tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52294964325448140982012-02-02T23:32:33.063ZReflexions on Equestrian Lifeaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.comBlogger1091100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-26810203649534466192009-05-04T12:17:00.006+01:002009-05-05T22:10:12.475+01:00

This was a busy weekend!First I had the chance to audit the Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg clinic here in Portugal. The Clinic took place in the Quinta de S. Miguel facilities, near Grândola.We were kindly invited by the owners, and we spend a lovely day watching the great work of this worldwide famous rider and clinican.Afterwards I went the Dressage Academy to watch another clinic, this time was

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-38134306008113592372009-04-20T04:43:00.004+01:002009-04-20T10:32:53.043+01:00

DRESSAGE PORTUGAL is now available!!!!Visit us at http://www.dressageportugal.comThe Portuguese version is now complete… and I guess that the English one will be ready in one or two days! I’ll let you know when, watch this space!The first number highlight is the 30th anniversary of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, but we have lots of other interesting contents, like the technical article

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-68026985070175731942009-04-09T08:58:00.007+01:002009-04-09T09:35:20.730+01:00

These last weeks I've been working like mad to produce the Dressage Portugal on-line magazine fist number contents.The first number main article will focus the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art 30th anniversary and I believe that it is going to be a very interesting one!I spend last afternoon taking some pictures of their show ant Queluz Palace gardens and I leave you some... just to start your

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-23097963140634696472009-04-06T14:29:00.011+01:002009-04-06T14:46:41.314+01:00

Forgive me this extraordinary absence but I’ve been extremely busy on a very pleasant way and I’m just about to share with you the reasons of my happiness!First ...I just created an online dressage magazine about everything Dressage related in Portugal… so all the Lusitano and Portugal lovers... watch this space because there will be updates really really soon… and I can let you have a preview on

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-21110624947126490412009-02-09T09:09:00.011Z2009-02-10T11:45:55.712Z

Congratulations to Gonçalo Soares, aka my trainer, and Vejetal, a lovely 6 year old Lusitano from the Alter Real Stud, that won first place at the Elementary level with a brilliant 64,375 pts in the first days, upgrading to 66,667 pts in the second day!This was the Vejetal’s first Dressage contest and besides his wonderful performance in the arena he was an absolute angel during the show.Vejetal

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-79507996807399234422009-01-27T15:06:00.007Z2009-01-27T15:23:45.406Z

Last weekend I had the pleasure to watch the first journey of the Portuguese Dressage Cup that took place on the new Dressage Academy, home of Portuguese Olympic Dressage Rider Daniel Pinto.I had the excellent and always interesting guidance of my trainer and friend G that step by step helps me adding some more knowledge to my dressage wannabe bag. Thank you ;)It was two great and long days with

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-26666422795231756242008-12-30T00:24:00.006Z2008-12-30T00:46:01.124Z

This year I decided to be my own Santa and treat me with a trip to London to watch the FEI Dressage World Qualifier!I had a fantastic time with some great riding at the beautiful and lovely setting of the Olympia Arena.Finally I managed to upload the clips and look at the zillions of pictures that my friend AG took of the GP and choose some to put here (see side bar)!You also have the clips of

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-63388637328745156942008-11-28T14:57:00.003Z2008-11-28T15:05:41.414Z

In the last two riding lessons I had the chance of working with a young horse. He is a recently backed 3 year old Lusitano that my trainer is schooling.The first lessons we did a lunge lessons with me riding and working on the rudiments of leg Yield and transitions between gaits. Yesterday I rode the horse out of the lounge but the same work.He is very calm and relaxed horse and it seems like a

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-89220527494624465032008-11-19T01:26:00.013Z2008-11-19T11:21:50.180Z

This weekend I stayed in the city with some friends to spend a (at least I thought it would be) completely horseless weekend! However it turned into a surprisingly pleasant time with some great horsey moments!It all started Saturday with a chill out visit to my yard after spending all morning shopping with my good friend AF. We had the pleasure to watch my trainer schooling his newest Alter Real

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-43012212665705775392008-10-29T10:28:00.006Z2008-10-29T10:48:21.122Z

Went to the show last night!They are performing in Portugal it makes about 3 weeks now and they are staying until next Sunday.Wasn’t surprised by horsemanship or the circus performance, but it all works well together and combined with the high-tech scenario. It was a pleasant evening!Enjoyed pretty much the after show performance by the famous equestrian artist Frederic Pignon, schooling one of

