The 3rd Pride of Portugal Lusitano Horse Festival, sponsored by Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts, will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

The event gets underway at 2:00 pm and will run through the early evening at Sons of the Wind in Merrimac, MA.

In addition, there will be farm tours for visitors, a presentation on the breeding program and foals, and demonstrations throughout the day that showcase the Lusitano’s versatility.

Throughout the day, visitors will experience Lusitano horse exhibitions, kids activities, music, and authentic Portuguese food and family friendly activities.

The Sons of the Wind Lusitano Horses have been featured at the Boston Portuguese Festival,  and many other festivals

Sons of the Wind Farm is an internationally known Lusitano riding school that brings together equestrians from around the United States as well as the world. The School is the longtime vision of proprietor and national-clinician, Victor Silva, who was born and raised in Portugal and immigrated to the United States at the age of 18.

The Lusitano originates from the Iberian Peninsula, which is modern-day Portugal and Spain. Its origins date back to at least 25,000 B.C. .Cave paintings in the Iberian Peninsula dated from around 20,000 B.C. depict portraits of horses and activities related to a horse culture.

Known for his elegance, intelligence, bravery and courage, the Lusitano has been used as a war horse and as a mount for Portuguese bullfighters.

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