Category Archives: Breeds

Hobbit Interagro Graces May 2017 Cover of Horseman’s News

Photo courtesy of Horseman’s News.

Itapira, SP, Brazil (June 23, 2017) – The beauty and presence of the Interagro Lusitano have caught the eye of international publications around the world, from Dressage Today and Horseman’s Yankee Pedlar to Zulu Interagro posing with supermodel Gigi Hadid in the December 2016 article of Allure. In May 2017, an Interagro stallion once again was featured as the cover image for one of the US’s top equestrian magazines, Horseman’s News, boosting Interagro’s number of magazine covers from 22 to 23.

The regal profile of Hobbit Interagro (Bungo Interagro x Radiosa (MAC)), who was purchased and exported from Brazil to Texas by Haras dos Cavaleiros, graces the May cover against a black backdrop. Highlighting the horse’s excellent conformation, the cover features Hobbit clad only in the traditional halter and braids which sets off the dapple grey stallion’s elegant topline. The cover image was taken by Patricia Ernesto, wife of the head rider of Haras dos Cavaleiros, which acts as ambassador for the Lusitano breed in the United States.

Hobbit Interagro is no stranger to the spotlight: at the 2016 North American Lusitano Show, his historic stallion revision score of 76.5 points is the highest ever awarded to a Lusitano in the United States, following nearly 200 horse revisions. The coming six-year-old stallion is described by Haras dos Cavaleiros as “stunning.” They also note that his temperament and willingness, paired with exceptional “suspension, suppleness, and lightness in his steps,” naturally inclines him for the upper level and FEI disciplines.

With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the modern Interagro Lusitano sporthorse currently shows and competes in a variety of disciplines – including Grand Prix dressage, Paralympic dressage, World Cup working equitation, driving, and jumping – continuing that legacy as they compete across four continents.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst, at 817 368 9447.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com

May Competition Brings Top Accolades in Multiple Disciplines for Team Interagro

Eros Interagro and Alexandre Souza. Photos courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos.

Itapira, SP, Brazil (June 7, 2017) – May shows brought top finishes once again for Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, where the horses and riders of the prestigious stud and training facility based in Itapira, Sao Paulo dominated in a variety of disciplines from FEI dressage to working equitation. In what has already been a banner year for Interagro, their team shows no signs of slowing down and only seems to be building more steam with bigger competitions and better results each time they venture off the 1,300 acre home farm. With the vision of developing a modern Lusitano sporthorse from the purest Portuguese lineages, Interagro strives through meticulous breeding, training, and exportation to preserve the ancient breed’s future in modern FEI sport.

At the 36th Annual International Lusitano Show, held May 25-28, 2017, Interagro’s team and horses bred by the Brazilian stud excelled in dressage and working equitation. Exclusively showcasing the athletic talents of the Portuguese breed, the International Lusitano Show is a benchmark for the breed in Brazil, attracting only the best horses and riders from around the country and featuring nationally ranked and FEI classes. A rising star in Interagro’s barn, Fellini Interagro’s poise and performance earned him top honors in the 7-year-old division as part of the National Dressage Championship (CDN). Under the guidance of Pia Aragao, Fellini’s winning score continues his winning streak from his 2016 6-year-old season, and under the new FEI judging he is currently the top ranked 7-year-old in Brazil. Aragao also rode Hamilcar Interagro to a third place finish in the 5-year-old division as part of the Sao Paulo Dressage Championship. Hamilcar, who was sold during the 13th Interagro Yearlings Auction in 2012, is owned by Martina Irene Brandes, head trainer for Interagro.

Fellini Interagro is the first and only dressage horse to reach this level under Brazil’s federation ranking. Aragao, who has been his prime trainer throughout his career, stated that the combination of technical and traditional FEI judging, which is new to Brazil this year, was a challenge for the pair, and Fellini rose to the occasion beautifully: “I was very pleased with him overall; for a young horse he performed super well and with a bit more time, experience, and polish I’m confident Fellini will truly shine.” She also elaborated on Hamilcar’s performance, saying, “Hamilcar is such a joy to ride, with a wonderful canter as well as amazing talent for collection and engagement.”

Advancing through the levels at the Lusitano Show, Edmar Brito and Hadrian Interagro topped the First Level Open division with a 67.408% as part of the ABPSL Dressage Cup. Alexandre Souza rode Hectar Interagro to 3rd in First Level Open with a score of 66.852%. Finorio Interagro, a horse sold at the 2013 Interagro Collection Auction to Haras Crystal, was guided to reserve honors in Second Level Open with Jefferson Rodrigo Pereira in the saddle. Brito also guided Empreiteiro Interagro to victory in the ABPSL Dressage Cup’s 3rd Level Open division with an impressive score of 64.167%. Finally, Generoso Interagro, who was sold at the 2011 Interagro Yearlings Auction and is now owned by Mrs. Magali Soares Pereira Unterkircher, scored a 66.848% to top the Training Level Open division under the guidance of Luciano dos Anjos.

