Both the domestic and world economies are impacted considerably by the equestrian business. According to the European Horse Network, it is estimated that the horse economy in Europe has an economic impact of 100 billion euros a year, 400,000 direct and indirect jobs, a total of over 6 million horses, 6 million hectares of grassland given over to grazing and annual growth of 5% in terms of new riders. Although the figures are significant, Portugal lacks structured data in Portugal allowing a more in-depth social and economic analysis to be carried out. In 2020, the AIHS will present a Socioeconomic Impact Assessment for the first time; this will make it possible to describe the main stud farms in the country, characterise the most important milestones and events in the sector in Portugal, draw parallels with countries and cities where the equestrian sector is very important, survey the main indicators, trends and best practices, measure the socioeconomic value of the horse economy (quantifying direct and indirect impacts) and point out the main trends in the sector that should be monitored. This assessment will be carried out by EY consultants.

Technology is revolutionising all areas of activity and the equestrian world is no exception. The world of equitation, more specifically in the competition component, was give unprecedented opportunities by Industry 4.0. Connecting applications with the horse now allow data that are vital for decision-making to be monitored. The countless technological solutions now available to riders and grooms make it possible to prevent injury, measure the horse’s performance, temperature or posture, or anticipate dangerous situations, for example remote communication of a rider having fallen. The AIHS wishes to improve how technological revolution is impacting the sector and to open up opportunities to national and international entrepreneurship, laying down challenges for problems affecting the equestrian world to be sold.

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.

Horses are very sensitive animals and they require highly specialised care. With the continuing technological and scientific advances equine veterinary medicine was profoundly changed and new doors in equine health, both through conventional and complementary medicine, were opened. Alter do Chão has a clinic located in the Alter Real Stud Farm that, in addition to a variety of specialised clinical services, is also home to an Equine Reproduction Centre, where reproductive and neonatal controls are carried out. It is also in Alter do Chão where the parentage of all the Purebred Lusitanos in the world is monitored and recorded. This procedure is certified by the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, part of the Alter Real Stud Farm. And it is through this unparalleled ecosystem that the AIHS will be bringing together experts and researchers to discuss the most recent developments in terms of equine Health and Research.

The world of equestrian sports involves considerable effort. Several Portuguese riders are currently in the Top 100 in the world ranking for Dressage and Show Jumping. Some national trainers have also stood out and they are now responsible for training three-time world and Olympic champions. Results like these come from the combination of a number of factors, both through the rider and the groom. The AIHS will bring several Portuguese and foreign riders and grooms together to look at equestrian sports from another angle, studying the key elements for achieving top results.

Thanks to the Purebred Lusitano, Portugal has one of the oldest equestrian traditions in the world. The horse helped man to move quickly and work more effectively, and to win wars. Now, it is an integral and respected part of contemporary society and continues to play an important role all over the world. Sports, leisure, health and transport are just some examples of their active involvement in day-to-day life. Several million years after the appearance of the Equus species, the horse has been through a process of adaptation to humans. The AIHS will bring in some national and international speakers to explain the story of how horses influence people’s lives and highlight the most important features of this intended interdependent relationship.