The “library of horses” which Silva refers to is a contingent of well-tuned schoolmasters trained for beginning through Grand Prix level instruction. Students range from beginners new to classical training who learn to develop seat and aids through a systematic progression of lunge and long-line lessons before riding alone (a unique experience when your mount is doing a half-pass, piaffe, or passage perfectly collected by the “driver” following on foot), to upper-level riders and instructors who study work in-hand and long-lining in addition to work under saddle on Grand Prix level Lusitanos.   But the “library” doesn’t keep secrets. Silva compares riding one of his schoolmasters to taking an MRI. “It is a complete diagnostic. You will also know where you are as it gives you a road map for your riding.”   He adds, “I follow the classical principles in training. We still focus on the old fashioned school. We believe in the lunge line. Our horses are trained working in-hand or working on line lines. That process can facilitate lessons teaching the rider the more complex movements of dressage.” Silva flashes a grin, “We try to offer a type of university of horses, and learning experiences.”   “What I want to do is provide the horses and schooling for a technical understanding that allows people to become better riders. If they want to compete, we support them every step of the way.”      

The Lusitano Horse

According to archaeological evidence, the Sorraia, a primitive form of the  Portuguese Lusitano and its closely related Spanish cousin, the Andalusian, dates back to about 25,000 BC. These two breeds did not officially exist as independent breeds until their registries were separated in the1960s.

Taken together, these two breeds were commonly referred to as the Iberian horse. This breed was carefully selected for centuries as the ultimate mount for the battlefield. Horsemen depended on the Iberian mount for its keen intelligence, nobility, courage, sensibility and maneuverability in small areas and it became a powerful influence in the establishment of the independence by the Iberian countries of Spain and Portugal. Known as the supreme war horse, the Iberian was sought out by many armies from many countries as far back as the Middle Ages.

Today, both the Andalusian and the Lusitano are finding success in the sport horse arenas. Their genetic heritage allows them to perform collected movements with ease and expressiveness, including the Spanish walk, Spanish trot, lead changes, piaffe, passage, and airs above the ground.

Their especially supple, shock absorbing joints and body structure allow them the ability to successfully perform a wide range of tasks including the bullfighting of Portugal, cattle-cutting, jumping a Grand Prix course, and the high level of collected work in the dressage ring.

 The temperament of the Lusitano is one of extreme nobility toward its human counterpart, with an uncanny sensibility and fiery determination when asked to perform.

 Although Sons of the Wind utilizes a variety of breeds for schoolmasters, the Lusitano breed holds a special place in Vitor's heart due to his Portuguese heritage. He selects the Lusitano for its trainability, sensibility, and ultimately its ability to allow their riders the opportunity to experience the correctness of all of the dressage movements.