Back in October, I introduced you to Nordeste, a Lusitano stallion who is a school master at Morgado Lusitano. This beautiful Portuguese hacienda standing high on a hilltop outside of Lisbon is home to a stellar Classical Dressage school for both local and international riders.
Nordeste is just one of the beautifully trained mounts at Morgado that guests use during their twice-a-day dressage lessons. Kept in their boxes throughout the day and brought out for exercise, these elegant creatures are eager for a visit. There are a pair of brothers Reno and Sena that match in their gray speckled coloring. How they were able to see from behind their bangs baffled us.
Then there was Hachoque, a beautiful chocolate brown Lusitano who had been retired from the Portuguese Riding School. Hachoque was the one who allowed me to experience my first Canter Pirouette.
And then the spicy Trinco, who loved to spook and jump around while under saddle with the trainers. We kept saying to each other, “I’m not going to ride him..no you’re going to ride him” “No Way am I getting on that stallion and die today.” But once I got him, he quickly settled in and went into his teacher mode.
How they managed to keep one mare in the group astounded me. With so many hot blooded stallions running around you would have thought she would be at least a bit concerned about what they might do. But Uva ignored them as they were just silly boys.
And then there was Temporal, who lived up to his name. For the life of me, this boy just would not canter. I tried, and tried, and tried, wanting to give up. But perseverance prevailed and we finally got it!
Finally!
Lastly, the best – Hercules. A magnificent creature that lived up to his namesake.
The Portuguese are truly fortunate to have such a noble, beautiful and baroque style steed as their horse. Lusitanos are truly special horses with their stature, and natural ability for high level dressage work. Their magnificent manes and tails enhance their beauty all the more.
It is my hope that you can one day get close to a Lusitano and perhaps enjoy their “Fabulosity” for yourself. (Thanks Sylvia!)
Categories: About, Equitrekking, travel
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Absolutely beautiful. Each one has their own special quality and beauty, brought out by your brilliant photography 🙂
I love them all; especially Trinco!
Funny you liked Trinco the best. He certainly acted like head Stud of the barn. Super athletic and spunky. You would love visiting these Lusitanos, they are truly amazing.
So much ‘fabulosity; in these pics, Emily. 🙂 What magnificent horses, and your photos are really stunning. Rena and Sena’s bangs are quite ‘over the top’ of their eyes. 😀 They look like real characters. It must have been a wonderful experience to actually ride Lusitanos.
It was an experience of a lifetime. One I think of every week, and wish I could return. Amazing how these photos turned out considering I had a little Sony point & shoot. Yep, Rena & Sena were the Rastafarians of the group.
I love those dappled beauties. I never did Dressage, but my cousin and best friend do. Love the horses that are trained in Dressage.
But it sounds like you have ridden though, which is awesome. Truly, the highly trained baroque dressage horses are incredible to watch.
I had horses most of my life. I rode and owned Appaloosas and Arabians. I do enjoy watching dressage.
Did you do endurance riding then? Somehow that totally fascinates me as well.
No, training and showing. I rode Western where my relatives and friend rode English.
How fun ! Hanging around cute cowboys. 🙂
An amazing dream experience come true!
Emily – Enjoyed this informative post on Morgado Lusitano. Great lens work capturing the stallions.
Thank you so much ! Just a little point & shoot believe it or not.
These horses are so incredibly beautiful! I look at these pictures over and over again, they’re just amazing! Well done and thanks for sharing!!
Thank you so much for you kind comment Calee. I too am in love with these horses. With their beauty and strength. So happy you like these as much as I do.
Indeed a horse is amazing – great shots… 🙂
Thank you Drake ! Want one yet?
They are so wonderful, all of them! 🙂
Each one had their strengths and all were wonderful teachers. I was truly fortunate to have benefited from them.
Like portraits of people, you’ve captured something individual in each of these handsome (and one beautiful lady) animals. Haven’t ridden in decades, but as I look at your pictures, the fantasies begin … 🙂
Life is too short not to ride…. Thank you so very much, when looking at them, I agree, they are indeed portraits.
“Life is too short not to ride” – ummm – it sure is one of the most exhilarating things to do, but it cost a lot, and had to be put aside, if I was to save enough money for this travelling … 😦 But you never know, when I become more home-bound next year, I might find a half-decent horse whose owner will let me ride again.
Such wonderful handsome horses!
Aren’t they though? I could tell you the amount of ‘toads’ I see here stateside. The best breeding is kept in Europe.
You captured the beauty in these magical creatures!
I appreciate you stopping by and visiting Cynthia. So happy you enjoyed these beautiful Lusitanos. Come back soon! Bella
Thank you SO much for this tour…. I’m showing it to my mom when I see her (SOON!). What absolute GORGEOUS creatures, those boys. And that little missy!! Those digs aren’t too shabby, either. Just wonderful….
🙂
Beautiful noble creatures.
Thank you so much Lynne! Appreciate you visiting and taking the time to comment.
Beautiful horses…it is a long time since I rode a horse..maybe I should change that!
Now that would be a sight to see ! I would love to see you on horseback. What are you waiting for?
Looks like you and i are of the same tribe! Thanks for visiting my blog! This trip was fabulous. It’s in my future.
thank you for visiting my blog and for the follow. I love the photo of the beautiful horses, and look forward to following your blog as well.
Majestic equines they are indeed. This adventure is now on my bucket list. So happy to have found this!
Have just left Morgado after a fabulous 3 days. Sitting at the airport looking at your photos has brought a tear to my eye. What an amazing experience. I can’t recommend the experience enough – here’s to next year. Have just posted video’s on you tube of the show they staged last Thursday.
I must admit Michelle, not a week goes by that I don’t think of Morgado. It truly is a special place, and what a unique learning experience. So happy you were able to experience it as I have. 🙂