Welcome to Quinta do Archino
Home to Francisco de Braganca and his Classical Dressage School
Francisco began riding bareback on the family farm of Quinta do Archino at the age of 5 under the guidance of the man he calls his first master, his father, Don Carlos de Bragança.
From 1974, he lived and worked with Master David Ribeiro Telles, whose famous family continue, to this day, to demonstrate classical riding principles in the bullring.
In 2004 he returned to Quinta do Archino, full time, to build a classical dressage school. Lady Sylvia Loch, a like-minded equine friend from the UK, immediately supported Francisco through personal recommendations to international clients and by co-hosting regular clinics in Portugal. She continues to give Francisco all the support she can at home and overseas.
A Lifetime of Experience...
In 1980 he began an unforgettable 3 year period of training with the master Nuno Oliveira at Avessada. Riding six days per week he learned much, not just from equestrian practice, but also from lunchtime conversations with the master and attending enlightening private lectures, also given by the master.
Numerous sessions of asking questions and listening to wise replies about classical dressage were a gift to Francisco and has guided Francisco's riding life and style ever since. Engraved on his mind is the echo of Nuno Oliveira's wisdom that he applies to his own horses:
