About
Francisco
Cancela
De Abreu
ABOUT FRANCISCO
Francisco Cancela De Abreu was born in the south of Portugal, into a family deeply steeped in horse tradition and culture. On his mother’s side of the family, great great grandfather, 3rd Conte de Fornos de Algodres wrote 4 editions of a series, “Equitacao e Hipologia”, a study of horses and riding.
Francisco’s grandfather had an established breeding farm with the brand, “Vicomte of Coruche”, that peaked Francisco’s love of working equitation and the recreational aspects of equine culture. On his farm, his grandfather not only worked with the horses to purvey the operations, moving cattle and hunting, but also took pleasure in hacking with friends and even invented “Skijoring” where the human is pulled behind by the horse on skis.
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Naturally it started on sand in Portugal, but then was adapted to the snow! Later on in life, Francisco worked, riding horses for the renowned breeding farm of D. Estevam Lancastre, cousin to his mother, and the long time Master of the only Portuguese fox hunting equipage.
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Equally impressive on his father’s side of the family - his grandmother rode with the legendary Master Miranda, who trained Nuno De Oliveira. Additionally, his uncle (another Francisco) was a Portuguese Dressage Champion, the Portugal Dressage Team Chief and the Dressage National team coach. He continues to work with breeding farms consulting on breeding standards and practices.
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Francisco lived his young life in the countryside immersed in the multitude of facets of the equine world, and started his formal training at the University of Evora’s Equestrian center with teacher, Sergeant Adelino Guilhermino, building on his expansive foundation, schooling in voltige, dressage, jumping and eventing.
After turning 16, he enrolled into a 3 year equine school geared towards professionals to further his riding and horsemanship studies, culminating in passing the Federation exams, becoming a Monitor /Teacher of Equitation, gaining International Federation recognition.
He went on to the university to study Animal Production, while also working as a dressage rider for, and training with, João Oliveira Duarte, Francisco also worked for the prominent breeder, Maria D’ Andrade de Oliveira e Sousa (breeding lines Veiga and Andrade), while ambitiously competing through Prix St. George level. After completing his studies and obtaining his BA in Engineering Production, he went to Netherlands to work as a rider with a prominent Olympic rider, were he worked with German and Dutch Warmblood horses. His reputation grew, and Francisco took the position working with Portuguese Olympic rider, Carlos Pinto in France, were he worked the Warmblood and Lusitano horses, while also managing the barn.
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Francisco returned to work in Portugal, where he was appointed the Technical Director and rider of Lusitanus Stables in Golegã (an area in Portugal with the oldest and most prestigious breeders and home to The National Horse Fair) for 4 years, were he taught people from all parts of the world with Lusitano horses, as well as working to help horses progress up to Grand Prix movements and preparing them for competition.
Looking to expand his knowledge and build his extensive European network, Francisco went first to Switzerland for 1 year and a half, working with Lusitano, Spanish and native Swiss horses, studying at Equigarde. Then went back to France to work with Sylvan Massa, at the prestigious Massa Horses, the largest Lusitano and Lusitano cross breeder for sport horses, where for almost two years Francisco was responsible for bringing along and training as well as campaigning and showing the horses in dressage for sales.
Francisco returned to Portugal in 2014 where he is currently based at Morgado Lusitano Stable, near Lisbon. He spends his day teaching riders from all over the world, on Lusitano schoolmasters, as well as working with his own training horses and clients. Working to help rider and horse progress is a very important and motivating aspect for Francisco, so he travels throughout Europe for monthly clinics. During the last 20 years he enjoys presenting horses in shows and competitions all around Europe, where he is inspired exchanging ideas and methods with other trainers and riders.
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A classical approach resonates most with Francisco as he feels this way does not force, but rather provides the most respect to the horse and it’s authentic progress. In this holistic way, a more harmonious way is possible that honors the horse’s psychological and physical well being.
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Francisco’s outlook carries over to the rider as well, focusing on a position that creates more physical and mental comfort for horse and rider, with effective aids for clear and efficient communication.
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Clients report they feel a new sense of freedom and artistic expression riding their horse after working with Francisco. No doubt his rich family history in horses, appreciation of equine disciplines and cultures, combined with his ongoing quest for knowledge, provide a unique blend of the progressive and the traditional that has his distinctive talents always in demand.