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-17261144305874238922008-10-28T13:35:00.012Z2008-10-28T13:49:03.569Z

Spend the weekend riding across the “Serra d’Aires e Candeeiros” Natural Park mountains wonderful scenario, with about 30 other riders and horses, from all breeds, gender and age!It was a two day ride between the lovely town of Benedita and the world famous town of “Fátima”. (One of the most important catholic sanctuaries in Europe)1st day we rode about 35 Kilometers (21,75 miles) …it started

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-28838411968341097442008-10-22T00:02:00.013+01:002008-10-22T00:32:54.217+01:00

Update… fantastic progress on my riding lessons:I’m very happy to announce that I’m making a lot of progress on my dressage lessons! Praise to myself, trainer and horse!1st… canter is now a solved issue! I’m able to ask canter for both leads from trot, walk or standing. I’m also able to control the rhythm, stride, and impulsion… within the movement keeping the horse on the bit. I’m also able to

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-58975786234022543002008-10-07T14:55:00.000+01:002008-10-07T14:56:48.692+01:00

...for dressage riders!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-77341646267354919722008-10-05T22:50:00.004+01:002008-10-05T22:59:44.085+01:00

... was a donkey! And he's still there after 30 years!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-60371658503008841002008-09-14T20:49:00.018+01:002008-09-14T21:44:42.994+01:00

Time flies when we’re having fun! Being horseless turned in to a very positive experience and I have 97 posts and over 6000 visits that confirm it!I am very pleased with this Blogging experience! It allowed me to broad my equestrian knowledge and experience, meet new places and people from all over the world, and their comments and feedback kept me publishing and always try to improve the

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-74157166025141672522008-09-12T23:51:00.002+01:002008-09-12T23:55:14.254+01:00

I’m extremely happy to announce to the cyber world… because my friends just can’t stand hearing it anymore… my riding is really improving, and last lesson was great!Is really such a difference that it doesn’t look that I’m riding the same horse! Can you believe this?Everything is now extremely more fluid and easy! What thrill… I want more!For those that sometimes find it hard… just keep trying…

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-81541350239515581312008-09-11T22:41:00.003+01:002008-09-11T22:43:53.450+01:00

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-60471724827889998202008-09-09T02:15:00.018+01:002008-09-09T10:43:24.554+01:00

What more could a girl ask for birthday?Yesterday it was my birthday and I treated myself with a free morning watching the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art training the gorgeous Alter Real stallions in the beautiful gardens of the Queluz Palace!It was an unforgettable experience and this really made my day! This is a “must” to any classical riding lover when visiting Lisbon!Some pictures of

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-72640662319514608222008-08-28T00:25:00.008+01:002009-02-09T09:26:13.931Z

This always seems to go well… happy for returning to the yard and the horses… not too stressed by the work… the perfect combination!We made a short review on the usual exercises: transitions trot / canter/ trot and walk/ canter / trot, worked the canter, shoulder in, haunches in and half pass.I was very happy with the canter work… even if “very” far from perfect it went incomparably better than

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-22266586816383521112008-08-22T14:37:00.007+01:002008-08-22T17:14:06.249+01:00

The end of a horses working career is sometimes hard to understand under the human social and ethical values.Unfortunately and because horses are not comparable to a regular pet in size, in the amount of space and care they need in order to have a good a healthy life, most horses have a not so happy life end when they are no longer able to fulfil its duties in sport, breeding, or simply they get

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-64577186531938051582008-08-11T22:39:00.005+01:002008-08-11T23:07:52.082+01:00

Is it possible to find horses on a music festival?… some images from this weekend at the “Festival do Sudoeste” near the fantastic beaches of the Alentejo coast! The mounted police patrolling the festival camping site. Horses jumping on The Chemical Brothers led screen... a music festival wouldn’t be a great one without some horses!!!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-76053227651174648502008-07-31T12:26:00.003+01:002008-07-31T15:10:51.496+01:00

These clips are excerpts from a TV Show Mestre Nuno Oliveira produced for the Portuguese National Television Service – RTP, in the 1950’s / 60’s.Thank you very much to L for the kindness of sharing these images with the world!They will just be available on youtube today!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-46067152011838578002008-07-23T01:44:00.006+01:002008-11-13T23:00:05.561Z

