Founder of Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts to Present Airs Above the Ground and More in Classical Training Exhibitions

Massachusetts-based School Donates Classical Training Getaways to Help Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research

Merrimac, Mass. (Mar. 10, 2010) — In a first-time appearance at the Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA) Ride for Life Dressage Show and Benefit for Breast Cancer, Vitor Silva will entrance spectators with his classically-trained Lusitano horses as they perform work-in-hand to airs above the ground and more, on June 26-27, 2010, at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  “We’ve been touched by so many who have gone through the process of dealing with cancer and others who lost the fight,” says Silva, founder and director of the classical riding Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts in Merrimac, Massachusetts, just north of Boston, which instructs some 3,000 students annually at the full-service facility.   Silva reflects, “People walk in here years later and say, ‘Your horses gave me the inspiration to live on.’”

Born in The Azores, Silva credits his father (whom he lost as an adult to cancer) for taking his childhood passion for horses seriously and encouraging him to pursue his dreams.  

“My vision was always to create a place to learn classical riding,” says Silva, 47, whose knowledge and skills were honed by recognized riding masters of his native Portugal and an insatiable quest to study the equestrian masters of old.   Silva, who gained note as the first person to import the Lusitano horse from Brazil to the United States, has performed at numerous events including Children of the Americas Dressage Invitational (CADI), Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair, Equine Affaire, Equitana USA, and Midwest Horse Faire. “I would never have known we would have this deep an impact on people and I’m just the ‘driver,’” smiles Silva.  “It’s the horses that bring the spirit.”  

An expansive full-service equestrian facility, with a 5-bedroom guest house on property to accommodate students from around the world, Sons of the Wind provides an unparalleled learning experience through a variety of program offerings.   The school’s “library of horses,” as Silva describes his meticulously-trained schoolmasters, allow students to feel and understand the movements of the horse from beginning through grand prix levels, while gaining the skills and knowledge necessary for a solid foundation in classical training.   Offering short-course to year-round riding experiences, Sons of the Wind offers the expertise and service to delight amateur enthusiasts to instructors and competitive riders of diverse disciplines.  There is even a gym on site so students can cross-train and further their progress.

“The process of learning is a science, while the process of riding is an art,” notes Silva, whose commitment to 2010’s PVDA Ride for Life will extend beyond his performance in June.  Silva’s Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts is donating two of its popular 3-day riding packages to help raise funds for breast cancer research.  Including two rides per day, an equestrian fitness session, and overnight accommodations at the School’s exquisite hilltop guest house, the first Sons of the Wind Riding Package is being auctioned on eBay to raise funds.  The second riding package donation is slated for June’s PVDA Ride for Life silent auction.  
Visit:  www.sonsofthewindfarm.com.