Portugal Diary
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.
