JOAO TORRAO: the "gentle" rider of Portuguese dressage, a magical interpreter of the Modern Lusitano 2

Second part of interview by Giulia Iannone Read the second part of this magical interview. Joao talks to us about his plans for this year, his coaches, his dressage philosophy, his secret dream, and the thrill of riding the modern Lusitano in high-level international competitions.

5.⁠ ⁠This year’s World Championships in Aachen. Will you be there with Lirio? What are your plans for the season? "Aachen is always a dream for any dressage rider, and I hope to be there with Lirio if everything goes according to plan. The goal is to prepare him carefully, step by step, focusing on his confidence, balance, and consistency.This season, my main focus is on building strong partnerships with my horses, improving the quality of our work, and taking each competition as a learning experience. I want to continue developing Lirio’s potential while maintaining his joy and willingness to perform. Ultimately, the aim is to arrive at the World Championships feeling ready, confident, and connected with my horse."

6.⁠ ⁠We saw you at the clinic with Monica Theodorescu, working with national coach Kyra Kyrklund, and your longtime coach Coralie Baldry. In depth, can you tell me what you've learned from each of them and assimilated into your dressage philosophy? "I began my journey in dressage with my day-to-day coach, Coralie Baldrey, and I can honestly say that the rider I am today is largely thanks to her. Coralie knows me and my horses very well, and I share the same training philosophy as her. With her, so much is about feel and understanding, and sometimes we don’t even need to speak—she knows exactly how to guide both me and the horses. I’ve also been very fortunate to spend long periods training in England with Carl Hester, who is a great example for me both as a rider and as a horseman. From him, I learned how to get the best out of any horse, always respecting their nature, and never forgetting that they are horses, not machines. I really connect with his approach, where subtle communication, harmony, and patience are everything. Kyra Kyrklund, who has been team trainer in most of the major competitions I’ve competed in, is the most technical of all my coaches. From her, I learned how to structure the work carefully, respect each horse’s pace, and develop them step by step, building strength, confidence, and consistency. I also attended a clinic with Monica Theodorescu, a trainer I deeply respect, where I worked with a young horse. With her, we focused a lot on frame and balance, and I learned how important it is for a horse to move with lightness and freedom. I really enjoyed her tips! All of these experiences together shaped the way I ride today.Every horse is unique, and my goal is always to understand them and create a partnership that is natural, respectful, and enjoyable for both of us."

7.⁠ ⁠By the way, what is your dressage philosophy? "My dressage philosophy is really about partnership, respect, and understanding. Every horse is unique, so I try to ride each one according to its personality and needs, creating a bond based on trust and communication. I believe dressage should combine technical precision with harmony and joy, so the horse enjoys moving and feels confident. For me, it’s not just about performance—it’s about creating a partnership that is natural, elegant, and sustainable for both horse and rider."

8.⁠ ⁠What’s your secret equestrian dream? "My dream is to continue competing at the highest level, to keep developing young horses up to Grand Prix, and ultimately to reach the top with a horse I have bred and trained myself."

9.⁠ ⁠You’re very young, but also very well-prepared, and it’s clear you’re eager to improve. Is there a coach you’d like to work with to learn even more and why? "I’m always eager to learn and improve, and I admire coaches who combine technical skill with a deep understanding of the horse. Learning from someone like that would help me refine my riding and continue developing both myself and my horses. At the same time, I’m very happy and grateful for my current coaches, who have guided me and helped me reach this level."

10.⁠ ⁠Riding the Lusitano in international competitions across so many countries: what does it mean to you, and what does this horse bring to competitive dressage, a horse born for other disciplines? "Riding a Lusitano internationally is a huge honor. These horses are very intelligent and always eager to please their rider. They bring elegance, expression, and a unique presence to the arena, showing that a Lusitano can succeed at the highest level of dressage. Competing with them allows me to showcase their qualities and prove that with the right training, they can excel anywhere in the world."

Joao Torrao: the "gentle" rider of Portuguese dressage, a magical interpreter of the Modern Lusitano.

