The Portuguese style of dressage, characterized by traditional outfits and riding positions, was added to Unesco’s list of intangible cultural heritage in December 2024. The practice is maintained at the prestigious Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon, where horses are prepared in the same manner as in the 18th century royal court. stable hands carefully braid the manes of Lusitano thoroughbreds in the distinctive Portuguese style before dressage performances.
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon is a bastion of the traditional Portuguese dressage practice, where equestrians ride on chamois or tapir skin saddles while dressed in burgundy velvet coats, high leather boots, and black tricorn hats. Unesco recognized the Portuguese dressage as a “source of collective identity” due to its historical significance and cultural importance. The school continues to teach dressage as it was practiced in the old days, preserving the unique techniques and styles of the Portuguese equestrian tradition.
stable hand Catarina Cabaca carefully braids the manes of Lusitano thoroughbreds at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, ensuring they are prepared in the traditional Portuguese style before dressage performances. The school upholds the historical practices of Portuguese dressage, maintaining the rider’s traditional outfit and position on the saddle. Unesco’s recognition of Portuguese dressage as intangible cultural heritage highlights the importance of preserving and promoting this unique equestrian tradition.
