These are articles about classical dressage with riding and working from the ground how to, tips, ideas and suggestions from different contributors
Mindfulness – Be More Present with Your Horse
BE A MORE MINDFUL EQUESTRIAN
A seemingly neglected yet important key step in achieving a better life is to become aware of and harness the beauty and value that the present moment holds.
Image of Nuno Cavaco by Teresa Burton
Although Equestrian Mindfulness is not confined to the classical equestrian teachings It is something that the Great masters avocated as essential in the art of riding. Without a mindfulness practice how can you really achieve the finest dance with your equine partner. How can you explore and know the best ways to communicate with each other.
Mindfulness is at the heart of achieving lightness & harmony with your horse.
Whether in the arena, on a trail, or grooming, being present keeps you connected to your horse, and safe. But how do we go about staying more in the present moment.
Living in the present moment is not easy to achieve over night, especially if we have spent years/decades switching between being preoccupied in past regrets, stresses and or worries about the future. It requires commitment to change and celebrationing your successes.
The good news is all is not lost – it begins when you make the commitment to change.
Make it you mission to show up fully for you and your horse !
Image by Lena Saugen Coudelaria Vila Vicosa
By implimenting tiny daily steps you will certainly transform, and ultimately it will benefit every area of your life. Gaining mastery of how to be more in the present moment you can open the doors to a happier and freer way of life. It liberates us to live more joyfully.
The key is not expect too much too soon be kind to yourself and celebrate each step.
Strategies to Build a Mindful Daily Practise.
Since we cannot expect to change overnight we need to decide on a daily practise that enables us to develop the skills to be present and aware when we are not.
Here are some techniques you can consider to help you in your transformation. Don´t try to impliment everything, especially all at once. The idea is to choose one or two strategies that resonate with you. Then commit to starting with just a few minutes everyday.
Make it achieveable. 5 minutes first thing in the morning and last thing at night can bring about huge steps if maintained.
Most of these practises cost nothing apart from your time. The benefits are priceless
Breath Work
Breathing It is something so fundamental to our well being and actually being alive. Yet it is shocking just how few people are actually breathing correctly. Breathing incorrectly is linked to so many physical and mental health problems and yet it is still taken for granted by many as not particularly important.
You can transform your health and wellbeing by simply by breathing better.
These days there is plenty of excellent science research showing the benefits of breathing correctly. Become aware of how you breath and consider adopting some breathing exercises.
The benefits include:
- Increases feeling of comfort, calm
- Increases Relaxation
- Increases overall wellbeing and postive self esteem
- Increases alertness and energy
- Boosts Immunity
- Decreases stress and anxiety
- Lowers blood pressure
- Stengthens lungs
- Releases Toxins
- Improves Sleep
- Reduces Depression
- Makes you more present, creative and positive
With all these advantages how you anyone not want to know how the breath better and naturally improve well being and vitality.
BOX BREATHING
A simple box breathing technique practised by people all over the world even the military forces make a huge difference in calming down and becomming more focussed.
How to box breath
- Step 1: Breathe in, counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs.
- Step 2: Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds.
- Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
- Step 4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you feel re-centered.
There are numerous teachers, websites, apps and youtube teachers that you can research to find the best practise for you. Here are a few suggestions, I personally love the Wim Hof Method. However there are many more –
The Wim Hof Method – Breathwork. He has written 2 excellent books.
James Nestor´s book Breath is brilliant and he now has a breathwork course with BBC Maestro
Meditation
Like breathwork the benefits of meditation are not a new discovery in fact meditation has been part of ancient cultures all around the world for centuries. The benefits are much the same as those listed for breathwork. Science is gaining more and more interest in meditation which is really helpful. Now many studies have been published to back up the benefical claims.
There is the research with Dr Joe Dispenza who has written several amazing books. There are many really brilliant meditations on his website.
You don´t have to sit for hours everyday meditating, just a regualr short daily practise will make all the difference. Mornings and evenings are the best times but if that doesn´t work for you find moments during the day. You can find some much infomation about different meditation techniques. Here are a few links that you could look at –
Gaia – Many Meditation Courses
Mind Valley. Amazing website filled with personal develop leaders, courses
APPS – Headspace Meditation app, Calm app, Healthy Mind, Smiling Mind to name but a few.
PODCASTS – Check out the fantastic Dr Rangan Chatterjee He teaches simple effective steps to changing your life, he interviews fastinating people on all aspects of wellbeing and lifestyle. He has also written several really down to earth helpful books.
