Classical dressage master Luís Valença shares about equestrian art, stories of his work with horses and Nuno Oliveira, and what makes a classical rider.
Luís Valença is a renowned Portuguese classical master with over 60 years of experience. He studied directly with masters such as Nuno Oliveira, worked with the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, and has been driving spectacular equestrian shows like Apassionata and Cavalluna with his family. For over 40 years, he has taught and trained horses and riders on his own farm in Portugal, where his daughters continue to teach in this tradition.
In this episode, he shares:
- How Nuno Oliveira transformed his horses using the system of François Baucher
- The story of one horse that changed the course of his life and career
- What differentiates riders who advance to equestrian art, from those who can only ride
- What makes a rider truly classical
🔍 To watch this episode with subtitles, subscribe to the podcast on YouTube and turn on closed captions for the video.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
2:24 - Developing a Classical Rider with Freedom
3:36 - Sport Dressage Riders with a Classical Foundation
4:47 - Nuno's Passion and Listening to Classical Music
6:11 - Story of Nuno Oliveira, Harpalo Prince, and Equestrian Art
9:41 - My Masters, Background, and the methods of François Baucher
15:03 - The Story of Sultão and the Beginning of Apassionata and Cavalluna
19:10 - Why Riders Come to My Stables from Around the World
27:38 - Working with Different Horses like Lusitanos and Warmbloods
30:33 - Story of Nuno Oliveira and Bunker, with Hélène Arianoff and Michel Henriquet
35:49 - Using the Aids Without Force, and Classical Dressage
38:38 - What Exercises Help the Rider Improve their Aids
40:02 - The Role of Love in Working with Horses
41:38 - The Pictures in My Arena and My Inspirations
44:36 - How Can People Learn from My Methods?
🐎 Learn more about Luís Valença’s Work Through the Valença Academy:
Website: https://www.valencaequestrianacademy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valencaclassicalriding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValencaEquestrianTours
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069242888414
Cavalluna Shows (EU): https://www.cavalluna.com/en
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with classical riders
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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