Portuguese School of Equestrian Art
The tradition of the Royal Riding Academy, live — from daily training to the grand performance
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art preserves and presents the classical riding tradition developed at the 18th-century Portuguese court, with Lusitano horses and riders in period costumes. Here you’ll find two ways to experience it: the Mornings of Equestrian Art, offering a close look at the discipline and daily work of the School, and the Galas, an evening show that recreates the courtly atmosphere with equestrian exercises and music. Choose the ticket that best fits your schedule and the way you’d like to see this tradition come to life.
Available Experiences
Choose the experience that best suits your preferences.
Mornings of Equestrian Art
Watch the morning training of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, rooted in the traditions of the Portuguese court of the 18th century. A rare chance to admire the beauty of purebred Lusitano horses.
- Mondays to Fridays
- Páteo da Nora: 11:00–12:00
- Riding Ring: 12:00–13:00
- Classical equestrianism in the tradition of the Royal Riding Academy
- Location: Picadeiro Henrique Calado; Páteo da Nora (Calçada da Ajuda, Lisbon)
Portuguese School of Equestrian Art Galas
An unforgettable show recreating the atmosphere of the 18th-century Portuguese court, with Portuguese Equestrian Art performed to period music, a true journey back in time.
- Henrique Calado Riding Ring (Calçada da Ajuda, Lisbon)
- 9:30 pm (Nora Patio visit: 8:30 pm)
- Airs Above the Ground; Court Games (equestrian exercises)
- Follow along via “Arte Equestre” app / digital brochure
The horse under observation: drawing, movement and Portuguese equestrian art
A horse observation drawing workshop combining historical context, movement analysis and live practice. An exercise in attention, precision and sensitivity of gesture, in a unique setting.
- Date: 11/07/2026
- Time: 9 am – 6 pm
- Location: Henrique Calado Riding Ring
- Fee: 100€ · Language: Portuguese and English · necessary drawing material provided
Marialva Tradition: Training the Horse at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art
A training day focused on the process of training an Alter horse — from selection, handling and early training at the Alter Stud Farm to the highest level at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.
- Date: 23/05/2026
- Time: 9:00 am–6:30 pm
- Location: National Palace of Queluz and Henrique Calado Riding Ring in Belém, Lisbon.
- Language: Portuguese · Audience: general public, riders, coaches and students
Basic principles of equine biomechanics and training
Workshop in partnership with the Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Lisboa, exploring how biomechanics and nutrition can influence the practice of equestrianism.
- Date: 26/09/2026
- Time: 9:00 am–6:15 pm
- Location: National Palace of Queluz and Henrique Calado Riding Ring
- Fee: €100
Breeding and Selecting the Lusitano Horse for Equestrian Art and Dressage
A training day focused on the Purebred Lusitano, in partnership with APSL, covering breeding, handling and training — bringing together methods and know-how.
- Date: 07/11/2026
- Time: 9:00 am–6:30 pm
- Location: National Palace of Queluz and Henrique Calado Riding Ring
- Fee: €100 · Language: Portuguese
Family equestrian event: “Gentil”
A performance designed for families with children, presenting in an educational way the evolution of equestrianism in Portugal — with demonstrations of Portuguese Equestrian Art.
- Dates: 30/05/2026 and 19/12/2026
- Time: 12:00 pm · Duration: 30 min
- Venue: Henrique Calado Riding Ring (Belém)
- Extra: behind-the-scenes at the Nora Patio from 11:00 am