To round out their month of May dressage success, Team Interagro prefaced their impressive performance in dressage at the International Lusitano Show with corresponding wins and top placings at the 3rd phase of the SHP Dressage Ranking, held May 13 at Sociedade Hipica Paulista in Sao Paulo. Among the most impressive performances were Pia Aragao and Zepelim Interagro, whose score of 63.525% in the FEI Grand Prix earned them 3rd place. Aragao also took out Fellini Interagro in the 7-year-olds, where he won the class with a final score of 7.88. Edmar Brito and the enigmatic Herodotus Interagro danced their way to second place at Second Level with a 64.848%. Brito also rode Hadrian Interagro to 3rd place in First Level with a 63.796%. Herodotus, who was sold just one day before his performance at the Ranking, has recently arrived in the US to begin his career with his new owners.

Aragao went on to note that all of her horses and pairs of riders from Interagro’s team have had a spectacular May season of dressage. “Zepelim stepped up to put in an excellent show in May. I was really pleased with him, and to have him back in the ring after a break. All of Interagro’s horses and riders showed great improvement, especially in an environment that is challenging for young horses and stallions. As they continue to improve and build on their technical skill and concentration, the horse’s athletic ability and poise in the arena will be even more apparent.”

Originally from Sweden, Aragao trains with Stefan Jansson and wrapped up a clinic with him on May 24th. “Stefan comes here regularly, about 4 times a year. He was thrilled with Fellini’s progress, his maturity, how easy he learns, and is able to perform what we ask of him. Zepelim is also stronger than ever, showing fantastic piaffe, passage, and transitions. The pirouettes are also very good and his elastic half-passes show impressive impulsion and crossing. With a few more trips to build confidence and concentration, Stefan and I are confident he will be a very solid competitor, and it’s exciting to see him succeed as we have been working with him since he was 5 years old!”

Empreiteiro Interagro and Edmar Brito

Interagro’s passion for working equitation also shone through in their performances at the International Lusitano Show. Empreiteiro and Edmar Brito rose from their 3rd level dressage victory to earn reserve honors in the Preliminary Division, marking the versatility of the Interagro horse. Alexandre Souza and Hector Interagro won the Novice A division; Souza also rode the impressive Eros Interagro to third place in the Novice B division and Feitor Interagro to 4th in the Preliminary division. Feitor, a coming 8-year-old, is the youngest in the division, competing against much more seasoned horses; Eros Interagro, who stands at 16.3h high, demonstrates the agility and athleticism of the Interagro Lusitano. More Lusitanos bred by Interagro also finished in the ribbons, with Dorus Interagro, who was sold at the 2011 Interagro Collection Auction, taking second, and Porfirio Interagro, who was sold at the 1997 TOP Interagro Auction, taking third in the Intermediate division.

While working equitation and dressage are fortes of Interagro’s team, the week before Antonio Souza, Fabio Silva, Valentim Brito, and Ana Carolina Borja took the reins of single and four-in-hand Interagro horses at the 2nd phase of the 2017 Brazilian Driving Championship, held May 20 at Club Hipico Quinta da Baroneza. Souza and the powerful Hospedeiro Interagro blazed to victory in the Single Cones division, while Silva and Canaletto Interagro took second. Brito guided Herbert Interagro to third to secure Interagro’s 1-2-3 victory in the division. Borja and her team grey Lusitanos, which include Viajor Interagro, Semaneiro Interagro, Erva Doce do Top, and Erotica do Top, owned by Alvaro Coelho da Fonseca, proved their proficiency over the tricky four-in-hand cones course, taking first in the Open division.

During the 1st Phase of the Brazilian Driving Championship, held May 8, 2017 at Clube de Campo de Sao Paulo, Interagro’s horses once again dominated, this time in dressage as well as cones. Silva and Canaletto finished first with a 78.87; Souza and Hospedeiro finished second with a 72.90; Brito and Herbert finished third with a 72.31. The cones also saw Souza and Hospedeiro as champion, with Silva and Canaletto in second and Brito and Herbert in fourth. Borja also dominated the four-in-hand cones with Viajor Interagro and Semaneiro Interagro in the harness.

With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst, at 817 368 9447.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com

Scott Stewart Defends Devon Grand Hunter Championship with Cameo

Scott Stewart and Cameo (Photo: The Book LLC)

Devon, Pa. – May 31, 2017 – Scott Stewart of Wellington, Florida has been coming to the Devon Horse Show for many years to compete in the professional hunter divisions, but despite winning at the event countless times, the prestige of coming to the historic horse show and earning the Devon Leading Hunter Rider award continues to be a special accomplishment for him.

Dr. Betsee Parker’s Cameo, one of Stewart’s many mounts, took home the Devon Grand Hunter Championship award and the Fourth Sally Deaver Murray Memorial Challenge Trophy on Wednesday after also earning the championship tricolor in the High Performance Working Hunter division.

