On Friday, April 24, 2026, the historic Coudelaria de Alter in Alter do Chão, Portugal, held its annual auction, offering 23 horses for sale to bidders both on-site and online. The event, organized by the Companhia das Lezírias, featured 21 Lusitano Purebred horses and two Arabian Purebred horses, continuing a tradition that has drawn international attention for decades. The auction was accompanied by an open day, allowing visitors to tour the stud farm and learn about its preservation efforts for the Alter Real bloodline.
The base bidding prices for mares ranged from €5,000 to €17,500, while stallions commanded higher starting bids between €7,000 and €20,000, according to official pricing details released ahead of the sale. These figures reflect the animals’ pedigrees, training, and intended use, whether for breeding, leisure, or equestrian sport. Among the highlights was a “schoolmaster” horse previously trained at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, now returned to assist amateur riders in developing their skills or to serve experienced handlers seeking a well-schooled mount.
The Coudelaria de Alter, founded in 1748, is one of Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious stud farms, renowned for maintaining the Alter Real lineage—a breed historically linked to the Portuguese royal equestrian academy. Francisco Beja, director of the Department of Stud Farms at the Companhia das Lezírias and overseer of the Alter stud, emphasized in pre-auction interviews that the selected animals represented years of careful breeding, with standout males and females chosen to elevate the overall quality of the herd. He described the event as both a commercial transaction and a celebration of heritage, noting the inclusion of traditional elements such as a Serra de Aires dog exhibition and a performance by the centenary Banda Filarmónica de Alter.
The auction formed part of a broader cultural program, blending commerce with public engagement. Attendees could view the horses in advance through scheduled appointments or via online photos and videos, ensuring transparency and accessibility for international buyers. The Companhia das Lezírias promoted the event as a key moment in the national equestrian calendar, highlighting its role in sustaining rare bloodlines and supporting rural livelihoods in the Alentejo region.
While the final sale prices were not disclosed in the verified sources available, the auction’s structure followed established patterns: reserve prices set expectations, bidding proceeded publicly, and successful buyers assumed responsibility for transport and care. The event underscored the ongoing global demand for Lusitano horses, valued for their agility, temperament, and suitability for dressage and working equitation. Buyers typically include private collectors, professional trainers, and institutions seeking foundation stock for breeding or sport programs.
The Coudelaria de Alter continues to operate as a state-managed entity under the Companhia das Lezírias, balancing conservation goals with economic sustainability. Its annual auction remains a focal point for breeders and enthusiasts worldwide, offering rare access to horses raised in a centuries-old tradition of selective breeding. As of the date of the event, no official statements indicated changes to the stud farm’s management or upcoming alterations to its breeding protocols.
For those interested in future auctions or visiting the stud farm, the Companhia das Lezírias maintains public communication channels through its official website and regional agricultural offices. Updates on upcoming events, including dates for the next annual auction and open days, are typically announced several months in advance.
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