Many have made the mistake of assuming the Blue Book defines a Lusitano as a pure bred horse. But this is simply not the case at all. When you are looking to buy a Lusitano horse or start breeding project it is important to understand how the breed is registered and approved.
It is the registration and approval and not the blue book that denotes a pure bred Lusitano horse
THE BLUE BOOK
The purpose of this book is to act as –
A passport for travel nationally and internationally.
A way to identify the horse.
To keep a record of the required vaccinations.
The book must be with the horse at all times.
A cross bred Lusitano can have a blue book and in fact to be exported they have to have one. In Portugal many cross bred Lusitanos have a green book as it is cheaper and quicker to get. However should the owner wish to sell their horse to a buyer outside of the country a blue book must be obtained. To do this a vet needs to visit in order to registered the horse´s chip number, note distinguishing features etc.
The signed paperwork with proof of ownership etc and the payment is submitted to the APSL to issue the blue book. If you are waiting to export your Lusitano sometimes it is possible to pay an extra fee to express this service.
Note all vaccines must be update in the blue book for travel.
Registering and Approving a Lusitano
A Lusitano is only classed as a Pure Bred Lusitano if it is registered with the APSL in the adult studbook. Both the parents have to be approved for breeding and registered. However a Lusitano can be registered in the studbook and not approved for breeding.
Note : A foal born, from un-approved and or unregistered parents, will not be accepted. If the parents are registered, but not yet approved after the foal is born, they have a certain amount of time to approve the parents.Should they fail their approval, the foal will not be classed as a purebred but instead as a cross bred.
Blood and DNA
The parents of the horse have to be blood tested and/or have DNA taken, this is done at an approval or when the horse is registered. This ensures all offspring have proof of their parentage. Usually the blood is taken from the foals in the first year to identify them and their parents.
To look up a Lusitano and check he/she is registered as pure bred and is approved for breeding you need to have the following information
If the horse is registered they will be shown here will their details, date of birth, colour, breeder, owner and bloodlines.
Understanding what defines a cross bred Lusitano
A cross-bred Lusitano can have a couple of meaning –
It is actually a Lusitano cross with another breed. There is now a new class of Lusitano which is a ´Luso Warmblood’ (Sport Lusitano) and this is a Lusitano crossed with another sport breed such as a warmblood.
It is a Lusitano but one or both of the parents were never approved for breeding. This can happen if one dies before getting to be approved or the owner simply never took the horse for approval or they did and the horse failed to reach the grades required.
If the Lusitano has never been registered
When you are buying a Lusitano you can easily check the registration online. The seller and or agent should provide you with all the details you need to check for yourself. If this is not forthcoming then we recommend you look elsewhere for a horse.
https://lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/orlof-lusitano-gelding-for-sale-.jpg6681000Teresa Burtonhttp://www.lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo-lusitano-heritage2.pngTeresa Burton2023-05-10 15:12:422023-10-15 18:26:52How to Identify a Lusitano is Pure Bred
Nowadays, products based on Cannabis plant are becoming a popular trend, especially for human medical use. However, what do we know about its use in pets, more specifically, in horses?
The first thing to note on this subject is that there is common misunderstanding between the terms cannabis, marijuana, hemp, CBD and THC, as well as an erroneous perception that CBD oil contains the
(tetra-hydro-cannabinol). Let us start by clarifying thepreviously mentioned terms.
The Plant
Cannabis is an Asian herb of the family Cannabaceae, which comprises two different species: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Although there are similarities between the two, there are also important differences: Cannabis sativa belongs to the hemp family and has tough fibrous, tall and loose branches, and Cannabis indica is a low-growing densely branched species. Unfortunately, the term is used interchangeably in popular culture with marijuana although strains of cannabis can be either marijuana or hemp depending on their concentration of THC. Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is legally defined (in the USA and the EU) as any part of the cannabis plant that contains less than or equal to 0.3% THC. Hemp has traditionally been farmed for industrial uses (e.g., textiles, paper, biodiesel, construction materials), as well as for food (hemp seeds and hemp seed oil).
