Golegã once again hosted the Concurso Internacional de Atrelagem de Tradição (CIAT), which this year celebrated its eighteenth edition – today the oldest CIAT in the world. Held under the aegis of AIAT – Association Internationale d’Attelage de Tradition, founded on 24 May 2008 at the Château de Cuts in France with the participation of APA among associations from several countries – the competition has become an autumn classic and an unmissable event for lovers of this elegant equestrian discipline.

This year’s edition was honoured to be presided over by Dr Rita D’Argent, Director of the Museu Nacional dos Coches, and welcomed 28 competitors, ten of them from Spain, across several classes. The single-horse and pairs classes stood out, with eleven and six entries respectively.

The unique atmosphere of the town of Golegã, together with the active involvement of several local families who generously open their estates to the route, makes this competition a truly special experience, much sought after by traditional driving enthusiasts. And as if that were not enough, the weather also played its part, with three days of perfect conditions!

At the prize-giving dinner, superbly organised at Quinta de Guadalupe, APA paid well-deserved tribute to Ramón Moreno de los Ríos, naming him Honorary Member – a personality to whom driving in general, and our association in particular, owe a great deal for his contribution to the development and promotion of the discipline. Words of recognition and gratitude also went to Irene Baptista for the secretarial work she has carried out with dedication and competence for so many years. Although close to retirement, Irene promised to keep working with us for many years to come, to the delight of all who have the privilege of working alongside her.

The dinner was also attended by the Secretary of State for Agriculture, João Moura, together with the tireless Mayor of Golegã, António da Costa Camilo. Both heard with evident satisfaction the announcement made by the President of AIAT and Vice-President of the Real Club de Enganches de Andalucía: Portugal will be the guest country at the 2027 Feria de Abril in Seville – news of great significance for Portuguese driving and a recognition that makes us very proud.

The success of this edition is naturally due to the competitors and to everyone whose work and dedication made it possible, and, as always, to the unconditional support of the Câmara Municipal da Golegã, the Feira Nacional do Cavalo and the coordination of APA – Associação Portuguesa de Atrelagem, to whom we extend our sincere thanks. To all who made this meeting possible, thank you very much. In Golegã, tradition is still what it used to be… See you again in a year!

Text: D. José Folque de Mendoça. Photos courtesy of APA – Associação Portuguesa de Atrelagem.