THE TM MANEGE COMPETITION
IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF
MESTRE NUNO D’OLIVEIRA.

For the past sixty years, Nuno Oliveira's work has embodied first the survival and then the revival of classical equitation in the world. The courage and strength of his convictions were based on a considerable and quasi-universal equestrian culture. His impeccable riding practice, represented by countless horses trained with both success and integrity, have stood him as an often lonely bastion against the faddish trends of modern dressage. 

The recognition and respect he enjoyed in most circles during the last years of his life from people who knew him (as well as from the greater number who never saw him on a horse), proves that classical equitation has become mainstream again after being considered a confidential endeavor of a few isolated riders. Thanks to Nuno’s great efforts, equestrian art again occupies a growing place in the consciousness of the equestrian mainstream. Breeders of Baroque horses and tenants of classical riding must not forget the incalculable debt they owe to his tireless work.

His [Nuno’s] technical legacy is every bit as important for all of us, (and I am sure, to him) as his cultural influence. His nationality and the location of his school, as well as the type of horse he naturally prefered, caused him to be labeled a "Portuguese" Ecuyer, but his culture and aspirations totally transcended the borders of his country.  Nuno Oliveira was probably the greatest practical student of the European Equestrian literature. His place in the history of equitation is guaranteed by the extraordinarily thorough work of synthesis he accomplished in defining his method.

Like many of his compatriots, he spoke and read several languages and was as comfortable teaching in French or in English as in his native tongue. He successfully trained horses of most breeds besides Lusitanos and read every book worth reading, and probably quite a few he didn't agree with.

Like Baucher, he [Nuno] seemed to have tried every described method, eliminating the useless and the complicated, only to keep what was simple, safe and effective.  Many tenants of German equitation who criticized him at some point never possessed his grasp of Gustav Steinbrecht's method for whom he expressed the greatest respect. A number of his [Nuno’s] students were capable of applying his method to other disciplines like eventing, show jumping and bullfighting with great results, which proves the thoroughness of his equestrian concepts.

Beyond a method of training horses, Master Oliveira's work represents a comprehensive understanding of horses' physical possibilities, as well as a total personal commitment to the creation of an harmonious relationship between them and their rider.  More than a century after Baucher's death, many riders do "Baucher" without knowing it. Let us remember for a while how often we are inspired by Nuno Oliveira's priorities: Lightness of the aids, Roundness and Impulsion leading to the fusion of the horse and rider couple. His contribution to our art naturally follows and complements the legacy of the great masters of the past, La Gueriniere, Baucher and Steinbrecht.

Nuno Oliveira’s work and life have inspired the creation of the TM Manege competition. The principles promoted by the Traditional Horsemanship Association follow his definitive views of what everyone should look for in a classically trained horse. The flexible training patterns used in the progression of the TM Manege tests are inspired by Nuno’s lessons and the importance given to the “quality of riding” in the TM’s judging criteria refects his priorities. TM concepts strive to fit the brilliant and simple philosophy of the great late master.  Long live his spirit!  - J.P. Giacomini