Tiago Ernesto Declares Independence with Own Business under Adrienne Lyle's Mentorship

Breeding

F.O.C.U.S.

American based Portuguese Grand Prix rider Tiago Ernesto has taken the step to independence after having ridden for Haras dos Cavaleiros for 12 years.

Under the tutelage of U.S. Olympian Adrienne Lyle, the 36-year old aims to establish himself as a dressage rider with international ambitions. Tiago will also stay closely connected with his Portuguese trainer and friend, Jorge Sousa.

Apprentice at Alter Real

Tiago started his professional career in Portugal at the National Stud "Alter Real" in Alter do Chão in 2002.

Steeped in history, the Coudelaria de Alter was established in 1748 on a property of 800 hectares and is the cradle of purebred Lusitano horse breeding in Portugal.

Ernesto finished his schooling years at Alter, learning about breeding, rearing and especially training horses in dressage as well as working equitation, a highly popular, competitive equestrian discipline which developed out of cattle herding at working farms.

Going West for an American Adventure

In 2011 the exciting opportunity arose for Tiago to move to the United States as a dressage trainer and breeding manager for Rafael Chavez Monzon at Haras Dos Cavaleiros ranch in Magnolia, Texas.

USDF Region 9 champion from 2014 till 2022

Not afraid of adventure Tiago took the chance with open arms and managed over 100 horses in their breeding and training program at Haras dos Cavaleiros, the largest breeder of Lusitanos in the U.S. Tiago was also able to tap into the horse stock of Brazilian Lusitano stud farm Interagro through Jorge Sousa, in which an upcoming project has started."

During that time he trained youngsters from the ground up and competed in both dressage and Working Equitation, of which the Master’s level is done one-handed, an extra challenge to showcase the horse and rider's technique, skill and partnership. He qualified and competed three horses for the Working Equitation Masters.

But Tiago's true passion lies with dressage. In ten years of showing in U.S. Region 9 he placed first consecutively each year with different horses from Third level up to Grand Prix. He produced three horses to Grand Prix level and clinched Regional champion's titles across the levels with Diablo, Funcho, Donatello, Hobbit Interagro, and Splendido.

Stepping It Up in Florida

In 2021 Tiago began immersing himself in the international competition world in Wellington, Florida, the heart of U.S. equestrian sport, where his eyes opened to the possibilities of a greater international career with more exposure to and input from high performance trainers and riders.

It planted the seed for what would become the next phase in his career, propelled by the sale of his best Grand Prix horse, Hobbit Interagro, a 12-year old Brazilian bred Lusitano by Bungo Interagro out of Radiosa (by Larapio). Jade Watts Gonzales and Terri Watts acquired the licensed stallion and supported Tiago in returning to Wellington in 2023, where he received mentorship from US Olympian Adrienne Lyle. The pair competed in two CDI's in Wellington and two in Ocala.

"Although we are very new to the CDI at this level, together we are building an excellent foundation," Tiago said about Hobbit's performances in Wellington. "There were nice moments in the piaffe, pirouette, changes and overall, complimentary comments from the judge. There is lots of room to improve."

The Next Chapter with Elite Horse Academy

Tiago's time in Wellington this year turned out to be the soft launch of his independent career and own business, Elite Horse Academy.

"During a very successful season in Wellington Florida, I have made the hard decision of not returning to Texas," Tiago explained. "Haras Dos Cavaleiros has been a huge stepping stone for me, but now I want to embark on a new journey of my own."

His collaboration and friendship with Lyle has led to an invitation for him to spend the summer training with Adrienne at Kylee Lourie's TYL farm in Colorado.

"I'm so grateful to my clients and friends who have helped and supported me to this point in my career. It's their support that has made dreams a possibility," he said.

Although Tiago’s career has grown through the Lusitano horse, he has ridden and enjoys training and showing non-Iberian breeds.

"To me, training and riding horses is not only an art, but also an act of intelligence," Tiago stated. "It must be fed and nurtured through self-discipline, knowledge of others, and extreme patience. I am thrilled to start this next chapter on my own feet and look forward to getting back to Wellington next season where I will show my continuous learning and the hard work I've put in."