MEET THE TEAM
Teresa Burton
Founder & Director
Teresa Burton is the founder and director of Lusitano Heritage, a private classical riding centre dedicated to the preservation of Lusitano heritage and Portuguese equestrian art.
For over 15 years within the international Lusitano community, Teresa has worked alongside Portugal’s classical horsemen, guided riders from across the world, and contributed to the development and representation of Lusitano horses with integrity and discernment.
Her work is centred on structured classical education, ethical horsemanship, and the long term preservation of lineage. Under her direction, Lusitano Heritage has evolved into a disciplined and focused centre for classical formation, Lusitano study, and cultural continuity.
As founder, she leads with clarity, institutional vision, and commitment to safeguarding the principles of classical equitation for future generations.
Nuno Cavaco
Designed for committed riders who
With more than 25 years of professional formation, Nuno Cavaco trained and performed with the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art,representing Portugal’s classical tradition in national and international presentations.
His work forms part of the lineage recognised through UNESCO’s Portuguese Equestrian Heritage designation a living preservation of Portugal’s classical riding art.
Nuno is respected for his disciplined eye, technical precision, and profound understanding of the Lusitano. His instruction is rooted in classical biomechanics, balance, timing, and clarity of communication.
At Lusitano Heritage, he provides structured classical education
grounded in experience, lineage, and quiet authority shaping both horses and riders through patience, refinement, and integrity.
Mike Ferreira
Classical Rider & Trainer
Mike Ferreira is a classical rider formed within the traditional Portuguese school of horsemanship.
He trained extensively with Francisco Grelo student of Mestre Nuno Oliveira both in Portugal and through annual programmes at Grelo Farms in Canada. His education continued under Mestre Coronel António Lopes Mateus and Joaquim Nobre Fernandes, alongside further development with Daniel Pinto, António Maria Brito Paes, and Luís Brito Paes.
Mike has presented Lusitanos at the Festival Internacional do Cavalo Lusitano and at the Golegã Fair, known for his correct, composed, and authentically classical presentation.
Slavi
Head of Stable & Horse Welfare
Slavi oversees the daily care, wellbeing, and management of the Lusitano horses at Lusitano Heritage. His consistent attention to detail, calm presence, and dedication to stable integrity ensure that each horse is cared for with disciplineand respect.