Mantovani Horses and Sarah Tubman Partner to Bring the Modern Lusitano to the Forefront of U.S. dressage

U.S.A.

Mantovani Horses and International Grand Prix rider Sarah Tubman are proud to announce an exciting new partnership. Uniting one of Europe’s premier Lusitano breeding and training programs with one of America’s top dressage athletes, the collaboration aims to bring the modern Lusitano to the forefront of U.S. dressage—making the breed more accessible to American riders through a carefully curated network built on quality, transparency, and performance.

Experiencing the Vision

Tubman recently returned from visiting Mantovani’s facilities in Spain and Portugal, where she experienced firsthand the vision and excellence behind the program. “What impressed me most wasn’t just the breeding—it was the complete system. The training, the care, the long-term development plan. Mantovani isn’t just producing beautiful horses—they’re producing athletes with purpose.”

Mantovani runs his program like a well-oiled corporate machine—with professionalism, long-term vision, and infrastructure that mirrors elite sport programs in other industries. From breeding selection to education, training, and veterinary oversight, every step of the process is intentional and standardized, ensuring consistency and excellence. This structured, business-minded approach is one of the many reasons Tubman saw a perfect alignment.

The Modern Lusitano

Historically prized for their talent in collection and classical lines, Lusitanos have sometimes been seen as more suited to the baroque ring than modern FEI competition. But breeders like Mantovani are challenging that perception. With a sharp focus on improving gait quality, conformation, and rideability, Mantovani is now producing Lusitanos with a supple, elastic trot that still produces incredible talent for piaffe and passage, a powerful uphill canter, and a clear, large walk that meets—and often matches—the standards expected of top Warmbloods.

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war,” Tubman said, quoting The Art of War. “That’s exactly the Mantovani approach: prepare, educate, and shape the horse with long-term vision. These horses are bred for success, not just sales.”

Selection, Care and Training of Elite Equine Athletes

Sarah Tubman at Donato Farm in Wellington, FL

The partnership also reflects Tubman’s own philosophy. Not only is she a multi-medal-winning U.S. rider—earning team and individual gold at the Pan American Games and representing the U.S. internationally—she’s also well known as a trusted source of top-quality horses through her boutique sales program. Unlike high-turnover barns, Tubman focuses on producing and selling a select group of horses that are cared for and trained like the elite athletes they are. This shared commitment to quality over quantity is another reason why the partnership with Mantovani is such a strong fit.

“This isn’t about flipping horses—it’s about pairing the right horse with the right rider, and making sure that horse has been brought along and trained with thoughtfulness and integrity,” Tubman said. “That’s the Mantovani way, and it’s how I run my program, too.”

This new partnership will give American riders direct access to a variety of Lusitanos tailored to their goals—whether it’s a tall, substantial prospect to turn heads in the international ring, or a more compact, refined partner perfect for the ambitious amateur. The spectrum of horses reflects Mantovani’s deep understanding of what the U.S. dressage market needs—and what it dreams of.

Donato Farm, Sarah Tubman’s world-class training base in Wellington, Florida, will serve as the U.S. home for Mantovani’s hand-selected sales horses. Owned by Jessica and Jeff Friedrich, Donato Farm offers an elite environment with top-tier amenities, professional care, and year-round training—located just minutes from the heart of the Wellington horse show scene. For American riders, it offers the convenience of trying high-quality Lusitanos without needing to travel abroad.

Bespoke Trips

Still, for those who wish to experience the Mantovani operation at its source, Sarah will also coordinate bespoke trips to Portugal and Spain for serious buyers looking to explore a wider selection. “It’s about offering options,” she explained. “Whether clients want to fly into Wellington or head to Europe, we’ll make sure their experience is personal, professional, and successful.”

“Whether it’s a future team horse or a reliable and beautiful amateur partner, these Lusitanos have the mind, movement, and training to succeed,” Sarah said. “After years of being at the top of the sport in not only training and competition but also sales, we have the right team in place to develop, represent, and sell these horses with integrity.”

Whether seeking a powerful, eye-catching prospect for the world stage or a beautiful, reliable partner for the national levels, American riders will now have access to Lusitanos that check every box.

Equine Investment

Looking ahead, the partnership between Mantovani Horses and Sarah Tubman will also expand beyond traditional sport into a more visionary model—introducing structured equine investment products that open the door for U.S.-based investors to participate in the future of horse sport through performance-driven assets.

Founder Thiago Mantovani explains the broader ambition:

“I changed my strategy completely—evolving with the global market, not just the horse industry. I sold my last brand, because it represented buying power, not selling capability. After investing in the best horses, I now have the foundation to produce and develop modern horses that bring value to the sport as a whole. With a consistent, modern brand built for serious investors, I’m aligning the timeless power of the horse with the demands of the digital age—just as the horse once turned men into kings in the medieval era, and still today, inspires some of the world’s most iconic car brands as a symbol of power. I’m not just adapting to the industry. I’m here to transform it.”

As the dressage world evolves—requiring softness, harmony, and precision— the Lusitano may be the quiet force rising to meet the moment. And as Sun Tzu wisely said, “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

With this partnership, Sarah Tubman and Mantovani Horses are seizing the opportunity to shift the sport—and offer riders, professionals, and investors something truly extraordinary.

Follow @mantovanihorses on Instagram for more information.

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