Portuguese School of Equestrian Art performs at the launch of Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts

The launch of Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) in the United Arab Emirates, taking place on October 30th and 31st and November 1st and 2nd, will be the equestrian event of the year, bringing together the hosts and the four most prestigious European equestrian academies of today: the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre - EPAE), the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Jerez de la Frontera, Spain), the Cadre Noir (Saumur, France), and the Spanish Riding School (Vienna, Austria). For the EPAE, this will mark its first performance in Southeast Asia and only the second appearance outside Europe with its Alter Real Lusitano horses, following the participation in the Salon du Cheval in El Jadida, Morocco, in 2008.

The official launch event of ADREA and the inauguration of its facilities in Abu Dhabi will consist of four galas featuring all five participating schools. On October 30th and 31st, performances will be held exclusively for the Royal Family and special guests, while on  November 1st and 2nd, the shows will be open to the public.

The EPAE will present traditional Portuguese Equestrian Art in Abu Dhabi. This art form has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Represented by eight riders and twelve horses, supported by six grooms, the School will perform a solo “Pas de Quatre” and take part in four joint numbers alongside the other academies: “Airs Above the Ground in Hand”, “Airs Above the Ground Mounted”, “Carousel”, and the “Final Parade”.

ADREA is a new equestrian academy, created and developed with Spanish horses and riders, drawing upon the expertise of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre. Its mission is to represent and promote the tradition of classical dressage in the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, ADREA made its debut at the “Gala das las V Escuelas” in Jerez de la Frontera, held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre. The EPAE also participated in the event.

In 2024, the EPAE invited ADREA to perform at their 45th Anniversary Gala, held at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon, marking the new academy’s first appearance in Portugal. On that occasion, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding establishing cooperation in mutually beneficial programmes, including joint events, performances, consultancy, rider exchanges, and cultural initiatives.