Tag Archives: Lusitanos

Art/Photography, Breeds, Equinium Sports Mktg., Publications/Media

Interagro Lusitanos Exemplify the Iberian Horse in Spectacular Volume

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Photo courtesy of Gabriele Boiselle.

Itapira, SP, Brazil (July 31, 2018) – Interagro’s generations of Lusitano sporthorses are no strangers to the limelight: Interagro’s breeding stallions, brood mares, foals, yearlings, and competition horses have been featured on the covers of books, magazines, and calendars since the farm’s founding in 1975. As one of the most visually appealing equine breeds, the Lusitano and its Iberian counterparts are the focus of equestrian photographer Gabriele Boiselle’s latest volume, Andalusians & Lusitanos, which documents the breeds’ history, culture, tradition, and beauty within its nearly 300 pages. Interagro’s Brazilian stud and training center, along with the mares, foals, and stallions that call it home, earned it the prestige of being one of the featured Iberian strongholds Boiselle chose to represent the Puro Sangue Lusitano.

The Interagro Lusitano has been spotlighted on the pages of mainstream publications like Allure as well as equestrian publications like Dressage Today and Horseback Magazine. The beauty, history, and tradition of Interagro, as well as the international success of its horses, marks the farm and its equines as a unique mix of modern and classic. Boiselle depicts one of its exported stallions, Zero Interagro, currently performing upper level dressage in the US, as well as the mares and foals that roam Interagro’s 1,300 acres, a few of its foundation stallions standing in Brazil, and its competitive four-in-hand team of buckskin Lusitanos, who were recently featured on the cover of the German driving magazine, Pferd and Wagon. The black stallion Nordeste (SS), one of the most influential stallions in Interagro’s breeding program, also receives a full page spread depicting his beauty and nobility. Nordeste, who is currently retired from training but still actively breeding at Interagro, turned 24 years old this past March and exemplifies the qualities sought after by the Portuguese breeders, and has passed on his exceptional traits to hundreds of Interagro sporthorse athletes.

“The Iberian horse has always fascinated and inspired me,” said Boiselle. “I have traveled the world looking for special horses to capture the beauty and nobility of the breed.”

A synopsis of the volume reads: The book is intended as a tribute to the Iberian horse. Whether Pura Raza Española or Puro Sangue Lusitano, there is something very special about all of them because they exude that incredible magic of a royal baroque horse: compact elegance and fiery temperament. Those magnificent big eyes reflect the unique character and enormous confidence of these noble horses. For centuries they have been enchanting human beings with their exuberance, their long, flowing manes and their majestic appearance. Anyone who has ever been to the “Feria del Caballo” in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), or the “Feira Nacional do Cavalo” in Golegã (Portugal) begins to realise that what they see here is much more than beautiful horses, in fact they are looking at a complete riding culture which extends back over centuries and is still well preserved today. There is nowhere else in the world where the tradition of horse breeding is as well nurtured and preserved as in Portugal and Spain, particularly in Andalusia. For many years I have felt a strong attraction towards Iberian horses, so I visit the studs frequently and many of the breeders have become good friends. It is always a great honour for me to photograph their horses and to join them in appreciation of their sheer beauty.

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.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Breeds, Dressage, JRPR

Lusitanos and Dressage Done Right at Haras Dos Cavaleiros

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Forcado da Carvalha is a 5-year-old stallion bred in Portugal by Quinta da Carvalha and imported in 2013 (Qualificado – Infanta, Cravo). He was the IALHA National Champion of Lusitanos Three and Under, has shown to First Level and is schooling Second and Third Level movements. (Photo by Shaana Risley)

Wellington, FL (August 28, 2015) — Lusitano horses may well be considered the crusaders of the horse world. The Baroque breed known for bravery, strength, beauty and intelligence has rapidly converted a cadre of aficionados from a variety of disciplines to Lusitano lovers. The horse originating from Portugal has evangelized around the world and amassed a growing fan club. Across the globe, Lusitanos are rapidly gaining in popularity, especially in the sport of dressage.

High-performance dressage rider Carmen Elisa Franco, a Colombian transplant now based in South Florida, has been in the horse business for more than 25 years. After leaving Colombia, she trained in Germany, where she earned the Bereiter title in Warendorf. She’s ridden horses of all breeds including Warmbloods, Arabians and Thoroughbreds, but after getting to know Lusitanos in 2005, Franco is a full-fledged fan of the breed. She is now a dressage trainer for Haras dos Cavaleiros, a respected breeder of the Lusitano horse in the U.S.

