Equestrian in Portugal

The country of Portugal located in the south western fringe of the European continent has been once a part of the formidable Roman Empire and it is since those historical times that one can trace the origin of equestrian activities in Portugal and today it has graduated to become a very popular sport in the country. In those primitive times, science and technological innovations were yet to dawn on the horizon and in the absence of vehicles, horse riding was a prevalent means of transportation from one place to another and was also helpful for facilitating military activities during battles and warfare.

The historical conjunctures are immensely important in order to realize the beginning of Equestrian activities in Portugal. In fact the historical point of view is very important when one has to realize the significance of the oft used Baroque horse tack and Portuguese horse tack. This is also evident from the names of the premier horse breeds of Portugal. The most well known of the Portuguese horse breeds are the Lusitano. Its very name rings a bell as one may look back through the pages of history to find that Portugal was called Lusitania named after the son of the Roman god Bacchus, when Portugal was confiscated as a part of the Roman Empire in 138 BC.  The other horse breeds include Garrano and the Sorraia horse breeds. The evolution of equestrian activities in Portugal has been significant and such activities are greatly associated with the Portuguese way of life owing to its ancient roots. There are also various kinds of conventional Portuguese saddles and bridles which are used by the riders. Even the horse riding attires are unique to the country. Another form of equestrian activity which is native to Portugal is the act of equestrian bullfighting or the act of bull fighting on horse back.