... a very big Blog update!Well … I was never away for so long since I started this Blog! I’m really sorry for this absence but I have been soooo busy this last month… that the little free time I have I just don’t want to spend it at home in front of the computer. So… there you have it!!!!I have lots of updates… and I will try to publish them as soon as possible! First update.... Riding Lessons!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-38515850320046515702008-07-01T19:01:00.012+01:002008-11-13T23:00:06.346Z

Here some pictures from the Prix Saint Georges contest from Portuguese Dressage Cup final, this weekend at Ponte de Lima. The winner Mafalda Galiza Mendes riding D'Artagnan Bronze medal Manuel Tavares Veiga riding Quinteiro da Broa (Lusitano - MV) Rodrigo Galiza Mendes riding Neopus

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-44301524564755198232008-06-27T01:53:00.013+01:002008-11-13T23:00:07.806Z

… finally I found some time to share some memories from my recent trip to The Netherlands!Thank you so much good friends Y & M and their lovely family (and Lindo), which completely fulfilled all my wishes and requests, and for whom I wish all the happiness in the world, hoping that I’ll have you soon here in Portugal! Lots of H’s & K’s!!!!Y and Me (2 blondes for 2 brunettes)On the way for a ride!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-25855181146860010282008-06-08T03:13:00.000+01:002008-06-08T03:14:32.193+01:00

I´ll be back next week... hopefuly with bag full of good horsey memories! :)

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-48205733635951257332008-06-08T03:06:00.001+01:002008-06-08T03:07:55.219+01:00

This week I got back to lessons. I didn’t had a lesson since middle April so I was really looking forward to it!After a chat with my instructor moaning about the worries and aims of my equestrian progression… I was presented with a surprisingly pleasant lunging lesson focusing only on the seat and overall body posture!I almost had forgot how great lunging is, and now I even more believe that it

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-87019267293754154742008-05-28T00:46:00.017+01:002008-11-13T23:00:12.306Z

I just arrived from a work trip to the Portuguese island of “Porto Santo” in “Madeira”.Porto Santo means Holy Harbour, and was discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1418. Since then they settled a small fishing community, which for centuries survived the multiple pirate attacks.Nowadays is known by its golden sands and turquoise blue sea, and it’s a developing touristic destination.… and off course

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-53356034546174888612008-05-20T14:44:00.029+01:002008-11-13T23:00:15.704Z

The Horses: ... me and a very friendly Alter Real filly!The mares barn.Mares and foals having a rest at the barn. (... pet me!) Group of Sorraia mares. The Stud: Horsey metal weather vane Horse head fountain. Horse drinker. The stalls. A falcon at the Falconry demonstration. ...a stork's nest.

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-35634989653358826672008-05-15T16:07:00.001+01:002008-11-13T23:00:15.852Z

... off to the congress... be back next week! ;)

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-83540333764740099902008-05-13T00:25:00.002+01:002008-05-13T00:38:42.545+01:00

Later this week I’m going back to the beautiful village of Alter do Chão to attend to the International Congress of Equestrian Tourism.Hopefully it will be a great opportunity to know about the current tendencies of equestrian tourism around Europe and Portugal, and to know the views and needs of stakeholders involved.As leisure developments planner and horse rider I find this theme particularly

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-56201294034549368952008-05-10T20:55:00.003+01:002008-11-13T23:00:16.251Z

This is a delayed post from last week when I finally lived one of the most common female rider fantasy… riding a Frisian horse!I was lucky enough to meet the lovely “Sam”. A very well behaved and kind horse that enjoyed the ride outside as much as I did! Hopefully next month I’ll be lucky enough to ride a Frisian horse at their home land with my good friend Y.For now I just have to thank J for

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-32767183362464566332008-05-03T00:47:00.027+01:002008-11-13T23:00:19.208Z

The annual Alter Real Stud auction was great!More than an auction it works as a first class meeting point for riders and horse people from all over the country and also from abroad.The beautiful Stud that also hosts the National Equestrian School headquarters and its beautiful surroundings are perfect scenery and the main arena staged the event and provides comfortable accommodation to the

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-76508488357991582682008-04-21T12:15:00.006+01:002008-11-13T23:00:19.452Z

