Francisco Bessa de Carvalho, Senior rider with the Portugese School of Equestrian Art. Palace of Quelez, Portugal

We were delighted to welcome once again Francisco Bessa de Carvalho, Senior Rider with the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art to the UK, who came to teach classical riding and to help riders with theirs and their horses’ problems. These were two fascinating days, not only for the horses and riders, but also for those who braved the cold to watch, learning so much from Francisco’s expert and sympathetic guidance.

A large proportion of the horses present were Iberian – Lusitano and Andalusian pure bred and crosses – but Appaloosa, Arab and Arab cross, and Dutch Warmblood were also represented, all in varying degrees of training, as were their riders. During the lunch break on both days, the Iberian horses gave a very pleasing display to music, some in traditional Portuguese costume, while Francisco had a well-earned break. For these displays we were indebted to Sue Barber, who travelled her horses from Pine Lodge Riding Centre in Norfolk, and Sherene Rahmatallah (Sussex Lusitanos), whose horses came up from West Sussex. At the end of the first day Francisco gave us a wonderful bonus; he rode Sherene’s lovely stallion Jardineiro, whom he had known literally since the day the horse was born! And on the Sunday, we were rewarded by his riding Dorothy Rugg-Easy’s lovely Arab mare, who although blind in one eye, had competed up to Medium level.

We were also indebted to all the riders who brought their horses from as far afield as Norfolk, Sussex, Kent and Wales - and to all the intrepid spectators who braved the bitter cold on both days – a great commitment on their part to their love of classical riding.

To sum it all up, it was brilliant! Do "watch this space" as they say; this may have been the first of Centaur Events but there will most certainly be many more. If you would like your name added to our mailing list for future events, please contact

Carolyn Briggs, 20 Heacham Close, Luton, Beds. LU3 0YJ,

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