The Portuguese style of dressage, characterized by traditional outfits and saddle positions, was added to Unesco’s list of intangible cultural heritage in December. At the prestigious Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon, stable hands carefully braid the manes of Lusitano thoroughbreds in the distinctive Portuguese style, preparing them for dressage performances as it was practiced in the 18th century. The school is known for maintaining the traditional practices of Portuguese dressage, with equestrians riding on chamois or tapir skin saddles and wearing burgundy velvet coats, high leather boots, and black tricorn hats.
The practice of Portuguese traditional dressage is considered a “source of collective identity” by Unesco, highlighting the importance of preserving this cultural heritage. stable hands like Catarina Cabaca take pride in preparing the horses just as they were in the old days, crafting traditional three-strand plaits in the horses’ manes before dressage performances. The school in Lisbon is one of the main institutions upholding this tradition, where equestrians continue to ride in the traditional attire of burgundy velvet coats, high leather boots, and black tricorn hats.
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon is a bastion of the traditional Portuguese style of dressage, where equestrians are trained in the art of dressage as it was practiced at the Portuguese royal court in the 18th century. The school’s dedication to preserving this cultural heritage led to the inclusion of Portuguese traditional dressage on Unesco’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The combination of traditional outfits, saddle positions, and meticulous grooming practices reflects the rich history and significance of Portuguese dressage in the country’s cultural identity.
