WASATCH LUSITANOS
Wasatch Lusitanos is dedicated to breeding Lusitano horses of the highest quality for international sport performance, demanding field work, and optimal riding partnership.
Discover the brilliance and beauty of the world's finest Lusitano horses, bred to the highest Portuguese standards right here in the United States. At Wasatch Lusitanos, we selectively prioritize the genetic heritage of our horses, which is proven to be the most functional in the breed and is unique outside of Portugal.
Discover the brilliance and beauty of the world's finest Lusitano horses, bred to the highest Portuguese standards right here in the United States. At Wasatch Lusitanos, we selectively prioritize the genetic heritage of our horses, which is proven to be the most functional in the breed and is unique outside of Portugal.
Discover the brilliance and beauty of the world's finest Lusitano horses, bred to the highest Portuguese standards right here in the United States. At Wasatch Lusitanos, we selectively prioritize the genetic heritage of our horses, which is proven to be the most functional in the breed and is unique outside of Portugal.
Our foundation stock bring the bloodlines of some of the most successful and acclaimed Lusitano horses, including Nilo MV, Distinto MAC, Larapio MAC, Ofensor MV, Pioniero MAC, Riopele SSC, Violino SS, Altivo SQT, Almansor SS, and Impar II SS. Our foundation mares were carefully selected for their exceptional movement, athleticism, temperament, and overall beauty.
By prioritizing character in our breeding program, we create horses that are not only powerful and talented but also responsive and obedient, making them ideal partners for riders of all levels. Regardless of discipline, the Lusitano horses from Wasatch Lusitanos are bred with the highest standards of temperament and disposition in mind, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both horse and rider.
Overall, the exceptional genetic heritage of our horses ensures that they possess the qualities necessary to excel in any discipline, whether it's dressage, working equitation, or fieldwork. At the same time, their gentle and willing nature makes them perfect companions for riders seeking an enjoyable and rewarding partnership.
OUR TEAM
NUNO MATOS
DIRECTOR OF BREEDING AND TRAINING
Nuno's vision of creating and preparing the highest quality Lusitanos here in the United States is being realized on the WL farm in Petersburg, Tennessee. He brings a lifetime of experience and passion for the breed, including deep knowledge in breed genetics, riding, training, and competing Lusitanos.
Nuno acquired his riding and training skills over many years, training, riding and competing Lusitanos. He has also trained with Pedro Torres and with several other great masters in Portugal, building on his experience working with Lusitano at all levels.
Much of Nuno's experience in Lusitanian breeding and genetics was gained by working closely with his friend and mentor, Manuel Braga. Braga is an incredibly successful breeder, producing outstanding Lusitanos under Sociedade das Silveiras and Manuel Calheiros Braga, ENG. brands. As chief breeder of Coudelaria Mário Vinhas, Nuno perfected his skills in breed genetics and stud farm management.
At Wasatch Lusitanos, he is responsible for the direction of both stud farm management, personally designing each horse created at the stud. He is also director of training programs, and ensures that each horse receives the proper start and development needed to ensure the success of the horse.
Nuno acquired his riding and training skills over many years, training, riding and competing Lusitanos. He has also trained with Pedro Torres and with several other great masters in Portugal, building on his experience working with Lusitano at all levels.
Much of Nuno's experience in Lusitanian breeding and genetics was gained by working closely with his friend and mentor, Manuel Braga. Braga is an incredibly successful breeder, producing outstanding Lusitanos under Sociedade das Silveiras and Manuel Calheiros Braga, ENG. brands. As chief breeder of Coudelaria Mário Vinhas, Nuno perfected his skills in breed genetics and stud farm management.
At Wasatch Lusitanos, he is responsible for the direction of both stud farm management, personally designing each horse created at the stud. He is also director of training programs, and ensures that each horse receives the proper start and development needed to ensure the success of the horse.
ZÉ MARIA FIALHO
RIDER
Zé Maria comes to Wasatch Lusitanos from Benedita, Portugal, where he grew up with a great interest in horses from a very young age, entering a riding school at the age of 6.
As a teen, he acquired a Lusitano horse from the very successful competitor, Miguel Da Fonseca, a rider of national and international prestige. With this horse he entered regional and national championships, where he was Regional Champion and National Vice-champion in the under-16 category.
In 2017, Zé Maria joined the Pedro Torres Academy where he studied for 5 years, achieving highest honors in his work. He then worked with the Olympic rider Daniel Pinto, and also with Coudelaria José Bríto Eusegio before joining Wasatch Lusitanos.
As a teen, he acquired a Lusitano horse from the very successful competitor, Miguel Da Fonseca, a rider of national and international prestige. With this horse he entered regional and national championships, where he was Regional Champion and National Vice-champion in the under-16 category.
In 2017, Zé Maria joined the Pedro Torres Academy where he studied for 5 years, achieving highest honors in his work. He then worked with the Olympic rider Daniel Pinto, and also with Coudelaria José Bríto Eusegio before joining Wasatch Lusitanos.
SHERI PRUCKA
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & CEO
An entrepreneur and lifelong lover of horses, Sheri grew up riding hunters (mostly Thoroughbreds) and only after a time away focused on her career, learned of the Lusitano breed and the incredible capabilities of this remarkable horse. After she met and began riding her Lusitano with Nuno Matos, the dream of Wasatch Lusitanos began to form as a collaborative project between the two.
Sheri holds bachelor's and masters degrees in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and together with her husband, Matt, founded Prucka Engineering in 1987 for the purpose of developing medical instrumentation for Cardiac Electrophysiology. After selling the company, she and Matt focused on raising a family and she had the opportunity to return to horses.
Sheri is also the founder of the US Lusitano Association, which is affiliated with APSL, the Portuguese Association of Breeders of the Purebred Lusitano Horse, and currently serves as the organization’s president.
Sheri holds bachelor's and masters degrees in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and together with her husband, Matt, founded Prucka Engineering in 1987 for the purpose of developing medical instrumentation for Cardiac Electrophysiology. After selling the company, she and Matt focused on raising a family and she had the opportunity to return to horses.
Sheri is also the founder of the US Lusitano Association, which is affiliated with APSL, the Portuguese Association of Breeders of the Purebred Lusitano Horse, and currently serves as the organization’s president.
PHOTOGRAPHY
RITA FERNANDES
PHOTOGRAPHER
Special thanks to Rita Fernandes. Her incredible work is found throughout our website, including almost all of the equine photos and many of the farm photos.
DISCOVER
Lusitanos In Development
