2023 National Horse Fair in Golegã
Golegã National Horse Fair is almost upon us.
It’s an opportunity like no other to emmerse yourself in an equestrian feast morning to night.
With the run up to fair this week is a frenzy of activity for those going with their Lusitanos. Many breeders take multiple horses some as many as 20 animals. So good preparation is is paramount. The horses are inpecability turnouts everyday washed and braided. Costumes, traditional saddlery clean.
Golegã National Horse Fair 3rd – 12th November 2023
Now acclaimed as one of the World´s most prestigeous equestrian event. It is a festival that still embodies Portuguese Equestrian Heritage seemlessly blended with modern equestrian sport. It is an opportunity like no other to emmerse yourself into an equestrian feast morning to night.
If you are a regular visitor or going for the first time it is lovely to find out a little bit more about this the fair came about –
There is a fasinating history about the fair which was orginally called Feira de São Martinho.
Always Held In November
The Fair is held at the beginning of November over a 10-day period. The dates must include the most important day, 11th November, which is the Dia de São Martinho (the Feast of Saint Martin). On this day the people eat roasted chestnuts and drink new wine for Magusto – Magusto is the celebration of tasting the news wines or Agua Pe and roasting chestnuts. You can read the full history of this remarkable fair here.
LUSITANOS CENTRE STAGE
Golegã is considered by many to be the ultimate event to see Lusitanos everything from the young rising stars to established International competition horses. There are a multitude of shows and classes over the 10 days where you can really experience the special qualities of this versatile horse.
The versatility of the Lusitano breed is so elegantly expressed in the events held over the fair – You will be Captivated!
It is prudent to plan you time to ensure you seize the opportunity to see as many of the events as possible. There is an amount of walking between locations so give yourself time for this in your planning. For the full program go to the official Golegã Page
We would be delighted to meet you at the fair and share sometime with you visiting horses or just a chat over a coffee. Also during your stay you are welcome to visit us at our yard close to Lisbon airport take some classical dressage lessons or try our Lusitanos for sale.
You can send us a whatsapp message on 00 351 913 175 772 to arrange a get together either in Golega or at our yard.
Text by Teresa Burton. Images by Lena Saugen Photography
