Classical Riding School
The School of Equestrian Arts offers a progressive program that develops the rider’s seat, balance, timing and understanding of the classical principals of dressage. Vitor teaches his students that while trainers can share their knowledge and explain the technical aspects of riding, each rider must open themselves to feel the horse’s movements, responses, and needs. Ultimately, he strives to develop this intuitive feeling in his students, so that harmony between horse and rider can be achieved.
Riding Program
In order to help his students develop their intuition and create the possibility of harmonious dance with a horse, Vitor trains his own schoolmasters, representing the Lusitano, Quarter Horse, Warmblood, and Thoroughbred breeds. The level of these school horses range from first level to several who are working at the Grand Prix level. These schoolmasters are prepared in-hand, as well as under saddle, to perform all of the dressage movements including piaffe and passage. As a result, Vitor is able to offer his students, regardless of level, the opportunity to feel these movements correctly. The riding school, supported by friendly and knowledgeable staff, is open to students of all ages, skill levels, and riding disciplines. Instruction is offered in private and group lessons. Students may choose weekly lessons or opt for a more intensive training program. Those students coming from out of town, either with or without a horse, have the option of many training packages and luxurious accommodations on the farm.
Specialized Training
Training is a science, while riding is an art. In addition to the development and continuous process of refinement of our schoolmasters, Sons of the Wind offers training for boarders and horses visiting from the outside. Using the classical principals and an innate ability to cultivate a respectful rapport with each horse, Vitor meticulously develops training programs for young horses and refinement programs for upper level horses. Depending on the needs of the individual, Vitor employs in-hand work and long-line work, as well as work in the saddle, to develop the horse's mind and body. Once a solid foundation is established, he prepares horse and rider for the upper level movements.