Voice Over - Show of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art

All of the horses of the Scholl are born in the stud farm of Alter and they are male, bay, Lusitanos and their history goes back more than five thousand years.

Agile and of docile character, its ancestral characteristics distinguish it from other races by its physical and psychic balance, versatility and agility.

From the battlefield to the elegance of the Portuguese court, here is where it shows its full splendour.

Suite I for Violoncelo Solo BWV 1007 (J.S. Bach)

Preludio

Coming from Alter, the foals arrive at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art at the age of four.

After being assigned to the riders by the Master Chief Rider they evolve up to the highest level according to a teaching method in which each horse is always taught by the same rider.

When learning the basics, termed Basse-École (Low School), they start off with the core principles and exercises done in a riding ring, with the weight of a rider, the walking, the trotting and the cantering.

The end goal and objective is towards achieving the splendour of the equestrian art and the countless presentations that awaits them throughout a career, desired long, and for which they are trained.

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (W.A. Mozart)

III. Menuetto;

IV Rondo 

Pas 2, 3 or 4:

Making sure that horses and riders are ready to perform takes a lot of teaching, training and dedication. The High School choreographies present synchronized exercises and movements, in a demonstration of precision, rhythm and coordination between riders, reflecting the classical principles of Baroque riding and Portuguese equestrian art. 

Concerto for two Violins BWV 1043 (J.S. Bach)

I. Vivace

III. Allegro

Long Reins: 

In the moment that follows, we will witness the art of communication between horse and rider. When performing long reins, every movement is guided only by the voice and the subtle touch of the reins, revealing confidence and harmony. It is a silent dialogue that celebrates the tradition and elegance of Portuguese equitation.

Concerto Brandemburguês nº3 BWV 1048 (J.S. Bach)

I. Allegro

Suite nº 3 for Orchestra BWV 1068 (J.S.Bach)

Gavotte I & II

Giga

Airs Above the Ground:

In the airs above the ground, horses and riders find perfect synchrony. Starting from simpler exercises these magnificent animals are prepared for great exercises such as the Levades, the Balotades and the Caprioles.

Les Indes Galantes (J. Rameau)

Danse du Grand Calumet de la Paix

Suite Abdelazer (H. Purcell)

Rondeau

Today the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art honours two horses that in recent years have been part of this team and contributed to the dissemination of the Portuguese equestrian tradition: they are Xajeco and Barão.

The horse Xajeco, 22 years old, is the son of the stallion Joca and the mare Quinjara. Having entered the School at the age of four, he has worked with several riders throughout his career, demonstrating great versatility. He started by participating in the Carousel, stood out in the Caprioles by hand, and in recent years has shone in the challenging Court Games.

The horse Barão, 19 years old, is the son of the mare Unitiva and the famous stallion Rubi, an Olympic horse that participated in the London Olympic Games in 2012 with the rider Gonçalo Carvalho. He joined the School at the age of four, having accompanied the Master Chief Rider João Pedro Rodrigues since he was 5 years old. He has been the lead horse in the carousel since 2016.

Thank you very much to Xajeco and Barão for these years of joint work, and may they now enjoy their well-deserved rest.

We reached the moment of fair demonstration of dexterity. There, the quintain, figure of curious importance. Over there the Medusa, remembering the ancient myths. Further ahead the head and the rings for the training of expertise and aim. Together, they simulate the battle exercises and others that recreate the universe of tournaments, jousts and a riding style very Iberian and Portuguese: the gineta.

The 3Actos Association aims to promote art, providing concerts where music is combined with poetry, theatre, graphic and performing arts in general. In a time of permanent immersion in digital technology, all of them are fundamental for the re-humanization of existence, as the complementarity of artistic dialogue encourages and enriches this return of humanity to itself.

Believing deeply in this, 3Actos presents itself with varied formations, such as Piano Trio, String Quartet or Chamber Orchestra, always with a perspective of adaptability and artistic synergy with its cultural partners.

Suite nº 3 for Orchestra BWV 1068 (J.S.Bach)

Aria

Marquis de Marialva, what a journey! I must say it is good to have you with us teaching equestrian art, in this unique moment of trust and dedication between ridder and horse. Your moment has come: the solo.

Divertimento in F Major (W.A. Mozart)

I. Allegro

III. Presto

Thus invoking the figures of Manoel Carlos d'Andrade and the Marquis of Marialva we bid you farewell with the grand finale of the royal performances of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the carousel.

Water Music (G.F. Haendel)

Hornpipe