“I was lucky enough to get involved with this breed a few years ago, and I have ridden both Portuguese and Brazilian lines,” she said. “It amazes me that all of them, no matter their age or training stage, are very kind and fun. They are suitable for amateurs because of that, and now we are seeing great sport horses that can go all the way to the top. Any professional would love to have one too.”

Franco began working with Haras dos Cavaleiros in 2013 when they imported a group of Lusitano stallions to the U.S. and owners Rafael Chavez and Carmina Zamorano asked her to look after the horses at the quarantine facility in Wellington, Florida. She later traveled to the breeder’s Texas location outside Houston in Magnolia to conduct clinics where Forcado da Carvalha, a Lusitano stallion imported from Portugal, and Donatello DC captured her attention and her heart. Chavez and Zamorano asked her to continue training the horses in dressage as well as compete.

“Working with Haras dos Cavaleiros’ horses has been a very rewarding experience,” Franco said. “Rafael and Carmina are very realistic about their horses and the program for each one of them. There is a lot of respect toward my decisions and total support for me as a person and as a professional. And one of the best things of working with them is the great team: the Haras Family.”

Chavez said the choice to have Franco train and compete his Lusitanos was a natural one.

“Wellington is a window for our horses,” he said. “It is where the sport of dressage is being done at the highest levels and we wanted to expose our horses to that.”

Franco travels to their operation in Magnolia at least twice a year to conduct dressage clinics for all levels of riders, where she teaches theory sessions as well as mounted lessons to the Lusitano faithful in Texas. Franco has clinics scheduled for September and November.

“The clinics have been always open to all breeds of horses but the Lusitanos are the most popular,” she said. “We have had horses and riders from beginners to experienced and it’s really fun to witness their progress. At the end, we all share the love of what we do and the horses that are so willing to let us work with them.”

Haras dos Cavaleiros operates Lusitano breeding farms in both Mexico and Texas, Lusitanos were originally bred for bullfighting and warfare, but now Chavez and Zamorano breed for a variety of disciplines including dressage and Working Equitation, a sport relatively new to the United States. Working Equitation is a discipline of versatility encompassing dressage, ease of handling, speed and cattle work, very much like the work of cowboys of the American West. Haras dos Cavaleiros’ commitment to the sport runs deep and they will again host the Haras Cup, the most important Working Equitation competition in the United States, Oct. 23-25. The Haras Cup draws competitors from the U.S. as well as international devotees of the sport.

“Haras’ focus is on developing versatile horses: the ones suitable for hobby or for competition,” Franco said. “We love to breed, to train and to show them. We keep some of the horses we breed and/or buy to bring them to the top of their abilities. Of course, sales of horses are one of our goals, but we like to sell them in the correct training stage and to the suitable client.”

For more information about Haras dos Cavaleiros, go to harasdoscavaleiros.com. Check out the sport of Working Equitation and learn more about the Haras Cup at harasdoscavaleiros.com/haras-dos-cavaleiros-promoting-the-sport-of-working-equitation or harascup.com.

Contact: Carmen Elisa Franco
queca@q-equestrian.com
www.q-equestrian.com
www.harasdoscavaleiros.com
(954) 536-4264

Dressage, Driving, JRPR

Zerbino Interagro of Interagro Lusitanos Competes in the Nations Cup CDIO3*

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Zerbino Interagro and Kerensa Mueller competing in the Nations Cup. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (March 7, 2014) – Not many horses have a life history that includes being bred and raised in Brazil, living in the United States, and representing the Netherlands in international competition. The lovely grey gelding Zerbino Interagro, though, has just that. Zerbino Interagro competed in the Nations Cup CDIO 3* this February, which was part of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival and the FEI Nations Cup Dressage Series. Zerbino’s breeder, Interagro Lusitanos, was proud to have one of its own horses in the only Nations Cup CDIO 3* to be held in the Western Hemisphere.

Zerbino Interagro (Quixote Interagro x Estrada (JLC)) is an 11-year-old Lusitano owned by Johnny Robb of Loxahatchee, Florida. Zerbino was bred in Brazil at Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world. Zerbino was imported to the United States as part of Interagro Lusitanos’s 2008 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction. The grey gelding was started in driving when he was young, but quickly proved that he was also strongly talented in the discipline of dressage. At the Nations Cup CDIO 3*, Zerbino Interagro was ridden by trainer Kerensa Mueller for The Netherlands. In the Nations Cup CDI Inspection, Zerbino and his professional handler Gary Yeager won the ShowChic Jog Turnout Award for their exemplary turnout.