Image of Anton Walliser by Lena Saugenh
THE POWER OF NOW
The Power of Now is a book witten by Eckhart Tolle and definitely worth a read or you can listen to it on audible.
An excellent technique for getting into the moment throughout the day is whenever you remember stop. Focus on an object – a flower, your horse, the back of your hands, the fabric of your jacket, a tree, the sky anything. Look at it, take in everything – the colours, texture, the way the light falls on it, the sound, the smell. Really study it, keep your attention there for 20 seconds gradually build up to a minute or more.
Take in every detail. Doing this brings you into the present moment.
Developing Presence on your Horse
A technique I personally love when I am riding to improve our connection. When I am in a calm quiet environment and my horse is relaxed I let the reins drop to the neck so I am just on the rein buckle. We walk around the arena like this. Then I simply imagine where I want to go and visualise turning onto the centre line or into a circle.
There is a great saying – `where your attention goes your energy flows´
This literally means that even if you are not aware when you direct your attention your energy will follow and your body will move ever so subtly that way. So imagine you focus on the centre line, your energy will direct that way and your horse will feel it however slight. He will follow.
The more you practise this with your horse the greater connection and communication you will achieve together. Of course only practise this when you are in a situation safe for you and others. Give it a go I would love to know how it works for you.
Screen Time verses Nature Time
Image at Emergasol Lusitanos by Lena Saugen
There is no doubt that mobiles have become a hugely dominant factor in our lives. Stats are showing shocking results of the amount of times per day we look at our phones and scroll through social media. Each time we do this there is an energetic cost. Mobile phones are fantastic assets to our lives as long as they are not comprising positive healthy communication with others and our animals.
Try leaving your phone in your bag when you are with your horses. Give them your undivided attention you will both benefit from this.
Journaling
Writing in a daily journal can be very empowering. It helps to release things stuck in your mind, unravel problems you are repeating over and over. It is can also enable you to discover what your goals are and ideas to achieve them.
It can be a pathway to becoming more self aware and confident. Discover goals and dreams. You can also workout problems in relations with others for instance if you are trying to resolve some bad feelings, upset and conflict with another.
Try writing down all the things you love or like aboit them, all the great things they have done, write what you are grateful for about them. This process will help you to release and forgive and love.
If you think daily journaling is for you make it special buy a really nice book and pen. Choose a great place to do it and allow yourself to just flow without censor or limitations. This is your licence to be totally creative, inspired and emotionally releasing.
Gratitude
It seems like something silly to say that gratitude will put you in the present moment and how does it benefit us. Well there are now studies showing the power of having a gratitude practise is transformative. How does it work?
What is Gratitude – Its Meaning & Definition
Gratitude is an emotion similar to appreciation. The American Psychological Association (n.d.) more specifically defines this phenomenon as a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to a fortunate happenstance or tangible gift.
Gratitude is both a state and a trait (Jans-Beken et al., 2020). Better explained, one can experience gratitude for someone or something at a certain moment in time, and someone experience gratitude more long-term as a positive character trait.
First comes the acknowledgment of goodness in one’s life. In a state of gratitude, we say yes to life. We affirm that, all in all, life is good and has elements that make it worth living. The acknowledgment that we have received something gratifies us, both by its presence and by the effort the giver put into choosing it.
Second, gratitude is recognizing that sources of this goodness lie outside the self. One can be grateful to our creator, other people, animals, and the world, but not to oneself. At this stage, we recognize the goodness in our lives and who to thank for it.
The two stages of gratitude comprise the recognition of the goodness in our lives and then how this goodness came to us. Through this process, we recognize the fortune of everything that improves our lives and ourselves.
Further, gratitude can be considered either a dispositional trait or a state of being.
As a trait, an individual practices gratitude as part of their daily life (McCullough et al., 2002), and it is considered a character strength. It is important to remember that gratitude is a strength that can be enhanced with awareness and practice.
When a person experiences the emotion from someone expressing gratitude for them, it is referred to as a state (Watkins et al., 2009).
Source www.positivepsychology.com According to Dr. Robert Emmons, the feeling of gratitude involves two stages (Emmons & McCullough, 2003)
Find ways to give gratitude everyday to grow your inner strength and wellbeing.
Visualisation
There is enormous value in spending time appreciating and enjoying the present moment, you can also add to your happiness by visualising your future self.
