Walkers Equestrian - Golega Festival

Equine Dental Work in Portugal

I have just returned from Portugal having answered a call for help. Specialist horse dentistry in Portugal is not something that is used very often and is usually only performed by a vet. Having limited knowledge, only the bare minimum of treatment is performed and in general the health of horses teeth can be poor.

Golega Horse Festival - Portugal

A former client of mine, now living in Portugal asked if she would make the trip and assist in, not only the treatment of her own horses but also the education about dentistry and treatment of several horses at the many horse yards and stables.

The main focus of the visit was the 'Golegã Horse Fair' which has taken place since the mid-18th century in the small town of Golegã, approx. 1½ hour's drive from Lisbon. The Fair is a 5-day, 24 hour spectacle of the Lusitano horse and is Portugal's most prestigious national horse fair.

There are a variety of displays including dressage, barrel racing, 'horse - ball', and an impressive show from the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. Most people who visit the festival bring their own horses and the streets, bars and restaurants are taken over.

Over the space of 3 days, I visited many yards and spoke with the owners about the need to maintain a healthy mouth and in some cases was able to show them the problems and explain how they were being remedied.

I then travelled to the town of Torres Vedras (50 Km north of Lisbon). Anne (my former client) has her own yard and worked on all of the horses, most of which were stallions who behaved very well, with only a few requiring sedation.

From this baseI travelled out to other yards, one of which is called Quinta de Marina. Many of the horses on this yard required a lot of complicated work and I have arranged to return there in April 2005 to continue the education and treatment required.

If you would like to be seen by a fully qualified (BEVA) EDT, I am based in Worcestershire and travels to all areas of the Midlands. You may me by calling 07710 427 197 or by sending me an e-mail to philippa@walkersequestrian.co.uk.