The US Lusitano Association invites active members to apply for a two-day dressage clinic with Portuguese Olympian Miguel Ralão Duarte — one of the most influential Lusitano dressage riders and teachers of his generation.
When: Saturday–Sunday, September 26–27, 2026
Where: Haras Dos Cavaleiros, Magnolia, Texas
Who: Active USLA members with APSL Lusitanos (young horse through Grand Prix) · Dressage focus · Selection by the clinician
Why this clinic matters
Miguel Ralão Duarte trained under Guilherme Borba at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art and built an international career on Purebred Lusitanos. With Oxalis da Meia Lua, he helped establish the Lusitano as a serious Grand Prix partner for Portugal, competing at European Championships, World Equestrian Games, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A decade later he returned to the world stage at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon with the Lusitano stallion Xenofonte d’Atela.
Just as important to the future of the breed is Miguel’s work as a coach. He has been instrumental in the APSL / FEP Project for Young Lusitano Horses in Dressage (PCLE) — Portugal’s flagship program for developing competitive Lusitano dressage combinations. Alongside fellow Olympic rider Daniel Pinto, Miguel has selected, evaluated, and trained horses and riders in that program since its launch, continuing as a coach through recent admission seasons. Few clinicians bring that combination of Olympic-level riding experience and hands-on responsibility for Portugal’s next generation of Lusitano sport horses.
Riders who train with Miguel describe a classical, encouraging approach: clear balance, quiet aids, and horses that are rewarded for honest answers. He teaches from his professional base near Lisbon and continues to clinic internationally — including in the United States.
How to apply
Participation is by selection. Submit an application; Miguel chooses the combinations. Pricing is shared with accepted riders after acceptance.
- Log in with your active USLA membership
- Choose or create a horse profile for an APSL Lusitano (young horse through Grand Prix)
- Share your reason for participating and your short- and long-term goals, then submit
- Add a YouTube video of horse and rider on your horse profile (required for selection; you can add it after submitting)
- Await selection — accepted riders are contacted with details and payment instructions
Suggested social caption:
Apply for a dressage clinic with Olympian Miguel Ralão Duarte — Sept 26–27 at Haras Dos Cavaleiros (Magnolia, TX). Open to active USLA members with APSL Lusitanos (young horse through GP). Selection by the clinician; video required (add later on your horse profile OK). https://uslusitano.org/miguel-ralao-clinic-sign-up/