Portuguese horse tack
Portugal is situated in the continent of Europe, more precisely in the south western part of it. Portugal had been confiscated as a part of the Roman Empire in 138 BC and had been thus exposed to various influences from diverse cultures like those of the Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians etc. which has also affected its own culture. Because of its location in the Iberian Peninsula, even the traditional horse breeds which participate in the equestrian activities today like the Sorraia and Garrano horse breeds are said to have modified from their predecessors who resided in the ancient times in this peninsula. In fact the most popular horse breed Lusitano has in its turn originated from the Sorraias as is held by some scholars. Equestrian activities today are a popular sport form in Portugal and all the conventional attires and traditions are maintained religiously.
Equestrian activities in Portugal have historical origins and therefore equestrian activities are accompanied by the use of traditional saddles, bridles, riding attires and horse tacks. The primary evidences regarding the kinds of stirrups used during the primitive years can be obtained from the book by Manoel Carlos de Andrade called 'Luz da Liberal, e Nobre Arte da Cavallaria' which have been systematically incorporated by the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. The traditional horse tacks include the Baroque horse tack and the Portuguese horse tack. In case of the Portuguese stirrups, there are times when the traditional horse tacks of Portugal and even the armored stirrups are used by the riders. Cavessons are also significantly used in Portugal in case of performances and displays. Also, there are Portuguese halters which may be of two kinds, namely, halter for the performances and traditional Portuguese halters. Other objects that constitute the horse tacks include cruppers, Baroque and Portuguese breastplates and leather girths. All these are very significant for performances in equestrian activities.