Classical riding is one of the oldest and most revered traditions in the equestrian world, blending refined technique with deep horsemanship. Across Europe, prestigious classical riding schools have preserved this heritage for centuries, and they’re still thriving today.
For equestrian enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable riding holiday, visiting one of Europe's legendary "big four" classical academies offers a rare chance to experience classical dressage at its finest, while immersing yourself in rich history, culture and world-class horsemanship. Let's take a closer look at each one.
The Spanish Riding School - Vienna, Austria
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is one of the most iconic and prestigious classical riding institutions in Europe. With a history spanning over 450 years, it has perfected the art of haute école —the highest expression of classical dressage.
Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this world-renowned academy is home to expertly trained riders and elegant Lipizzaner stallions. Daily training sessions focus on precision, balance and harmony, showcasing the depth of classical horsemanship.
Visitors can witness this equestrian excellence firsthand at public performances and gala shows held in the stunning Winter Riding School. For those looking to deepen their own skills, the Spanish Riding School also offers specialist summer courses tailored to passionate riders seeking to refine their technique in the birthplace of classical dressage.
What type of horse is used at the Spanish Riding School?
The Spanish Riding School is the world-famous home of the Lipizzaner horse. The school only uses grey stallions, bred from the only stud in Austria, located in the West Styrian village of Piber. The Lipizzaner breed has proven to be well-suited to the classical equestrian arts, combining beauty, elegance and strength with an effortless ability to pick up haute école moves, such as the capriole, courbette, and levade.
Why is the Spanish Riding School in Vienna?
You may be wondering why the so-called ' Spanish Riding School' is in Vienna? Well, the name actually refers to the Spanish ancestry of the horses themselves.
The Habsburg family controlled both Spain and Austria during the Renaissance, when there was a revival of the classical equestrian arts. The Spanish horse was considered to be the most suitable, due to its sturdiness, intelligence and grace, making these horses highly sought after at royal court. From the late 16th century onwards, Spanish horses were bred in Austria by the Archduke Maximilian, who later became Emperor Maximilian II.
He founded the first Imperial Stud in 1564. Later, the Emperor's brother Archduke Karl II also founded the Imperial Karst Stud near Lipica in modern day Slovenia.
A few hundred years later in the early 18th century, Emperor Karl VI commissioned Josef Emanuel Fischer von Erlach to build the baroque Winter Riding School in Vienna, which has remained the world-famous home of the Spanish Riding School.
Want to experience the beauty of the Lipizzaner for yourself? Why not book at trip to Lipica Stud in Slovenia?
How can I visit the Spanish Riding School?
There are a variety of options when it comes to visiting the Spanish Riding School. You can book tickets for everything from a guided tour of the school to a seat at one of their performances via the Spanish Riding School Website. Book tickets here.
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The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art - Lisbon, Portugal
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art promotes the teaching and practice of the traditional Portuguese Equestrian Art. As a tribute to the historical practice of equestrian bullfighting, the same type of horse is used in the school today, as well as the same riding techniques, harnesses and costumes.
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art also preserves Baroque horseback riding exercises, such as the “airs above the ground”.
What type of horse is used at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art?
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art exclusively uses bay Lusitano stallions from the Alter Real stud farm. The school is home to around 50 Lusitano stallions and aims to raise the profile of the Lusitano breed through its public performances.
Want to see beautiful Lusitano foals? A trip to Alter Real in Portugal is a must.
What is the history of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art?
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art traces its roots back to the 18th century, when the Royal Court of King João V trained Lusitano horses in the Royal Stables of Belém. These majestic stables were the stage for classical dressage and traditional courtly riding games, showcasing the elegance and discipline of the time.
Re-established in 1979, the modern Portuguese School continues to honour this rich legacy. Riders wear traditional 18th century uniforms, perform classical dressage movements, and train exclusively on purebred Lusitano horses – preserving both the cultural heritage and the historic methods of Portuguese horsemanship.
How can I see the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in action?
If you'd love to watch the incredible Lusitano horses in action, you can see the riders train or book a ticket to one of their public performances at the Picadeiro Henriqe Calado in Belém, just outside of Lisbon. Visit the Cavago website to find out more, here.
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art - Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is based in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. It's famous across the globe thanks to its show called “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”, which has delighted audiences for over 40 years. The show is a breathtaking demonstration of horsemanship that both exhibits and summarises the training that the School has practised since its establishment.
