The equestrian economy at European level, the history and results of the largest equestrian circuit in Europe, the potential of the equestrian world applied to different areas and the impact of the horse on local economies will be some of the highlights at AIHS. The first Yearbook of Horse Economy in Portugal will also be presented.

Nowadays technology is transversal to all sectors of activity and the equestrian world is no exception. The impact and technology’s contribution in competition, the way it contributes to the advancement of equestrian medicine or the development of new business and entrepreneurial momentum will be some of the topics to be discussed at AIHS.

Given the unrivalled conditions of Portugal in general and the Alentejo in particular, a firm commitment to Horse Tourism is possible. In addition to contributing to the Economy, Equestrian Tourism can make the relationship between people and horses, allowing them to ride or contemplate the horse, more widespread. Bearing in mind the Portuguese origins of the Purebred Lusitano and its worldwide acclaim, our country also features a beautiful landscape, a Mediterranean climate, cuisine and air, road and tourism infrastructures, making it possible for Portugal to become one of the best world destinations for this kind of tourism. Alter do Chão will soon have a theme hotel within the Alter Real Stud Farm; besides the Alto Alentejo region also has a reasonable number of stud farms and hotels, which can provide for set up a unique and functional Equestrian Tourism network. The AIHS will discuss the strategic plans for this national tourism segment, making comparisons with other places of the world where Horse Tourism is looked on as an asset.

Evolution in equine breeding, top scientific research, challenges from the standpoint of high competition breeding and training will be some of the issues related to the health of the Horse that will be featured on AIHS’ panels.

In addition to the qualifications for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Lusitano Purebred and several Portuguese knights have taken our country’s name to the big international stages. Top athletes and coaches, nationally and internationally, will be at AIHS to discuss the way forward to reach the top of the equestrian competition.

Horse transportation between countries is hampered by a number of measures that are partly repetitive and not complementary. Health control and simplification of International Guides are in the order of the day. This subject will be updated and discussed from a European perspective, but it will also find the status quo nationally.