Portugal Diary

The best known Portuguese thoroughbred is the Lusitano, an ancient breed that shares many traits with the Spanish Andalusian horse. Having originated in the Iberian Peninsula, both are also known as Iberian horses. Until 1960, both breeds were classed together under the Spanish Stud Book and were later separated as Portuguese breeders strengthened and re-emphasized its distinct qualities over the Andalusian horse. In America, International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) have both registered together.

Characteristics

The Lusitano breed is noted for its courage with its temperamental urge to lunge forward on whatever it perceives as a threat.  But ironically it also exhibits a calm disposition while under saddle control.  Lusitanos are also reputed as intelligent with a level-headedness that easily bonds with its masters.  They show great balance and a noble gait when striding.

The Lusitano horse profile exhibits a Romanesque nose (Convex) profile with long legs and a thick main and tail.   They generally have a compact body typically standing 15 to 16 hands with powerful hindquarters.  They are quite powerful, mainly due to their relatively massive hindquarters and long legs. Most Lusitanos turn gray as they age and come in various colors.  Buckskin, Palomino and cremello are the most sought after due to their rare hair colors.

Brief History

The Lusitano derives its name from the word Lusitania, a name the ancient Romans gave the region that is basically modern Portugal. They were bred initially as military horses and then later used for bull fighting on horseback.  Portugal continues its bullfights on horseback with the Lusitano thereby preserving its unique cultural heritage in the sport.

The native original Iberian horses existed in primitive times as can be seen in cave paintings  at La Pileta (Malaga, Spain) dating  from 20.000 B.C. and at Escoural (Alentejo, Portugal) dated 17.000 B.C. It’s interesting to note that the ancient Greeks have a legend referring to the horses from the Lusitania banks of the Tagus River. It has been told that they have been fathered by the wind – a metaphoric allusion the speed and agility of the Iberian horse.

Subsequent invasions from Carthaginians and Romans that brought their own horse stock resulted in inter-breeding with the local Iberian horse, as well as from the Germanic Visigoths.  The conquering Arabs brought with them their Berbers and Arabian horses which also interbred with the Iberian breed.

But it was not until the 18^th century when the Alter Real Stud farm was created did we see a breed of superior horses with the character of the modern Lusitano.  The Royal Portuguese family who have known and have gotten inspiration from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna started it all.

The new stallions bred from the Alter Real were used in the Picaria Real Equestrian school since then.  In 1942, veterinarians from the National Stud named the breed born and raised in Portugal as Lusitano for those with the character that made them part of the Portuguese Stud book.

Worldwide Interest

Other than Portugal, many countries have shown avid interest in propagating the Lusitano horse breed.  Most are found mainly in France, Brazil and Mexico.   But other countries in Europe and the US also have a community of Lusitanos bred for various equestrian events.  Some are found in the Philippines, Thailand, South Africa, South America and Africa.

Portuguese horse saddles enjoy a long tradition of exquisite craftsmanship dating back to ancient times. The saddle, as used over the centuries of horseback riding, has since evolved as the main accessory for dressing thoroughbred horses for equestrian activities, ranging from military cavalry requirements to modern sporting needs in various equestrian events in Portugal and around the world.

Various Types of Portuguese Saddles

There are number of Portuguese saddle styles and designs available in the equestrian markets worldwide. The traditional Portuguese saddle known as “sela Portuguesa” takes off from detailed craftsmanship of the 18th century saddle that can easily qualify as a baroque saddle. There are more contemporary design models on the Portuguese saddles such as Domingues saddle, Dinis saddle, Portuguese equitation and Ribatejo saddle – all fine specimens of the blend of traditional craftsmanship excellence and innovative designs that only saddle-making in Portugal can provide.

•Traditional Portuguese saddle
Better known as the Sela Portuguesa, the traditional Portuguese saddles under the Lusitano brand are handcrafted in Portugal and most of the current materials are the same ones used in the past. Their designs have taken off from the 18th century Portuguese saddles that are also known as baroque saddles. There are differences though like using maritime plywood for the tree saddle which gives it enhanced flexibility and resistance. The Sela Portuguesa comes in various sizes and in different colours dyed into its leather parts as well on the suede.

•Relvas saddle
One of the best known traditional Portuguese saddles is the Relvas saddle. It sports an elaborate design uniquely attributed to Carlos Relvas, a wealthy 19th century landowner, photographer, bullfighter and sportsman who fathered one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century, José Relvas. Like all saddle models in the Lusitano brand, the Relvas is handmade in Portugal and is available at the Portugal Shop.

•Portuguese Equitation saddle
The Portuguese equitation saddle is built around a structure specifically designed for Portuguese equitation while conforming with design principles found in traditional Portuguese saddles. They are handcrafted in Portugal and are available online at the Portugal Web online shopping site, Portugal Shop.

•Ribatejo saddle
The Ribatejo saddle combines the design elements from a couple of traditional models: the Relvas saddle and the Portuguese saddles. The Lusitano brand of Ribatejo saddles are also handcrafted in Portugal and are on sale at the Portugal Web online shopping site.

•D. Domingues saddle
The D. Domingues saddle is an innovative mix of traditional English saddle design and the Portuguese Relvas saddle that’s entirely handcrafted in Portugal.

