Photo by Bethany P. Photography; Submitted by Vitor Silva's Sons of the Wind: This is Amoroso, our treasured schoolmaster at Sons of the Wind. He has taught hundreds of riders over the years, from the most nervous beginners on the lunge line to riders learning tempi changes, piaffe, and passage.
He embodies everything noble, generous, and magnificent about the Lusitano breed.
We are forever grateful and endlessly thankful for all he has given to so many riders. ❤️🦄❤️
This month on YourDressage we are highlighting the Lavish Lusitano!
We asked our social media followers to share a photo of their favorite Lusitano or Lusitano cross, and tell us a little about them, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming gallery or to share a story about their partnership with the YourDressage community.
Encanto Brooke Louise Creative image – Allison M.RF Jactancia a unique mare who takes care of her riders from the youngest to the oldest. She is talented and excels in lateral moves. She is not only loved by me but her barn family at Matt McLaughlin Dressage – Fiona L.N’Dependence aka Indy, a 2017 APSL gelding. I bought him as a 4 year old with 19 rides on him and no bridle or bit training. I’ve worked with him to bring him to Third Level, in which he just helped me earn my first score for my Bronze last month. – Kelly M. Read Indy and Kelly’s story, Thirty Years to N’DependenceThis beautiful boy is Pioneiro from Sons of the Wind. His is a joy to ride and has the smoothest canter I have ever had the pleasure to ride. – Sally B.Panache CL, Rubi AR x Solar dos Pinhais 7 year old I bought as a baby and have been bringing along, and it’s been a journey! – Juliane D.Joplin by Saphiro out of a home bred Han/TB mare. She is 3 rd generation mare line I’ve owned. Safe and so fun!! Plus a cool color buttermilk buckskin!! – Keri H.Latino aka Tino imported from Portugal – Sharilyn G.Protego Santana and I are on our Para Dressage journey after I lost my leg 2 years ago. He’s an 8 yr old Lusitano gelding and my best friend 🥰 Lisa Michelle Dean Photography photo – Melissa M.Maravilha SS a 10 yr old imported mare that is moving up the levels in the PNW. She is a sensitive and hard working athlete that is typical of the breed. PC: Bethany P Photography – Suzanne H.Keep an eye out on 6 year old lusitano stallion Quiero KD and Maverick Wright in the FEI Juniors representing the lusitanos and USA Dressage #ridethewrightway – Kenton W.EGOISTA S/P Lusitano/Andalusian Stallion. He’s my best friend and a dream all wrapped into one. He is like a 17hh Labrador puppy and a T-Rex combined. He’s a dream to ride that exemplifies everything that this wonderful breed has to offer. His size makes him a super competitor and the Lusitano work ethic makes his an amazing partner! – Jill H.London do Vouga 2025 US Grand Prix National Champ 🤩 – Jorge Arauz Dressage Read about their 2025 US Dresage Finals performance here!My gorgeous Dinamico HM who brought me from first to I-1 and above❤️received him as a donation from dressage 4 kids, he has made all my dreams come true – Emily K.My Lusitano, my dance partner, my saving grace . Zodiaco Interagro “Zodiac” I met him years before I got him and never forgot him. I thought I’d never see him again. Then, years later by pure chance, I was able to get him. It was a dream come true! 2 months later, I was diagnosed with beast cancer. It was a long, hard fight. I had many bad days and a lot of pain. But, I kept going by wanting to get well and ride him. I survived. He was there for me through all the tears sometimes just to listen or cry in his mane. Pony rides at a walk when we weren’t supposed to be riding (sorry Dr Dumanian – I had to!). After it all, he taught me to REALLY ride. Starting with simply having the strength to posting trot one complete trip around the arena. Now, 8 years later, at 23 years old he is still going strong. We are starting 4th level and we are one score from getting our bronze medal together. Thank You, Zo! You taken such good care of me, taught me so much, made me so proud so many many times, and gave me memories that will live in my heart forever. I love you . You are irreplaceable. We still have a couple more years for him to introduce me to some Grand Prix ! Let’s do it! – Paula E.The one and only Lusitano, Diablo DC, and his rider, Madison Waller— a partnership built on talent, trust, and years of unwavering devotion. Maddie purchased Diablo when she was just 9 years old, while he was 5. Now 17, Diablo DC is an International Working Equitation multi-champion, USEF Horse of the Year, FEI Grand Prix Champion, and even a Breyer Horse model. But beyond the championships and accolades, their story is one of a once-in-a-lifetime bond — a love that has been undeniable from the very beginning. Susan J. Stickle Photography image – Ashley W. REad their story, A Partnership with the “Diablo”St Julien Interagro 4 years old. He’s amazingly kind and patient with me (older lower level amateur dressage rider) but he is extremely sensitive as the Lusitano breed is. We’re going very slow learning and trusting each other but we have bonded inseperably since he came a few months ago. We are a work in progress however long it takes. – Rowan E.I LOVE my Lusitano! Noah came to me about two years ago! He is now learning flying changes and schooling 3rd level. We have built such a great partnership. You can ride him bridleless in the field or and take him to a show, and he is the same horse everywhere; so smart, athletic and sweet. – Faith F.This clown is the barn favorite 🤡. Morante aka 🍤 is a 10 year old Lusitano gelding, he was purchased from Paulo Jorge Ferreira II in California. We bought him as a 4 yo and he was in training for bull fighting. He could piaffe passage and bow but could barely canter. He’s a huge personality and despite being 14.3 thinks he’s the biggest horse in the barn. He is good at complaining, too, mostly about the size of his food rations. He’s a blast to ride with endless energy and as we say he “always tries his best!” He’s shown very successfully through third level and will make the jump to FEI very soon. – Denise S.Carpe Diem de Massa 🩵 Centre Line Media image – Micah D.URSA MAJOR VO Veiga Line!
She is poetry in motion with heart bigger than this universe!
She’s isn’t an easy horse, she asks for everything and prepared to give you her all in return!
Truly a great extension of her amazing breeding lines! – Asya R. USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mountedDonatello DC – the best GP schoolmaster I could ever wish for. Aged 18 and getting better every day ❤️❤️ – Judy S.Purchased Hebreu HM from Vitor Silva’s Sons of the Wind – Classical Dressage School & Lusitano Sales five years ago, and he is the most special boy. We started at First Level and are now showing Grand Prix, just one score away from our Gold Medal. He has the kindest heart, the best work ethic, and is always willing to try. I’m so grateful for the partnership we’ve built together and continue to grow every day. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography – Ashley M.Lavagante Interagro – Tyra V.Nesquick Do Freixo, imported from Portugal competing in dressage and working equitation. He is my 9 y.o. bullfighter who has my back. If you know… you know. He chose me and I am so blessed. Carmen Jacobson Photography – Leslie L.Scooter!! – Nicolas D. USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mountedMy 8 year old Luisitano Stallion showing PSG this year and he has the biggest heart in the world. Love him so much! Blesck Photography – Heidi H.
