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Basic Principles of Equine Biomechanics and Training
Discover the horse between art and science. In this workshop by the Portuguese Equestrian Art, explore how biomechanics and nutrition influence training, performance, and the horse’s well-being — from athlete to artist.
From Athlete to Artist
Through its many roles alongside humans, the horse can be both a high-performance athlete and a refined artist—realities that define much of its life today. This workshop explores how the latest insights in equine biomechanics and nutrition can shape riding practices and professional horse training.
Programme
- Morning: Auditorium of the National Palace of Queluz
- 9:00 am: Guest reception
- 9:15 am: Welcome session by PSML-EPAE/FMV-UL
- 9:30 am: Biomechanics Applied to Equestrian Art, by Luís Lamas, João Pedro Rodrigues and Francisco Bessa de Carvalho:
- What is equine biomechanics?
- Objective analysis of horse training
- 11:00 am: Coffee break
- 11:15 am: Equine Nutrition to Optimize Horse Performance and Well-being, by Maria João Fradinho
- 12:00 pm: Visit to the Equestrian Art Library, by João Pedro Rodrigues and Francisco Bessa de Carvalho
- 12:30 pm: Lunch break
- Afternoon: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – University of Lisbon and Henrique Calado Riding Arena
- 2:00 pm: Visit to the Equine Unit of the FMV-UL Teaching Hospital, by Luís Lamas
- 2:45 pm: Transfer to the Henrique Calado Riding Arena
- 3:00 pm: How to Train Your Eye for a Quick Assessment of the Horse? (with practical case studies), by Luís Lamas and Vasco Gaiolas Pinto
- 3:30 pm: Practical Aspects of Horse Feeding, by Maria João Fradinho
- 4:00 pm: Selection and Choice of Horses for EPAE, by Luís Lamas and Francisco Bessa de Carvalho
- 4:30 pm: Coffee break
- 4:45 pm: Biomechanics and the Training School: How to Establish a Horse’s Training Plan – Respecting and Assessing Biomechanics, with a practical demonstration by EPAE riders, by Luís Lamas and João Pedro Rodrigues
- 6:00 pm: Q&A and workshop conclusion
More information
- Location: National Palace of Queluz and Henrique Calado Riding Ring
- Date: 10 October, 2026
- Time: 09:00>18h15
- Audience: General public, practitioners, federated athletes and riding trainers of the Federação Equestre Portuguesa, as well as higher education and vocational students
- Language: Portuguese
- Additional information: This workshop is held in partnership with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon. A document proving student status will be required on the day of the event. This training is certified as part of the continuing education program of the Portuguese Equestrian Federation (FEP) and is worth 1.5 credits.