USLA Welcomes Rafael Soto to the 2024 Lusitano Conference
The United States Lusitano Association is delighted to announce the participation of Rafael Soto at the 2024 USLA Lusitano Conference.
As a revered figure in the dressage world, Mr. Soto will be conducting two master classes at the event, one focused on dressage techniques and another on in-hand work, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn from his extensive experience and innovative training methods.
Rafael Soto, born on October 14, 1957, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, is an esteemed Olympic dressage rider known for his significant contributions to Spanish equestrian sports. His journey in dressage began under the guidance of his father at an equestrian center in Palma de Mallorca, sparking a passion that led him to become the Balearic Regional Champion in 1982. His major breakthrough came with a silver medal in team dressage at the 2004 Athens Olympics, alongside his notable horse, Invasor, a purebred PRE (ANCCE) stallion.
Transitioning from competitive riding, Soto now focuses on training and was appointed as the trainer for the Spanish National Dressage Team in 2013. His training philosophy emphasizes a balanced and communicative approach, nurturing the natural abilities of horses and cultivating advanced skills in riders through a blend of traditional and innovative techniques.
In recent years, Rafael Soto has embraced the qualities of Lusitano horses, integrating them into his programs. Known for their agility and intelligence, Lusitanos have complemented his teaching and competitive strategies, enhancing his legacy in the dressage world.
The 2024 USLA Lusitano Conference at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, will feature Rafael Soto as a Master Class instructor. This event promises to be a highlight for attendees, offering insights from his extensive experience. He will be joined by his son, Rafael Soto Rosado, a successful CDI3* dressage competitor currently riding Importante II, a Lusitano (APSL) stallion sired by Pionero. Together, they represent a remarkable lineage of dressage excellence, set to enrich the learning experience for all participants at the conference.