Earlier this year, when Zerbino Interagro and his adult amateur owner Johnny Robb were awarded the Gold Coast Dressage Association’s Intermediaire I Adult Amateur Championship, she had no idea he would go on to be her trainer’s mount for the Nations Cup. “It doesn’t matter what you ask of him,” said Robb of Zerbino. “He always gives you his all.”

Prior to his dressage career, versatile Zerbino was also part of a tandem driving exhibition with international dressage rider Cherri Reiber. Reiber rode Zerbino while driving another Lusitano in front, with both horses performing high school dressage movements in tandem. The team performed at a number of venues including the Equine Affaire and the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

Cherri Reiber performed a tandem driving demonstration with Zerbino Interagro and Vistor Interagro during the Pfizer Fantasia at Equine Affaire. (Photo courtesy of M&A Photography)
Cherri Reiber performed a tandem driving demonstration with Zerbino Interagro and Vistor Interagro during the Pfizer Fantasia at Equine Affaire. (Photo courtesy of M&A Photography)

Versatile, talented and willing, Zerbino brought it full circle as both a performer and a competitor with his performance in the Nations Cup.

“I am so grateful to Cecilia Gonzaga and Peter van Borst, who helped me obtain this wonderful horse who has taken me so many places,” said Robb.  “He has real talent and a heart as big as Brazil.  Since he just turned 11, there is no telling what we will do together in the next decade,” added Robb, who now has her sights set on the Grand Prix and earning her USDF gold medal.

Zerbino Interagro is an example of the exactly the type of horse that Interagro Lusitanos has become known for. Interagro strives to breed and train exceptionally talented and rideable Lusitanos suitable for both professionals and amateurs.  Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is 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, and since that first generation has produced more than 2,185 Lusitanos. Today, 450 horses populate Interagro’s 1200-acre, six-barn showplace ranch (which has appeared on the covers of 21 international magazines). In 2009, Interagro was recognized as ABPSL ‘Lusitano Breeder of the Year.’

The farm’s horses are descendants of the impressive Lusitano stallions Andrade, Coudelaria Nacional, and Veiga. The Lusitanos of Andrade lineage, of which Zerbino Interagro is a part, are known for their elegant movements and for generally being taller than other Lusitanos. Descendants of Coudelaria Nacional are particularly strong, and Veiga Lusitanos tend to possess the most typical characteristics of the breed, such as a kind and willing disposition. The breeders and trainers of Interagro Lusitanos devote themselves to producing the best horses of this breed and to training the Lusitanos to demonstrate their superior breeding when in competitions.

To learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, the Lusitano breed, and upcoming events, please visit www.lusitano-interagro.com.

Contact Johnny Robb, JRPR
(561) 753-4608
johnnyrobb@mac.com

Breeds, Dressage, JRPR

Interagro Trainer Pia Aragao Takes Success Well in Stride

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Zepelim Interagro. (Photo courtesy of Ana Claudia Souza)

Itapira, Brazil (January 20, 2014) – When Interagro Lusitanos trainer Pia Aragao says 2013 was a ‘fairly good year’ for her, it is with the same mastery of understatement that she applies to her dressage.  And like any true horsewoman, she’ll also credit any of her achievements to her four-legged partners – Baldor Interagro, Cezanne Interagro, Vade Mecum Interagro and Zepelim Interagro – first.

Aragao’s star power shone through over the last season thanks to her upper-level partners, FEI Small Tour mount, Zepelim Interagro, and Grand Prix horse, Vade Mecum.

To the charismatic grey, Zepelim, she owes the most: “To start, I was appointed, together with a dozen riders, to the Brazilian teams Long List in preparation for the Pan Am and Olympic Games. I won the State Championship with Zepelim and was second at the National Championship. We were the best combination to qualify for the Brazilian team for Odesur.” Odesur, or the South American Dressage Championships, are March 8-11, 2014 in Quilotta, Chile.

“Zepelim was named third in the yearly horse rankings with our national (CBH) federation. After Chile, he will return to Brazil and continue training for Grand Prix. Hopefully he can start in a local class by the end of the year and be Grand Prix competitive by 2015.”

