USLA Trainer Profile: Allison Mathy of Lyric Dressage

Photo: Terri Miller

Allison Mathy's equestrian story began in Northern California, where her earliest memories are of riding a Shetland pony under the guidance of her mother, herself a dedicated dressage rider and trainer. Immersed in the world of horses from the age of three, Allison’s enthusiasm quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion for equestrian sport.

 Her equestrian explorations widened as a teenager when a transformative summer in Germany and Austria introduced her to the Iberian breeds—Andalusians and, for the first time, the Lusitano. “There was something about their willing temperament and natural aptitude for collected work that I found truly inspiring,” Allison recalls. As a smaller rider, she appreciated the Lusitano’s optimal balance of power and lightness, allowing for a harmonious partnership and accessible training.

The Lusitano: An Equal Partner

For Allison, the Lusitano embodies the perfect combination of temperament, athleticism, and heart:

“I love that they love dressage. They’re suited for it in both temperament and strength. I feel like I have an equal partner… They bring that intensity and focus, and I really respect them.”

She highlights their boldness, intelligence, and bravery, noting that the key to success is building a bond rooted in mutual respect and genuine connection. This, she says, is the foundation for achieving true brilliance in the arena.

A Balanced, Individualized Training Approach

Now based in Rhinebeck, New York, Allison commits to a thoughtful, individualized approach—training a small group of horses (usually four) and dedicating multiple hours per day to each. This allows her to:

• Tailor training to each horse’s unique needs and abilities
• Ensure slower, more thoughtful progress that respects the Lusitano’s temperament

Allison's philosophy is especially evident when working with Lusitano stallions:

“Stallions are more on high alert, so you must be careful. They learn quickly, whether it’s the right thing or the wrong thing.”

Her success lies in maintaining a calm, confident presence, channeling the stallion’s energy in productive ways. When selecting prospects, she emphasizes the importance of a good walk and canter, confident she can develop the trot in training.

Highlights and Recent Accomplishments

• NEDA Fall Symposium 2024: Allison and Legendario dos Diamantes—a 10-year-old Lusitano stallion in her program—were honored with an invitation to ride at this prestigious event with British Olympic rider Gareth Hughes.
  • Legendario was the only Lusitano in a field of elite warmbloods.
  • Gareth Hughes praised the horse’s exceptional temperament, talent, and striking presence, highlighting the breed’s competitiveness at the top level of sport.

The Lusitano’s Future in Dressage

Allison is optimistic and enthusiastic about the breed’s rising profile in international dressage. She notes a trend toward increased athleticism but remains passionate about preserving the Lusitano’s distinct qualities:

“The Lusitano doesn’t need to be improved. They already are better.”

Rather than altering what makes the breed extraordinary, Allison advocates for celebrating their innate beauty, power, and finesse—qualities that elevate dressage from mere sport to true art.

Closing Thoughts

For Allison Mathy, the Lusitano is much more than a competition partner; it's a daily source of inspiration and joy. Her journey, dedication, and philosophy embody the mission and passion of the USLA community—showcasing the unique bond that makes Lusitano horses exceptional in the art of dressage.