The Lusitano and the Haut Ecole

Tags: Lusitano Horse, Competition, Dressage, Training

 

Dressage is not just an equestrian sport which is growing in popularity all over the world, but many consider it to be an art form that dates back centuries. Originally, dressage, which comes from the French for training, was used like its origins imply, for training horses for battle and other pursuits. By the Renaissance period, aristocrats were showing off their horse's talents in dressage pageants. By the 18th century, riding schools had formed in Europe that elevated the training to a very high level. This tradition continues today in three major riding schools that trace their histories back to this important time period: the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, the Cadre Noir in France, and the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.

Just as the famous white Lipizzaners are known for their association with the Spanish Riding School, so are Lusitanos forever tied to the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. This Portuguese tradition dates back to 1748, when King Joao V established the Royal Stud at Alter Real. Only the best stallions from the stud were then taken to the Portuguese Royal Academy, the official riding school, where they were taught the highest forms of dressage, from the traditionally called Haute Ecole, or high school, to the impressive airs above the ground. Horses that were trained at the Royal Academy would go on to serve the royal family as carriage or riding horses, as well as work in the bullfighting ring or as hunters.

Unfortunately, the Lusitano would nearly become extinct by the beginning of the 20th century. By the beginning of the 18th century, the true equestrian art would fall into decline, thanks in no part to the French Revolution and the disappearance of royal riding academies throughout Europe. During the 19th century, the dominance of the British Empire made all things British fashionable, meaning that the art of dressage took a backseat to foxhunting and racing. At the stud in Alter Real, horses were stolen and the horses that were left were used in breeding experiments. By the time the monarchy fell at the beginning of the 20th century, there was a real threat that these horses would disappear forever.

Finally, three purebred stallions and fifteen broodmares were found at the middle of the 20th century and a real effort was begun to revitalize the stud of Alter Real. By the 1960's, an effort to recreate the glory of the Real Picaria, or royal academy, was begun, which eventually lead to the opening of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art ,which was founded in 1979. The main goals of the school are to preserve the traditional Baroque Dressage as outlined in what many consider to be the Portuguese Equestrian Bible, the Luz da Liberal e Nobre Arte da Cavallaria, written in 1790.

Today, the Lusitanos can be seen performing their most famous movements and airs above the ground at the School, located in Lisbon. Some of these incredible movements include the impressive airs above the ground, both in hand and under the saddle, a pas de trois, or a demonstration with three riders, and a quadrille, which is sometimes called the horse ballet.

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