On Tuesday, the pair received two high scores of 92 to claim both blue ribbons in the over fences rounds. The duo topped the handy round on Wednesday, finishing with an impressive score of 89, took third place in the stake class with a score of 89 and also nabbed the undersaddle. Originally a breeding stallion in Europe, Stewart spotted the now 10-year-old Warmblood gelding in 2013 and knew he had the potential to prosper in the hunter ring. Stewart only brings him out to compete a few times each year at the country’s foremost venues, and Devon is one of them.

Taking the reserve champion ribbon in the High Performance Working Hunter division was Jennifer Hannan aboard Flamingo-K, owned by Equinimity LLC.

In addition to Cameo, Stewart campaigned three other Dr. Parker-owned horses in the Dixon Oval: Private Life, Lucador and A Million Reasons. While Lucador shows in the High Performance Conformation Hunter division, Private Life is known for being a winning combination with Stewart in the Green Conformation Hunters. A Million Reasons achieved not only top ribbons in the High Performance Working Hunter division at the 2017 Devon Horse Show, but was also called into the winner’s circle to take the Leading Mare award and the “Bunty” Sellers Perpetual Trophy for the second year in a row.

To make his victories that much sweeter, Stewart accumulated the most points to secure the highly-coveted Devon Leading Hunter Rider award and the Helen Hope Montgomery Scott Perpetual Trophy for the thirteenth time.

Gillian Beale King and Alta Mira Win Ladies Side Saddle Championship

Ladies Day at the Devon Horse Show and County Fair featured a long-standing tradition: the Ladies Side Saddle championship. The hunter hack and over fences classes were featured in the Dixon Oval during the day on Wednesday, and competitors returned later in the evening to compete under the lights for the final under saddle class before pinning the champion. Ultimately, the True Blue Challenge Trophy was awarded to Gillian Beale King and Natalie Peterson’s Alta Mira.

It has been a dream of King’s to earn a Devon tricolor since she first started coming to the Devon Horse Show when she was a little girl. King and Alta Mira finished off the division with a first, second and third place ribbon. Debra Taylor and Hypnotic earned the reserve champion tricolor to round out the division.

Side saddle has been a part of the Devon Horse Show tradition for as long as anyone can recall. The style of riding was first introduced in Great Britain by Anne of Bohemia in 1382, at the time of her marriage to King Richard II. It introduced a more independent way of travel, since travel was primarily through cart or carriage back then.

Budweiser Clydesdales to Perform at Devon

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will be performing at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3, weather permitting. The Clydesdales will parade around the Dixon Oval, pulling the Budweiser wagon with the signature Dalmatian dog riding along.

The hitch that will be performing at Devon this year comes from Merrimack, New Hampshire and there are 10 Clydesdales with the crew. Eight horses go out on the hitch each day, with two resting per day. The New Hampshire hitch is one of three traveling hitches, while the other two are based out of Colorado and Missouri.

Brenda Carpenter Photography

This hitch travels 10 months out of the year and they will stay at Devon until the final day of the show. From here, the hitch goes back to New Hampshire to rest before heading back out on the road to perform in York, Pennsylvania and Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

This year, while the “East Coast Hitch,” as they are commonly known, has been at Devon, they have also been attending other events in the area. On Memorial Day, the crew went to the Pottstown Memorial Day Parade. The day before, they attended an event in Media. The hitch has been taking single horses out to Anheuser-Busch distributors as well.

The Budweiser Clydesdales have a storied history. Anheuser-Busch first acquired a hitch of Clydesdales when August Busch Jr. gave them to his father, August Sr., as a gift to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. The Clydesdales went on a tour of the United States to thank those who had made the repeal possible, and they have been traveling across the nation ever since.

The Clydesdales are known as ‘gentle giants.’ On average, they each weigh 2,000 pounds and are 18 hands tall, which is approximately 6 feet. All of the Budweiser Clydesdales are similarly marked, with a bay coat, black mane, white blazes down the nose and white legs.

In just one day, the Clydesdales eat about 40 pounds of hay and drink between 25 and 30 gallons of water, which is in addition to a portion of grain each day. The hay and bedding for all of Budweiser’s 150 Clydesdales comes from one farm.

The wagon that is a part of this hitch dates back to the 1900s and weighs 9,000 pounds. The Dalmatian who rides on the wagon is another Budweiser trademark and each hitch has at least one. The Dalmatians used to help watch the hitch back when the Clydesdales were used for deliveries. They would run on the side of the wagon and protect the products. The Dalmatians have been traveling to performances with the Clydesdales since the 1950s.

“We are thrilled to have the Budweiser Clydesdales come to Devon – ‘Where Champions Meet.’ Our spectators are thrilled to have them perform and all of us from Devon are proud to have them as our guest. A big thank you goes to Anheuser Busch and Penn Distributors for their help in getting this exhibition to Devon,” said Rich O’Donnell, Devon Horse Show president.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Interagro Lusitanos Highlight 2nd Phase of Brazilian Working Equitation Championships

Feitor Interagro ridden by Alexandre Souza.

