Sons of the Wind Farm
Equine Journal April ’02

Becoming an effective horseman or horsewomen requires a lifetime of learning. As with any endeavor worth pursuing, the time spent educating oneself will yield fervent results. “There is always something to be learned from others,” states Vitor Silva, owner of Sons of the Wind in Deerfield, New Hampshire. “In the realm of horsemanship, our horses can be our greatest teachers.”
This ideology has prompted Silva to once again spread his wings and take flight into more erudite equestrian venues. Intense is not too demonstrative a word when describing Vitor’s manner in regards to educating the human-horse duo. “Riding is with me 24 hours a day,” says Silva. “I may not be on the horse all of that time, but I am always contemplating the ways and means for improvement.”
With great passion and desire to share his knowledge, Vitor has announced his affiliation incorporating his expertise and his horses at two equestrian centers in Maine and Rhode Island. In addition to development of these schools, he has also expanded the boundaries of his own school in the format of additional instructional clinics and demonstrations ranging from New England to the West Coast. Meanwhile, he continues a full schedule at his home facility where his passion for the learning process is apparent at every turn.
Perhaps this passion is best reflected by his students and affiliates. Sally Haney, a centered riding instructor and student of Vitor’s for three years, states, “Vitor has many areas of genius generated from not only his time in the saddle, but also time spent analyzing the horse and rider.” As organizer of Vitor’s teaching clinic in Vermont, Haney mentions that many individuals learn “defensive riding” which infringes on the natural movement of the horse. “Vitor never needs to do this. He is very clear in his thoughts, which translate into clear communication to his horses.” Haney surmises that students who attend his clinics can expect to learn many things as they ride with and observe this master of the art, often referred to as an equine philosopher.
Jocelyn Lewis of Hope Springs Equestrian Center in Gray, Maine, says that Vitor is “an amazing teacher whose desire is to see his students understand their horses-to connect with them the way he does.” Lewis goes on to say that having Vitor direct her riding program and teach clinics at her facility, has given her school credence. Her riding program and clinics include all levels of riders from beginner to Grand Prix. “Having Vitor involved with my school instills that I am serious about what I do and offers my students the expertise that is available in this area.”
It is that expertise along with his rapport with horse and rider and attention to correctness and the well-being of the horse first and foremost that Lyn Spinella owner of Brookside Equestrian Center sees as the foundation of Vitor’s ability to help her develop her school in Rhode Island. Brookside has hosted clinics with Vitor for over a year. During that time, Spinella has observed Vitor with students and horses and has developed a strong respect for him and deeper understanding and appreciation of the classical principles of dressage as the foundation of all disciplines of riding. She states that all who observe Vitor’s work recognize the instant mutual respect between Vitor and the horses he works with. “His subtle use of almost invisible aids creates fluid, beautifully choreographed movements,” describes Spinella. As her facility has hosted many events and other clinicians in the past, Spinella has seen first hand the unmet needs of students to learn and understand the basic principles of riding. Without these basics, the riders and their horses failed to progress in their training. With Vitor’s direction, strong passion for the horse and knowledge beyond compare in the classical principles, Spinella plans to be able to meet those needs and to offer a first class dressage training center.
Whether at his own school, his clinics, or his affiliated schools, Vitor provides his students the unique opportunity to experience and embrace and the ageless goal of lightness and harmony with one’s equine partner. His Schools of Equestrian Art provide a progressive program that develops the rider’s seat, balance, timing, and understanding of the classical principles of dressage.
Vitor teaches his students that while masters or 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, Vitor strives to develop this intuitive feeling in his students so that harmony between horse and rider can be achieved.
In order to help his students to develop that feeling and create the possibility of a harmonious dance with a horse, Vitor prepares his own equine schoolmasters. He approaches the training of his horses with the same intuition, tact, and passion that he utilizes when he instructs his students.
Vitor states that the horse is “pure” of thought before the first rider mounts him. From there he becomes “opinionated” based upon the rider’s interactions and outlook.
In essence, “The horse will become a reflection of his rider, be it calm and focused or skittish and uptight. Since the horse has a different level of sensibility than the rider, it is the rider who must acquire the horse’s sense to create an effective dialogue between them.”
One person who understands the time commitment involved with horsemanship is Gwyneth McPherson, a national and international dressage competitor who recently began studying under Vitor. “I have been competing for 20 years with instruction from some fabulous trainers but needed to find someone nearby,” she explains.
McPherson says that her horse’s prior training was progressing wonderfully until her mount became sour to the show ring. Looking for help, she turned to Vitor. “My horse responded to Vitor with affection known only to me,” she explains. “Through smaller invisible aids and minute achievements on my horse’s part, Vitor has earned his trust. My horse’s confidence and renewed comfort level have allowed him to flower under Vitor’s guidance. Although I hadn’t met Vitor previously, I took a leap of faith and was greatly rewarded.”…….
The rewards of finding a good training and riding establishment can make all the difference in the rider-horse educational process. In the equine industry, there are many individuals who mean well but have not attained higher knowledge concerning their horse’s abilities and well being. Vitor concludes that it takes a lifetime of feeling, analyzing, and learning to work together with your horse to understand what true horsemanship is all about. During that time, it is crucial to listen to the way the horses express themselves and, if necessary, find an interpreter (effective trainer), that facilitates the lessons the horses have to teach.