Where Horses Coach Humans
Lusitanos Make Great Coaches
A refuge for all the senses – this is the margravial hunting lodge Falkenhaus. Built in 1722, this elegant building is affectionately known as “the Falcon Hood”. With its recent renovation, the owners Eva and Randolph Klautke have created one of the most beautiful retreats offering well-being for people and animals.
The lodge is located near the Wagner town of Bayreuth on the edge of the Fichtelgebirge.
Creating a symbiosis between the charm of the old castle and the hip boutique character was important to the Klautke family during their conversion.
Accordingly, the palace hall, bar, library and salon were largely left in their original condition and upgraded with modern interior highlights. For the noble four-legged friends, a stable wing was built in the old barn and a riding hall and riding arena were built in the castle garden.
The fantastic ambience of Schloss Falkenhaus is now offering stunning events-
- Special seminar formats such as horse-assisted coaching – a method in which the horses act as coaches.
- Welling Being Weekends
- Coroporate Marketing and Promotional events
- Weddings
In addition to Shetland pony Harald and Trakehner mare Lilly, the coach team also consists of Lusitano gelding Elmo and the Lusitano stallions Merengue and Egipcio. The latest arrivals are two Lusitano fillies Ofelia and Pirilampo, whom joined the team in 2022.
Horse-Assisted Coaching
In horse-assisted coaching, the horses are the mirror to the human participants. They can highlight and reveal discrepancies such as team conflicts. They reflect our energies and in turn this helps teams to explore relationship topics. This interaction provides a wonderful platform to find ways to resolve old patterns of thought and action. The horses do not need any special training for this coaching, however it is important that the animals have balance and mental strength. We carefully select horses to suit and enjoy this work.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” – Sir Winston Churchill
These experiences can really open people up to new self awareness and communication possibilities in a fun and calm environment.
Eva Klautke: “In our view, their sensitivity, curiosity and people-orientation predestines the Lusitanos for this task as assistant trainers in our seminar formats. We are very pleased that in Teresa Burton and her online platform “Lusitanohorsefinder.com.” We have a partner at our side who also has a great feel for the individual characters when it comes to brokering and selecting the horses.”
Programmes for Companies and Individuals
In addition to the academy formats for companies such as horse-assisted coaching. Schloss Falkenhaus also offer the private “wellness” programs, such as yoga retreats and other related short breaks. Here, too, the four-legged mental trainers are usually involved.
“Horses teach us to be present, aware, and connected not only with them, but with ourselves and our environment.” – Lisa Wysocki
Interested you can contact them via their website http://www.schloss-Falkenhaus.de/
You can also email Eva
We Love all Things Heritage, Classic, Timeless Style
Cool, classic & not afraid of statement elegance
Aisling Equestrian Clothing is an exciting Stockholm brand inspired into reality by a dynamic duo Charlotte Treschow and Johanna Bodin. These two creative women were looking to bring vintage style into modern equestrian clothing and seeing their latest collection they really are hitting the mark.
Fashion has always been of enormous interest for the duo. Both find inspiration from classic style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly as well as current fashion trends and from men’s fashion.
The company began in under 10 years ago with the intention not to compromise the function that you need in riding wear nor the style that you have outside the stable,” In others words clothing you could be seen out wearing in a city coffee shop and not look out of place.
Rethinking Equestrian Fashion
Timeless silhouettes made in high technology fabrics: we create modern equestrian fashion with focus on details and quality. Make it count and join us!
In May ths year it was a real pleasure to host Lena Saugen and Therese Alhaug, who came over from Norway with a mission to photograph the latest collection from this quality brand. What´s more, everything was made even better by Aisling Equestrian choosing the up and coming International Grand Prix Dressage Rider Rita Ralao be their model and to sponsor her.
Rita Ralão – GP Dressage rider living and working in her family business Ralão Dressage Team. Located close to Cascais in Portugal
I am always ready to promote great projects, riders, horses and brands and this was every bit what we hoped it would be.
Rita made a perfect model and all the contributors to the day were spectacular. I sincerely hope we will be able to host further shoots in the future. Above all, it is great for Portuguese Equestrian Life and the highly talented riders now competing on the International Stage.
For more about the beautiful styles from Aisling Equestrian check out their website. The garments are high quality in fabrics, finishes and style – above all you will not be dissappointed.
Images by Lena Saugen Photography
Editor/Writer Teresa Burton Lusitano Heriatge
Thank you to Daniela and Raquel Costa and the lovely Palomino Lusitano Limao. Nuno Cavaco´s logistics support. Therese Alhaug for video clips and styling.
Ralao Dressage – Facebook
Mottled Horses by Iwona Jankowski
American Contemporary Art –
Mottled Horses by Iwona Jankowski
We were introduced to the beautiful work of Iwona by Claudia a dear friend and client that had some beautiful portraits painted of her Lusitano horses. The work is stunning, perfectly capturing the characters of each horse. The eyes in particular reflect the very depth of the equine´s character and mood.
Artist´s Statement Iwona she told me about her impressionist style called ´Mottled Horses´
My “Mottled Horses” – Equine art developed since 2002 in my new “Mottled” style that merges abstract and expressionism with a touch of realism.
The subject is created on a colorful abstract background to express feelings, often shown as a close-up, with special attention to the eyes and focusing on specific moods and composition. Often with secondary transparent image/s to show movement or specific scenario.