Itapira, SP, Brazil (May 14, 2017) – In a test of speed, precision, agility, and partnership, Brazil’s 2017 Working Equitation Championships combine the country’s passion for horse sport with the traditional working practices of their rich equestrian culture. The horses and riders of Interagro Lusitanos of Itapira, Sao Paulo, Brazil are known for their versatility, excelling in disciplines from driving and dressage to jumping and Paralympic events. This responsiveness to the rider and the athleticism to compete at the international level is what grants the Interagro Lusitano success in working equitation. In late April, Interagro’s team traveled to Hipica Manege Alphaville in Santana de Parnaiba, Brazil for the second round of championship working equitation competition.

Working equitation tests the horse and rider partnerships in three phases: dressage, speed, and ease of handling, which get progressively more complicated as the riders advance. At levels ranging from Cavalos Novos A, or Novice A division for horses new to working equitation, to the more advanced Preliminary and Intermediate levels, Interagro bred horses consistently ranked at the top of the standings. Hector Interagro, with Alexandre Souza at the reins, finished first in the Novice A division for the second time this year. Tackling a variety of obstacles and challenges requiring focus, athletic ability, and faith in his rider, Hector Interagro, at only 6 years old, displayed the poise and talent typical of Interagro’s herd. With Phase 2 only being the gelding’s second show, the elegant grey also finished at the top of the Novice A division during the first phase of the 2017 Working Equitation Championships in March.

Helio, Herodotus, and Heliodoro Interagro, three more of Interagro’s H generation 6-year-olds, also competed to top finishes in Novice A. Helio Interagro and Johnny Miranda put in a fast and accurate performance to finish third, while Herodotus and Heliodoro, piloted by Edmar Brito and Fabio Lombardo Jr., finished fourth and fifth. Heliodoro Interagro was sold as a yearling in the 2012 Interagro Yearlings Auction and is now owned by Alexandre Siqueira. The Novice B division saw Alexandre Souza pilot another Interagro horse to a top finish; this time aboard the impressive Eros Interagro, Souza captured 6th place.

Helio Interagro and Johnny Miranda

In the Preliminary division, where technical requirements and complexity of the courses demand more of each combination, Souza also guided Feitor Interagro to third place. Feitor was the youngest horse in the class at 8 years old, was competing against much more mature horses up to 14 years old. The winners of the Preliminary division, Xama Comando SN and Rafael Grumann, held a connection to Interagro as Xama, a powerful buckskin, was sired by one of Interagro’s top breeding stallions, Nicola MAC.

The Intermediate and Open Amateur divisions also hosted a number of horses bred, sold, or related to Interagro. Colirio das Mangueiras, a son of Tufao Interagro and Venus Interagro owned by Haras das Mangueiras, finished second in the Intermediate class with Sergio Antunes de Oliveira at the reins. Third and fourth went to two more Interagro breds, Bilbo Interagro and Porfirio Interagro, both ridden by Marcio Aparecido de Almeida and owned by Haras das Mangueiras. In the Open Amateurs, Fronteiro Interagro and Jose Luis Fernandes finished fourth overall. Fronteiro is the maternal brother of the Novice A victor Hector Interagro, and was sold during the 2010 Interagro Yearling Auction. Xama Comando SN, the son of Nicola MAC who was victorious in the Preliminary division, also made his mark in the Open Amateurs. Maria Isabel Casimiro piloted Xama, who is owned by Coudelaria Amour e Cura, to a fifth place finish.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst, at 817 368 9447.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com
954 205 7992

Generations of Interagro Talent Showcased at Brazilian Working Equitation Championships

Hanibal Interagro and Johnny Miranda (Photos by Interagro Lusitanos)

Itapira, SP, Brazil (April 5, 2017) – Early March’s Brazilian sunshine set the mood for a group of Interagro Lusitanos at Haras de Mangueiras in Itapira, where the country’s top working equitation horses and riders vied for top placings in the first phase of the 2017 Brazilian Working Equitation Championships. A sport based on the daily activities and tasks required of working horses, the discipline consists of three demanding phases: dressage, speed, and ease of handling. The Brazilian training center and stud, Interagro Lusitanos, brought a number of horse and rider combinations to expand their already impressive resume of working equitation successes, and from young horses at their first show to more experienced mounts advancing through the levels, the long list of Interagro horses in the ribbons continues to grow.