"The Lusitano is a breed known for its sensitivity, intelligence, and generosity." Here's what the Portuguese talent told us in a long, personal, and touching interview. He spoke to us about his horses with such precision that they seemed not just his friends, but members of his family... Interview by Giulia Iannone (Part One)

1.⁠ ⁠João Torrão, Olympic and international rider, a great interpreter of the modern Lusitano. Why don’t you introduce yourself and describe your riding style? "I am an Olympic rider representing Portugal, and I have had the honour of competing for my country at the highest level of international sport, including the Olympic Games in Tokyo, the European Championships, world cups and several Nations Cups. I began competing relatively late, at the age of 20, with the horse Equador MVL, who later took me all the way to the Olympic Games. That partnership was a defining moment in my career and shaped my path as a professional rider. It is difficult for me to clearly define my riding style, but I would say it is based on harmony, lightness, and respect for the horse. I strongly believe in correct basics and clear communication, especially when working with the Lusitano, a breed known for its sensitivity, intelligence, and generosity. I aim to ride with tact and softness, allowing the horse to stay confident in the contact, free in the body, and calm in the mind. For me, modern dressage is about refining the horse’s natural qualities while maintaining elegance, expression, and simplicity."

2.⁠ ⁠Dressage… why? You are a gentle and elegant rider who loves animals. What does the horse mean to you? "Dressage for me is the purest form of communication between horse and rider. It is not only a sport, but a continuous dialogue built on trust, patience, and understanding. I am naturally drawn to dressage because it allows me to develop a deep partnership with the horse, where every movement is the result of balance rather than force. The horse means everything to me. Horses have shaped my life, both personally and professionally. They teach me humility, responsibility, and respect every single day. For me, the horse is not just an athlete, but a true partner."

3.⁠ ⁠Introduce us to your horses, your lifelong companions: Lírio, Pagode, Maestro, and Equador. Their strengths, weaknesses, character, and personality. Which is your favorite horse? "Each of these horses has played a fundamental role in my life and career. What makes them even more special to me is that I started training all of them from the very beginning. I have been part of their development from their first steps , which has created an exceptionally deep bond with each one of them. Equador is my lifetime horse — my first true competition partner — and he will always have a very special place in my heart. He took me from the young horses classes all the way to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. More than that, he taught me everything I know today. Through him, I learned what true partnership means. His generosity, courage, and determination made everything possible. With Equador, I also became the holder of the national records in Grand Prix (77%) and Grand Prix Special (79%). Equador was a very special horse with an amazing character. Lírio is my current Grand Prix horse and a truly exceptional partner. He has an extraordinary talent for collection, especially in piaffe and passage, and has taken me to the 2025 European Championships. He is very sensitive but not the most confident horse requiring tact and precision, but when everything comes together, he is simply remarkable. Maestro is my next Grand Prix horse. He is the biggest Lusitano I have ever ridden and still needs time to fully develop his body and muscles. Despite this, he is a very light, elastic, and sensitive horse. He can sometimes show a bit of stallion-like character, which makes him challenging but also very special. Pagode may have been the Lusitano with the most quality in all three gaits since he was 3 y.o.He was extremely talented for the most advanced movements as well and could have been a true star. He has a very generous and kind character"

4.⁠ ⁠Then there’s Lufada, who went to the UK under the prestigious saddle of Gareth Hughes. Do you miss her a bit? What kind of horse is she and what are her characteristics? "Of course I miss Lufada. I started working with her when she was just three years old, so I have been part of her entire journey. She is a very special mare with a strong presence and elegance. She is powerful, confident, and has a natural rhythm that makes her a joy to ride. Lufada is very intelligent and brave and she loves cuddling and attention. She has a strong character, but she is also very secure in new environments, which makes the partnership with her both challenging and rewarding. I am also happy that she went to Gareth Hughes, a rider I admire greatly both inside and outside the arena. Knowing she is in such capable hands and continuing her career at the highest level makes me proud. Even though she is no longer with me, the connection we shared will always remain." End of the first part All photos were enabled by Joao Torrao. In the photos, we see the horses: Ecuador, Lirio, Pagode, and Lufada.

Joao Torrao: il cavaliere "gentile" del dressage Portoghese, magico interprete del Lusitano Moderno.

"Il Lusitano è una razza nota per la sua sensibilità, intelligenza e generosità " Ecco cosa ci ha raccontato il talento portoghese, in una lunga Intervista personale, toccante e molto confidenziale. Ci ha parlato dei suoi cavalli con una tale precisione, da farli sembrare non solo suoi amici, ma componenti della sua famiglia... Intervista a cura di Giulia Iannone (Prima parte)

