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• Location in Portugal
• Courses 2010
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• Trainees and volunteers
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• Our horses at other stables
• Foundation
• Lusitano history
• Lessons and riding
• Shows and events
• Sponsoring
• Students
• Breeding
• Half-breed Lusitanos
• Stallions
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Students

My internship at the foundation for the promotion of the Lusitano horse (Stichting Promotie Lusitano), January-February 2005

My name is Anne-Marie Frijters (21) and I am a third year student at the Higher Agricultural University in Holland, where I am doing a degree in Animal Husbandry. The course prepares its students for a profession around the animal sector, for instance as an agricultural advisor. Every student focuses on his or her favourite species, varying from chickens to elephants and I am interested in horses and baroque horses in particular. I was already able to gain some experience with Frisians and Pure Bred Spanish horses and now I was curious to get to know the Lusitano horse as well. That is why I chose to do my internship at the riding school/stud of the foundation for the promotion of the Lusitano Horse (Stichting Promotie Lusitano).  

For my course I have to spend at least half of my time doing a university level assignment for the company. Since the foundation had just moved to a new location (in Germany), I was asked to work in the Public Relations by writing for instance articles for several media. My internship started at the time when the horses were moved to the new location. This way I could look after the horses while the manager focused on the relocation. An advantage for me was that I was there right from the beginning, which made me realise that starting up a business is fascinating but surprisingly complicated. 

I have been here for over a month now and have learned a lot about the Lusitano horse. Thanks to the huge amount of books, magazines and video cassettes which are there for me to read and view, but also because of the daily work with the horses themselves. I noticed once more how intelligent yet well behaved this type of horse is, even the stallions are gentle and obedient. Even the tensions of moving to a new environment did not affect them at all. Even on the 5 km race track which is located around the park they remained controllable even though they were out in the fresh air for the first time. Secretly I was a bit disappointed the horses did not make a run for it, how often does one get the chance to test out a fully professional race court after all?! All the things you have to keep in mind while hacking out like rocks, holes, traffic etc are not there and even in case you would lose control of your horse it can just run until it becomes out of breath. This gave me a really safe feeling. Another thing I liked was the Portuguese feeling the company breaths. The tack, the colours and even the food made me feel like I was in the warm south.

This is therefore a really good place to get to know the Lusitano and its culture. I am very happy I got this opportunity, though I am still unable to say which baroque breed I like best.

Anne-Marie Frijters.