ALTER REAL AUCTION

From Registration to Bidding: Your Guide to Alter Real Auction 2026

Apr 15, 2026

Text: Lusitano World · Photos: Carlos Hernâni

Each year, the Lusitano community turns its attention to Alter Real Stud for one of the country’s most anticipated equestrian events — the Alter Real Annual Auction. The 2026 edition is set for April 24, bringing together breeders, riders, and enthusiasts at the world’s oldest stud farm still operating in its original location.

The auction begins at 15:00 (local time) and will be conducted both on-site and online, allowing international buyers to participate in real time. This year’s catalogue features 23 horses, all bred under the renowned Alter Real program. These horses are widely recognised for their functionality, rideability and classical type, with several pedigrees tracing back to influential names such as Rubi AR and Viheste AR — both emblematic representatives of Lusitano excellence on the Olympic stage.

The auction continues to stand out as one of the most accessible entry points into high-quality Lusitano genetics. Starting bids are set at €5,000 for mares and €7,000 for stallions, with a notable group of 14 horses certified free of piroplasmosis — a factor of particular relevance for international buyers.

As anticipation builds, the event is expected to attract a diverse audience, from private riders to professional operations in search of their next prospect. Whether aimed at sport, breeding, or leisure, the Alter Real Annual Auction remains a unique opportunity within the Lusitano market.

Continue reading to explore the full catalogue, participation details, and the schedule for the day.

From Registration to Bidding: Your Guide to Alter Real 2026

Explore the 2026 Horse Catalog

All horses presented in this year’s auction are available to view online through their individual profiles, which include photographs, videos, pedigrees, and starting bids. The official catalogues can be accessed below:

🔗 Stallions Catalogue
🔗 Mares Catalogue

For buyers wishing to experience the horses in person, visits can be arranged by appointment until April 22 at 17:00 (local time). Additional veterinary and health documentation — including radiographs and piroplasmosis test results — can be requested directly from the stud.

Pre-purchase veterinary examinations are also available and must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance, with appointments open until April 17 at 17:00. This structured approach ensures full transparency for prospective buyers, combining digital accessibility with on-site evaluation opportunities ahead of the auction day.

Registration & Bidding

Participation in the auction — whether on-site or online — requires prior registration, to be completed by 12:00 PM on April 24 via email at geral@alterreal.pt. The official registration form is available online, and a €25 registration fee applies. This amount will be deducted from the final purchase price in the event of a successful bid, or refunded should no purchase be made.

Once registration is confirmed, online participants will receive access credentials to the live auction platform, enabling real-time bidding throughout the event. For those attending in person, bidding paddles can be collected at the welcome desk upon arrival.

Following the conclusion of the auction, successful bidders will be contacted by 21:00 on April 24 to proceed with the purchase formalities. Participants are encouraged to review the full Auction Rules & Regulations in advance to ensure complete understanding of the process.

What’s on the Agenda for Auction Day?

More than a sales event, the Annual Alter Real Stud Auction is a celebration of centuries of equestrian tradition. Open to the public, the event offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the stud farm and experience its heritage first-hand. Curious about what the day has in store on April 24?

Full Programme

🐶 10:30 AM – 12th Regional Serra de Aires Dog Show (Parada in front of Casas Altas)
🏇 11:30 AM – Presentation of the Alter Real horse team
🔨 3:00 PM – Start of the Annual Auction
🌿 6:00 PM – Traditional Mare Release

If you are planning your visit and wondering about lunch options, a selection of food stands will be available at Tapada do Arneiro for a relaxed, informal break. Alternatively, guests may opt for a sit-down meal at the Vila Galé Hotel restaurant nearby.

For any assistance regarding registration, appointments, or general enquiries, the team at Alter Real Stud will be pleased to help:

📩 geral@alterreal.pt
📞 +351 245 610 060

Whether you are a breeder, rider, or admirer of the Lusitano breed, the 2026 Alter Real Auction stands as a highlight of the equestrian calendar. Join on-site in Alter do Chão or participate online to secure your next equine partner.

About Us

Lusitano World offers a combination of services dedicated to promote the Lusitano Horse worldwide and to highlight the richness of Portuguese equestrian culture. Visit our website and follow our social media platforms to find out what we can offer.