Two young protégés of Interagro’s training and breeding program, Hector Interagro and Hanibal Interagro, made their debut show appearance at the Championships. With Alexandre Souza in the saddle, Hector Interagro finished first in the Novice A Division after a spectacular performance that drew high praise from the judges. As the full brother of Baldor Interagro, an FEI dressage champion at the Small Tour and budding Grand Prix talent, Hector displayed his sibling’s talent and intelligence through all three phases. Johnny Miranda piloted Hanibal Interagro to 3rd place in the same division, Novice A, rounding out two top finishes for the grey Lusitanos. Another pair of more experienced Interagro horses, Feitor Interagro and Divisadero Interagro, made their premier performance in the Preliminary and Master classes, kicking off advanced working equitation careers.

Interagro’s prowess as a breeder was also accented as a number of horses sold to private buyers or at previous Interagro national auctions also made their mark in the working equitation arena. Heliodoro Interagro, owned by Alexandre Siqueira and sold during the 13th Annual Interagro Yearling Auction in 2012, was a welcome sight for his Interagro family. He competed in the Novice A Division with Fábio Rogério Lombardo Jr in the saddle, finishing 4th. Porfirio Interagro, stunning and competitive at 21 years young, represented the eldest generation of Interagro horses competing at the working equitation championships with his amateur rider Suely Moraes. Porfirio was sold as a 2-year-old in 1997.

Porfirio Interagro

With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst, at 817 368 9447.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com
954 205 7992

Interagro Lusitanos Wraps Up 2016 with Wins in Driving, Dressage, Paradressage, Working Equitation

Antonio Mariano de Souza secured the Brazilian Four-in-Hand Driving Championship with four Interagro horses: Cagliostro, Comanche, Democrito and Crispim.

Itapira, Sao Paulo, Brazil (January 19, 2017) – 2016 was a spectacular year for the Lusitano sport horse, as the versatile breed continues to curry favor among riders, trainers, and owners across a variety of disciplines. Through over 40 years of exceptional breeding and a dedication to evolving the modern Lusitano from the purest Portuguese bloodlines, Interagro Lusitanos has been a major catalyst for the breed’s growth and success over the past few decades. With successful Interagro progeny winning in working equitation, driving, dressage, and paradressage, the Brazilian stud and training facility continues to raise the bar as their horses compete internationally across 4 continents.

Interagro’s most recent win was earned in December, where Antonio Mariano de Souza secured the Brazilian Four-in-Hand Driving Championship with four Interagro horses: Cagliostro, Comanche, Democrito and Crispim. He was joined in the winner’s circle at the Driving Championships by Valentim Martins Brito, who secured the Pairs Reserve Championship with Comache Interagro and Crispim Interagro, and Fabio Roberto da Silva, who finished third in the pairs with Cagliostro Interagro and Democrito Interagro.

In addition to the driving phases, working equitation proved to be a major forte for Interagro and its riders in 2016. The 2016 Brazilian Working Equitation Championship/Cia de ET saw Gotico Interagro (Profano Interagro x Zibelina Interagro) and Divisadero Interagro (Tufao Interagro x Saranga (VAN)) top the national rankings in their divisions. Gotico was awarded 2016 Championship Brazilian Ranking in the Novice A Division, while Divisadero also topped the 2016 Brazilian Ranking in the Intermediate division. Escudeiro Interagro (Perdigueiro (MAC) x Athena Interagro), who was purchased at the 2013 Interagro National Auction by Mrs. Claudia Uenishi, rounded out the Interagro string of successes with Jose Faria in the saddle. In the beginning of 2016 and on a different continent, Working Equitation World Cup Champion Xaveco Interagro (Profano Interagro x Dona RC) repeated his World Cup success at the 2016 Haras Cup, the premier Working Equitation Championships in the United States. Hosted by Haras dos Cavaleiros of Magnolia, Texas, Xaveco was piloted by France’s Claire Moucadel and dominated in all three phases of the event.

Baldor Interagro and Pia Aragao (Photo courtesy of Ambar Dressage)

Interagro’s long list of Brazilian rankings extend into the dressage arena, where Baldor Interagro (Ofensor (MV) x Quinata Interagro) and Fellini Interagro (Nirvana Interagro x Batina Interagro) dominated their FEI divisions. Baldor and Pia Aragao swept the Small Tour at the Sao Paulo CDI-3/Brazilian Dressage Championships with a personal best score of 72.350 in their Freestyle. Fellini, also ridden and trained by Aragao, took top honors in the CAN National Dressage in Sao Paulo in May with scores of 8.20 and 7.18 in the FEI 6-Year-Old division, and won the Brazilian 6-Year-Old Championship at the Sao Paulo CDI-3 with final scores of 7.14 and 7.50.

Perhaps the highlight of Interagro’s slew of wins in 2016 was the achievement of Zizifo Interagro, who along with rider Patricio Guglialmelli of Argentina and owner Gea Einaudi of Italy qualified for and competed in the 2016 Rio Games. Competing for Argentina in the Paradressage, Zizifo’s accomplishment in the Paralympics marks a major milestone for Interagro, who through their breeding program has actively sought to develop a horse with the athleticism and temperament to compete in the upper echelons of horse sport.

