We’re enjoying beautiful winter sunshine here in Portugal and looking out over the quiet fields with horses grazing, my mind is taken back to my recent clinics in Sweden, which were as rewarding and interesting as always. One of the favourite aspects of my work is to see the progress of long-term students and how each of them has taken something different from our sessions together and made it their own. And of course it’s very exciting to meet new students with their individual challenges and aspirations. Each and every combination of horse and rider is unique and I never get tired of taking my part and seeing where it can lead for all of us.
Now, back in Portugal, the new year is in full swing here at Quinta do Brejo, where we have three new arrivals waiting to begin their schooling with us.
Two are three year olds; the other – whose name is Diamante (featured in the video below) – is four, and yesterday was ridden free in the arena for the first time. Diamante has Veiga blood (one of the most significant and historic of the Lusitano bloodlines) and – as is typical with those from his line – he is sensitive, but he has shown a very good mind. Diamante is the Portuguese word for diamond and we’re certainly taking a lot of pleasure from polishing him. We will introduce the other horses to you in the coming weeks.
Charlotte Wittbom is a rider, trainer and teacher specialising in classical approaches to horsemanship. She travels internationally to deliver clinics, demonstrations and presentations and welcomes guests for riding holidays and training at Quinta do Brejo, Portugal – the former home and stables of Maestro Nuno Oliveira.
Charlotte rode in the celebrated Apassionata equestrian gala show as part of Maestro Luis Valença’s presentation, on three European tours.
Her early career included competitive eventing in her native Sweden; six months working as an assistant instructor under Julian Marczak at the renowned Suzanne’s Riding School in the UK and three years as a student of Maestro Luis Valença in Portugal.
She has a particular interest in the development of pedagogical approaches to the development of horse and rider, and is currently studying for a B.Ed in Education, Umeå University. She holds a a teaching certificate from the Association of British Riding Schools (A.B.R.S) and a Diploma with distinction from the Centro Equestre de Lezeria Grande (C.E.L.G) in Portugal.
At Quinta do Brejo, Charlotte schools her own Lusitano horses, welcomes guests for riding holidays and tuition, and carries out programmes of schooling with clients’ horses. She works with a diverse range of riders from around the world, spanning all equestrian specialisms, with abilities from novice to advanced.
Charlotte Wittbom 
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