Sons of the Wind Riding School Vacations …

Classical Training on Amazing Lusitano Schoolmasters in the United States

Story and Photos By Johnny Robb

I have had the good fortune to travel to many countries in the world to ride and train on Lusitano horses, so when Elite Equestrian magazine offered me the opportunity to take a classical dressage lesson at Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts, I was ready and willing to pack my bags and go. I had heard of the classical riding master, Vitor Silva and knew of the Sons of the Winds facility located in Merrimac, Massachuse�s. What I did know was that Sons of Winds also had a School of Equestrian Arts in Loxahatchee Florida…the town I live in! In fact, the facility was less than 4 miles from my own farm.

I arrived at the quaint Loxahatchee farm and greeted by Vitor Silva himself, a humble kind man with a knowing smile. Vitor did not boast about his impressive training in his native Portugal or his very successful background internationally with Lusitano horses. Vitor was about the horses. He introduced me to several horses on the farm, Including Ben Hur Da Broa, a very successful Grand Prix Lusitano who I remembered seeing in the World Equestrian Games. All the horses on the farm were accomplished or exciting works in progress.

Right on time, my partner for my lesson arrived ringside, tacked and ready to go. From the moment I put my foot in the stirrup, I had a good feeling about what was to come. Other riders were working in small areas designed to build confidence in amateur riders as they learn. I rode out to main outdoor arena and Vitor gave me a little time to settle on my new mount. In a few minutes Vitor was gently coaching me through the headphones in a tone that was encouraging and easy to follow. My horse was beautiful trained, but in no way dull or bored with the session. I wondered how many other amateurs he had carried around this ring as they learned their way through the classical movements.

It wasn’t long before we were trotting and cantering through the movements. Lots of renvers and tavers to get supple, with Vitor gently making small corrections on my position and my aids as I rode- it was almost as though he was inside my head. Three quarters of the way into the lesson we were doing lead changes and then tempi changes and then of a finale of collected work including pirouettes in the canter and piaffe and passage in the trot work.

I loved everything about the lesson. Vitor took us through the basics and suppling into the advanced work while always gently noting corrections to my position. I dismounted with a head full of great training and I can honestly say my position on my own horses later that day was vastly improved. I knew then and there that while this my first lesson at Sons of the Wind, it would not be my last.

Vitor established the Sons of the Wind Classical Dressage School of Equestrian arts back in 1977. He recognized how many people in the sport in the US were amateurs or didn’t have access to classical training. He also recognized that the temperament and rideability of Lusitano horses would make such a program a unique and successful. The opportunity to ride horses and train to this level and under a master trainer like Vitor might seem like something that’s not accessible, but Sons of the Winds has many program packages making it possible for horse owners and non-owners alike to participate in the program without totally interrupting their life. For me, the Loxahatchee facility is so close that next season I hope to sign up for a program at the beginning of the season that will include weekly lessons. Sons of Wind has many individual and group training sessions to help people understand the basics and gain proficiency at the highest levels including proper ground movements in classical dressage.

Out of area riders can stay at their facilities’ guesthouses both in Massachusetts and in Florida which serve as the home base for their vacation packages. These could be a week working with a school master or a month or longer depending on your schedule. You can immerse yourself in horses all day or go sit poolside and do some do some remote work with the Wi-Fi. When the day wraps up, riders can enjoy the quaint seasonal charms of the New England town in Massachusetts or the equestrian whirlwind of Wellington, Florida during the height of the season.

There are many different opportunities for riders to learn on their highly trained schoolmasters- whether you are are seeking a foundation to classical dressage or a refresher on fundamentals or working on the Grand Prix. The programs are customized by Vitor himself for each rider.

Wherever you are on your dressage journey, I encourage you to take advantage of what the Sons of the Wind Classical Dressage School offers. To find access to this level of training on these amazing Lusitano school masters once seemed impossible, until I discovered Sons of the Wind. Vitor Silva offers a unique program, and I am happy to help spread the word to my fellow dressage enthusiasts. Visit www.sonsofthewind.com to learn more.

About the Author- Johnny Robb is an Adult Amateur dressage rider who has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals and her Diamond Achievement Award . She owns Dance Hall Farm in Loxahatchee and owns a Lusitano and a Dutch Warmblood who she continues to hone her dressage skills!