Big plans for this week!!!For the first time I’m going to attend to the Alter Real Stud Annual Auction, that take place at the beautiful Stud Facilities in the lovely village of Alter do Chão.This sale takes place every year at 24th April with the horses and mares that were rejected from the stud’s breeding program that has limited renewal vacancies for every year.One of the main selection

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-40519649674274018472008-04-15T23:30:00.001+01:002008-04-15T23:32:22.126+01:00

Because it looks like my riding is really improving… maybe I should have ordered the long riding boots sooner!The Half Pass dark mystery is no longer dark and is turning lighter each lesson… and now I even got magnificent moments cantering in Half Pass along the arena.In the Leg Yield the horse is not dying all the way from A to M… but he moves freely and swinging. For the first time I managed to

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-21469880652261918982008-04-11T13:49:00.003+01:002008-11-13T23:00:20.001Z

... I´ve got a new whip!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-63511403449303769722008-04-08T15:30:00.001+01:002008-04-08T15:33:19.060+01:00

… but it doesn’t!Today I rode with my brand new made to custom black leather Dressage boots… My first “real” riding boots ever!I’ve wanted ones for a long time and this year I finally gave up to my riding vanity and ordered them… no more excuses for not riding great… I have 2 arms and 2 legs, the horse, the instructor and the looks … I JUST HAVE TO CONVINCE MYSELF I CAN MAKE IT!... otherwise I’d

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-32473973522844356222008-03-30T21:38:00.003+01:002008-03-30T21:43:12.440+01:00

Like her or not! She is the new World Champion for the 9th time! Congratulations Anky!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-79906754276930726522008-03-24T01:13:00.002Z2008-11-13T23:00:20.559Z

Somewhere...

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-51871569750687185752008-03-21T02:41:00.004Z2008-11-13T23:00:20.841Z

...is here! And this is what I found when I arrived at the yard today!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-68152600743999324852008-03-15T18:58:00.003Z2008-11-13T23:00:21.041Z

... I wish this was from today...

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-32089961678750141722008-03-10T10:55:00.021Z2008-11-13T23:00:22.546Z

This weekend I had the privilege of watching in person the Sunshine Tour (http://www.sunshinetour.net/) Dressage competitions near Cadiz in Spain under guidance of the two trainers from my yard, who kindly challenged me to join them on this trip. (Huge thank you to G and R!)We left Lisbon towards Spain at 5 am Saturday, and after a 6 hour drive, we arrived to the Dehesa Montenmedio Country Club

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-19277587039237623622008-03-04T08:49:00.024Z2008-11-13T23:00:24.759Z

Cabalo – means “horse” in CreoleProfessional affairs took me to the island of Santiago, the main island of the Cabo Verde archipelago, an ancient Portuguese colony.This time, the chance of having a horse crossing my way was very remote… but… it happened!!!And I was holding my camera! Here it is… the only horse I saw during my stay… … a chestnut horse trotting along the dark sands of Gamboa beach,

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-10267494275459534142008-02-24T11:32:00.004Z2008-11-13T23:00:25.495Z

Still recovering from an extremely busy week at work that didn’t allowed any riding… so I’m just trying to relax and finish this book that is on my bed side table for almost two weeks now.I found it quite interesting because it gives a view not only about the rider but also about the man and the people who floated around him. I just don’t know how accurate this “view” is and maybe every former

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-74634109896753978182008-02-16T22:19:00.028Z2008-11-13T23:00:27.439Z

This morning I had the chance to attend a Lusitano Stallion Grading here in Lisbon.I was curious to see how it was for a long time so I offered to go as groom/helper for my trainer that was riding one of the stallions, so I got a very interesting “inside” view on the process.Off course I enjoyed a lot being there and having a small role on it. Spending time around gorgeous horses really made my

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-38535183653066805832008-02-14T02:04:00.003Z2008-02-14T12:09:04.039Z

Today I had the chance of riding a different horse… lucky me he was available! (Thank you so much)He is a mature black Lusitano stallion from Ortigão Costa Stud. The kind of horse that reads our thoughts, and that requires absolutely lightness in the aids, turning the leg aid into a gentle cuddle.This guy is a walking sofa… I could just go on all day! But he is also pretty sharp compared to the

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-61783162881375844382008-02-10T22:52:00.000Z2008-02-10T22:56:43.213Z

Not much time to write my usual reports... so I´ll just leave you with some images to dream for!Wishing you all a great "hunting" week! :)

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-91487240984385056222008-02-05T12:57:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:27.792Z

Well… this is my new reality from today on until my trainer decides when I’ll be awarded with my saddle stirrups again… :)I must admit that I’m fond on riding stirrupless but I’ll try hard to have them back because if we have them in the saddle there must be a reason! So… if I’m not planning in starting a new dressage discipline without stirrups I’d better get used to ride with them on.But

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-87556051696911035252008-01-30T17:17:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:28.013Z

... I like this! Maybe one day...

