Nuno Oliveira

Nuno Oliveira (1925–1989) is widely acknowledged as a master of the art of dressage.

Nuno was born in Lisbon on June 23, 1925. He studied riding under Joaquim Goncalves de Miranda, in the style of the riding academy of Versailles. A great teacher, he possessed a near-encyclopedic knowledge of equestrian theory that crossed many styles and countries. His principal influences were Francois Robichon de la Guérinière, Gustav Steinbrecht and François Baucher.

On February 2, 1989 he was discovered dead in his bed in a hotel in Australia. It is said that music by Verdi was playing in the room, music which he often played or sang while riding.

Quotes

“Descente de main: the rider relaxes his fingers and the horse meanwhile maintains the same pace, the same attitude and the same cadence.”[1]

"A horse will never tire of a rider who possesses both tact and sensitivity because he will never be pushed beyond his possibilities."[2]

"Training a horse is above all feeling and trying, according to what you feel, to help the horse and not to force him."[3]

"Equestrian art is the perfect understanding and harmony between horse and rider."[4]

Published works

The published works of Nuno Oliveira include, but probably are not limited to, the following:

References

  1. ^ Oliveira, Nuno (1965) Reflections on Equestrian Art
  2. ^ Matschull, Don. "Reflections on Equestrian Art". Referenced 5/16/08.
  3. ^ St. Ryan, John. "Notable Quotes". Referenced 5/16/08.
  4. ^ Russell, Eleanor."The Truth in Teaching of Nuno Oliveira". Referenced 5/16/08.