Hooves & Heart: A Client’s Journey with Marão at Monte Barrão

 In 2018, a chance, entirely unrelated message from Helena changed everything. What began as a random exchange about riding boots quickly became something else and, within an hour of watching a ten-second (!) video - subject to vetting - I had purchased a stunning two-year-old from Monte Barrão Lusitanos!

From the outset, I was adamant that he should grow up in Portugal and be produced correctly, patiently and without shortcuts. Over the next five years, I visited almost monthly, watching him develop from a youngster into the horse he is today. He came home to me in 2025 at eight years old.

Lusitano Marão: Eyes that Speak

Lusitano Marão: A Complete Portrait of Elegance and Connection

Lusitano Marão: Grace in Every Angle – from Portrait to Performance with His Owner

I am sure I drove the team absolutely mad at times - I am extremely fussy about my horses and I make no apology for that. But the horse I have now is a credit to the entire Monte Barrão Lusitanos team. Their consistency is evident in every part of him, and the outstanding training, guidance and horsemanship instilled by Fernando have given him an education I could only have dreamed of.

Marão is stunning, confident, strong and exceptionally talented. Like all my horses, he is with me for life. The team at Monte Barrão I consider friends for life too and we have shared so many memories together.

For everything they gave him, I will be eternally grateful.