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-89065662527049046582008-01-26T18:26:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:28.285Z

Today I had a lesson early in the morning… indoor…We picked up last lesson exercises but I didn’t ride very well (my fault) … lazy leg returns… and the results weren’t that exciting as the ones in the last week.Good thing my trainer is a wonderful professor and always manages to keep me “forward” in the joys of riding despite my riding ability ups and downs.So today the problem was my left leg…

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-89587843343995357662008-01-25T11:38:00.000Z2008-01-25T11:42:23.446Z

Today the architecture is killing my good mood...

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-60524408282774937022008-01-23T14:06:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:28.627Z

I am as tall as my eyes can reach!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-26026623582196554272008-01-20T22:42:00.000Z2008-01-20T22:47:09.008Z

Two fantastic lessons this weekend!Gorgeous warm and sunny days allowed us to ride in the outside arena… my favorite.I didn’t had a lesson for almost a month now, just some hacking before new year… but lots of riding inside my head… so I was so looking forward to it, but trying to keep expectations low in case it all went bad… but it didn’t and I’m very happy!Saturday – 2008´s first lessonThe

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-41433772263932898692008-01-16T00:19:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:28.933Z

In a field trip to a new project site I found this lovely guy waiting for me with a smile!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-33852990832882512442008-01-13T22:21:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:29.413Z

This is what happens when I don’t get enough riding.This is the view from my office window.Now look again.:)

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-38007393651677538742008-01-08T03:49:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:29.571Z

A beautiful horsey movie about broken-hearts and classical equitation. Perfect for lonely female riders in a rainy Sunday afternoon.Watched it this weekend... beautiful horses and music.

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-14487490979324063192008-01-04T22:55:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:30.227Z

Some days ago I had the chance to visit it. Having seen some inspiring images of Nuno Oliveira riding to the sound of Opera there... it was a little disappointed seeing it so empty and spoiled.

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-37533180797593580142008-01-03T23:30:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:30.436Z

Closing the year with a golden key!Christmas time inspired my trainer to award me with something different … some Piaffer and Passage work! YEY!It was a after work evening lesson… not my favourite… got the horse from the stable and he looked at me with the most bored but cute horse look… “What are you doing here? Don’t you see that I’m already in my pyjama? “… poor guy!Tacked him, mounted and

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-18578719942088808822007-12-31T08:57:00.001Z2008-11-13T23:00:30.690Z

This weekend´s ride somewhere in a beautiful Alentejo beach!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-9147890184603957922007-12-29T00:18:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:31.562Z

I want to ride here! …if you want to know more about this place… http://www.parquenoudar.com/

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-87181423568634217732007-12-25T22:56:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:32.202Z

... for the lovely horsey Christmas presents!!!A pair of exquisite Portuguese slip on spurs and confy riding socks, from MM. The long time “very much wanted” book about the traditional Portuguese riding costume, from my Dad. The "Cavalo Lusitano" book. This was “from me to me”… couldn’t resist it when doing the last minute Christmas shopping!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-82767942900343547632007-12-20T10:45:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:32.306Z

Horseless is off to Christmas and will return next week!!!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-58166512797686572062007-12-15T14:38:00.000Z2007-12-15T14:51:18.784Z

Dear Santa,I’ve accomplished all my riding goals and I was nice and lovely to all the horses I rode this year, giving them apples and carrots after the lessons and rides and not being pushy with my legs and hands!I’m not asking for a horse this year as I’m planning remaining Horseless in 2008 but I’m sending you my Horsey Literature Christmas Gift List, hoping I’ll be pleasantly surprised on

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-51417817043711121372007-12-11T11:36:00.001Z2008-11-13T23:00:32.613Z

