The Portuguese School of the Equestrian Art – Shows for 2011

Between May and October, the gardens of the Queluz National Palace, will be the setting for special gala shows performed by the Portuguese School of the Equestrian Art.

– On Saturday's at 11am, from May to October – Equestrian Art show – Price 15 € per person.

– On Wednesday's at 11am, from May to October – Presentation work with horses – Price 10 € per person

– The remaining week days, regular training from 10am to 12.30pm – Price 7,50€ per person.

The Portuguese School of the Equestrian Art was the successor of the former Picaria Real, the riding school of the Portuguese Royal Court, which was closed in the 19th century. What has remained from those times is the special horsemanship and the tradition of bullfighting on horseback, with the horsemen still riding the same type of horses as were used in the 18th century, with the same saddles and costumes, resulting in an equestrian heritage that is unique in the world.

The horses belong to the special Lusitanian breed, raised at the Alter do Chão stud farm, founded in 1748 by the king Dom João V.

Visitors to the Queluz National Palace will have a unique opportunity to see exhibitions by the riders from the Portuguese School of the Equestrian Art at 11 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday, in the palace gardens.