Spotlight: Yeguada de Mali and Malinda Mata: Journey with Lusitanos
Early Love for Horses
Malinda’s passion for horses started early. “I got my first horse when I was in the 4th grade,” she recalls. Growing up, her family had a farm outside Savannah, Georgia, where she spent countless hours around horses and livestock, quickly discovering she had what she calls the “horse gene.”
Even though resources were limited, her determination never wavered. “My dad was a Methodist minister—we didn’t really have the funds to support my habit. But trainers saw my talent and always gave me opportunities to ride their horses in exchange for work. I never had a fancy horse of my own until adulthood, but I never stopped learning.”
Falling in Love with Dressage and Lusitanos
Introduced to Dressage during her school years, Malinda was immediately captivated. “It’s always been Dressage for me,” she says. Even after stepping away from horses during college and law school, she found her way back. “When I started riding again after law school, I was happier than ever. Horses have always brought balance and joy into my life.”
Malinda's introduction to Lusitanos came through her husband, Pablo, around 2009. Initially owning a Thoroughbred, she was introduced to Iberian horses while searching for a stallion to breed with their mare. Their search led them to Haras Dos Cavaleiros and ultimately to the Lusitano breed.
Yeguada de Mali Breeding Philosophy and Goals
Malinda is deliberate in her breeding choices, focusing on producing horses she personally would want to ride rather than breeding for quantity or profit. She avoids breeding horses that are not approved and aims to improve breed quality rather than perpetuate undesirable traits. Her breeding goals include producing balanced, sound horses with good conformation, avoiding breeding for color unless it aligns with quality. She manages each foal's future individually, deciding case-by-case whether to sell young or keep for training and showing. She values having a skilled trainer to develop young horses and admits that without her current trainer, Daniel Arauz, she could not maintain her breeding and training program.
“I’m not one of those people who breeds just for the sake of it,” she emphasizes. “If I’m going to breed, I want it to be something I would ride myself. Quality over quantity—that’s what matters.”
A few years ago, she officially took the reins of the Yeguada de Mali breeding program on her own, and with multiple foals expected this year, she’s excited about the future. “I’m blessed for this life. I don’t breed to make money. I breed because I love the horses and this lifestyle.”
The Importance of Good People
Malinda is quick to recognize the team around her. “I couldn’t do what I do without the right trainer and groom. My trainer Daniel Arauz and his family are incredible, and my groom is truly a gift from God. Having the right support allows me to focus on riding, training, and building the program.”
Riding with Heart
Despite challenges and setbacks, Malinda continues to ride and train her Lusitanos with joy. Her stallion, Juncal DC holds a special place in her heart. “He’s a miracle horse,” she says. After a severe accident years ago, he made a full recovery and is now happily schooling upper-level Dressage movements. “Getting back on him and feeling that partnership—it’s just so much fun. These horses are extraordinary.”
A Bright Future
With several foals on the ground and more on the way, Malinda looks forward with optimism. “Every foal is special, and each one represents years of dreams and dedication. I want to create Lusitanos that are sensitive, talented, and a joy to ride—horses that make people fall in love the way I did.”
Malinda’s story is one of resilience, passion, and deep love for her horses. Her journey with Lusitanos shows not only the beauty of the breed, but also the joy of living a life guided by devotion to them.
🐴✨ “I’m breeding because I love the horses and this life I’m blessed to have.”
