At the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon, stable hand Catarina Cabaca carefully braids the mane of a Lusitano thoroughbred, following a distinctive Portuguese style that has recently been added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. She meticulously weaves a three-strand plait, a preparation technique rooted in the 18th-century traditions of the Portuguese royal court.
UNESCO recognized Portuguese traditional dressage in December, acknowledging it as a cultural identity symbol defined by the rider’s posture, attire, and techniques. At the prestigious equestrian school in Lisbon, riders perform choreographed dressage exercises wearing burgundy velvet coats, black tricorn hats, and high leather boots. They sit on chamois or tapir skin saddles, maintaining a tradition passed down for generations.
Luis Calaim, administrator of Parques de Sintra, which oversees the school, describes the institution as the guardian of this national art. For Carlos Tomas, a rider with nearly 20 years of experience, the UNESCO recognition is a significant responsibility, ensuring the art’s preservation and transmission to future generations.
At the heart of this equestrian tradition is the Lusitano horse, a Portuguese thoroughbred renowned for its strength, agility, and obedience. João Pedro Rodrigues, a squire at the school, considers the Lusitano breed a national treasure, comparable to Portugal’s finest olive oil, wine, and cork. The bond between rider and horse is fundamental, reflecting the discipline and elegance that define Portuguese dressage.
Beyond the equestrian school, this tradition is kept alive by breeders, artisans, and riders both in Portugal and abroad. With its addition to the UNESCO list, Portuguese equestrian art joins other iconic Portuguese traditions, such as fado, the soulful music genre that was recognized in 2011.
This distinction highlights Portugal’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, ensuring that its centuries-old equestrian practices continue to be celebrated and passed down for generations to come.
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