Between legends, history, and passion, Portugal preserves an equestrian heritage that is unique in the world. Here, in the land of ancient Lusitania, tradition has it that the first true saddle horse in human history was born: the majestic Lusitano, the undisputed symbol of Portuguese elegance and pride.

The origins of a myth

Traces of horses in Portugal date back to the Paleolithic era. The populations that lived in these limestone-shaped lands discovered and selected a breed that was resistant, agile, harmonious in form, and endowed with an elegant gait. It was a horse with a compact structure and hooves naturally suited to the hard terrain of the region.

It is not surprising that, over the centuries, the Greeks and Moors considered it an excellent mount, appreciating its versatility and recognizing it as one of the most effective war horses of antiquity.

The Lusitano in the Middle Ages: excellence on the field and in art

In the Middle Ages, the Lusitano became the undisputed star of the battlefield. Its ability to combine strength, speed, and responsiveness made it the ideal companion for Portuguese knights, contributing to the development of new military techniques.

At the same time, in European courts, breeding and training this horse became a true noble art. It was in this context that the foundations were laid for what we now know as dressage, the most refined form of communication between horse and rider, an expression of harmony, balance, and mutual trust.

The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art

The legacy of this culture has never been lost. In 1979, the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (EPAE) was founded, serving as the modern guardian of the ideals of the ancient Royal Equestrian Academy. Here, amid period costumes, traditional harnesses, and blue-blooded horses, the most authentic essence of Portuguese horsemanship lives on.

Attending an EPAE performance is like taking a step back in time: the sound of hooves, the precision of movements, and the nobility of the Lusitano horse create a spectacle without equal.

Portugal lives on horseback

For horse lovers, Portugal is now an unmissable destination. The equestrian tradition is not just history, but a living, breathing part of the country.

One of the most famous events is Golegã, the “City of Horses.” Since 1972, it has hosted the National Horse Festival, an event that attracts enthusiasts from all over the world every year. Parades, competitions, genealogical exhibitions, and equestrian demonstrations transform the city into a large stage dedicated to the Lusitano horse.

Alongside this event, Portugal preserves strong traditions and identities such as:

• the touradas, where the Lusitano horse faces the bull with an elegance and sensitivity that require years of training and a deep bond between horse and rider;
• the romerias, horseback processions that pass through villages and countryside, are still very popular and well attended today, bearing witness to a popular devotion in which horses and culture have been intertwined for centuries.

A journey through culture, nature, and passion

Visiting Portugal through its equestrian tradition means discovering the authentic face of the country. It means breathing in the air of historic stables, watching the patient work of the cavaleiros, participating in centuries-old festivals, and letting yourself be moved by the grace of the Lusitano horse.

An ideal destination for horse lovers, but also for those who want to experience a journey steeped in culture, nature, and timeless beauty—just like the proud gait of the Lusitano horse.