In the spring of 2016, 5 of Interagro’s stallions were approved by the ABPSL Stud Book. Caudilho Interagro and Gladiador Interagro, who were presented for revision by internationally renowned Portuguese trainer and competitor Jorge Sousa, topped the field with scores of 75 and 74.5. Fellini Interagro finished with a score of 74, while Ditador Interagro and Empreiteiro Interagro earned 72 and 68.5.

In the United States, two of Interagro’s exported stallions also were successful in their revisions, with one making history as the highest score ever received in the US. Hobbit Interagro (Bungo Interagro x Radiosa (MAC)) and Governador Interagro (Ofensor (MV) x Quantia Interagro), both owned by Haras do Cavaleiros, were evaluated at the North American Lusitano Show by three judges: one from Brazil, one from France, and one from the ABPSL. Hobbit’s score of 76.5 is the highest score ever awarded to a Lusitano in the United States, following more than 200 horse revisions. Governador’s impressive score of 71 brought more acclaim for Interagro horses in North America.

Despite a lackluster Brazilian economy, the resounding success of Interagro’s 2016 Yearling Auction proved that the demand for exceptional Lusitano horses has not waned. With all but 2 fillies sold and an average price higher than 2015, the Yearling Auction also boasted a high turnout of Lusitano enthusiasts. With a number of unique and rare lineages represented in the auction barn, the average selling price of this year’s auction finished at 16,933 Brazilian reals, or approximately 5,187 US dollars. The elegant Ministro Interagro brought in 2016’s price highlight, selling for 42,000 Brazilian reals (USD 12,865).

With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as versatile, athletic, and intelligent partners for their riders and successful competitors on the international stage.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com or follow them on Facebook. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst at 817 368 9447.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Sir Sinclair Does It Again

Sir Sinclair, Keur. Photos: Terri Miller.

Two Consecutive Years as the USEF #1 Sire of Dressage Horses

Coatesville, PA — Iron Spring Farm’s KWPN stallion Sir Sinclair, Keur, continues to make history in the sport of dressage and sport horse breeding. For the second consecutive year, Sir Sinclair is the USEF #1 Sire of Dressage Horses, with 68 offspring receiving points, including an incredible 20 showing at FEI in 2016, making him one of the most prolific sires of all time. Sir Sinclair’s offspring earned more than 8,700 points in 2016, more than 2,400 ahead of the second placed sire.

“When you buy young stallions based on their bloodlines, athletic abilities and temperaments, you hope they will be successful in sport and will make  positive impacts on the sport horse industry with their genetics,” explained owner Mary Alice Malone, “but there are no guarantees. So to have Sir become a successful FEI horse who’s siring so many winning Grand Prix horses is simply incredible.”

Sir Sinclair himself won at Prix St. Georges after an exceptional career as a young horse that included the title of the 2005 USEF National Champion FEI Young Horse (Six-Year-Old). Although Sir learned all of the Grand Prix level movements, excelling at both piaffe and passage, he was unable to compete at the level when he was diagnosed with Lyme disease.

His offspring have inherited their father’s talent for Grand Prix. Dee Clair, owned by Diane Morrison, and ridden by Anna Marek, was the 2016 GAIG/USDF Region 3 Grand Prix Champion and also placed third in the Grand Prix Freestyle. Zania, owned and ridden by Jami Kment, earned the Grand Prix Championship at the GAIG/USDF Region 4 Championships.  Zuperman, owned by Leona Pollack and ridden by Kathleen Raine, was reserve champion in three CDI Grand Prix classes in 2016. Zuperman and his owner also won Grand Prix classes in the amateur division.

Zuperman, by Sir Sinclair, ridden by Kathleen Raine

Sir continues to sire up and coming superstars, including Honor, a four-year-old gelding bred by Linda Smith. Honor and rider Ashley Duran won the 2016 USDF Training Level Junior/Young Rider Horse of the Year (median score 72.273%), as well as the GAIG/USDF Region 4 Championship at Training Level with a score of 74.866%.

In total, eight of Sir’s get were awarded champion or reserve champion at the 2016 GAIG/USDF Regional Championships.

Mrs. Malone continued, “It’s wonderful to see riders at every level, including juniors, amateurs and top international riders, having success with Sir’s sons and daughters. This accomplishment is what breeders strive for.” Sir Sinclair, Keur, is by Lord Sinclair out of the incredible Flemmingh, Preferent daughter, Krishna, Star, Sport Preferent, Prestatie.

Two other Iron Spring Farm stallions were also in the 2016 USEF top ten sires of dressage horses, Contango, Preferent, ranked number three, and UB40, ranked number six.

Please visit the Iron Spring Farm Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as www.ironspringfarm.com, to see more stories, photos and videos of Sir Sinclair, Contango and UB40 offspring.

