The master classes are meticulously designed to benefit the audience by showcasing advanced training techniques and strategies that enhance the natural abilities of the Lusitano horse.  The selected demostration riders that are chosen serve as conduits through which the clinician's teachings are communicated to a broader audience. This structure ensures that while the riders receive expert advice and personalized coaching, the spectators gain practical knowledge through observation.

To maintain the focus on the Lusitano breed and its characteristics, only horses registered with the APSL (Associação Portuguesa de Criadores do Cavalo Puro Sangue Lusitano) are eligible to participate. Additionally, either the rider or the horse’s owner must be a current member of the USLA. The clinician handpicks applicants based on the specific concepts they plan to demonstrate during the class, ensuring that each selected horse and rider pair best represents the skills and training relevant to the clinic’s focus.

Requirements:

• Horse must be a Lusitano registered with APSL (Associação Portuguesa de Criadores do Cavalo Puro Sangue Lusitano)
• Rider or owner must be a member of USLA (United States Lusitano Association)

Interested parties are required to submit an application form along with a video that showcases their Lusitano’s current level of training and proficiency. This video helps the clinicians assess the suitability of each applicant in relation to the class's objectives. Importantly, there is no charge for riders to participate in these master classes.

Clinicians review these submissions as early as possible to select a preliminary group of candidates. This group exceeds the number of riders needed by two, allowing for contingencies. Preliminary selections are made at least one month before the event to give demo riders ample time to prepare for their spotlight at the conference.

The final stage of selection occurs on Tuesday, October 15, when the clinicians work closely with the demo riders during a pre-class session. This process determines who will participate in the master class, ensuring that each rider and horse pair is optimally prepared to exemplify the clinician's teachings.

The USLA Lusitano Conference and its Master Classes represent a pinnacle of educational and training excellence, celebrated within the vibrant community of Lusitano enthusiasts. By bridging the gap between expert knowledge and practical application, these master classes enrich all participants—riders and audience alike—with deeper insights and appreciation for this magnificent breed.

The Master Classes will be held October 15-19 as part of the USLA Lusitano Conference. Join us this October to experience the artistry, skill, and tradition that define the Lusitano at the USLA Lusitano Conference. Whether as a participant or as an observer, you will find these master classes a profoundly enriching experience, highlighting the extraordinary capabilities of the Lusitano horse and the knowledge of our distinguished clinicians.

Important logistics information:

• Master Class Cost: There is no charge for participating in the Master Classes.
• Master Class Stabling: Stabling at WEC. This must be organized with USLA. Text 281-831-7042.
• Health & Safety requirements for brining horses to WEC.
• Shavings and hay:No outside shavings may be brought into WEC. Participants needing shavings or hay are responsible for purchasing these from WEC. Fill out online form below to obtain shavings and Feed, Or Text (352)763-1725