In my paintings, I don’t intend to replicate photo-realistic objects, but to capture the utmost uniqueness of life. Illustrating my subjects, I often pay no attention to exact shapes, textures, or real colors and emphasize just on a small fragment, sometimes a very tiny detail, in order to insinuate an idea.
That approach leads me to concentrate on what I feel and not what I see or know about the subject. Also, it helps me to effectively use visuals to depict a story about my subject.
My art captures just an indication of a subject to leave the rest for my viewer’s imagination to create the unique picture.
We are very proud to be able to offer a selection of limit additions in our online shop.
.Visit Shop for the Limited Addition Collection. SEE WHOLE COLLECTION
Original Art – Iwona does commissions to find out more contact us here. The prices will depend on the size, complexity and location. Interested in a Commission
Riding in Portuguese style – “à portuguesa”
The traditional Portuguese Riding Costume – a must have for every Lusitano horse lover .
Hello. My name is Sílvia and I’m a fashion designer. I’m Portuguese and live on the beautiful island of Terceira in the Azores. I am a horse rider and have been for more than 30 years.
The Beginning of an Adventure
A few years ago, I decided to start my own business, designing and handmaking exclusive costumes dedicated to horseriders. Since I love Working Equitation, I started with the feminine traditional Portuguese Riding Costume with which I was already familiar. Through my research I found out many interesting details about this particular costume and this made me want to develop it and embrace the challenge of bringing it up to date. I decided to revisit and redesign it, respecting its history and purpose while taking a contemporary approach that has a fashionable look and that values the elegance of the horse rider (with an emphasis on the feminine figure).
Along this path I’ve been given the opportunity and privilege of meeting and working with other horse riders, with diverse personal requirements for their presentations from Dressage to Natural Equitation Horsemanship.
Exploring the History of the Ladies Costume
Regarding the traditional Portuguese Riding Costume, I’ve been asked questions such as: “Should the skirt be like this?” or, “Is the vest a mandatory piece in this outfit?”.
So, why do we wear this costume and what’s the correct way of wearing it? And how should we style it?
I have seen many variations of oppinion on this subject, and definitely there are some “dos” and “don’ts”.
I love what I do and since there is so little online information about this subject I decided to start this blog to share my work and my experience. I would also like to to hear from you, your questions, comments or sugestions. I hope this can be useful.
Thanks for taking the time to read through, and “see” you soon!
Silvia T.
Text revised by Peter Cann
Images by Hugo Silvia Photography
Thinking of having your own costume made check out Silvia´s work at the online shop. You can also discuss with us what you are looking for in shape, style, colours and finishings. Costumes are made to order with your unique measurement taken into account for a perfect fit. SILVIA T.ATELIER
Shinning Bright – Portuguese Dressage Riders make history for Tokyo 2020
Shinning Bright Under the Alentejo Skies – Portuguese Dressage Riders make history for Tokyo 2020
In 2019 four riders with their ‘Chef d’Equipe’ Daniel Pinto took Portugal to the next level in International Dressage. They won a team place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Although it is not the first time Portugal has competed, with great riders such as Miguel Ralão, Daniel Pinto and Carlos Pinto competing as individuals (a composed team) in Beijing 2008, Gonçalo Carvalho as a single entry in London 2012 and previously in London 1948 three riders won the bronze medal. This is the first time a full team qualification has been achieved. The four riders have only been competing Internationally for a short time and none have ever been to the Olympics, what’s more they are all on Portuguese Lusitano horses. All the horses were bred in the Southern Region of Portugal called the Alentejo.
All are pure bred stallions demonstrating the remarkable evolution of an ancient breed in a short period of time.
Maria Caetano & Coroado AR image by
Very Recent Evolution of the Lusitano
In fact it’s only in the last 15-20 years Lusitano breeders have turned their expertise to producing horses for dressage competition. Previously they were bred for bullfighting, classical dressage and working equitation. It’s a very big step into International dressage sport where the warmbloods have dominated for so long. Breeders have managed, even with a closed stud book to produce high quality horses that are bigger, stronger, with more sportive gaits and yet still retaining the overall integrity of the breed. Admittedly, they may not have the huge extended movements of the warmbloods, but they bring other qualities to the party. A natural ability to collect, fantastic temperament, work ethic and rideAbility. Lusitanos are now ranked 7th in the WBFSH FEI stud of horse breeds for dressage competition. They are one of the oldest breeds of horse in the world and there is still a relativity low number of them registered globally.
Rodrigo Torres & Fogoso Image by Rui Godinho
´A New Record !! two of the qualifying Lusitanos have been bred at the same stud farm from the same stallion Rubi AR – this is the first time in the history of Olympic dressage that a stud farm anywhere in the world has attained this´.
Carlos Lopes (the Portugal Team Selector)
told me it is not just the evolution of the Lusitanos that has achieved this result, but also the investors in the horses and their support for the internationalisation of the riders. These investors have shown huge faith in the breed and commitment to International advancement. With this support there is greater access to more training and therefore better performance in the horses and riders.
Joao Torrao & Equador MVL Image by Digishots
The qualifying riders Maria Caetano Couceiro, Rodrigo Moura Torres, João Torrão and Duarte Nogueira are all true ambassadors for Portuguese equestrian heritage in modern day equitation. I talked with each of them to find out more.
Duarte Nogueira & Beirao AR
Lusitano Dressage Horses For Sale
For Dressage Rankings check FEI
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.