Equestrian Sports Promotions
Phone: 303-263-7531
Email address: equestriansports@earthlink.net

Zulu Interagro Brings Equine Chic to Allure’s December Issue

Zulu Interagro and Gigi Hadid in the December issue of Allure Magazine. (Photo courtesy of Allure/Conde Nast)

New York, NY (December 6, 2016) – Chiseled features, lustrous locks, and elegant forms are typical of any photo shoot for Allure magazine, and in the 2016 December issue an equine supermodel sported his ravishing good looks alongside 2015 Model of the Year Gigi Hadid for Allure’s feature spread. The 21-year-old Hadid posed au naturel while reclining on Zulu (who was also au naturel) in a stunning black and white image that has become the cover photo for Allure magazine’s Facebook page as of mid-November. Hadid, who is also the 2016 December issue cover girl, appears at ease on the 14-year-old Lusitano gelding, despite the lack of clothes. Zulu’s photogenic baroque appearance and laid back attitude made him the epitome of the equine supermodel.

Bred by Interagro Lusitanos of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Zulu Interagro (Profano Interagro x Trovoada Interagro) was imported to the US in 2008 as part of the Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction held in Wellington, Florida. Zulu’s owner, Athene von Hirschberg, came to the Auction looking for a versatile, compact, athletic horse and found what she was looking for in Zulu. Over the years she and Zulu have competed up to the FEI levels in dressage, working equitation, 15-mile rides, hunter paces, and eventually began his career as an equine supermodel. Zulu’s photogenic qualities were first utilized by Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci, who featured the black horse in a spread at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, posing with two models in Pucci’s flagrant designs on the polo fields. Von Hirschberg’s friendship with Cari Swanson of Cari Swanson Productions, which has provided horses for major motion pictures such as Hidalgo, Winter’s Tale, and The Horse Whisperer, served as the catalyst to launch Zulu’s modeling career into the big leagues. Swanson received the casting call for a horse of Zulu’s temperament and appearance for the major international fashion magazine, and von Hirschberg was more than happy to oblige.

“He handled the entire ordeal like a pro,” said von Hirschberg. “Obviously he was required to stand and remain calm for a long period of time, with people in various positions and bright camera flashes, but he took it all in stride and even got bored and began nibbling on his handlers. His personality and athleticism set him apart, and he really does anything I ask of him.”

In addition to competing through the Prix St. Georges level in dressage, Zulu has also been a champion competitor in working equitation, a discipline mirroring the techniques utilized by working horse and rider pairs and requiring a diverse range of talents. For Zulu’s breeder, his combination of beauty, athleticism, trainability, and an exceptional temperament are a reflection of their breeding program, which has spent over 40 years carefully developing the modern Lusitano sporthorse. Zulu’s sire, Profano Interagro, is a son of the famous Legendario do Mirante. Legendario’s sire, Novilheiro MV, made history in some of the most prestigious show jumping arenas of Europe under the guidance of Olympic Silver Medalist John Whitaker. The Lusitano stallion was an international show jumping champion and one of the most famous Lusitanos of all time, with a career that included winning the British Showjumping Championship and leading the European rankings for prize money earned. Profano’s influence in many Interagro pedigrees has yielded top performing dressage, driving, and equitation horses, including a 2016 Rio Paralympic mount in Zizifo Interagro.

Zulu Interagro in a solo shoot at Interagro Lusitanos in Sao Paulo, Brazil with famed equestrian photographer, Bob Langrish (Photo courtesy of Bob Langrish)

But despite their accomplishments in the show ring, Zulu’s ancestors probably never had a nude supermodel lounging on their backs, a unique and impressive addition to the resume of Interagro’s progeny.

With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents.

Click here to read more about Zulu’s shoot for Allure.

Visit Allure on Facebook to see Zulu as their cover photo.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website or follow them on Facebook. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst at 817 368 9447.

Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Beth Noteman Recognized at 2016 Sport Horse National Arabian Championships

Photo courtesy of Don Stine Communications & Photography.

Nampa, ID (October 20, 2016) – Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of high-grade footing, striking dressage arenas, and revolutionized horse jumps, recently recognized Beth Noteman for her exemplary horsemanship by presenting her with the Premier Equestrian Award at the 2016 Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show held in Nampa, Idaho. Premier Equestrian presents the award at shows across the United States to honor talented equestrians who demonstrate stellar horsemanship and sportsmanship, and promote positivity in and outside of the show ring.

Noteman stood out to the show committee as a well-rounded equestrian whose attention to the sport goes beyond her scores in the show ring. A talented rider and handler who has achieved remarkable success with her Arabians, particularly her renowned stallion HSA Haleys Comet++++//, Noteman has said that she is most proud of the fact that her horses lead happy and healthy lives. She strives to make every show a positive experience for her equine partners, and her close connection with her horses is anchored in genuine enjoyment of their company and a deep respect for their individual temperaments and capabilities. In addition to the sheer amount of patience and hard work that she has put in over the years, the show committee was impressed with Noteman’s flexible attitude in understanding and working with the core personality of each of her mounts.