João Torrão, cavaliere olimpico e internazionale, grande interprete del moderno Lusitano. Perché non ti presenti come desideri e descrivi il tuo stile di equitazione? "Sono un cavaliere olimpico che rappresenta il Portogallo e ho avuto l'onore di gareggiare per il mio Paese ai massimi livelli dello sport internazionale, le Olimpiadi di Tokyo, i Campionati Europei, le Coppe del Mondo e diverse Coppe delle Nazioni. Ho iniziato a gareggiare relativamente tardi, all'età di 20 anni, con il cavallo Equador MVL, che in seguito mi ha portato fino alle Olimpiadi. Quella collaborazione è stata un momento decisivo della mia carriera e ha plasmato il mio percorso da cavaliere professionista. È difficile per me definire con chiarezza il mio stile di equitazione, ma direi che si basa su armonia, leggerezza e rispetto per il cavallo. Credo fermamente nelle basi corrette e nella comunicazione chiara, soprattutto quando lavoro con il Lusitano, una razza nota per la sua sensibilità, intelligenza e generosità. Il mio obiettivo è montare con tatto e delicatezza, permettendo al cavallo di mantenere sicurezza nel contatto, libertà nel corpo e calma nella mente. Per me, il dressage moderno consiste nell'affinare le qualità naturali del cavallo mantenendo eleganza, espressività e semplicità."

Il Dressage... perché? Sei un cavaliere gentile ed elegante che ama gli animali. Cosa significa il cavallo per te? "Il dressage per me è la forma più pura di comunicazione tra cavallo e cavaliere. Non è solo uno sport, ma un dialogo continuo basato sulla fiducia, la pazienza e la comprensione. Sono naturalmente attratto dal dressage perché mi permette di sviluppare una profonda partnership con il cavallo, dove ogni movimento è frutto di equilibrio piuttosto che di forza. Il cavallo significa tutto per me. I cavalli hanno plasmato la mia vita, sia personale che professionale. Mi insegnano umiltà, responsabilità e rispetto ogni singolo giorno. Per me, il cavallo non è solo un atleta, ma un vero compagno."

Presentaci i tuoi cavalli, i tuoi compagni di vita: Lírio, Pagode, Maestro ed Equador. I loro punti di forza, i loro punti deboli, il loro carattere e la loro personalità. Qual è il tuo cavallo preferito? "Ognuno di questi cavalli ha avuto un ruolo fondamentale nella mia vita e nella mia carriera. Ciò che li rende ancora più speciali per me è che ho iniziato ad allenarli tutti fin dall'inizio. Ho partecipato al loro sviluppo fin dai primi passi, il che ha creato un legame eccezionalmente profondo con ognuno di loro. Equador è il cavallo della mia vita, il mio primo vero compagno di gara, e avrà sempre un posto speciale nel mio cuore. Mi ha accompagnato dalle categorie giovanili fino alle Olimpiadi di Tokyo. Ma soprattutto, mi ha insegnato tutto ciò che so oggi. Grazie a lui, ho imparato cosa significa una vera collaborazione. La sua generosità, il suo coraggio e la sua determinazione hanno reso tutto possibile. Con Equador, sono anche diventato detentore dei record nazionali di Gran Premio (77%) e Gran Premio Speciale (79%). Equador era un cavallo davvero speciale, con un carattere straordinario.

Lírio è il mio attuale cavallo da Gran Premio e un partner davvero eccezionale. Ha un talento straordinario per la riunione, soprattutto in piaffe e passage, e mi ha portato ai Campionati Europei del 2025. È molto sensibile, ma non è il cavallo più sicuro di sé, richiede tatto e precisione, ma quando tutto funziona, è semplicemente straordinario. Maestro è il mio prossimo cavallo da Gran Premio. È il lusitano più grande che abbia mai montato e ha ancora bisogno di tempo per sviluppare completamente il suo corpo e la sua muscolatura. Nonostante questo, è un cavallo molto leggero, elastico e sensibile. A volte può mostrare un po' di carattere da stallone, il che lo rende impegnativo ma anche molto speciale. Pagode potrebbe essere stato il lusitano con più qualità in tutte e tre le andature da quando aveva 3 anni. Era estremamente talentuoso anche nei movimenti più avanzati e avrebbe potuto essere una vera star. Ha un carattere molto generoso e gentile."

