Portuguese riding apparel
Horse riding and equestrian has a long history in Portugal which goes back to ancient times, in fact several centuries before the birth of Christ. As a part of the formidable Roman Empire, Portugal was then named Lusitania. It derived its name from the son of the roman god Bacchus, who was called Luso. The name Lusitania will ring a bell in the minds of those who are well acquainted with the prominent horse breeds which participate in equestrian activities in Portugal today. The foremost among them is the Lusitano horse breed and the very name makes it clear the origin of its historical roots. These horse breeds evolved from the ancient horse types found in the Iberian Peninsula, notably the Iberian horses and ponies. Therefore, it is quite evident that those primitive traditions and conventions are followed even today in the form of conforming to the use of traditional attires, saddles and bridles.
Since the very origins of equestrian activity in Portugal have deep roots in history it is quite certain that various traditional norms are followed even today. It is even more evident when it comes to performances and it is widely noticed that even now the traditional saddles, bridles, customs and clothing are used in case of performing equestrian activities. The traditional riding attire consists of the Portuguese olive leaf chaps and the Portuguese chaps. The Portuguese chaps are indigenous products of Portugal and they are the most widely used chaps in case of any form of equestrian activities that take place in the country. The other kind is the Portuguese olive leaf chaps which include the chaps which are designed with the buttoning style similar to the design of the olive leaves and these chaps have been in use in Portuguese equestrian activities for several centuries.