Lusitanos on the National Stage:
Jorge Arauz and London Do Vouga and a new journey Ahead
By Amy Caine
Heritage Born on Horseback
For Jorge Arauz, horses have always been more than a passion—they’re a family legacy.
“I come from a family of riders and trainers,” he shared. “My dad and my grandpa—they all ride and train. In my country, dressage isn’t strong, but horses are part of daily life.”
Growing up in Nicaragua, Jorge’s childhood revolved around farm work and cultural parades. “My family has always been cattle people,” he explained. “We rode for work around the farm, but also for the parades that happen every weekend around the country. It was more like Latin American traditional riding.”
That foundation evolved when Jorge’s father earned a scholarship to the Royal Riding School in Jerez, Spain (La Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre )—a turning point for the family. “He realized there was something more professional—something with real technique—so he brought that knowledge back to Nicaragua,” Jorge said. His father went on to managed Nicaragua’s only Lusitano breeding program, immersing Jorge in the world of classical horsemanship.
“I was eight years old, growing up on that farm, riding Spanish horses and Lusitanos, learning the classical techniques from Europe. That was my childhood.”
A New Beginning in Texas
Nearly nine years ago, Jorge brought that classical training to the United States when Los Encinos Equestrian Center in Magnolia, Texas invited him to join their program. “They contacted me and brought me over,” he recalled. “At first, it was just our breeding & Training program, but about six years ago we opened the doors to outside clients.”
That expansion brought London do Vouga into his life—a horse that would change everything.
“London was bought in Brazil by Dulce Borjas about five years ago,” Jorge said. “He came as a lady’s horse, schooling second level, meant to be her personal ride. But I quickly realized he was going at maybe 15 or 20 percent of his capacity.”
Recognizing London’s untapped potential, Jorge proposed a shared approach. “We’ve been sharing him ever since—Dulce rides him on weekends, and I train him during the week. He’s so good-minded that he’s allowed us to do that while developing him into a Grand Prix horse.”
Developing London do Vouga
Jorge believes London’s success reflects the Iberian breed’s versatility.
“Not all have the quality to reach Grand Prix or the mind to be both a schoolmaster and a top competitor—but London does.”
“We have been coached by Antonio Cid and Rafel Soto both from The Royal School of Jerez.”
“He has quality, willingness to please, and the capacity to adapt,” Jorge said. “Dulce can ride him calmly, and when I get on, he gets super competitive.”
Dulce already got her Silver Medal on him.
That partnership—and patience—paid off when Jorge and London entered the 2025 U.S. Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, where they became Open Grand Prix Champions.
Triumph at the Dressage Finals
“It was my first time at the finals,” Jorge said. “I’d qualified before, but couldn’t go since I was just a resident. Now, with my citizenship, I finally could—and it was incredible. The facilities, the people, the atmosphere—everything was perfect.”
Jorge and London went in with humility and focus. “We didn’t have big expectations,” he admitted. “We were just happy to be there. But we did the best Grand Prix we’ve ever done—and it turned out to be the best test of the day.”
Of the 14 starters, Arauz coaxed the winning 65.036% performance in the Open Grand Prix Championship
A Toast to Teamwork
After their victory, the celebration was as heartfelt as the journey.
“We set up a table outside the stalls, opened a couple bottles of champagne with my wife, Dulce, and some friends,” Jorge said, smiling. “We were tired, but it was a beautiful night.”
Today, Jorge continues to train and develop Lusitanos, PREs and Warmbloods at Los Encinos in Magnolia, Texas, where his philosophy remains rooted in patience and purpose. “Right now, I have about 4-5 Lusitanos, a few PREs, and a couple warmbloods,” he said. “Every horse teaches you something new.”
Heritage, Hard Work, and Heart
From the parades of Nicaragua to the winner’s circle of the U.S. Dressage Finals, Jorge Arauz’s journey embodies the timeless values of heritage, discipline, and devotion. His story reminds riders everywhere that true horsemanship is built not just on skill—but on soul.
Meeting Jorge was an absolute pleasure. His rich background, deep love for horses, and undeniable talent make the future of the Lusitano breed shine brighter than ever.
An Exciting New Chapter
After nearly nine years of leadership and growth at Los Encinos, a new chapter begins—and with it, the launch of the Jorge Arauz Dressage.
With great excitement, we introduce this next stage of our professional path: a program designed to develop horses and riders with excellence, precision, and care. Our mission is to maintain—and elevate—the standards that have always defined our work.
“We are grateful for the support and opportunities that shaped our past experiences and helped us reach this moment. To our amazing friends, clients, and supporters who have encouraged us during this transition—thank you. Your trust fuels our commitment to offering a top-tier training environment.”
A special thank-you goes to Haras Hacienda for welcoming us into their beautiful facilities and giving the Jorge Arauz Dressage an inspiring place to grow.
We’re excited, motivated, and ready to share everything this new program has to offer.
Stay tuned—great things are coming!
About the Author
Amy Caine is a USLA member and Social Media manager, a lifelong equestrian who combines her passion for experience in storytelling. She interviews riders and trainers capturing their journeys and the heart behind their success.
