Lusitano Display Team To Visit Hickstead Derby Meeting

A display team of Portuguese Lusitano horses is to make its first UK appearance during the British Jumping Derby Meeting (August 14-17) at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead.

Lusitanos were once highly-prized horses used in close-combat warfare. Today they are used to round up and control cattle on the Iberian plains. The qualities once used for war are now earning international acclaim as the basis for the new discipline of Working Equitation, which comprises dressage, obstacles, speed and cattle penning.

Most of the riders in the display team compete in Working Equitation in Portugal, which won the World Championship last year.

The team of eight horses and riders, sponsored by the Portuguese Breeders Association, will give daily displays in Hickstead's International Arena during the four day show. The visit is being organised by Sherene Rahmatallah from Sussex Lusitanos at Ifield, West Sussex.

Tickets for the show can be booked on the Hickstead website, www.hickstead.co.uk or tel: 01273 834315.

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