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.