Develop and focus on the feelings associated with the successful completion of your goals and creating the outcome you most desire. Think about the traits you’ll exhibit when you have the life you choose to create. Now bring those traits into your present being.
This is where you can be proud of the steps you’ve taken so far, because what you’re learning now shapes your future, so approach each day filled with the positive intention to be happy that you are where you are, doing what you can to create the future, life and version of yourself you want and express gratitude that you can.
Tell your horse how grateful you are to have him or her in your life
Image by Lena Saugen at Coudelaria Vila Vicosa and Ducal Palace.
Discovering your Superpower
As you develop your mindfulness prowess, you will recognize your ability to stay in tune with your horse. Also, accept your mistakes and where your weaknesses are without beating yourself up. Allowing growth and mastery of skills and ultimately increasing your overall confidence.
Mindful state of awareness as an equestrian:
- Have a deeper connection with our horse
- be more in tune with your emotions and those of your horse
- Greater curiosity and flexibility when learning new skills
- Less stress and tension which is reflected in your body and translated to your horse who feels tension
- Greater patience especially when learing new things
- Greater ability to feel your horse´s movement and reactions
- Be more self-caring and caring towards others
- Improved problem solving
- Becoming more creative
- Feeling happier and more alive
Be Good to Yourself, Be Vibrant and Be in the Generous Present Moment
text by Teresa Burton
Header Image at Emergasol Stud Farm taken by Lena Saugen
RIDE WITH US – CLASSICAL DRESSAGE
Alentejo Ranch Holidays now Booking
Favouring Traditional Methods over Modern Machinery
Text by Teresa Burton Photography by ABR fotografias
Last year we made a visit to the stunning farms of the Tavares Moreira family, located in the Alentejo close to the Spainish Border.
Bernardo Tavares Moreira with his wife Rita Torres Moreira and daughter Maria Francisca Torres Moreira.
The farms are called Herdade da Carapuςa and Herdade D´agosto
During our visit we were inspired to work with the family to open up an opportunity for people to have holidays on the farms. To provide a Traditional Portuguese Farm experience learning about the horses and cattle. Sadly like so many heritage activities many farms have turned away from using the horses to work with the cattle in favour of tractors and quads which they think are quicker and cheaper. However there are those that would disagree with this and highly value the more traditional methods. One of these people is Bernardo Tavares Moreira.
Bernardo Tavares Moreira
Since a very young age Bernardo has always been passionate about the traditional methods and rural life. Growing up in Lisbon he dreamed to be on the farm. A dream that never left him until finally he moved to the Alentejo to spend his days working with the cattle and the Lusitano Horses they bred. He continues to this day working the farm in the traditional way. Although of course, from time to tme he uses tractors and quads, almost always he aims to be managing the farm from the back of a lusitano.
Alentejana Cattle
The family are breeding pure bred Alentejana cattle. This is a Portuguese breed, also known as Transtagan. The breed orginates from the Alentejo region and was used for agricultural work. They are quite similar to the Spanish Retinta Breed.
These gentle animals are a medium build with a golden red colour. The horns are large and pointed forward with upturned tips. The hind legs very muscular and strong and the shoulders long and broad. They are considered rustic, energetic animals and they really suit the beautiful Alentejo landscape.
For centuries they were the most important working breed in the plains. However, from the mid 1900´s the mechanisation of agricultural work slowly took over. So the need for them to work the land deminished and they became used primarly for meat. The flavor of the meat is intense and it is very tender. However they didn´t produce enough meat so crossing them with other breeds such as Charolias and Limozines is done yielding more meat on each animal. With this change the pure genetics of the breed started to become comprised.
Because of this the studbook of the Alentejana was established in 1970. Breeders of this wonderful native breed began to work to limit genetic regression. National and community programmes set up to promote conversation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources.
Alenetejana Bull
Bernardo and his family continue this in their breeding programmes. They have 3 cattle herds on the farms. They don´t sell pure bred Alentejana cattle simply select the females to different herds according to their quality and genetics. The highest quality retained to breed pure bred cattle and the others crossed bred with Limousin and Charolias bulls for meat cattle. The cows and bulls are simply stunning.
The cattle are able to graze in expansive pasture lands of rolling hills dotted with cork oaks trees providing plenty of shade in the hot summers. It makes for quite a sight to visit these beautiful herds.
