Portuguese School of Equestrian Art visits the USA for the first time to deliver workshop

In a landmark visit to the United States of America, on 27 and 28 September the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (EPAE) will be in Boston to deliver a workshop entitled ‘Riding Principles of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.’ This two-day training event will be the highlight of ‘Harmony in Motion: Classical Foundations, Modern Expression,’ organised by the Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Art Foundation with the support of the Consulate General of Portugal in Boston.

With a special focus on the Lusitano horse and on Portuguese Equestrian Art, recently recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the initiative aims to promote Portuguese culture by bringing together both the Portuguese community and North American society. Demonstrations and debates will complement a programme designed for professionals, students, and the general public.

During the theoretical and practical workshop led by the EPAE, the Escola’s riders will share with participants their methods of classical dressage training, covering both Basse École and Haute École techniques, which are traditionally performed with Lusitano horses from the Alter Stud Farm, but which can be adapted to any horse.

On the first day of the workshop, the programme will provide an introduction to the Portuguese Equestrian Art, tracing its origins from the ‘Picaria Real’ to the establishment of the Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre; it will also cover the selection of Alter Lusitano horses for the Escola and their versatility for any equestrian enthusiast. Special focus will be given to Basse École training and work-in-hand techniques.

The second day will focus on the Haute École, with particular emphasis on the Airs above the ground performed by the EPAE; advanced work-in-hand; animal welfare; and the significance of the horse-rider relationship.

Based in Massachusetts, Sons of the Wind has played a central role for several decades in the breeding, import, and promotion of the Lusitano horse in the United States. It also functions as a riding school and a training centre for horses for dressage tests. Through the Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Art Foundation, it has fostered Portuguese equestrian culture and strengthened the ties between Portugal and the United States.