Noteman, who believes that adaptability and a down-to-earth attitude is essential to achieving success as an equestrian, learned the importance of recognizing a horse’s potential when she purchased Arabian stallion HSA Haleys Comet++++// (Skamper x Ok Ellazella G) as a green four-year-old in 1999. “Comet” did not fit her vision of an ideal dressage mount, but Noteman was willing to compromise based on the recommendations of her trainers – and despite the unlikely pairing between an amateur rider and a green stallion, Comet turned out to be the horse of a lifetime. While working 12-hour days in order to fund her riding as an amateur, Noteman brought Comet up the ranks to win the most National Championships of any purebred Arabian Stallion in history. Her tenacity is an inspiration to amateur equestrians, proving that with a little luck and a lot of hard work, all riders can achieve the dream of Arabian horse ownership. Over the past few years, Noteman has expanded her horse family by purchasing Comet’s son, Comets Midnite Bandit (known as “Bandit”) and Bandit’s mother, Midnites Magic Genie (known as “Magic”). She competed on this Half-Arabian, Half-Friesian mother-and-son duo at the recent 2016 AHA Sport Horse National Championships, riding Bandit in First and Second Level dressage and Magic in Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges dressage.

In honor of being dubbed a “Premier Equestrian,” Noteman was presented with a tricolor ribbon and the Premier Equestrian engraved plaque.

Premier Equestrian is proud to reward talented riders like Noteman, who bring a positive attitude to equestrian sports and demonstrate true enjoyment of their horses both inside and outside of the show ring. The company offers an affordable choice for first-rate American-made products that enhance the equestrian performance of its customers. For more information about Premier Equestrian and its full line of products including footing, dressage arenas, and horse jumps, visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 1-800-611-6109.

For more information contact:
Heidi Zorn, Premier Equestrian
1-800-611-6109
www.PremierEquestrian.com
Heidi@PremierEquestrian.com

Beon Alla Czar Earns the Horse of Course High Score Award

Catherine Brown and Beon Alla Czar. (Photo courtesy of Bob Tarr Photography)

Nampa, ID (October 18, 2016) — At the fourteenth annual Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show, Catherine Brown and Beon Alla Czar claimed the High Score Award presented by The Horse of Course. A feature at many prominent dressage competitions throughout the United States, The Horse of Course High Score Award was given to the highest scoring horse and rider pair of the entire National Championship show.

The Horse of Course, a full-service dressage, hunter, and jumper tack shop that is popular throughout the United States, enjoys rewarding high performing pairs like Brown and Beon Alla Czar.

Beon Alla Czar, affectionately called Czar by his owner and breeder Jill Loskill, performed a beautiful Training Level test at the competition at the Ford Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, scoring an impressive 76.023 percent. The eight-year-old Half-Arabian Czar is sired by Beon Eternety and out of Alla Petite. Loskill beamed with pride as she watched Brown and Czar compete. “I felt like I was watching the Valegro of Training Level,” said Loskill, referencing the great Olympic Champion. “My mission in life is to show what a program I have as far as breeding talented and capable horses for people to go out and enjoy.” Czar is certainly demonstrating the quality of her breeding program at Up the Hill Ranch in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Horse of Course is a frequent sponsor of premier competitions like the Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show. The Horse of Course is led by CEO Beth Haist and her husband, professional saddle fitter Marty Haist. To commemorate the accomplishments of Loskill, Brown, and Czar, The Horse of Course presented them with a beautiful tricolor ribbon, an embroidered High Score cooler, and a gift certificate for use at The Horse of Course tack shop or online store.

This summer, The Horse of Course sponsored several breed show National Championships including the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association National Championship Show and the International Friesian Show Horse Association World and Grand National Championship. The Horse of Course’s full-service mobile unit will next head south to Florida for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington for the 2017 winter competition season.

Founded over 20 years ago to connect equestrians with top-of-the-line products, The Horse of Course, Inc. is based in Claremore, Oklahoma and has two mobile units that travel to shows across the nation, serving dressage, hunter, and jumper riders. The full store in Claremore, Oklahoma offers a permanent place for riders to see all that The Horse of Course has to offer. Riders can also check out the online tack and apparel shop at www.thehorseofcourse.com.

The Horse of Course is the one-stop-shop for all riders, and includes an extensive line of products for male clientele. The Horse of Course supplies popular brands such as König, Pikeur, Vespucci, Cavallo, Passier, and Sommer. The shop’s knowledgeable staff is happy to help customers find exactly what they need quickly in between classes, so riders can spend less time shopping and more time in the saddle. For more information about The Horse of Course and the company’s complete travel schedule, visit www.TheHorseofCourse.com or call 1-800-494-6773.

The Horse of Course, Inc.
Beth Haist, CEO
888-49-HORSE (46773)
www.thehorseofcourse.com
beth@thehorseofcourse.com