Nan Sexton and Xairel do Bosque Win the High Score Lusitano Award

  • Save
Nan Sexton and her gorgeous Lusitano stallion, Xairel do Bosque, rode away the winner of the High Point Lusitano Award at the Wellington Classic Dressage Holiday Challenge Toys for Tots Benefit Show. Sexton is joined by her trainer Carmen Franco. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (January 3, 2010) – Nan Sexton and her Lusitano stallion, Xairel do Bosque, rang in the holidays in style by winning the High Score Lusitano Award at the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge Toys for Tots Benefit Show. Sponsored by the Lusitano Collection, hosts of the 2011 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction, the High Score Lusitano Award was awarded to the highest scoring Lusitano in first level through fourth level at the show.

Sexton, who rides out of Southgate Farm and trains with Carmen Franco, was thrilled with Xairel do Bosque’s win. “This was his second horse show and he hasn’t been out of the blue ribbons yet,” Sexton said, adding that she bought the seven-year-old stallion in Brazil. “I was really happy that as a young stallion he managed to handle himself with grace and he didn’t let anything disturb his focus while at the show.”

Sexton competed Xairel do Bosque in second level and said she is hoping to move him up to third level soon. “I have had some smart warmbloods in the past, but I think the Lusitanos are probably more eager to please and less headstrong than warmbloods,” she said.  Sexton has purchased three Interagro Lusitanos: Acolito Interagro, Ubrique Interagro, and Versejador Interagro, and says she is looking forward to the 2011 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction.  While Xairel do Bosque was not bred at Interagro Farms in Brazil, he is related to Sexton’s stallion Acolito Interagro.  Acolito is sired by Farao (JHC), who is Xairel’s grandsire.  Farao (JHC) is also the grandsire of Relampago do Retiro, one of the Lusitanos to compete at the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

Trainer Franco, who is based in Palm Beach Gardens, added that she was also pleased with the Lusitano stallion’s experience at the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge show. “Xairel do Bosque was great and he really is a pleasure to work with,” she said.

Sexton and Franco join a worldwide group of riders who have discovered the versatility and athletic ability of the Lusitano. Cecilia Gonzaga, who operates Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitanos in the world, said Lusitanos make excellent mounts in dressage, driving, jumping, and eventing. “In addition to Xairel do Bosque, Nan owns three Interagro Lusitanos so I know she has found something special in the breed,” Gonzaga said.

“We will be sending an amazing selection of Lusitanos to the 2011 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction in Wellington in February and all of the horses have been selected based upon their exceptional abilities for FEI-level equestrian sports,” Gonzaga said. “We are looking forward to the auction again this year and know that those who attend will enjoy this prestigious event that gives buyers the chance to purchase Brazilian horses without the hassle of import fees or quarantine periods.”

The 2011 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction will take place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington on February 23-26, 2011. In addition to hosting the auction that is considered the social equestrian event of the season, The Lusitano Collection sponsors the High Score Lusitano Award at various shows on the Florida winter dressage circuit. Their goal is to support the local Lusitano community and to highlight the Lusitano breed within the FEI-level equestrian sports. Because of the breed’s generous temperament and ease under saddle, both amateurs and professionals alike have found them to be an excellent sport horse across all levels of competition. Amateurs, as well as seasoned Grand Prix riders, have the opportunity to win the High Score Lusitano Award.

The Lusitano Collection will present the High Score Lusitano Award at the GCDA Opener CDI, January 21-23, 2011; the WCD Spring Challenge CDI, February 10-13, 2011; and the WCD Challenge II. They will also present a GCDA Year End Lusitano High Point Award.

For more information about the horses or The Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction scheduled for February 23-26, 2011 in Wellington, Florida, visit www.lusitanocollection.com.

About Interagro Lusitanos

Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is now recognized as the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. Dr. Gonzaga started with a small band of four mares and one stallion imported to Brazil from the breed’s native Portugal; to date nearly 800 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paolo. Today, Cecilia Gonzaga manages the farm and operations. Interagro Lusitanos are handled, prepared, and evaluated from birth, with a handful of the best stock presented at auction each year. The annual Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction gives buyers a unique opportunity to evaluate, experience, and purchase top-quality Lusitano horses in the U.S., without the complications of importation and quarantine. Interagro Lusitano horses are now successfully competing, and winning, on four continents.

For more information contact:

Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.

561-753-4608

jrpr@mac.com

Leave a Reply