Travel blog: Golegã

Multiple World and European Working Equitation Champion, Gilberto Filipe on the magic of the Golegã Fair.

In Portugal, the world of Lusitano equestrianism is deeply intertwined with tradition, craftsmanship and passion. One rider who embodies this world is multiple World and European Champion Working Equitation, dressage trainer and bullfighter who has been devoted to horses and Portuguese culture since childhood. In an interview with Floor Schoenmakers during the Golegã Fair, he spoke candidly about his work, his love of horses and the annual Fair, the event for Lusitano lovers.

A lifetime of horses

"I have dedicated my whole life to horses," Gilberto begins. "Since I was 20, I have been competing in Working Equitation competitions, and I have also been an active bull rider and dressage rider for years now. It's more than a job; it's a way of life." Although he did not ride competitions for 11 years, he has since renewed his dedication. And spends almost every day improving his skills as a rider and training clients and the horses as a professional.

Lusitanos play a versatile role in Gilberto's life. Some horses he uses specifically for competitions in Working Equitation, dressage and others for bull riding, or a combination. "A good horse can handle multiple disciplines," he explains. "If he has a good character, a strong body and a solid dressage level, he can excel in the bullfight arena as well as in a Working Equitation course."

The art of bullfighting

A few months a year Gilberto devotes to bullfighting. Outside of that, everything revolves around Working Equitation, dressage and training riders at his own stable and abroad.
Gilberto is known for his unique approach to bullfighting, riding without a bridle. "I am the only one in Portugal who bullfights without a bridle," he says proudly. "In Spain, Diego Ventura does something similar, but here I am the only one." His motivation for this approach stems from his deep bond with his horses. He tells how, while training on his Quinta, he came up with the idea that the horse could move better without a bridle. "He responds more directly to the bull, uses his neck and body better and exudes power and elegance. The audience loves it."

During the fight, the horse shows unprecedented determination. "When the bull approaches, he remains calm, as if dancing with the bull. He shows control and beauty, almost like a living painting. A normal horse would probably run away, but my horse stays put, confident, ready to move as needed. It's something you can't really put into words; it's pure harmony."

Golegã Fair: A celebration of Lusitano traditions

The annual Golegã Fair in Portugal is a highlight for Lusitano lovers around the world! And for Gilberto, an event that is deep in his heart. "Golegã is something unique," he says enthusiastically. "When I tell about Golegã in other countries, I always say that it feels like time has stood still there. Horses walk the streets, people wear traditional clothes, and elements of our culture are everywhere, from the horses and bullfighting to the wine and food. The Golegã Fair is more than just a fair; it is a meeting place for breeders, riders and lovers of the Lusitano. Here, breeders can present and compare their horses and visitors can experience the splendour of the Portuguese horse up close. "It is the perfect opportunity for breeders to show their horses to potential buyers," he explains. "Championships are also held, where young and adult Lusitanos are judged on their model, movement and character. It is a mix of fun, breeding, traditions, sport, culture, food and drink. You can see as many as 200 horses being ridden at the same time in the dressage arena, on the streets in all kinds of disciplines and in traditional corduroy.

The significance of The Golegã Fair for Portuguese equestrianism

Golegã is a small village in the heart of Ribatejo, the heart of Lusitano breeders. The centre of this small town has been running since the 18^e century during the fair is all about horses. There is riding in the streets and on the Manga. The event lasts for 10 days and always takes place in November around the weekend of St Martinho. Outside this event, the village is pretty much deserted.

Since his childhood, Gilberto rider has come to De Golegã every year. "The first time I came here, I was nine years old. Two years later, at the age of 11, I had enough experience to ride my own horse at the Fair. From then on, I attended every year, first as a visitor and later as a participant in various competitions." He looks back on those youthful memories with warmth and pride. It was also at this place that he developed into a successful bullfighter and became 'Champion of Champions' in the Lusitano competitions.

Meanwhile, the Golegã Fair is also an important platform for his work as a professional. "It is the best place to show what I do and introduce people to the Lusitano and to Working Equitation," he says. "Here, people from all over the world can see what makes the Lusitano so special and how we work with our horses."

A world of differences: Champion at the Golegã Fair or World and European Champion

Besides his successes at the Fair, Gilberto recently became European champion in September, a title he wears with pride. Yet winning in Golegã has a very special meaning for him. "Of course the title of World and European champion has changed my life, but becoming Champion of Champions in Golegã - that is something special," he confesses.
"This is my home, my people. This is where it all started, and this is where I feel everyone's support. To have started here once as a little boy with big dreams, where you grow up, with dreams that you fight for and work very hard and then to achieve your goals in this place is something magical!"

Gilberto explains that although Working Equitation is increasingly becoming a more international sport, the Lusitano is still the preferred choice within this discipline. "A good Lusitano really helps you get to the top," he says. His experience as a rider as a bull rider and in Working Equitation has allowed him to develop his own unique style. "The work I do without a bridle in Working Equitation helps me tremendously in bullfighting, and vice versa."

During Golegã this year, he brought 24 horses from himself and clients. Throughout the year, Gilberto and his team prepare for this event. He has a house on the Manga for his family and friends. Nine people work at home in the stables and during the days in Golegã, 12 people help out. Some work at home at stables and 8 people help him at the Fair. There are even customers who come to Gilberto especially for Golegã for several months to experience this event. It's a special week, it's like Christmas, a special week that a lot of people look forward to.

A source of inspiration

Gilberto is not only a well-known figure in Portuguese equestrian sport, but also an inspiration to others. He beseechingly tells how younger riders see him as a role model. "It makes me proud that I can be an inspiration to others. When people address me on the street or want a photo with me, I know that my work is appreciated. That gives me real satisfaction and makes me super happy." he says, smiling.

The Golegã Fair, his work in equestrian sports and his status as a champion have brought him a lot, but in the end, his love for horses remains the core of his life. "The best part is working with horses every day, learning from them and improving myself as a rider," he says. "In this world, it's not just about winning, but about continuing to grow, learn and share the passion."

The Golegã Fair embodies that passion for the Lusitano and Portuguese traditions. "I always tell people that you have to experience Golegã for yourself. It's something you feel, it's our heritage, and every year I wait for that week to be able to celebrate it with my horses, friends and the whole community."

Curious about this event? And would you like to experience the "Magic of Golegã" for yourself?
Contact Floor Schoenmakers of globalhorseholidays.co.uk and join us in 2025!