The winter rains have given way to the glory of spring. I’ve had the great luxury of photographing beautiful horses in flowers and dappled sun these last two weeks. It is marvelous to be out each evening in the woods and pastures after what seemed like interminable rain!
There is something about these cork trees (quercus species) that I love. I keep thinking that someone in a toga will step from behind one. Silly? Perhaps. But this landscape says ‘human history’ to me. And for the last 500 years, the cultivation of the cork oaks has combined with the breeding and selection of the Lusitano to create a land and heritage that is Puro Ribatejo. And yes, I know….togas are much older than 500 years. But so is the cultivation of cork oaks here in the Ribatejo.
And speaking of togas, here is an interesting fact: Julius Caesar made his fortune near here in Alcacer do Sal (by harvesting salt) and with this strength of fortune and his army, became Emperor of Rome.
Enjoy the photos. I’ll be back this weekend with more, after the festival in Alter de Chao.
- Mare and foal, Companhia das Lezirias
- Mare and foal, Companhia das Lezirias
- Mare and foal, Companhia das Lezirias
- Companhia das Lezirias, young stallion
- Companhia das Lezirias, young stallions
- Carlos Oliveira on Victoria, PSL, Companhia das Lezirias
- Carlos Oliveira on Talisman, PSL, Companhia das Lezirias
- Carlos Oliveira on Talisman, PSL, Companhia das Lezirias