Conversation with Mr. Filipe Figueiredo (Graciosa) Director and Mestre Picador Chefe of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, in Paris on November 24, 2007 during the World Presentation of the Four Schools of Equestrian Art – Spanish School of Vienna , Cadre Noir de Saumur, Royal Andaluzian School of Equestrian Art and the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (EPAE) at the Palais Omnisports in

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-27296466872584733532007-12-09T16:17:00.000Z2008-01-11T00:53:38.547Z

01.12.2007It makes about one month I didn’t had a riding lesson and after a time of massive great horsey events my “riding energy” was about to burst!!! The Saturday morning lesson was very pleasant although I didn’t do very well! Today the plan was working canter and canter transitions, but I had a hard time departing in to canter as the horse wasn’t much responsive to the leg. I only got it

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-86437579594172160222007-12-03T15:41:00.001Z2007-12-15T16:45:08.701Z

Just found these images of Nuno Oliveira riding. Thank you so much for uploading them in Youtube. They are as rare as inspiring!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-56481113679755396992007-11-29T18:35:00.001Z2008-11-13T23:00:34.990Z

So I guess I took almost a week to get down to Planet Earth since my trip to Planet Riding... and I still didn’t land as much as I should because I’m having such a hard time getting focused back in to the urban matters. I have horses cantering everywhere inside my head.Besides the riding I have to say that revisiting Paris was absolutely fantastic!!! Really enjoyed being there this time, with the

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-75008322751118784662007-11-26T21:36:00.000Z2007-12-15T16:46:40.507Z

...images coming in two days. Watch this space!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-62172168798288007592007-11-23T00:29:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:35.363Z

http://www.bercy.fr/programme/spectacle/46/4_Ecoles_d http://www.acadequestre.fr/

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-15955948404478399672007-11-21T00:09:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:38.952Z

Just went thru the archives and found this pictures I took last year at the Working Equitation World Championship final here in Lisbon. There were 6 teams in competition: Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, England and Mexico... and once again Portugal was the winner!If you want to know more about Working Equitation click here: http://www.fite-net.org/fite/travail/presentation.php?page=page1Portugal

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-54923624658728994882007-11-17T22:35:00.000Z2007-11-17T22:39:04.708Z

4th review on Xenophont – The art of horsemanshipLots of interesting notes.What was expected form a Greek war horse 2000 years ago…“These are jumping ditches, going over walls, breasting banks, and leaping down form them;”… all this bareback!Architectural curiosity about stables…“it is a good thing to have his stall in such a part of the establishment that his master shall very often have an eye

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-73375562278829353672007-11-16T11:14:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:39.218Z

Thank you very much to all Horseless Blog visitors!Hope you keep finding it interesting and all comments are welcome!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-48498780306764959342007-11-14T00:16:00.000Z2007-12-15T16:51:03.628Z

Pedro Torres riding the Lusitano stallion - Riopele, performing flying changesPiaffe and Passage pirouetteMiguel Ralão Duarte riding the Lusitano mare - Sigonha, performing a Prix St. Georges movement: Half Pass to extended trot.2 tempi flying changes

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-3981140519268788482007-11-12T22:31:00.000Z2007-12-15T16:50:49.716Z

Some good moments of the Dressage demo by Daniel Pinto, riding the Lusitano stallion Semanário, and Mariette Whitages, at the Dressage Forum - Golegã 2007

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-35186168557551697282007-11-12T00:01:00.001Z2008-11-13T23:00:40.230Z

...is always a pleasure riding you, my litlle brave horse!a picture from yesterday

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-5826530582019230872007-11-09T12:24:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:42.175Z

Yesterday I attended a Dressage Forum held in the lovely village of Golegã.The Forum was composed by a riding demo in the morning and a conference in the afternoon. The main speaker was Mariette Withages (Dressage Judge and President of the FEI Dressage Technical Committee) that made a very interesting presentation about the “eye of the judge” on Dressage evaluation.In the riding demonstrations

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-9010057612878796362007-11-07T10:22:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:42.612Z

Yesterday pictures from a beach in Alentejo Coast… surf and snorkelling paradise! In Portugal at this time of the year we usually get some sunny days, known as “Verão (Summer) de S. Martinho (Saint Martin)”, because this saint’s feastday is November 11th and he was known for making the Sun shine in a very cold day after helping a poor and shivering men.

