Nuno’s vision of producing top-quality Lusitanos in the United States is being realized at Wasatch Lusitanos in Petersburg, Tennessee. He brings a lifetime with the breed—spanning genetics, riding, training, and competition—anchored in a deep respect for classical Portuguese principles.

He developed his riding and training over many years working Lusitanos at every level, including time training with Pedro Torres and other masters in Portugal. This breadth of experience underpins a calm, systematic approach that builds confidence and rideability.

Nuno deepened his breeding and genetics expertise under the mentorship of Manuel Braga, whose programs (Sociedade das Silveiras and Manuel Calheiros Braga, ENG.) have produced many outstanding Lusitanos. As chief breeder at Coudelaria Mário Vinhas, he further refined selection and stud-farm management.

At Wasatch Lusitanos, Nuno leads both breeding direction and training. He designs each cross, oversees foal raising and young-horse development, and ensures every horse receives the right start and steady progression toward Dressage and Working Equitation.

Zé Maria joins Wasatch Lusitanos from Benedita, Portugal. He grew up immersed in horses from a very young age, entering a riding school at six years old and forming a thoughtful, balanced approach in the saddle.

As a teenager, he acquired a Lusitano from renowned competitor Miguel da Fonseca and achieved success in regional and national championships, becoming Regional Champion and National Vice-Champion in the under-16 category. In 2017, he entered the Pedro Torres Academy, where he studied for five years and graduated with top honors, later expanding his experience with Olympic rider Daniel Pinto and at Coudelaria José Bríto Eusegio.

Zé Maria specializes in Dressage. At Wasatch Lusitanos, he develops PSL horses from their first rides through to confident, rideable partners. He now competes select Wasatch Lusitanos in dressage, bringing them forward to Prix St. Georges (PSG) and beyond, showcasing their progression and rideability.

Beyond training and competition, Zé Maria appears in public performances that highlight the Lusitano’s versatility—often alongside Tomas—including breed exhibitions and quadrille demonstrations such as the Lusitano Quadrille at the USLA Lusitano Conference.

Tomas is from Portugal and brings a solid Lusitano background to Wasatch Lusitanos. His early formation included time in traditional Portuguese programs, shaping a calm, methodical approach that emphasizes clarity, balance, and confident first rides.

Tomas specializes in Working Equitation. At Wasatch Lusitanos, he focuses on starting our PSL horses and building a reliable foundation that carries forward into the arena and practical work. His goal is straightforward: rideable, brave, and adjustable partners that reflect the best of the Lusitano.

Beyond training, Tomas regularly appears in public performances that showcase the Lusitano’s versatility—often alongside Zé Maria—including breed exhibitions and quadrille demonstrations such as the Lusitano Quadrille at the USLA Lusitano Conference.

Sheri founded Wasatch Lusitanos to bring the best of Portuguese breeding and training to the United States. Based in Petersburg, Tennessee, she leads a program developing purebred Puro Sangue Lusitano (PSL) horses—registered with APSL—for Dressage and Working Equitation.

Working with Director of Breeding & Training, Nuno Matos, Sheri guides thoughtful pairings and development so every horse grows into a rideable, confident partner.

Her goal is simple: help riders find their dream Lusitano and achieve success with it. Thanks to the breed’s natural balance and strength behind, collection—and progress to upper levels—becomes more attainable for both ambitious amateurs and professionals.