Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre

The Henrique Caldo Riding Ring in Belém is the venue for weekly displays of virtuoso horsemanship as riders from the prestigious Portuguese School of Equestrian Art regale audiences with evening performances of classical equestrian exercise and choreography to music. Riders wear gala costume and use traditional Portuguese saddles and harnesses. Each presentation lasts approximately 45 minutes. The school also hosts monthly 90-minute gala shows where the performance is more elaborate and features acrobatic feats such as "air above the ground" jumps and other choreography characteristic of the Baroque period. The show also includes Court Games, re-enactments of royal tournaments held between the 16th and 19th centuries accompanied to atmospheric lighting and sound effects.