Nº01 · Lusitano Digest · Rising with Grace: Leaders and Milestones in Horsemanship
Today, I woke up here at La Donaira as we visited our young horses. The gentle Spanish sun was filtering through the olive groves; a warm reminder of why La Donaira is our sanctuary.
It’s been a remarkable season. Bernat’s mounting success in the arena recently; winning the six-year-old class at the Master Spanish Dressage Championships and then claiming victory in the 6-Year-Old Finals at CDI Jardy aboard our stunning young stallion, Elvis fills me with pride and humility. Watching him say, “Horses are my best teachers… patience and trust,” reminds me that every victory is rooted in respect and connection.
As for me, my roots in Jersey and years at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art remain central to my philosophy: understand the horse first, always. Whether in Sotogrande or here at our biodynamic eco-retreat, I strive to embody that principle. At La Donaira, our Lusitano foals roam freely, growing strong and confident through natural horsemanship....our breeding program is founded on harmony, not haste.
Every morning at 7:30 a.m., the estate hums with purpose. Bernat and I split our days between training, mentoring our young team, and caring for the young horses. We believe each horse deserves a journey filled with intention and ease. When Bernat says, “They focus, they deliver… they try for you every step of the way,” it’s not just about results; it’s about respect and partnership.
Our mission quietly extends beyond these fields. From the dressage rings of Segovia and Jardy to riders across the US, our Lusitanos are carving out places in hearts and stables alike. There’s a growing global appetite for horses offering both athleticism and emotional intelligence, qualities Lusitanos embody in abundance.
Tonight, as the sun dips behind the peaks, I reflect on the day’s lessons and each horse, each rider, each moment reminding me of Cajou, my first real partner, and Jaleo das Figueras, whose spirit lives on through his offspring. It’s these relationships that build our reputation, moment by moment, ride by ride.
We are thriving; not for accolades, but for the journey. Our story hasn't peaked; it’s unfolding, season after season, with respect, passion, and ambition.
Until the next update we hope you enjoy your stay in this special place.
Maria Culsan & Bernat Barrachina