•D. Dinis saddle
The D. Dinis saddle is another innovative cross between traditional and contemporary saddle making in Portugal. It is constructed with a structure conforming to the Portuguese equitation requirements and follows the outstanding design elements of traditional Portuguese saddles. The Lusitano brand is handcrafted in Portugal and is on sale in Portugal Shop.

Geographic Brief

Officially known as the Portuguese Republic, Portugal is a country sitting on the edge of the Iberian Peninsula and sharing a common border with Spain in its north and eastern frontiers and faces the Atlantic Ocean on its western and southern fronts.  It is one of the NATO founding members and among the first members of the European Union.   The Azores and Madeira Atlantic archipelagos are part of its territory.

Portugal is one of the warmest European countries with a basically Mediterranean climate.  This makes its soils a fertile ground for a variety of plants notably its olives and grapes.  It has some of the most varied and finest vineyards that rival those found in the similarly warm regions of southern France and accounts for its world famous Madeira and port wines.

Historical Diversity as a Cultural Melting Pot

Portugal has seen a continuous stream of diverse cultures settling in the region since before recorded history.   There are the pre-Roman civilization of the Lusitanians, Celts, and Gallaeci tribes that have had contacts with the Carthaginian and Phoenician traders.

It became part of the Roman empire starting in the 2^nd century BC and underwent the Christian Germanic onslaughts and eventual settlement of the Visigoths and Vandals thereafter.  Then, with the Muslims spreading its zeal over most of the Middle East into the Mediterranean, the Iberian Peninsula came under Moorish conquest in the early 8^th century.  With the Crusaders eventually reclaiming most of the territories occupied by the Moors, by the 13^th century, most Moors had been pushed south of the Iberian Peninsula and Portugal was able to reassert itself as a Christian country to this day with ethnic Moors remaining in its southern provinces.  This long and storied past accounts for the rich cultural diversity one finds when traveling across Portugal.

Historical Highlights

Portugal became a political, economic and military power to reckon with between the 15^th and 17 centuries.  It rivaled Spain in exploring and conquering lands beyond the Atlantic and European shores to the east.   At the height of its global empire, Portugal has territorial possessions in Africa, Asia and mostly in South Americas where to this day, the Portuguese cultural heritage can be seen and felt in the Brazil and other South American countries.

Soon after the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s, Portugal’s territorial empire started to decline with the declaration of independence of many South American and African states starting with Brazil.

Economic Highlights

Portugal is one of the developed countries in Europe with the world’s 19^th highest quality of life despite having the lowest per capita income among Western EU members.  Its economy is largely based on services and industry such as computer software development and automotive industries.  With its increasing role in the EU and incursions into Eastern European markets, Portugal is slowly emerging from a low-labor cost producer to one with a strong focus in exports, investments and high tech manufacturing.

With the Atlantic bordering much of its frontiers, fishing is a major economic activity.  But it’s also strong in agricultural products accounting for 4% of its GDP.  Portugal is among the world’s largest wine and cork producers.

Portugal is a popular destination for travellers because it has a multitude of attractions for tourists. Its rich heritage combined with its wonderful culture has put this country on the map as millions of people flock this European nation every year. However, one of the things that have made this country so popular has to be the exceptional wines that they are able to produce. There are all sorts of fine wines that come from all over the world but it would be safe to say that Portuguese wine has to be one of the best.
Perhaps the most popular wine to come out of this country is Vinho Verde. A lot of people are familiar with Vinho Verde and one does not have to be a connoisseur to have a pleasant experience of tasting this wonderful product. One thing that has made this drink so prevalent is the fact that it does not need to age. This is because it is made from grapes that do not contain too much sugar in them. Due to its low alcohol content and gassy taste, Vinho Verde is an excellent companion for seafood dishes. However, because of the low sugar content it is advisable to consume this drink while it is still young.
Aside from Vinho Verde there are a few other wines that have made the Portuguese famous among the world’s top connoisseurs. A popular companion for game and meat dishes is Douro wines that are produced in the Porto region. Douro originally had a bitter taste but has recently been developed into fine table wines. Bairrada is another world-renowned wine from this nation and it is known for having a very rich taste because of its full body.
Bairrada is produced in a region where the soil is mostly clay. The grapes used to produce Bairrada are exposed to sunlight and are allowed to mature. Lastly, there is also Alentejo which comes from the southern region of this country. Both the red and white variety of Alentejo has become a mainstay for the Portuguese themselves as they are considered to be of the highest quality.
Above are just a few examples of Portuguese wine that are available in the market today. Surely, there are more that may taste better for some, depending of course on the sophistication of one’s tongue. Nonetheless, it is needless to say that Portugal is definitely one of the best sources for top class wine.

Having a blog is a good way to communicate by writing. When you think about your own country it is easy and it is difficult to write about it. It is easy as you know your country better than someone who have never been there. However writing about your own country might be a bit difficult as when you are inside of something one might lack a distant view which makes easier to see the bigger picture. Anyway Portugal is my country and its my intention to write about it. What to write about? Well a bit of everything like places that I have been, products I like and interesting events.