Portuguese School of Equestrian Art to conduct workshop in Liverpool

On the 30th and 31st of August, the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art will return to England, more precisely to Liverpool, to conduct a workshop entitled ‘Riding Principles of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art’, in collaboration with All-Steps Formation Riding.

This intensive two-day programme, taking place at the Aintree International Equestrian Centre, will combine both theoretical and practical components. The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art 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.

This workshop forms part of the ongoing partnership between Parques de Sintra/EPAE and the British institution All-Steps Formation Riding. The collaboration began in 2023 with two joint performances at Hartpury Equine College, in Gloucester, and continued the following year with a similar training programme at Merrist Wood College, near London.