Landscape of rolling hills and cork oak trees
The Farm´s Lusitano Horses
The Lusitanos mares
The stud farm has a small herd of quality Lusitano mares with old bloodlines suitable for bull fighting, working equitation and nowadays dressage. The horse have a lot of Veiga influence and recently with a dressage focus while maintaining the Baroque the mares have been put to the Olympic/GP stallion Forgoso. The horses are selected and some sold Internationally and the others retained on the farm.
The stud name is – Manuel Francisco de Moura Tavares Herdeiros (Manuel Tavares Herdeiros)
Bernardo and Rita
Bernardo breeds and trains all his horses which are a mix or pure bred Lusitanos and Luso/Arabs. Favouring the Vaqueira / Garrochista style and he has adopted many of the techniques.
Particularly the use the Garrocha that is now seen in part of the working equitation competition.
The working horses are all highly trained and have many advanced exercises that they need to quickly react and manuveur during work. Exercises such as canter pirouettes, lateral movements, canter changes are all required in the work.
His work is very skilled and simpatic and it includes everything from simply moving cattle from one pasture to another to separating animals for vacinations etc. From horse back it is much less stressful for the cattle, they comply easily because they totally accept the horses as their managers .
There is a special bond between the Lusitanos and the cattle.
The Family
This is all made all the more special as the whole family are in someway involved. Everyone brings so much creativity to the table. Bernardo´s wife Rita Torres Moreira is a nutritionist and on weekends she joins Bernardo along with their son and daughter to ride the horses and help with the cattle. Rita and their daughter Francisca are so skilled on their Lusitanos I really enjoyed watching them effortlessly manoeuvre the cows into pens for vacninating. carefully parting the calves so they didn´t get injured and minimising any stress in the process.
Rita´s brother is Rodrigo Torres one of Portugal most outstanding Olympic Riders.
Rita Torres Moreira
Maria Francisca Torres Moreira
Ana Tavares Moreira the owner of Carapura Farm has converted the old hay and animal barns into the most fabulous accomodations – stylish, creative, well appointed and peaceful. Surrounded by extreaordinary views in all directions you cannot help but love staying there.
Maria Claudia Sampaio Soares – Bernardo´s Aunt is a gifted potter. She has a pottery locally and provides classes for those interested to try it out. You can also order things to be made. We are have several items made by Claudia. Claudia owns Herdade Dagosto and breeds Lusitanos.
Cláudia Sampaio Soares
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are so happy that now we can offer you the chance to stay on these farm and learn with Bernardo a little about his life, how the horses are trained and worked with the cattle. It is available to up to 4 people per week. We only offer to small groups per week to ensure you have plenty of opportunity for individual tuition and an immersive experience.
Bernardo will provide all the training during your stay and his gentle confident manner will guide you through a remarkable experince of the working horses and all they need to do their job effortlessly.
FIND OUT MORE
Bernardo and Francisca
Rita with the cattle
INTERESTED IN HAVING A HOLIDAY ?
WANT TO KNOW MORE ?
The Art of Balance
THE ART OF BALANCE
Text Therese Alhaug Photo Lena Saugen. Made in collaboration with Teresa Burton.
If you watched Rodrigo’s Olympic debut, you might remember how he played his way down the final line holding one hand on the reins. His big smile made it look easy and fun, making us curious to know more about this playfully yet technically solid duo. A chat that led us into The Art of Balance.
EQUILIFE and LUSITANO HERITAGE visited the Olympic debutant at his family farm in Alentejo, Portugal, where Rodrigo began his riding career working the farm cattle and competing in working equitation. A different background than most dressage riders. He early performed at equestrian events, including his favourite performance: riding without reins.
“In Tokyo, just before entering the freestyle, I told Rodrigo to have fun in the ring and reminded him that he was fortunate to have four reins to hold this time!” Rodrigo’s wife, Maria Amaral, says, laughing.
Maria has significantly influenced Rodrigo’s dressage career, being a successful Grand Prix rider herself. The two equally guide each other in the dressage arena.
“Each horse has its natural balance, some more to the front and others more to the hind legs. This is something they are born with. So when you start training the horses, you have to look for this.”
Rodrigo Moura Torres
THE ART OF BALANCE
Rodrigo’s family has bred horses for a long time. They also produced Rodrigo’s Olympic partner, Fogoso.
“I know Fogoso inside out, which helped me a lot when we entered the arena in Tokyo,” Rodrigo says.
One of Rodrigo’s early masters, Mestre Joao Lopes Aleixo, taught him the importance of the seat to have balance and control and to give impulsion from behind; Create harmony with invisible aids. Still today, Rodrigo is working on this.