The term Marijuana is typically used for the psychoactive dried resinous flower buds and leaves of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa or indica) but can refer to any part of the cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% of THC (De Briyne et al., 2021).
CBD & THC applications
The Cannabis plant contains hundreds of different active compounds, which have either psychoactive or non-psychoactive effects. The two main components are are THC (tetra-hydro-cannabidiol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is a psychoactive component of the cannabis plant that is linked to the ìnebriated` state.
CBD, on the other hand, has been investigated for many conditions, most notably epilepsy, but also including, anxiety, mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, appetite improvement, nausea relief, sleeping disorders, elevated intraocular pressure, pain related to chemotherapy treatments, and multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.
THC is psychotropic in humans and dogs, which have a high number of cannabinoid1 receptors in their brains. CBD, on the other hand, has no psychotropic effects and is particularly effective at low doses.
Studies of CBD effects on horses
In horses, CBD products have shown promise for treatment of hyperaesthesia (Ellis & Contino, 2019), osteoarthritis pain (Sanchez-Aparicio et al., 2019), anti-inflammatory effect in chronic inflammation (Turner et al., 2021), visceral pain, inflammatory processes and changes in intestinal motility in horses (Galiazzoa et al., 2021). Although available objective data regarding therapeutic dosage is still scarce, different dosages have been studied and did not cause adverse effects, like incoordination or sedation, and was overall well tolerated (Yocom et al.; Blanc et al.; Williams et al., 2022).
A study made by Ellis and Contino (2019) reported improvements in a horse with severe pain sensitivity when administered 500 mg CBD per day. Another study reported lower reactivity (spookability) after 6 weeks of supplementing with 100 mg of CBD every day (Draeger et al., 2021). In addition, according to Turner et al. (2021), CBD was responsible for decreased inflammatory cytokines (proteins associated with pain and inflammation), in a study conducted in vitro.
Galiazzoa et al. (2021) performed a study in order to identify the distribution of different cannabinoid receptors in the equine intestine. These findings support CBD use against visceral pain, inflammatory processes and changes in intestinal motility in horses. Therefore, it could have interesting applications in cases of colic, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal hipomotility after colic surgery.
Is CBD safe to use?
Williams et al. (2022) conducted pharmacokinetics studies looking at the absorption and clearance of CBD. A dose of 175 mg and 1000 mg was given to 500 kg/1100 lb horses, orally, once per day for 7 days. There was no incidence of diarrhea or loose stool, decreased appetite or somnolence recorded.
However, it is important to note that despite the relatively high dose (1000 mg daily) plasma concentrations were below the effective concentrations reported by Turner (2021). Therefore, a horse might need significantly higher oral doses of CBD for any effectiveness against pain and inflammation.
In another study conducted by Yocom et al. (2022), CBD was reliably detected in synovial fluid at 1500 mg single dose. Because cannabinoid receptors have been identified in osteoarthritic joints in humans and dogs it explains the pain modulation mechanism of osteoarthritic pain, in this study mild hypocalcemia was seen in all horses and elevated liver enzymes were observed in 8/12 horses, but these changes improved or normalized within 10 days after the final CBD dose. Some horses presented soft-form manure for a few days and 10/12 gained weight. All horses maintained normal physical examination parameters, attitude, and appetite throughout the duration of the study. No behavioral changes, including sedative-effects, were observed.
Most CBD studies performed on horses are very recent (the latest one dates of 2019) and additional studies are required to investigate the efficacy in treating specific conditions and to establish therapeutic doses.
What is the status of CBD oil use on competition horses?
According to FEI’s regulations, all natural and synthetic cannabinoids containing THC are banned substances, meaning they are not permitted for use on the competition horse at any time. However, cannabidiol (CBD/CBDA) is under controlled substances. According to FEI, controlled medication aresubstances that are deemed by the FEI to have therapeutic value and/or be commonly used in equine medicine. They have the potential to affect performance and/or be a welfare risk to the horse. This means that although your horse may be administered CBD, you cannot compete while it is present in your horse’s organism.
