The Committee

1. Takes note that Portugal has nominated Equestrian art in Portugal (No. 02079) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

Equestrian art in Portugal is a combination of functionality and aesthetics. It is characterized by the rider’s position on the saddle, as well as by the traditional attire and harnesses used. Equestrian art in Portugal establishes a sense of harmony and deep respect between rider and horse, with the rider communicating with the horse to encourage its willing collaboration, without the use of force. The practice is therefore based on respect for the animal and its well-being. It requires a horse that is flexible, manageable and ready to follow the rider’s instructions, such as the purebred Lusitano. Practitioners include women and men of all ages. For instance, a group of exclusively women riders practice the ‘monte à amazona’, riding on one side of the saddle. Equestrian art in Portugal is transmitted through academies, riding schools and equestrian centres in Portugal and abroad. Cattle handlers, breeders, veterinarians and craftspeople also play a fundamental role in the preservation and promotion of the practice in Portugal and abroad, and the ongoing production of related treatises, books and manuals further contribute to its transmission and knowledge. A source of collective identity, the practice is featured in pilgrimages, annual fairs and other social events.

2. Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   Equestrian art in Portugal is practiced for leisure by men and women of all ages. The bearers and practitioners include riders, cattle handlers, bull herdsmen and breeders, veterinarians and craftspeople. The knowledge and skills are transmitted by adults to younger generations through family traditions and by masters and instructors who teach and train apprentices and students in academies, riding schools and equestrian centres. The element establishes a sense of harmony and deep respect between the rider and their horse. It is a source of collective identity.

R.2:   The nomination file elaborates the element’s link to various aspects of sustainable development. The element is practiced by both men and women without any limitation or discrimination. It contributes to the physical and mental well-being of its practitioners, supporting lifelong learning and economic and sustainable development in rural areas. It also promotes social cohesion and enhances environmental protection through its close connection to agricultural and livestock practices.

R.3:   The practitioners propose a number of safeguarding measures, including: (a) establishing a research centre for equestrian art; (b) integrating and promoting the element as a complementary component to public schools curricula, such as through the pilot project at Golega Municipality’s local school; (c) deepen knowledge and promotion of the element through interpretative centres; and (d) creating a strategic plan for the recognition and promotion of the architectural and historical heritage linked to the element.

R.4:   In 2016, a working group consisting of community bearers and practitioners was created to lead and work on the nomination process. They proposed the safeguarding plan and defined the role of the broader community in its implementation. The bearers and practitioners also compiled supporting documentation for the nomination process, including consent letters, photos, videos and information regarding the element.

R.5:   The element was included in the National Inventory for Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. The inventory is administered by the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture. It uses a bottom-up approach, with communities leading the updating process. Information concerning the updating and periodicity of the inventory is included in the periodic report submitted in 2021 and examined by the Committee in 2022.

3. Decides to inscribe Equestrian art in Portugal on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
4. Commends the State Party for submitting a good-quality video which depicts the element in careful detail, thereby supporting a clear understanding of the tradition and of the deep respect between horses and their riders that enhances bonds between humans and animals.