Art of Marialva: the training of the horse at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art
Experience a unique day with the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, discovering the journey of the Alter horse—from the stud farm to the riding arena—through tradition, technique, and performance at the National Palace of Queluz and the Henrique Calado Riding Hall.
From the Riding Hall to Art: The Journey of the Alter Horse
The training of horses for participation in the performances of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art is a long and progressive process, in which training, physical and muscular preparation culminate in the development of an artistic dimension. This program aims to present the full training process of an Alter horse, from its selection, handling, and early breaking at the Coudelaria de Alter to reaching the highest level at the School.
Program
Morning: Auditorium of the National Palace of Queluz
8:45 – Guest reception- 9:00 – Welcome session by Parques de Sintra / Portuguese School of Equestrian Art
- 9:15 – European Academy Riding and the Portuguese Royal Equestrian Tradition, by João Pedro Rodrigues
- 10:00 – Selection of the Lusitano Horse and the Alter Horse for the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, by Francisco Bessa de Carvalho
- 10:30 – Importance of Lungeing and In-hand Work, by Carlos Tomás
- 11:00 – Coffee break
- 11:15 – The Low School, High School, and Long Reins, by João Quintas
- 12:00 – The High Airs at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, by Vasco Gaiolas Pinto
- 12:30 – Visit to the Equestrian Art Library, by João Pedro Rodrigues and Francisco Bessa de Carvalho
- 13:00 – Lunch break
Afternoon: Picadeiro Henrique Calado
- 14:30 – Considerations on Lungeing, In-hand Work, and Breaking, by João Pedro Rodrigues and Francisco Bessa de Carvalho
- 15:15 – Low School, by João Quintas
- 16:00 – Coffee break
- 16:30 – High School – Ridden Work and Long Reins, by João Quintas
- 17:15 – High Airs In-hand, by Vasco Gaiolas Pinto and Carlos Tomás
- 17:45 – Mounted High Airs, by João Pedro Rodrigues and Francisco Bessa de Carvalho
- 18:15 – Discussion
- 18:30 – Workshop conclusion
More information
- Location: National Palace of Queluz and Picadeiro Henrique Calado
- Date: 23 May 2026
- Schedule: 09:00 – 18:30
- Target audience: General public, practitioners, federated athletes and coaches from the Portuguese Equestrian Federation, as well as higher education and vocational students
- Language: Portuguese
- Additional information: This workshop is certified as a continuing professional development course by Portuguese Equestrian Federation, awarding 1,5 credits