“When riding 2-3 km outside, moving the horse and the cattle, it requires the horses to be comfortable with me. They need to be straight, in the same rhythm, and very well balanced,” Rodrigo explains. “This is something I have tried to surge since the beginning of my career as a dressage rider.
“When riding 2-3 km outside, moving the horse and the cattle, it requires the horses to be comfortable with me. They need to be straight, in the same rhythm, and very well balanced,” Rodrigo explains. “This is something I have tried to surge since the beginning of my career as a dressage rider.”
Rodrigo Moura Torres
Living in the middle of the countryside, Rodrigo’s father and grandfather used horses to move cattle, giving the horses the genetics to deal with pressure. The first horses were bred for bullfighting and then working equitation, but in the last ten years, they turned their eye to producing dressage horses. Rodrigo still uses his knowledge from the fields when working the youngsters.
“As a breeder, I work the horses since they are young. First, I must find the ideal balance for the horse in all gaits and exercises. I pay notice of this in the lunge already. Each horse has its natural balance, some more to the front and others more to the hind legs. This is something they are born with. So when you start training the horses, you have to look for this,” Rodrigo says, pointing out that each horse is different and has its different rhythm.
“Since Fogoso was four, he could already do everything. I could play with some piaffe and some passage. It was very easy for him because he was very well-balanced. He was already giving me everything, and I just took advantage of these natural things he gave me.”
Rodrigo Moura Torres
FINDING THE NATURAL BALANCE
We visit the farm on a crisp morning in spring. The horses are grassing in the sunrise on large fields dotted with colourful wildflowers and cork oak trees. A scenery that the family takes advantage of when riding out, allowing the horses to stretch and gallop alongside with the cows and horses in the fields.
Rodrigo’s dad, Carlos, has already started grooming the Olympic hero Fogoso, who’s now 12yo, for Rodrigo to ride.
The powerful stallion demonstrates the dressage evolution in the Torres family’s breeding strategy: a horse that loves competitions and rises to challenges confidently.
“At competitions, Fogoso truly shines. He loves being in the spotlight,” Rodrigo explains.
“Since Fogoso was four, he could already do everything. I could play with some piaffe and some passage. It was very easy for him because he was very well-balanced. He was already giving me everything, and I just took advantage of these natural things he gave me.”
The Lusitano breed is known for their natural talent for passage and piaffe due to their short and powerful physic. Something Rodrigo has in mind when training them.
“When a horse is balanced & strong, and accepting my aids, I can ask nothing, and he will do everything.”
Talking about the breed, how do you implement the German training scale?
“The training scale is logical. I always try to go through the training scale, but when riding, you must feel what you must do at every moment. Sometimes you have to go back a little, then maybe two or three steps forward, then back again etc. Riding is not mechanical. You see; It’s the horses saying to me what I need to do. Not me.”
Rodrigo explains how Lusitanos naturally can be presented earlier to collected exercises.
“Some Lusitanos are already, as a 5-year-old ready for 3-4 steps in piaffe, because it is natural for them. I do this just for the horse to ‘feel it’. I never push them. I rather try to understand exactly what to do at every moment. This is my philosophy. Step by step, I give them more and more tasks, and step by step, they give me more and more in return.”
“When a horse is balanced & strong, and accepting my aids, I can ask nothing, and he will do everything.”
Rodrigo Moura Torres
Rodrigo puts his head up to demonstrate:
“If you see horses move naturally in freedom, they do so many difficult things. And they always keep their head up. So why should I sit on them and put their head down, destroying their natural balance? To make a horse improve, you need to keep him healthy. And for this, we need to understand the difference between the breeds.”
“We cannot go to full extension with a Lusitano when they are young, as this might ruin them. While a Lusitano might play with piaffe as a 5yo, my warmblood started passage when he was 8. So we must keep attention to their natural balance and ask what they have to offer.”
“The rider’s balance will be good if the horse can move in a good balance. You can sit still, and your legs don’t have to push. The horse will move through his back and into your hand.”
Rodrigo Moura Torres
He continues:
“Some Lusitanos can ruin their body if they go big before they are strong and on a higher level. To go forward is one thing but to push is another thing. You simply cannot force something they cannot deliver to you. Approximately 95% of the dressage horses today are warmbloods, so the training scale which is good itself – is based mainly on warmbloods. We need to keep that in mind and foster what they are good at. The things they are not so good at will come naturally when they become stronger
and more confident.”
