The ‘Pride of Portugal’ Lusitano display team will return to The London International Horse Show for the 2023 event. The team will showcase their skills of horsemanship throughout the week of the show (13-18 December), alongside the acts already set to feature, including the Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Shetland Pony Grand National and the Kennel Club Dog Agility.
The ‘Pride of Portugal’ display involves ten stallions taking centre stage under some of Portugal’s top riders. The performance, set to music, showcases the intelligence, elegance, versatility and strength of Lusitano horses, and includes a “breath-taking” carousel routine and a section where the riders carry blazing varas of fire. The display last came to London in 2016.
Credit: London International Horse Show/Alex Treadway
“We love coming to the show to perform – the atmosphere is electrifying and the crowds are incredibly supportive,” said Lusitano rider, Gilberto Filipe, who will be among those returning to London later this year. “It is special to have an audience that understand and are passionate about equestrianism. I am extremely excited to demonstrate our traditional way of riding and for the audience to become mesmerised by the Lusitano breed.”
Among the other 10 Portuguese riders set to perform is Miguel Fonseca, who returns to the show for a fourth time, having previously performed in 2009, 2011 and 2016.
“We are delighted to welcome back the Portuguese Lusitanos, who are well-known for adding to the glitz and glamour of the London International Horse Show through their captivating and entertaining performances,” said Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward. “They are joining the impressive lineup of acts this year at London, with the show’s second arena enabling us to optimise our performance offering and celebrate all aspects of equestrianism.”
Lead image by London International Horse Show/Alex Treadway
