President of the Republic honours the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art with the Military Order of Sant'Iago da Espada

On 13 September, during the Gala celebrating its 45th anniversary, held at Sagres Campo Pequeno, the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (EPAE) was decorated for the first time by the President of the Republic with the title of honorary member of the Military Order of Sant'Iago da Espada. When handing over the insignia to Sofia Cruz, President of the Board of Directors of Parques de Sintra, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa congratulated the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, "a lineage that comes from our monarchy, from 1748, from the time of King João V, and which was reborn 45 years ago." He also emphasised that "the Military Order of Sant'Iago de Espada, itself rooted in the monarchy, celebrates excellence in art, culture and the projection of Portugal in the world." He ended by thanking us "on behalf of all the Portuguese people."

This distinction comes in a year when UNESCO is expected to recognise Portuguese Equestrian Art as Intangible Heritage of Humanity, a unique cultural heritage in the world.

The award ceremony for the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art was the highlight of the evening's festivities, which included the participation of the Real Escuela Andaluza Del Arte Ecuestre, from Jerez de la Frontera (Spain); the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (United Arab Emirates), which performed in Portugal for the first time; and the Lezíria Grande Equestrian Centre, founded by Master Luís Valença, who was honoured during the show.

The 45th Anniversary Equestrian Art Gala featured a unique, high-level programme that celebrated culture and tradition, with full respect for the horse, and with the schools performing their own and joint manoeuvres. In all, 30 riders and 50 horses were featured on stage, accompanied by handlers and support staff.