 CL Massachusetts 
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  Festa Lusitana '06, now in its third year, was spectacular! Thank you to all who joined us for the wonderful annual tribute to the Lusitano and share a moment of warm Portuguese hospitality with us. Elegant horses, magnificent riding, fabulous weather, great Brazilian food, live music, sponsors and vendors and many friends of Casa Lusitana all contributed to the fun of the afternoon. As in prior years, we entertained hundreds of breed, dressage and general horse enthusiasts who traveled from throughout New England and across the US, even Portugal and Canada to be with us for the festivities.
The afternoon program was full, beginning with the opening pas de trois of 18th C-attired riders and horses, followed by a presentation of sale horses ranging from an un-started youngster to a fully-trained 9-year-old PSG stallion. Performances continued with a classical dressage duet including aires above the ground, a mock 'bullfight' with special guest noted Portuguese bullfighter Alberto Conde (with us from Portugal for his second Festa Lusitana participation) and a spirited contest among riders to complete the Working Equitation course in speed and style. Perhaps the highlight of the day was the much-anticipated piaffe clinic offered by Jorge Gabriel. Starting with a trained stallion, Jorge demonstrated the three requirements of a quality piaffe - engagement, impulsion and a true balanced trot. Then, with a youngster and next with a slightly older horse, Jorge showed how these concepts are established in early training and then are built upon as the horse matures.  As always, our sponsors make important contributions to the day's enjoyment. Premier sponsors included Toyota of Nashua, Crowne Plaza Nashua, Signature Imports (importers of Portuguese beer, wine and spirits) and The Equine Journal. Vendors included Pelham Saddlery, Tacknology, International Andalusian and Lusitano Association (IALHA), Eastern Region Andalusian Horse Club (ERAHC), Tyngsboro Gardens, and Sava Architects (equestrian facilities planning and design). It was a great day for us all. Please join us next year! And while we love our annual party, we encourage you to visit throughout the year as well. 
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