New book brings together memories of 45 years of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art

Tomorrow, 16th January, at 7.00 pm, at the Henrique Calado Riding Ring in Lisbon, the Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre [Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (EPAE)] will present ’45,’ a book of memories celebrating four and a half decades of an institution that represents an essential link between tradition, identity and the future. Bringing together images and testimonies, the publication pays tribute to all those who have passed through the EPAE and contributed to its mission of promoting, in Portugal and worldwide, the teaching, practice and dissemination of traditional Portuguese equestrian art, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity around a year ago. The event will be accompanied by a demonstration by the School.

On the occasion of the launch of the book ’45,’ João Sousa Rego, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parques de Sintra, the entity that manages the School, underlines that since its foundation in 1979, the EPAE has been a ‘guardian of Portuguese equestrian tradition, preserving and disseminating equestrian art and the Lusitano horse from the Alter Real Stud Farm, as well as an ‘ambassador for Portugal, taking equestrian art to audiences around the world and perpetuating a tradition that forms part of the very core of our cultural identity.’ This is a ‘story of perseverance and passion’ that would not have been possible without ‘riders, masters, grooms, directors and teams who, with dedication and expertise, ensured the continuity of a unique legacy,’ he emphasises.

João Sousa Rego considers that international recognition by UNESCO is a milestone that ‘reinforces the strategic importance of the School and its role in affirming Portuguese culture’ and represents ‘a starting point’ for the future. ‘As part of its development strategy, the company is committed to ensuring the School’s sustainability, diversifying and enhancing its cultural and educational offer, and projecting equestrian art to new generations and new audiences. This commitment forms part of Parques de Sintra’s ongoing effort to integrate tradition and innovation, preservation and activation, ensuring that heritage is not only conserved but reinvented as a living asset of contemporary society,’ affirms the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parques de Sintra.

A flagship institution of Portuguese Equestrian Art and considered one of the finest academies in the world, the EPAE is the heir to the Royal Riding Academy, created by King João V in the 18th century. The School has preserved to this day the same type of horse, the Lusitano from the Alter Stud Farm, the same tack and the same costumes. The EPAE is based in the Gardens of the National Palace of Queluz and performs regularly at the Henrique Calado Riding Ring, on Calçada da Ajuda, in Belém.