Previous research has indicated that CBD can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours following a single dose. It should also be noted that, despite the considerably low quantity of THC present in CBD products,THC can be present for up to 24 hours post administration in plasma samples (Williams et al., 2022).
Blanc M. P. St. , Chapman A. M., Keowen M. L., et al., Effects of a Supplement Containing Cannabidiol
(CBD) on Sedation and Ataxia Scores and Health, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science,
10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104085, 117, (104085), (2022).
De Briyne, N.; Holmes, D.; Sandler, I., et al. Cannabidiol Oils and Tetrahydrocannabinol—What Do Veterinarians Need to Know? Animals 2021, 11, 892. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ani11030892.
Draeger A. L., Thomas E. P., Jones K. A., et al., The effects of pelleted cannabidiol supplementation on heart rate and reaction scores in horses. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2021, Vol 46, 97-100.
Ellis K, Contino E. Treatment using cannabidiol in a horse with mechanical allodynia. Equine Vet Educ 2019; 33:e79–82.
Galiazzoa G., Tagliaviaa C., Giancolaa F., et al., Localisation of Cannabinoid and Cannabinoid-Related Receptors in the Horse Ileum. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021, Vol 104, 103688.
Sanchez-Aparicio P., Floran B., Velazquez D. R., et al., Cannabinoids CB2 Receptors, One New Promising Drug Target for Chronic and Degenerative Pain Conditions in Equine Veterinary Patients, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2020, Vol 85, 102880.
Turner S, Barker VD, Adams AA. Effects of cannabidiol on the in vitro lymphocyte pro-inflammatory cytokine production of senior horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2021;103:668.
Williams M.R., Holbrook T.C., Maxwell L., et al. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of a cannabidiol supplement for horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 103842.
Yocom A. F., O’Fallon E. S., Gustafson D.L., Contino E. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Synovial Fluid Concentrations of Singleand Multiple-Dose Oral Administration of 1 and 3 mg/kg Cannabidiol in Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2022, 113, 103933.
https://lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cecila-44.jpeg863800Teresa Burtonhttp://www.lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo-lusitano-heritage2.pngTeresa Burton2022-12-27 16:46:032023-06-30 13:23:28CBD oil for horses: what do you need to know
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.”
EQUILIFE 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.
We want to thank the Torres family for having us over and Lusitano Horsefinder for collaboration with us to make this trip possible.
https://lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/balance-13.jpg534800Teresa Burtonhttp://www.lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo-lusitano-heritage2.pngTeresa Burton2022-11-08 19:58:282023-06-30 13:23:28The Art of Balance
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.
https://lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/braces.jpg10681600Teresa Burtonhttp://www.lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo-lusitano-heritage2.pngTeresa Burton2022-06-17 18:59:292023-06-30 13:23:29Equestrian Designer has Heritage at Heart
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
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.
https://lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/nuno-hacking.jpg23622362Teresa Burtonhttp://www.lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo-lusitano-heritage2.pngTeresa Burton2021-06-17 19:09:142023-06-30 13:23:29The joy of Riding Your Horse Out
This technique is the oldest method of holding double reins a style used by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and by many of Germany’s most successful professional riders used it before WWll. It is the –
Classical 3 to 1 method to Holding the Double Reins (3 to 1 Rein Hold)
I first came across this technique when I was watching my dear Friend Master rider Anton Walliser training his and young and GP horses using this method I was fasinated to understand more about it and why he uses it.
How to Hold the Reins Using this Method
The left hand holds three reins, while the right holds only one rein plus the rider’s cane or whip. The correct placement of reins in the left hand is to hold the left snaffle (bridoon) on the outside of the little finger, the left curb rein between little finger and ring finger, and the right curb rein between the ring and middle fingers. The right hand holds the right snaffle (bridoon) rein in the traditional position between the right little finger and ring finger to keep the mouth mobile. The left hand is held more to the center of the horse directly over the withers than off to the left of the withers.
As I understand when using this method it decreases the action of the curb, prevents the rider from riding with their hands too wide and it shows when the horse is not really straight, because the rider can no longer make the rein pressure on one side of the mouth any stronger than the other, since reins from both sides are held in the left hand. The rider must ride off the seat and legs to bend the horse, and the horse must therefore be correctly working“through”.
