AssetID: 54456643
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Portugal's Incredible Equestrian Art Gains UNESCO Status
Caption: This is the amazing spectacle of Portuguese equestrian art - which has now been officially recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This unique equestrian practice is characterised by the rider’s posture in the saddle, as well as the traditional attire and harnesses used. More than just a discipline, it embodies a philosophy of harmony and mutual respect between rider and horse. The emphasis is on communication rather than force, requiring a horse that is both agile and responsive. The Lusitano breed, known for its flexibility and obedience, is particularly associated with this tradition. A key institution in maintaining this heritage is the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, which traces its origins to the Royal Stables of the 18th-century Portuguese court. Established by King João V in the Royal Stables of Belém—now home to the National Coach Museum—the school continues to uphold historical techniques and traditions. The attire, harnesses and riding exercises remain faithful to the Baroque equestrian style, echoing the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, one of the last surviving Renaissance equestrian academies. Despite the abolition of the Royal Stables in the 18th century, the legacy of Portuguese equestrianism endured. The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art was officially founded in 1979 under the Ministry of Agriculture, initially operating from the Portuguese Riding Society in Campo Grande. In 1996, it relocated to the National Palace of Queluz, where stables were established. Portuguese equestrian art is practised by both men and women, with a notable group of female riders specialising in ‘monte à amazona’, a style of riding side-saddle. The tradition is passed down through academies, riding schools and equestrian centres, both in Portugal and abroad. It is also supported by cattle handlers, breeders, veterinarians and craftspeople, who help preserve and promote the practice through treatises, books and manuals. The school, run by the Sintra province’s cultural heritage protection agency Parques de Sintra, regularly performs in front of live audiences and participates in official ceremonies both in Portugal and internationally, helping to promote Portuguese equestrian culture on a global stage. In 2015, Parques de Sintra established the first national library dedicated exclusively to equestrian art at the National Palace of Queluz. Named the “D. Diogo de Bragança, VIII Marquis of Marialva Equestrian Art Library,” it houses over 1,400 volumes, including rare editions, further cementing Portugal’s commitment to preserving this historic tradition.
Keywords: equestrian art,portugal,feature,video,horses,animals,culture
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