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
- Location: Picadeiro Henrique Calado; Páteo da Nora (Calçada da Ajuda, Lisbon)
- Páteo da Nora: 11:00–12:00
- Riding Ring: 12:00–13:00
Voluntary contribution to ecological restoration projects
When you visit the heritage sites managed by Parques de Sintra, we want to provide you with information about the greenhouse gas emissions associated with your visit. With this information, you can decide whether you wish to support the carbon sequestration projects we are developing.
- A single contribution of €2, scalable to the desired amount
- Every €2 donation goes towards planting three trees or managing invasive species in an area of 150 m²
- Contributions support ecological restoration projects in the forest reserves of Parques de Sintra
- Guaranteed feedback on the work carried out
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.
- Location: Henrique Calado Riding Ring
- Dates: 30/05/2026 and 19/12/2026
- Time: 12 PM
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Extra: behind-the-scenes at the Nora Patio from 11:00 am
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.
- Location: National Palace of Queluz and Henrique Calado Riding Ring
- Date: October 10, 2026
- Time: 9 AM – 6:15 PM
- Language: Portuguese
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.
- Location: National Palace of Queluz and Henrique Calado Riding Ring
- Date: November 7, 2026
- Time: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
- Language: Portuguese
Portuguese School of Equestrian Art Gala - December
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.
- Location: Henrique Calado Riding Ring (Calçada da Ajuda, Lisbon)
- Next date: 4 December 2026
- Time: 7 PM (Nora Patio visit: 6 PM)
- Airs Above the Ground; Court Games (equestrian exercises)
- Follow along via “Arte Equestre” app / digital brochure
New Year's Equestrian Gala
A night of tradition, elegance, and equestrian magic to welcome 2027. Experience the splendour of the 18th-century Portuguese court in a unique spectacle, where Alter Real Lusitano horses, gala attire, music, and the art of classical equestrianism come together in an unforgettable celebration.
- Location: Henrique Calado Riding Ring (Calçada da Ajuda, Lisbon)
- Next date: 8 January 2027
- Time: 9:30PM (Nora Patio visit: 8:30PM)
- Live Music
- Airs Above the Ground; Court Games (equestrian exercises)
- Follow along via “Arte Equestre” app / digital brochure