Also it forces the rider to hold his hands absolutely quiet and encourages a quiet seat as the bending of the horse should be done mainly by the seat. An uneven contact or a crooked horse is easily revealed with this kind of double bridle handling and cannot be hidden by an uneven use of the curb rein.
Anton´s comments in addition to my understanding
“I basically agree with your description of the 3 to 1 method. I find it to be a far more effective method in training horses. 20-30 years ago Swiss and German riders were competing their horses using this way but nowadays I don’t see anyone using it. I think maybe because it is much more difficult to learn than the 2 to 2 method used by everyone today.
Learning it takes a lot of practice and patience but the results speak for them self – horses and riders progress much better. It really helps in training your horse to be straight, you have a much more even contact on the curb, never any sudden movements of jerking the curb. The hands are much more together, much quieter and certainly you are riding far more with seat and legs. The horse bends better round your leg your seat will be quieter. The horses stay lighter and more through. I don’t know where this method started but I think it is sad that it is rarely seen used nowadays because if mastered the technique is far better for horse and for the rider”.
I think it would be interesting to learn this method and certainly if it is gentler for the horse and encourages a better seat it cannot fail to be a bonus!
Anton Walliser is my opinion a true Classical Master and has a fasinating story which you can read part one here
There will be part 2 in his story coming soon as now his young horses are all at PSG and above two competing GP and achieving outstanding results. Anton is a true inspiration keep posted.
https://lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/3-1-rein-hold-2.jpg6641000Teresa Burtonhttp://www.lusitanohorsefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo-lusitano-heritage2.pngTeresa Burton2021-01-23 14:51:092023-06-30 13:23:29Classic Double Bridle 3:1 Rein Hold
Fashion history has always been directly related to History itself, as are all of the elements that we surround ourselves with, evolving through times. But fashion itself is an easy way of showing one’s personality, beliefs, or even mood. We can “dress to impress” or we can be careless but regardless, what we wear is always going to say something about us and place us somewhere in history.
The Portuguese Riding Costume
is characteristic of a specific period in history, and although the masculine costume can be placed in the late 1700s, the feminine costume is directly related to the fashionable dresses worn by the last queen of Portugal, D. Amélia de Orleães e Bragança, in the late 1800s and beginning of the 1900’s – the Belle Époque period.
D. Amélia de Orleães e Bragança
Today, as we see the horse men and women riding in Portuguese costume, we hardly notice any differences in most cases, apart from the skirt and, in fewer cases, the hat.
The Feminine Costume
The ladies costume has evolved in such a way that it’s look is very similar to the masculine – the cut of the jacket, the shirt with the collar and cuff links, the vest, the hat – all pieces that are characteristic of the male costume, but are also worn by female horse riders – also here, in this fashion, we see history!
But the traditional Portuguese feminine riding costume has much to say!
We can consider two kinds of costumes – the Amazona costume (for the side saddle), and the Amazona costume for riding astride.
It is more common to see a more romantic look on the Amazona costume for the side saddle – the jacket is cut to fit the feminine silhouette, there are no collar or cuff links on the shirt but a silk bow or a jabot of lace, the placement and application of the buttons, all variable according to the fashion worn in that period of time.
It is my belief that the majority of the horsewomen who dress in the Portuguese style prefer a more minimal and contemporary costume, and as a result, the traditional feminine costume with its puffed sleeves was set aside and did not earn a solid place as did its pair.
Costume Evolution
As a fashion designer and dressmaker, it is very interesting to realize that there are subtle changes that can be made in this Amazona costume and that those changes can bring it back to life and allow horsewomen a more romantic look if they so choose, still respecting the rules of the traditional Portuguese Riding Costume.
I will write in a more detailed manner on this subject, reviewing every garment of this beautiful costume, and I would love to hear from you as well! Let me know if you have any questions or comments, and I’ll “see” you soon!
To order your own bespoke costume by Silvia check her page in our online shop. Silvia is always available to discuss with you style fabrices and colours.
