Classical Iberian riding style

The applied dressage – Doma de Campo, Doma Vaquera and Doma de Trabajo

The Doma de Campo refers to the original riding style of the vaqueros, the Spanish cattle herders. It is characterized by the daily work with the cattle herds and requires a high degree of flexibility and speed from horse and rider. Lessons such as complete parades from the gallop, traverses, pirouettes and flying changes are very practical and are essential to ensure quick reactions when working in the field.

The predominant gaits are walk and gallop. The aim of this type of riding is to have a horse that is sensitive to weight and leg aids, so that the reins are ultimately held one-handed on a bare curb. This leaves the right hand free to guide the garrocha. The garrocha is a wooden stick about 3.5 m long that is used to select cattle. In Germany, the garrocha is not only a popular tool for elegant display and show presentations. One-handed riding with a garrocha can also provide valuable new stimuli in training at home - the rider must therefore focus more on weight and leg aids. The horse's ability to collect and suppleness are encouraged. The Doma Vaquera refers to both the riding style of the vaqueros and the associated tournament discipline. Doma de Trabajo is the Spanish term for competitions in working equitation.

Portuguese equestrian culture – Equitação à Portuguesa

Similar to Spain, the Portuguese riding tradition, the Equitação à Portuguesa, is characterized by working with cattle and breeding bulls. The Portuguese cattle herder is called a Campino and also uses a long wooden stick, the Pampilho, as a working tool.

Equitação de Trabalho is the Portuguese name for the competitions in the competitive discipline of Working Equitation. Portugal is considered one of the leading nations in international competitions.

→ Read more about Working Equitation…

A hat with a round, wide brim is typical. It protects you from the sun while riding and looks good too.

The following articles are particularly suitable for Iberian riding styles