However, the high-profile show isn't all the School is known for. The horses are taught haute école on a daily basis and many of the riders compete internationally. Plus, both amateur riders and professionals can receive a comprehensive education in horsemanship, carriage-driving and even saddle- and harness-making from the School's expert instructors.
What type of horse is used at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art?
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is home to more than 100 Andalusian horses. Known as P.R.Es (Pura Raza Espanola), these horses have been popular within the Iberian Peninsula since the 16th century and the School is devoted to conserving the ancestral abilities of the breed today, as well as maintaining the classical traditions of Spanish Baroque horsemanship.
The most defining characteristics of P.R.E.s is their proud head carriage, gentle yet energetic temperament, trainability and natural aptitude for haute école and airs above the ground.
Why is it known as the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art?
The Royal part of the School's name came in 1987, when King Juan Carlos accepted the position of Honorary President, thereby lending official royalty to the name. This position is still held by the King of Spain today.
There's even a royal seating box at the end of the training arena for the King and special guests to watch over the school’s horses during practice, training and performances.
What can I expect during a visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art?
Paying a visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is a must for any horse-lover. Not only will you get to see the stunning Andalusian horses and riders in training, but you can also marvel at the beautiful, historic scenery of the site itself.
The School is nestled among a palace, botanical gardens, state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and more, with the Equestrian Art Museum in the palace basement. Aside from watching the horses train in one of the many picturesque arenas, guests can enjoy a warm welcome with amenities such as coffee, a gift shop and an audio tour outlining the history of the School. Find out more, here.
Want to learn from the best? Book a one-day specialist training course at the Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
The Cadre Noir of Saumur – Saumur, France
Rooted in military tradition, the Cadre Noir of Saumur stands as a prestigious symbol of French classical riding. Originally formed to train cavalry officers, it now produces elite écuyers – riding masters who serve as instructors, professional riders and ambassadors of French equestrian excellence.
The Cadre Noir is dedicated to preserving and teaching the principles of équitation de tradition française, blending theoretical knowledge with technical precision. Many of its riders also compete at the highest international levels, showcasing the school's ongoing influence in modern sport and classical dressage.
Through breathtaking gala performances, both in France and abroad, the Cadre Noir captivates audiences with the elegance of the Reprise de Manège (Musical Ride) and the gravity-defying airs above the ground. Its performances not only celebrate artistic horsemanship but also honour the rich heritage of French equitation.
What type of horses are used by Cadre Noir?
Unlike the other three Schools, the Cadre Noir is home to a variety of horse breeds. Most are Selle Français (French Saddle Horses), but Anglo-Arabians and English Thoroughbreds are also used by the School. Some Lusitanos are kept there to demonstrate 16th century Baroque style riding, too.
What is the history of Cadre Noir?
For almost 150 years, the Cadre Noir was part of the Royal School of Cavalry in Saumur. In 1825, King Charles X created the School to train cavalry officers for the French army, but it also devoted itself to training civilian horsemen and preserving the art of classical horsemanship. In 1972, the Royal School of Cavalry was transferred to the newly created National Riding School, where the Cadre Noir is now based. Its members still wear a sleek black uniform, which is what gives the Cadre Noir its name.
How can I visit the Cadre Noir of Saumur?
The Cadre Noir of Saumur is a major tourist attraction in the Loire Valley region where visitors can witness the incredible history and training of the School. You can enjoy guided tours through the impressive outdoor arena, stables and tack room, taking you on a journey back to the School's 17th century origins.
Visitors can also buy tickets to the Matinales, which are shows dedicated to exhibiting the riding mastery of the Cadre Noir at work in the Grand Manège. Commentary is provided by a riding master while you watch the horses train in long reins, jumping, and the airs above the ground. Find out more, here.
Visiting the Loire Valley? Why not check out the full Castles of the Loire Valley Horseback Tour for the full experience.
Experience the Legacy of the Big Four Classical Riding Academies
From the regal traditions of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School to the proud heritage of the Cadre Noir in Saumur, the Big Four classical riding academies offer a rare glimpse into the artistry, discipline and cultural significance of classical dressage. Each institution plays a vital role in preserving centuries-old equestrian traditions while continuing to inspire new generations of riders.
Whether you're an avid equestrian, a lover of history, or a curious traveller, visiting one of these prestigious academies is more than just a holiday – it's a journey into the soul of classical horsemanship.
Ready to plan your visit? Visit Cavago and discover how you can experience the magic of classical riding firsthand.