Poi c'è Lufada, che è andata nel Regno Unito sotto la prestigiosa sella di Gareth Hughes. Ti manca un po'? Che tipo di cavallo è e quali sono le sue caratteristiche? "Certo che mi manca Lufada. Ho iniziato a lavorare con lei quando aveva solo tre anni, quindi ho seguito tutto il suo percorso. È una cavalla davvero speciale, con una forte presenza ed eleganza. È potente, sicura di sé e ha un ritmo naturale che la rende una gioia da montare. Lufada è molto intelligente e coraggiosa e ama le coccole e le attenzioni. Ha un carattere forte, ma è anche molto sicura nei nuovi ambienti, il che rende la collaborazione con lei sia stimolante che gratificante. Sono anche felice che sia andata da Gareth Hughes, un cavaliere che ammiro molto sia dentro che fuori dall'arena. Sapere che è in mani così capaci e che sta continuando la sua carriera ai massimi livelli mi rende orgoglioso. Anche se non è più con me, il legame che abbiamo condiviso rimarrà per sempre." Fine prime parte 22tutte le foto sono state abilitate da Joao Torrao. nelle foto vediamo i cavalli:Equador, Lirio, Pagode, Lufada. 19ENGLISH VERSION: Joao Torrao: the "gentle" rider of Portuguese dressage, a magical interpreter of the Modern Lusitano. "The Lusitano is a breed known for its sensitivity, intelligence, and generosity." Here's what the Portuguese talent told us in a long, personal, and touching interview. He spoke to us about his horses with such precision that they seemed not just his friends, but members of his family... Interview by Giulia Iannone (Part One) João Torrão, Olympic and international rider, a great interpreter of the modern Lusitano. Why don’t you introduce yourself and describe your riding style? "I am an Olympic rider representing Portugal, and I have had the honour of competing for my country at the highest level of international sport, including the Olympic Games in Tokyo, the European Championships, world cups and several Nations Cups. I began competing relatively late, at the age of 20, with the horse Equador MVL, who later took me all the way to the Olympic Games. That partnership was a defining moment in my career and shaped my path as a professional rider. It is difficult for me to clearly define my riding style, but I would say it is based on harmony, lightness, and respect for the horse. I strongly believe in correct basics and clear communication, especially when working with the Lusitano, a breed known for its sensitivity, intelligence, and generosity. I aim to ride with tact and softness, allowing the horse to stay confident in the contact, free in the body, and calm in the mind. For me, modern dressage is about refining the horse’s natural qualities while maintaining elegance, expression, and simplicity." 2.⁠ ⁠Dressage… why? You are a gentle and elegant rider who loves animals. What does the horse mean to you? "Dressage for me is the purest form of communication between horse and rider. It is not only a sport, but a continuous dialogue built on trust, patience, and understanding. I am naturally drawn to dressage because it allows me to develop a deep partnership with the horse, where every movement is the result of balance rather than force. The horse means everything to me. Horses have shaped my life, both personally and professionally. They teach me humility, responsibility, and respect every single day. For me, the horse is not just an athlete, but a true partner" 3.⁠ ⁠Introduce us to your horses, your lifelong companions: Lírio, Pagode, Maestro, and Equador. Their strengths, weaknesses, character, and personality. Which is your favorite horse? "Each of these horses has played a fundamental role in my life and career. What makes them even more special to me is that I started training all of them from the very beginning. I have been part of their development from their first steps , which has created an exceptionally deep bond with each one of them. Equador is my lifetime horse — my first true competition partner — and he will always have a very special place in my heart. He took me from the young horses classes all the way to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. More than that, he taught me everything I know today. Through him, I learned what true partnership means. His generosity, courage, and determination made everything possible. With Equador, I also became the holder of the national records in Grand Prix (77%) and Grand Prix Special (79%). Equador was a very special horse with an amazing character. Lírio is my current Grand Prix horse and a truly exceptional partner. He has an extraordinary talent for collection, especially in piaffe and passage, and has taken me to the 2025 European Championships. He is very sensitive but not the most confident horse requiring tact and precision, but when everything comes together, he is simply remarkable. Maestro is my next Grand Prix horse. He is the biggest Lusitano I have ever ridden and still needs time to fully develop his body and muscles. Despite this, he is a very light, elastic, and sensitive horse. He can sometimes show a bit of stallion-like character, which makes him challenging but also very special. Pagode may have been the Lusitano with the most quality in all three gaits since he was 3 y.o.He was extremely talented for the most advanced movements as well and could have been a true star. He has a very generous and kind character" 4.⁠ ⁠Then there’s Lufada, who went to the UK under the prestigious saddle of Gareth Hughes. Do you miss her a bit? What kind of horse is she and what are her characteristics? "Of course I miss Lufada. I started working with her when she was just three years old, so I have been part of her entire journey. She is a very special mare with a strong presence and elegance. She is powerful, confident, and has a natural rhythm that makes her a joy to ride. Lufada is very intelligent and brave and she loves cuddling and attention. She has a strong character, but she is also very secure in new environments, which makes the partnership with her both challenging and rewarding. I am also happy that she went to Gareth Hughes, a rider I admire greatly both inside and outside the arena. Knowing she is in such capable hands and continuing her career at the highest level makes me proud. Even though she is no longer with me, the connection we shared will always remain." All photos were enabled by Joao Torrao. In the photos, we see the horses: Ecuador, Lirio, Pagode, and Lufada. End of first part