD 1515/2009). RAIA →

Movements & transport: Movements of equids in Andalucía must be covered by valid documentation — Tarjeta de Movimiento Equina (TME) or the DIE, as per Andalusian regulation updates and RD 728/2007. Many owners request documents through the Junta’s GTA platform (often managed with vet support). colvetjaen.com →

Tip: If you’ll board your horse at a professional yard (livery/pupilaje), the yard already operates under its own REGA code. You still remain responsible for your horse’s passport, vaccinations, insurance and welfare.

Insurance & Federation

Riders and owners commonly obtain cover via the Federación Andaluza de Hípica (FAH):

Rider federation licences include mandatory sports accident insurance under Spanish sports law. Abogado Hípico →

There are RC (liability) policies for horses and for club “school horses” administered through FAH frameworks; details and policy docs are published by FAH/RFHE. fah.es →

Speak to your yard, broker or FAH about the right combination of accident, liability and veterinary cover for your situation. rfhe.com →

Livery (Pupilaje), Vets & Services

Livery: Full/part livery is available at the centres above (and other yards across Estepona–Mijas). Facilities typically include boxes, turnout, training arenas and optional schooling. Always visit in person and ask for a written care schedule. Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol →

Equine vets: You’ll find both ambulatory and hospital services on the Costa del Sol, including Manilva’s Hospital de Referencia La Equina for advanced care, plus mobile practitioners covering Benahavís–Marbella–Estepona. laequina.com →

Feed & Tack: For everyday supplies and tack, local providers such as Agrojardín (Estepona) stock equestrian equipment and feed lines (and deliver). Specialist online tack shops also serve the area. Agrojardín Garden Center →

Seasons & Care

Summer: Early-morning or late-evening rides; vigilant hydration and electrolytes; fly control and shade.

Winter: Prime hacking weather; consider light rugs for clipped horses and hoof care on wetter ground.

Year-round: Regular dentistry, vaccinations and farriery — your chosen vet/yard will set the schedule.

Buying or Importing a Horse

Pre-purchase exam: Use an experienced equine vet for clinical exam and imaging. vetequin.es →

Importing: Arrange transport with a licensed haulier; confirm TME/DIE movement documents and your destination yard’s REGA details beforehand. corvet.es →

Events & Community

The Benahavís hills host high-level show-jumping and regular training meets via the Marbella Club Equestrian Centre; private estates run members’ programmes and lessons for all ages. It’s an easy scene to plug into — ask your yard about upcoming calendars. Marbella Club →

How The Benahavís Collection Can Help

Thinking about equestrian homes — from finca plots with stabling potential to villas near premier riding centres? We know the estates, bylaws and practicalities (turnout, access, water). We’ll shortlist properties that suit horses and humans — and coordinate yard introductions, vets and transport.

FAQs

Can I keep horses on my rural plot?
Yes, subject to zoning and obtaining/using a Código REGA if it’s your own holding. Many owners prefer professional livery to simplify compliance and care. Junta de Andalucía →

Do I need a licence to ride?
Not for casual hacking on private land/approved routes, but federation licences are strongly recommended for organised sport and provide insurance benefits. Check FAH options. Abogado Hípico →

What paperwork is checked during transport?
Your horse’s DIE (passport) and movement authorisation (TME or equivalent), plus transporter documentation. corvet.es →