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-49129891791563203762007-11-05T14:47:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:42.812Z

Yesterday I visited a coule of friends in Alentejo and revisited a yard where I had been many years ago.Hebraico the horse I rode so long ago was still there, older but in very good shape. He is a true gentleman.I had the chance of riding two different horses: Nobre (Noble) - in the morning and Herodes – in the afternoon.Nobre is the Yard keeper’s horse. A typical Lusitano stallion with the

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-39720872694309282202007-11-01T23:40:00.002Z2008-11-13T23:00:43.012Z

Tomorrow begins the “Feira da Golegã” - Golegã Fair, the oldest and most important event centred on the Portuguese national horse breed, the Lusitano. Is an annual Fair that takes place in a little village called Golegã in the heart of the most traditional horse breeding region - the Ribatejo.In this event we get the chance to see the year selection of the products of all Portuguese main breeders

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-42727895934255505392007-10-30T19:47:00.000Z2008-11-13T23:00:43.162Z

Today I just have time to share this cute picture I found on my travel album!Two Senegalese donkeys taking a nap on the road from Dakar to Ndangane on the way to Sine Saloum. (2005)

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-46224331457023843032007-10-28T18:35:00.001Z2008-11-13T23:00:43.490Z

Today RI suggested that it could be beneficial for my riding performance to practice “coordination exercises” and after I asked “like what?” he said “like Step aerobics”!Today we reviewed one more time (after the many other times) all the Half-Pass set of aids and it seems that my left leg doesn’t work properly, and in exercises when the outside leg really has an important role, like in HP, it

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-48117371566543285642007-10-28T01:04:00.000Z2007-10-28T01:10:40.287+01:00

There is no cartoon because Saturday evening class went really bad! Started as usual, feeling great, did very well on the first exercises and that was it for the day! Bad everything afterwards… especially the Half Pass (HP) thing….. ggrrrrrrrr…. I’m starting to hate this %#@... HP! Tomorrow the class will be just HP, HP, HP, HP … until I get it right! GRRRRRRRR! Hopefully Sunday morning class

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-86258099781282338142007-10-25T22:13:00.000+01:002008-11-13T23:00:43.845Z

First note today… the horse I usually ride is no longer used as schoolmaster because he is going to be sold, so all lessons will be on the other schoolmaster that in the first lesson’s report I described as “a typical built Lusitano horse very round shaped and a little less forward moving” that I usually call “The Meatball”.Last time I rode “Meatball” it went really bad so I was very curious

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-44060042975808845312007-10-24T07:42:00.000+01:002007-10-24T07:49:07.742+01:00

... After bath and extensive grooming to turn him in to a grey horse again... this is what happens!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-53742338669875989322007-10-22T00:15:00.000+01:002008-11-13T23:00:47.912Z

Once again, this weekend, I had the privilege to go visit my beloved ex-horse in is new home. It was a great weekend with an absolute fantastic weather with two wonderful trail rides, and very happy moments “around the dinner-table” and doing all the normal horse/farm related chores… that most “city” riders don’t get the chance to practice!Owned by the Felgueiras family, Outeiro Alto (meaning

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-53369513842162343712007-10-18T23:50:00.000+01:002007-10-19T15:47:44.078+01:00

3rd reviewI’m totally amazed with this book. As I said before its modernity is astonishing and once again I have a clear example of this, which I’m just going to write about!In Chapter II and III, Xenophon shares some thoughts about the methods of breaking a horse and what to be observed in buying a horse already broken, and is fascinating to see how some advices are still up-to-date in a time

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-32657078661910793522007-10-17T15:33:00.000+01:002008-11-13T23:00:48.229Z

Found this cartoon once in an English newspaper when flying to London! It always puts a smile on my face!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-27158248115090054302007-10-16T23:37:00.000+01:002007-10-16T23:38:37.585+01:00

It wasn’t very good today!Back to double bridle (curb and snaffle), back to asking for more responsive transitions… not very good results!Still no spurs and the horse was absolutely sleepy… no forward attitude at all… rushing without reason.RI rode the horse to reset the aids and also found it still very stiff… after that noticed some improvement but not the lightness I’m looking for! Got some

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-60088271764594376362007-10-16T13:21:00.000+01:002007-10-16T13:28:30.611+01:00

Thank you very much for your visits and I hope you keep finding it interesting and returning!I wish this Blog has helped you anyway or at least made you smile!Once again, thank you!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-88962690599041548952007-10-15T13:32:00.000+01:002008-11-13T23:00:48.925Z