Talking about balance, how would you describe a rider in balance?
“Many trainers say if the horse goes wrong, the rider is not sitting in a good way. I don’t believe this. The rider’s balance will be good if the horse can move in a good balance. You can sit still, and your legs don’t have to push. The horse will move through his back and into your hand.”
Maria adds:
“You might notice how Rodrigo is moving a bit up or forward when going into halt or piaffe. One of the judges in Tokyo even commented on this, that he fell a bit forward in the exercise, but it’s actually natural for him. He feels it will help the horse, and that in that moment it will loosens his back and support the balance.”
Rodrigo:
“If I keep the natural balance of the horse and the horse work in harmony, the midpoint is the rider, so I try to keep the center of his balance to where I am sitting. If I sit behind this center, the weight comes too much to the hind legs. The rider needs to be in self-carriage, as I don’t want to destroy the balance of the horse. As an example, the gravity of the pirouette should be where I am sitting.”
“If I keep the natural balance of the horse and the horse work in harmony, the midpoint is the rider, so I try to keep the center of his balance to where I am sitting.”
Rodrigo Moura Torres
Despite their achievements in the ring, the duo is not seen often at bigger shows. Rodrigo explains.
“My main goal is to keep Fogoso healthy and happy so we prefer shows close to home, as we don’t want to push him with travelling. Even as a youngster, we opted to only start competing when he turned 7 years old, and we only do 2-3 bigger competitions a year. The remaining time we keep him in his routine at home doing his normal horse life.”
“The way I see it, show jumping is much more about business, which requires more travelling, while dressage, for many, is not so much about that. It’s more about making a name for yourself and delivering unique performances at the right stages. So we dont want to travel to the other side of the world if we dont have to.”
We want to thank the Torres family for having us over and Lusitano Horsefinder for collaboration with us to make this trip possible.
Laura Gosch – One to Watch!
Beautiful, Talented & Determined – Laura Gosch
Recently we had the wonderful opportunity to be present at the opening of Goncalo and Nara´s new equestrian facility. It was a busy but beautiful day in so many ways.
Working alongside them is Laura Gosch, a talented and focussed woman who has boldy gone in the direction of her passion for all things equine.
As a former International model we were very fortunate that Laura generously agreed to pose for us on the day in the extraodinary equestrian clothing collection designed by Silvia Teixeira. Bringing her combined model expertise and undesputible riding skills Laura inspired us a lot.
Laura rides beautifully and is definitely a lady to watch for the future as a great trainer and teacher.
Curious, I asked Laura for her story, which she very eloquently wrote for me. It takes us right from how she discovered horses all the way up to this moment. It´s a lovely read that I am sure many of you can identify with – so here you go
All about Laura …………
I’m from Vienna, smack in the centre of town. The tourist carriage horses at the cathedral were the only horses in sight, growing up. As a young man my father had spent a couple of years as an “Elève” at the Spanish Royal Riding School, but neither of my parents had anything to do with horses by the time they had me.
A friend of my mom’s had told her that she took her daughter horse riding because she thought it was an advantage, especially for girls, to learn to handle such big animals and and themselves around them. That seemed logical to my Mom and so I had my first lesson. I think I even remember it. Mom says I was glowing – I remember that I was almost drooling with joy. From then on it was the pony on the top of every Christmas list, endlessly trying to persuade my grandparents that their apartment was big enough for a horse. Lungeing my girlfriends over obstacles on their imaginary ponies and, in my mind, every walk in nature was actually a hack .
I’m very grateful that I discovered such a love, a passion for something as a child. The joy was so intense, it warms my heart to remember those little moments and it’s pure fuel for me until today.
Over the next years, my champion parents continued taking me for riding lessons. When I was about 13 or 14, I began taking the train every Saturday after school, with my overnight bag packed, to help at an Arabian horse farm about 1 1/2 hours outside of Vienna. They allowed me to start my first filly there, at which I did a very poor job but this is where I actually began really learning.
Besides school, at 17 yrs old I was fortunate to be professionally modelling. I used the money I earnt to turn my dream into a reality. Mom became my accomplice and the two of us set out on an unforgettable trip around Europe, the adventure culminated in finding my Arabian filly. Chestnut, with a beautiful long neck and flaxen manes, just like I knew her from my dreams. That filly became a part of our family, she kept us both safe through all the silly things I put her through. She traveled half of Europe with me and finally to Mallorca where she currently resides at 22 years of age until I can have her with me again. Buying my first horse was one of the most important things I did in my life. Learning I am capable of taking what seemed “impossible” and turn it into reality. A powerful lesson and I think it has become an important part of me.
