The APSL Working Equitation Carousel Displays at Hickstead, August 2003

The APSL Working Equitation Carousel gave spectacular twice daily performances at the Hickstead Derby Meeting/European Dressage Championships, which took place on 14^th – 17^th August.

The visit was sponsored by the APSL and Sussex Lusitanos and the Carousel performances were seen by a total of over 55,000 spectators, from all over Europe, over the 4 days. The Lusitanos appeared once a day in the Hickstead Main Arena – a splendid setting for the Lusos – and once a day in the Main International Dressage Arena. They also performed in the Gala Night – a stunning display with fire.

The riders in the Carousel were:

• Bento Castelhano & Iberico (11 yr old grey stallion, bred by Coudelaria Romão Tavares)

• Jose Correia Lopes & Nervo (9 yr old chestnut stallion, bred by Pedro Ferraz da Costa)

• Maria Moura Caetano & Maravilha (10 yr old stallion, bred by

• Maria Vidinha Porto & Ole (8 yr old stallion, bred by

• Rodrigo Moura Torres & Quo-Vadis (6 yr old stallion bred by Coudelaria Vaz Torres)

• David Oliveira & Opalino  (8 yr old stallion bred by Manuel Lopo de Carvalho)

• Ricardo Moura Tavares & Navalha (9 yr old mare bred by Coudelaria Romão Tavares)

• Luis Lobo & Quazi (6 yr old stallion)  

Accompanying the riders was João Ralão Duarte, Secretary General of the APSL. Carlos Torres, father of rider Rodrigo Torres, and Paolo Caetano and Sra Caetano, parents of rider Maria Caetano, also travelled with the group.

Highlights of the visit were the performances by Rodrigo Torres who rode his 6 year old stallion Quo Vadis without hands (the reins were tied to the front of his waist), including a series of one-time flying changes….the Spanish dressage team were in awe of this….as were the Dutch …the fabulous reception the riders received every day in the Hickstead Jumping Arena, where well-known commentators Tom Hudson and Mike Tucker were most impressed, and where Douglas Bunn was seen waving enthusiastically from his private box at the riders as they took their round of applause. Then there was the Gala Night Finale when the Lusitano riders, instead to filing out calmly at walk from the arena, held back and galloped out, narrowly missing a collision with the Household Cavalry Drum Horse…a ‘number’ they repeated when they were presented with a momento by Director of Dressage, Dane Rawlins…they galloped up en-mass and stopped on a sixpence. These antics thrilled the spectators and other riders but led some of the BD lady dressage officials to request that the Lusitanos stay well away from the other riders - “they are rather feisty” was the comment!  

The UK based support team was extensive – Roger & Sandra Wadsworth, commentator for the displays and also hosts to Portuguese visitors who accompanied the riders; Patty & Paul Roberts, Robin & Roberta Goddard & Mick & Di Hausdoerfer – the three couples who kindly hosted the riders in their homes during their stay; Sue Young, Vivien Davies, Barbel Tryba (fabulous chocolate cake!), Sophie, Leila & Nameer all of whom worked tirelessly in the hospitality box which saw so many visitors, and the many helpers who ran the two Lusitano trade stands.

 How did we get to Hickstead? Well, we have to thank most sincerely Claudia Bunn, a Society member and long time supporter of the Lusitano; it was the contact through her family, the Bunn family who own Hickstead, that opened the doors for the Lusitanos to perform at Hickstead – we are truly indebted to her, and thank her and her family for the tremendous hospitality offered towards the Portuguese visitors to Hickstead.