While predominantly known for their athleticism in the international dressage circuit and the bullfighting ring, the Lusitano is finding another niche serving a large community of riders in a therapeutic riding program.

The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding is located in San Juan Capistrano, CA and is known worldwide for its excellence in therapeutic equestrian programs. Due to the generosity of donors, The Shea Center has acquired 2 Lusitano horses, Terra Santa HM and Xa do Retiro. USLA spoke with The Shea Center CEO, Dana Butler-Moburg about her experience with the breed.

Dana’s opening statement about Terra Santa and Xa do Retiro was simple, exclaiming “They are both Rockstars”. She elaborated, stating that both horses fully embody the breed characteristics with their sensibility, intellect, and kindness. Both horses display excellent trainabilty allowing them to easily acclimate when introduced to wheelchairs and medical equipment, loud noises, or abrupt movement from the rider. Dana says “the Lusitanos' high level of sensitivity makes them ideal partners for clients who may be unclear in their aids.” With big gentle movement, the Lusitano can be utilized for riders who would otherwise be unable to experience movement independently such as walking. Clients may have their first sensation of walking on the back of Xa Do Retiro and Terra Santa under the guidance of skilled occupational therapists.

Terra Santa HM and Xa do Retiro participate in a broad range of programs offered by The Shea Center’s professional staff. The Shea Center offers physical, occupational and speech therapy programs as well as adaptive riding lessons for more than 800 clients each year. The two horses have been particularly helpful in The Shea Center’s programs for combat veterans with PTSD as the horses deliver decisive feedback for the clients on their approach, emotional state and energy.

Xa do Retiro was imported by Alexandra Dees as a 2 year old from Villa do Retiro in Brazil. He was trained by husband, Eric Youngberg and utilized as a ranch horse. Alexandra says “Xa has a fantastic mind and is a classic example of how versatile and generous Lusitano horses are. He completely understands his mission with the kids. He can do anything and shift gears so easily.”

Terra Santa HM was imported for Alexandra’s breeding program in 2004 from Haras Modelo in Brazil. She was trained by Eric Youngberg, sold, and competed very successfully in dressage, reining and even as a hunter. She has been on loan to The Shea Center for many years now where she is an incredibly popular horse in the program. Terra Santa is described as a gentle, big hearted, and a sweet mare.

Horses at the Shea Center receive exceptional care including equine massage and chiropractic, dental, veterinary care from a fabulous team, and lots of quality exercise from skilled riders. If you would like to consider donating a sound horse with no vices please contact the Shea Center at 949-240-8441 x109.

If you would like to learn more about The Shea Center follow the link below.

https://sheacenter.org/

Photo Credit to Brian Carter of PixelThat! Photography