Nuno Oliveira, Portuguese Riding Master told us:

“Normally speaking, a horse should be trained to remain well balanced first, concentrating on rounding his paces, and augmenting his hind legs’ action to compliment the forelegs’ paces. Any extension should not be achieved through the reins’ force, but rather by lowering and empowering the haunches. This is what the French called ‘The Ramener’ -putting the horse gently on the bit to correspond with the degree and length of pace.”

This Casal Branco Estate bred Lusitano stallion and his rider show not only what Dr José Lobo de Vasconcellos is breeding for, but also illustrates the philosophy of Portuguese Riding Master, Nuno Oliviera:

“Often the hands’ lightness is spoken of, but rarely the necessity for lightness in the legs. If the rider’s legs are contracted and pressed against the horse’s flanks, the horse will have no impulsion and, even worse than that, the rider’s legs will contradict the ability of the rider’s seat to push the horse forward.”

“The rider’s body must remain erect in the saddle to ensure a good position. So many riders try to force themselves into a correct and more majestic position, but in reality the good seat is not always that which is the most pleasing to the eye of the beholder, but that which goes most easily and naturally with the horse’s movements, without force.”

Dr José Lobo de Vasconcellos’ Casal Branco Estate (established in 1775) i is the time honoured Portuguese combination – winery and horse stud. He is a traditional breeder, believing that if you look to the quality of the horses, the horse will find its vocation. “The most important characteristics are those of functionality – we aim to breed strength and balance, a horse that is athletic and strong.”