When we are used to get to see the World beauties between the horses hears sometimes is hard to get used to see them with our feet on the ground! However there are some places that really worth a visit and where simply NO HORSES ARE ALLOWED!Yesterday I went to one of those places!Secret spot somewhere on the Arrábida Natural Park (land and marine sanctuary)Obvious reasons why no horses are

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-39980526726276004742007-10-13T20:08:00.000+01:002008-11-13T23:00:49.228Z

Today we continued the work from last lesson, but without asking such a downward attitude.Started with a short warm up at walk in long reins followed by work at rising trot in circles, serpentines asking for bending and counter-bending and transitions trot/walk/trot.In the end we worked the transitions walk/canter/trot/walk in the LL attitude and it was ok. Due to the lack of work the horse is in

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-85850041852864073812007-10-12T22:13:00.000+01:002007-10-13T15:47:03.765+01:00

2nd reviewSo the points to be looked at when buying a colt are:Feet: “thick horn is a much better mark of good feet than thin”Legs: “the knees, if they are supple in bending when the colt walks, you may infer that his limbs will be supple in riding”, Xenophon makes other considerations about the legs that I didn’t find very clear.Chest: “The broader the chest so much the handsome and the stronger

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-53810522751216349242007-10-09T21:51:00.000+01:002008-11-13T23:00:49.575Z

RI must have read my blog! I was so curious to see how I would ride today… that he decided that we should work an absolute new exercise… Long and Low (LL)! Long and Low* - Carriage in which the horse lowers and streches out its head and neck, reaching forward and downward into contact on a longer rein. This is the carriage to be achieved when "letting the horse gradually take the reins out of the

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-22839005881531445792007-10-08T18:07:00.000+01:002007-10-08T20:40:01.457+01:00

Last lessons I had before vacation we were working trot/canter and walk/canter transitions to both leads and counter canter. I believe that these exercises will lead me (I hope!) to flying changes … I’m really looking forward to that!In this exercise I should start the horse from walk to canter to the right or the left lead alternately, just allowing a couple of strides in canter, returning to

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-11745818239076292762007-10-05T22:24:00.000+01:002008-11-13T23:00:49.861Z

You are one in a million!!! Can’t wait seeing you again! Thank you very much to his new family for making him such a happy horse!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-64168023457723593032007-10-04T00:11:00.000+01:002007-10-04T12:30:39.003+01:00

1st review Today I started reading this horsemanship classic book. This is the 2006 publication by Dover and it was translated from Greek by Morris H. Morgan.Xenophon is presented like a very skilled rider and a student of Socrates, living in ancient Greece 2300 years ago.The book first chapter starts with an interesting first topic: “how a man, in buying a horse, would least likely to be cheated

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-46876299775347752832007-10-02T23:16:00.000+01:002007-10-02T23:19:17.746+01:00

In my job there are few times when profession meets passion… today was one of those days!Today I had the 1st presentation of the general concept to a new leisure resort I’m working on. I was just standing on the street by the company headquarters (in a new area right on the middle of the city) and I hear the sound of horses walking… turned my head and saw two beautiful grey Lusitanos ridden by

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-29180161688246211692007-09-30T01:47:00.000+01:002007-09-30T03:30:04.178+01:00

For the first time in my life I am having lessons with the same riding instructor (RI) for so long.Usually I ride twice a week mostly on weekends. Each lesson lasts about one hour with RI full attention. I had about 40 lessons until now!During this time there were some rather long gaps on the training due to mine and RI’s professional commitments and just recently because the horse I usually ride

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-26602325895132229112007-09-27T22:09:00.000+01:002007-09-27T22:26:13.203+01:00

Hi everyone I want to ask your attention to this very important issue!As you all (should) know Bazzy, Bazz to his friends is the funniest guy in the horse(cyber)world and his blog&website (see links in the right) was just nominated to the Blogger awards in the Best Animal Blog category.If you know him you probably already voted… If you don’t… just go and visit his website and prepare yourself to

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229496432544814098.post-63659653152025996702007-09-27T16:15:00.000+01:002007-09-27T16:19:11.321+01:00

...it seems I´ll be returning to the saddle next week!My horse is ok now and I just can´t wait riding him again!!!

aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171279246646415126noreply@blogger.com0