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Horse riding on the Silver Coast
- in the footsteps of history
There is a strong tradition of horse riding on the Silver Coast. Horse riding has been woven into the culture of Portugal since before Roman times and the country has produced not only top-class international riders, particularly in dressage, but also the world-famous Lusitano horse.
The cradle of horse riding
This noble breed has origins that can be traced back to prehistoric times. Cave paintings found in the area are said to prove that the world's first saddle-horses appeared in this part of the world, so those who ride horses here are truly riding in the cradle of the sport.
Portugal has a unique place in horse-riding circles all over the the world thanks to the Lusitano, a horse with origins going back over 20,000 years.
They are depicted in cave paintings from that period – and by 800 BC were famous as being the best war horses in Europe. When the Moors invaded Portugal they brought their own Barb horses and these were cross-bred with the Iberian breed to produce a magnificent horse that was used for war, dressage and bull fighting.
They are depicted in cave paintings from that period – and by 800 BC were famous as being the best war horses in Europe. When the Moors invaded Portugal they brought their own Barb horses and these were cross-bred with the Iberian breed to produce a magnificent horse that was used for war, dressage and bull fighting.
The beaches and countryside of the Silver Coast make a great location for horse-riding. Thanks to the mild climate it is one of the few places in the world where it is a pleasure to ride all year round. The landscape outdoors is gentle and visually beautiful, with forests, green fields and great views across the countryside and the unspoiled Atlantic coast.
Tours and trails
Several companies offer horse riding tours and trails along the Silver Coast, including the Associaçao Hipica O Cavalo (Tel: 964 473 634) just outside Óbidos where trail riding is available to experienced riders. Those less experienced can take advantage of the horse riding lessons run by the the Escola Equestre Lusitana (Tel: 912171731) based at the same stable. Lessons are offered for both beginners or advanced riders. Booking in advance is advised.
Horse fair
From the Silver Coast you are also within easy striking distance of the town of Golega which is regarded as the horse capital of Portugal. The entire economy of Golega depends on breeding Lusitano horses, growing grapes and making wine. The Feira Nacional do Cavalo (National Horse Fair) is held here every year in November and attracts horse lovers, breeders and riders from all over the world who share a passion for the genuine Lusitano breed.
Several companies offer horse riding tours and trails along the Silver Coast, including the Associaçao Hipica O Cavalo (Tel: 964 473 634) just outside Óbidos where trail riding is available to experienced riders. Those less experienced can take advantage of the horse riding lessons run by the the Escola Equestre Lusitana (Tel: 912171731) based at the same stable. Lessons are offered for both beginners or advanced riders. Booking in advance is advised.
Horse fair
From the Silver Coast you are also within easy striking distance of the town of Golega which is regarded as the horse capital of Portugal. The entire economy of Golega depends on breeding Lusitano horses, growing grapes and making wine. The Feira Nacional do Cavalo (National Horse Fair) is held here every year in November and attracts horse lovers, breeders and riders from all over the world who share a passion for the genuine Lusitano breed.
Noble Lineage of the Lusitano
In the 1960s the Spanish and Portuguese decided to put their own separate official designations on what had been known as Iberian horses until then. In Portugal this became the Lusitano horse, shown by DNA tests to have a maternal lineage back to wild Iberian horses of the Early Neolithic period.
Myth of the centaur
The Lusitano horses, and the skilled Iberian horsemen who rode them, were so swift and agile they are thought to have been the inspiration for the myth of the centaur which came from the valley of the Tagus River that flows into the sea at Lisbon.
According to the Portuguese stud book every true Lusitano comes from a 90-year old lineage that has just five stallions and one mare at its head. Every horse can be traced back to this one mare and one of the stallions.
