The Horse in Observation: Drawing, Movement, and Portuguese Equestrian Art
Discover the art of drawing horses in a unique workshop that blends history, observation, and live practice. In an inspiring setting, you’ll explore proportions, movement, and expression through guided exercises led by artist Barbara Ryckewaert.
Trace in Motion: Drawing the Horse Live
A central figure in the history of human representations, the horse was drawn long before its domestication, occupying a unique place in art and in the observation of movement. Drawing the living horse is a demanding exercise, which calls for attention, rigor and sensitivity to the gesture. This workshop proposes an immersion in the millennial connections between drawing and the equestrian universe, combining historical framing and direct observation practice. In a privileged context, participants are invited to explore the proportions, volumes, attitudes and gaits of the horse. Through progressive exercises, a space for learning and experimentation is created that favours technical evolution and the attentive eye of each participant.
About the instructor, Barbara Ryckewaert
Barbara Ryckewaert is a French multidisciplinary artist and researcher.
A graduate of the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Angoulême school of fine arts, she initially developed a multimedia visual work around landscape and the perception of nature, before exploring horse studies, reconnecting with her early passion for horses and horseback riding.
Currently finishing a PhD thesis in aesthetics and anthropology on the visual relationships between humans and horses in Portugal, Barbara created a project that seeks to establish a bridge between the visual arts and horses based on observational drawing.
Program
Morning
- 9h00: Participants reception
- 9h15: Welcome session by PSML/EPAE
- 9h30: Introduction to the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art
- 10h00: Theoretical presentation, by Barbara Ryckewaert
- 11h00: Coffee-break
- 11h30: Warm-up with surprise exercises
- 12h00: Presentation of productions and discussion
- 12h30: Lunch break
Afternoon
- 14h00: The horse standing still: quick drawing of horse’s outlines, introduction to the study of volumes and proportions, sketches with stopwatch
- 15h30: Coffee-break
- 16h00: The horse in movement: the gaits, attitudes and natural expressions
- 17h30: Presentation of productions
- 18h00: Workshop’s conclusion
More information
- Local: Henrique Calado Riding Arena
- Date: 11 July, 2026
- Time: 09:00 > 18:00
- Audience: General public
- Language: Portuguese and English
- Additional information: All necessary materials for the activities will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own preferred drawing materials