After finishing school I moved to Paris and started modelling full time. Up to 2015 I lived and worked in many different cities. I was ambitious, young and thought I needed to rule the world or, at least, be a rockstar. The modelling was alluring in more than one way. Whenever I got too lonely, sad or intimidated I came back to the horses.
With my best friend, we started an Arabian show horse training barn. I learned so much about handling young horses. I also spent some time learning on the ranch of Linda and Pat Parelli – one of the happiest times of my life – they were pioneers in horse & people education.
Fast forward to 2015 – I was living in LA at that time and loved the city. Working with great people, things were going well. Yet I wasn’t fulfilled with my job my passion was elsewhere. One day, while having lunch with a friend, the subject turned to horses. He waited until I had finished my ode and said,
“You completely change when you talk about horses, I think this is what you should be doing”.
A few days later, my best friend was extremely clear about this too.
It was time and I was ready to really hear it. I worked up the courage to consider the possibility of living my dream full time with horses.
I had my mare at german classical trainer Anja Beran at the time and I think that’s where the idea of the Lusitano was born.
Curious to learn more about the breed I took an amazing trip around Portugal to visit the breeders, I was totally inspired. I bought two three year old colts from Mr. Manuel Veiga, still with the idea of returning to LA and eventually selling one of them. However in the end I decided to move back to Belgium to keep them both.
In November 2015 I shot my last editorial, with an amazing crew for Harper’s Bazaar. It was a breathtaking trip around Jordan. A fabulous exit from the model´s life.
Then the journey began with my two colts. Getting to know them in Belgium, then with Parelli instructor and all-round horseman Walter Gegenschatz in Switzerland, back in Belgium with a Master instructor of the École de Légèreté and later in France with Mr. Philippe Karl himself and his wife Bea Borelle. After that the three of us joined my partner Sergio Santos in Mallorca for 3 years, where I started teaching and training an amazing group of clients that became friends. Although I learned immensly while teaching and training, I was missing getting training myself – and my two darling Veigas were always happy to point that out to me.
I remembered Gonçalo Linhas exceptional riding from my horse “shopping trip” and my inquiries about him got a unanimously positive response – a rare occurrence. I brought him my best horse to get a foot in the door, and as soon as it was possible, almost a year ago, I attacked lovely Dr. Nara França and Gonçalo with the rest of our gang (Historico da Broa, our cremello stallion, Jarama and Sérgio’s Silveiras stallion, Habil). We, have been living in their barn ever since, located in the pulsating metropole that is Vila Chã de Ourique.
I’m still trying to find my place in this horse world but here I’m learning at top speed. I want to continue developing horses with the support of an experienced (not to call him senior, he wouldn’t like that) trainer like Gonçalo. I believe that being around horses, in the right conditions, can be so good for people. Whatever I do, be it in the arena or by selling horses, on the social media or by writing these few lines, I hope to help make the equestrian community grow by introducing more people to horses and supporting my fellow equestrians.
These animals are a little bit magic. You can rely on them to keep you humble, toughen you up and sometimes, if you put in the work, they will dance with you for a short while and make you so happy that you forget yourself.
Forward by Teresa Burton Lusitano Heritage
Text by Laura Gosch She can be found on facebook and Intagram
Clothing – Designed by Silvia Teixeira – Garments available to order in our online shop
Images by Lena Saugen Photography
Location – Quinta do Palhão
Thank you to Goncalo Linhas and Nara Franca
Equestrian Designer has Heritage at Heart
Equestrian fashion designer Silvia Teixeira considers sustainability is one of her top priorities.
On looking into how she can apply it to her work she realised that inadvertently part of her work is already made in a sustainable way!
Text Teresa Burton. Photo Lena Saugen
Silvia’s passion for horses started at a very young age. During her studies of Fashion Design at the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Lisbon, she learned about Riding Costumes and the Traditional Portuguese Riding Costume. After her faculty graduation, she did an internship at Maria Gonzaga’s Costumes in Lisbon, known for creating beautiful costumes and wardrobes for TV, theatre, and film productions before she opened a workshop dedicated to designing beautiful handmade and bespoke garments for horse lovers.
Silvia applying finishing touches to her creations worn by Model/Rider Laura Gosche
“I am inspired every day by antiques, films and TV series, music, photography, art, nature, my family and friends, and of course riding my horse.”
