Mantovani Horses Looks to the U.S.A. - In Talks with Sarah Tubman

Mantovani Horses, the ambitious company of entrepreneur Thiago Mantovani, is taking its first steps towards expanding to the American market. To open doors in the U.S.A. the company has initiated negotiations with U.S. Team rider Sarah Tubman.

Mantovani Horses, a Portuguese company that pursues excellence in high performance dressage sport, training and sales, has shifted to the next gear in 2025. Recently the company made bold headlines when it purchased new horses, celebrated a growing team of riders, and established a strong collaboration with Spanish breeding center Mythos for sale showcases and stud services.

The Next Move: U.S.A.

The logical next move in the growth of the company is tapping into the North American market where a strong foundation of love for Iberian horses and dressage sport is laid.

Mantovani believes that one of the keys to the American market could be Wellington based U.S. team rider Sarah Tubman. She and her husband Lee travelled to Spain last week to explore the company and begin conversations with Thiago about partnering with the team.

Search for Quality and Rideability

Mantovani has made it no secret that the North American market lies wide open for supplying professionally trained dressage horses that excel in pedigree, conformation, athleticism and rideability.

With a band of outstanding Lusitano mares and access to the best Lusitano and warmblood stallions in Europe, Mantovani Horses has grown its horse stock to over 500. The company regularly offers special packages to entice breeders and horse owners to invest in correctly priced talented Lusitanos and cross-bred sport horses.

With his team of professional riders Mantovani can offer well-trained young and FEI level horses that fulfil the requirements of the American market : great rideability and character.

"Over the past decade Lusitanos have proven their versatility, not just as amateur horses, but also as Olympic mounts. At the London and Tokyo Olympics Lusitanos made it into the Kur to Music finals," said Thiago. "Our goal is to reach all segments— amateurs and professionals alike — and to show that the Lusitano has quality and can truly deliver across the full spectrum of equestrian sport."

Conversations with Sarah

Negotiations have begun with Sarah Tubman to join them as their North American liaison.

"While no formal announcements have been made regarding future partnerships, the connection between one of America’s most promising riders and an internationally expanding organization naturally draws attention," Mantovani said with a smile.

The 36-year old American Sarah Tubman (née Lockman) won individual gold and team silver at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Four years later she won team gold at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. She is married to Canadian Lee Tubman, an international 4*,dressage judge, Grand Prix rider, and trainer. The couple works out of Jessica and Jeff Friedrich's Donato Farms in Wellington, Florida. Tubman is aiming for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"Sarah’s presence in the team would be an important step towards our expansion to the West," said Thiago. "We are not rushing this new collaboration but are definitely in talks to see how we can contribute to each other's cause. It will all quietly unfold behind the scenes before we make any big announcements."