From the Real Picaria of the 18th Century to the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art

Since ancient times, Portugal has cultured a fondness for horses and their uses. In the 15th century, Dom Duarte, King of Portugal published the first treatise on riding. It was from the Iberian Peninsula that the principles of Equestrian Art reached Renaissance Italy, and later spread to the rest of the civilized world.

Since bullfighting on horseback has been in continuous practice on the Iberian Peninsula, the same type of horses, the way of riding, the saddles, and the costumes that were used in the 18th century have been maintained, inspiring the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.

This book is a tribute to the beautiful Lusitano horse, and to all equestrians who, over the centuries, and in spite of variable circumstances, have protected and disseminated the Portuguese equestrian traditions, especially those now practiced at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.