Recently Silvia has been teasing us with glimpses of her new collection posted on her Instagram page. Her work is unique, and these sneak previews of things to come are no exception. When an opportunity came up for a costume shoot, we couldn’t resist the chance to invite her to bring some pieces for the day.
It took a little time to convince her to jump on a flight from the Azores – but we were persistent, and she came!
Goncalo Linhas and Laura Gosche at Quinta do Palhão
The photoshoot was held at Quinta do Palhão, Vila Chã De Ourique – the home of classical rider Goncalo Linhas and his wife; Equine Vet Nara Franca.
First Image Goncalo Linhas and Nara Franca Second & Third images Laura Gosche
We were also fortunate to have the opportunity to be present when the first horses moved into their newly built stables.
Goncalo, Nara and one of Goncalo’s students, former model Laura Gosch wore the garments for the photos
Silvia´s latest collection is the first in a series of small themed collections of garments for equestrians and horse lovers. Not necessarily to wear just in the arena.
Nara Franca stunning in a black silk jacket
“It is a way of expressing soul through fashion,” she says.
“All of those who know me are aware of my passion for film and tv series. Not just the costume design, but everything that makes a good story. All the work put in to create the perfect step outside reality moment.”
I will wear high heels so you can hear my approach on the cobblestones (….) You listen for my footsteps.
Polly Gray . The Peaky Blinders
“I work with some lovely ladies with fairy hands”
Cobblestone is my first `inspired by´ small collection. All designs are handmade and unique. All are prototypes for the future exploring through sizes, colour pallets and textures.
Commitment to sustainability
Silvia considers sustainability is one of her top priorities. On looking into how she can apply it to her work she realised that inadvertently part of her work is already made in a sustainable way! For example, she does not mass produce – all the garments are made with a purpose and are unique. All are made in her atelier by her, or by local seamstresses.
We cannot wait to see the full collection, coming out in September 2022.
Silvia ́s work is presented in the Lusitano Horse Finder online shop and through the shop you can also commission her to create unique pieces for you.
Text by Teresa Burton Photo Images by Lena Saugen
Traditional Portuguese Farm Holidays
Looking for a taste of
Rural Portuguese Equestrian Heritage –
We are Forming a Partnership with a Beautiful Alentejo Farm to bring you the opportunity to soak up the day to day atmosphere of a working cattle farm and Lusitano stud.
This is a special chance to be on the family farm. The entire family have a multiple of amazing traditional talents and creative skills they are warmly open to share with you.
The holidays will be packed with experiences that bring you closer to rural life on the cattle farm in the Alentejo Region. It is designed to give you an authentic experience of rural life and culture from working with the horses, cows, the wildlife, exploring the land and enjoying the beautiful landspace.
- You will stay in the farm estate with a manor house over 200 years old
- Eat local cuisine and home cooking
You can even try local arts such as pottery - Learn how to work the cattle from the backs of Lusitanos
- Gain new country skills, use a garrocha, and try authentic working equitation obstacles
Become aquianted with Lusitano breeding programmes - Country full day rides to neighbouring farm
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO KNOW MORE AND RECEIVE PACKAGE AND PRICE DETAILS
Situated close to the Spanish border the property has some of the most spectacular views, wildlife with expansive sun rises and sun sets.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO KNOW MORE AND RECEIVE PACKAGE AND PRICE DETAILS
Related articles – Portugal´s Campinos – The Roots of Working Equitation
Artictle extract – The Campinos are Portugal’s cowboys. To this day, they work the cattle on the backs of Lusitanos, using the traditional methods and skills passed down from their fathers and grandfathers. Their work remains valuable to many large cattle farms in Portugal—especially in the Ribatejo and Alentejo regions.
Working Equitation first started as a competitive sport in 1996. The first European Championships took place the same year, in Italy. WE is now a recognized sport in two continents, Europe and South America, in the following countries – France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Brazil, with a considerable amount of competitors and spectators in each country. WE has its own governing body in each Country.
The holiday packages and prices will be available shortly please register your interest with us now and we will send out the packages to you as soon as possible.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO KNOW MORE AND RECEIVE PACKAGE AND PRICE DETAILS
We look forward to meeting you on the future holidays.
Images by Lena Saugen Photography
Video credit to Equilife World
Supporting The Brooke Organisation
Lusitano Horse Finder is proud to support The Brooke Organisation, an international animal welfare organisation dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the world's poorest communities.