Title: Lusitano Horse Riding Demonstration
Location: Sons of the Wind Riding School, 84 Birchmeadow Rd, Merrimac, MA 01860 (directions)
Start Time: 2:00pm (grounds and vendors open from 1:00pm)
Date: 2009-05-30

All are welcome to learn more about both these amazing horses and their role in Portuguese culture and classical dressage, when the Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts in Merrimac, MA, hosts the Lusitano Horse Festival on Saturday, May 30. The event was premiered in the 2008 edition of the Festival, and was an immediate success – click here to see photos of last year’s event.

Sons of the Wind Farm is an internationally known Lusitano riding school that brings together equestrians from around the region, the country and the world. The School is the longtime vision of proprietor and national-clinician, Vitor Silva, who was born and raised in Portugal and emmigrated to the US at age 18.

Historically, the horse of Vitor’s homeland, the Lusitano, was best known for its amazing athleticism as a loyal war horse, then as a brave, bold mount in the bullring. The Lusitano Horse Festival event will not only feature the magnificent Lusitano school masters but also riding presentations by Riding School Director Silva, assistant trainer Julie Bottum, and their students.

In addition, there will be farm tours, a presentation on the breeding program and foals, and demonstrations throughout the day that showcase the Lusitano’s versatility. While dressage enthusiasts will enjoy the more technical aspects of Lusitanos trained through the levels, everyone will enjoy a day in the country at one of the premier dressage teaching and training facilities in the U.S..

- Lusitano Horse demonstration

- Portuguese food and wine

- Fado music and folk dances

- Artisans

- Activities for kids

For more information, log on to the Sons of the Wind School website or contact Vitor Silva on:
vsilva@lusitanofarm.com
Phone: (978) 346-8882
Cell: (978) 423-9619

Directions

Use the interactive map below to find your way to the Sons of the Wind School, 84 Birchmeadow Rd, Merrimac, MA 01860. From Boston, take I93 north, then get on I495 eastward towards Lawrence; drive to Exit 52, east towards Merrimac to Birch Meadow Road. Turn left onto Birch Meadow Road and bear right at the fork in the road, approximately 1/2 mile from that turn. Watch for green and yellow sign for the farm. Turn right into sloping driveway.