The Final Day’s Activities at the International Lusitano Festival in Sao Paulo Demonstrates the Versatility of This Breed in Brazil
Equestrian News Release

Sao Paulo, Brazil - May 28, 2006 – Under a blazing hot sun, with beautiful native Tamarinds – which I won’t attempt to identify by species – descending from the trees to collect picnic scraps abandoned by spectators, the final day of the International Lusitano Festival is a welcome and relaxing day for recognizing and reflecting on the remarkable progress which has been made by Brazil’s Association for Pure-bred Lusitanos (ABPSL). Founded by a passionate group of breeders just 30 years ago, the ABPSL is in its infancy, unlike many studbooks that can boast centuries of tradition and although they remain affiliated to the parent Lusitano studbook in Portugal, many of their members are becoming more oriented towards the creation of a beautiful sport horse, rather than runway supermodels. Certainly, the Portuguese breeders also wish to maintain their devotion to the Lusitano’s working role in the bullrings of Europe – an activity, I’m sure many will be pleased to know, that is outlawed in Brazil.

Today, the Brazilian breeders apply themselves to their art with undeniable passion, and while there is a strong following for the very classical Baroque horse type, there are now many for whom functionality and sporting aptitude are more important attributes. Fortunately, this doesn’t detract from the fact that Brazilian-bred Lusitano horses retain their natural beauty and are among the most versatile of breeds for a great many disciplines. Grand Prix dressage, Working Equitation and carriage driving – for which the Lusitano has recorded World Championship titles – western disciplines, show jumping up to 1m30 … activities for which the Lusitanos excel, and always with a kind and willing temperament.

Sunday morning showcased a small but spectacular selection of carriages drawn by Lusitano horses who also demonstrated their classy dressage paces between the traces. The most beautiful vehicle was a 1900 Caleche owned by Mauricio and Richelle Tomaselli, driven by Mauricio, and drawn by a stunning black Lusitano accessorized with traditional gold and green bandages and ribbons representing the Brazilian flag. Of course, Brazilian patriotism and fervor is growing with each passing day as the kick-off to the 2006 World Cup soccer final in Germany approaches, and the Sao Paulo store windows are celebrating their national team by displaying every item imaginable in green and gold.

At the highest level, alongside Working Equitation, Lusitano’s are well-known in the sport of competitive four-in-hand carriage driving, as Belgian international Felix Brasseur, a dedicated fan of this breed, won the FEI World Championship title in Waregem, in his home country, in 1996 – and was at that time the only driver of this caliber exclusively driving a team of Lusitanos – albeit Portuguese bred.

Hats off to Show Director, Raul Antonio de Maura Silva, who with a very small team of staff capably organizes this world-class Lusitano Festival in Sao Paulo and is also comfortable behind the microphone informing the enthusiastic spectators from home and abroad, until the early hours of every morning if necessary. For the past three years Raul has also been the manager of the ABPSL studbook and is now responsible for steering a course that will maintain the Lusitano’s outstanding beauty and also ensure that it plays a role in the sporting arenas of the world for many years to come.

PHOTO CREDIT: A 1900 Caleche owned by Mauricio and Richelle Tomaselli, and driven by Mauricio © 2006 Ney Messi