Baldor Interagro. (Photo courtesy of Ana Claudia Souza)
Baldor Interagro. (Photo courtesy of Ana Claudia Souza)

Until then, she’s justly proud of the consistent scores her current Grand Prix horse, Vade Mecum Interagro, keeps turning in.  “He has placed in every Grand Prix start and always well over 60%.  Our best result was 65.90% in our Freestyle at the CDI3* Expo, where we placed second.”

She also praises her grey Third Level mount, Baldor Interagro, with “amazing” quality. In 2013, “He won all classes he started in with no less than 66% and was National Champion at Third Level. “The plan is to reach Prix St George ready to compete in the FEI World Challenge in October. He’s a horse I’d like to have ready for the road to the Pan Ams in 2015,” said Aragao.

Looking ready to graduate to Third Level with Aragao next is Cezanne Interagro: “We did a few classes in Sao Paulo and he won them all. He also won the Medium Level class at the FEI World Challenge,” said Aragao.  FEI World Challenges give riders who, under normal circumstances cannot take part in international competitions and live in more remote countries, the opportunity to compete internationally without having to leave their own country.

With such solid success across levels, it’s no wonder that others are eager to entrust their equine talent with her, too. One of the most thrilling transformations of the year has been watching Aragao take a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood, Blåeld, owned by Sandra Lourenço, from First Level back in April 2013 to winning the Prix St Georges at the FEI world Challenge. “He was second in the Brazilian year-end rankings for Fourth Level,” she said.  “I’m looking forward to the future with all of my horses and the best plan is to be as well prepared as possible. So many things can happen. I will only take one step at a time.”

Vade Mecum Interagro. (Photo courtesy of Ana Claudia Souza)
Vade Mecum Interagro. (Photo courtesy of Ana Claudia Souza)

About Interagro Lusitanos

Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is 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, and since that first generation has produced more than 2,185 Lusitanos. Today, 450 horses populate Interagro’s 1200-acre, six-barn showplace ranch (which has appeared on the covers of 21 international magazines). In 2009, Interagro was recognized as ABPSL ‘Lusitano Breeder of the Year.’

To learn more about Interagro Lusitanos and upcoming auctions and events, please visit www.lusitano-interagro.com.

Contact Johnny Robb, JRPR
(561) 753-4608
johnnyrobb@mac.com

Breeds, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, JRPR

From Pan Am Qualifiers to Equitation Wins – Interagro Lusitanos Prove Elite

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Zingaro Interagro and Luan Carlos Brito took the win the Working Equitation Open division. (Photo courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos)

Itapira, Brazil (June 18, 2013) – Interagro Lusitanos have proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of international equestrian competition.  A string of wins at the 1st Annual International Riding and Dressage Meeting (IDRM) at Coudelaria Illha Verde, Brazil included top placings in dressage and working equitation.

The stunning black stallion Zingaro Interagro (Perdigueiro (MAC) x Olimpia Interagro) and rider Luan Carlos Brito took the win in the Open division of working equitation, a discipline born from the skill and athleticism needed by horses on working farms and ranches.  A well-known discipline in Brazil, it has its roots in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy and is quickly gaining popularity in the United States.  Working equitation tests the horse and rider in three phases: dressage, ease or skill with obstacles, and obstacles at speed.  Steeped in history and designed to preserve and carry on the cultural traditions of each country and their horses, working equitation harnesses the Lusitano’s natural grace, athleticism, and intelligence.

Interagro also had success in the dressage arena, where Zepelim Interagro (Quinarius Interagro x Ordenada Interagro) placed 2nd in the CDI at Prix St. Georges to qualify for a spot to compete on the Brazilian Team for the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games.  Trainer and rider Pia Aragao also rode Vade Mecum Interagro (Noblissimo Interago x Pecunia Interagro x Yacht SA) to a third place in the Intermediare II class, and scored well in the pair’s first freestyle at that level.  The Interagro horse is no stranger to success in the dressage arena, and is a favored dressage mount for both professionals and amateurs due to their willing temperaments, athleticism, and trainability.

Cecilia Gonzaga, Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos, said, “We are so very proud of our horses and riders.  Having a horse in the running for the Pan Am Games is a great honor, and Zingaro’s success on the international stage is such a thrill!  He is a favorite stallion here at the farm and a few of his progeny will be offered for sale at our annual auction.  His beauty, temperament, and athleticism make him a perfect representative of the Lusitano breed and Interagro’s breeding program.”

Interagro Lusitanos have gained a reputation as being an elite choice among international equestrians. Their annual Interagro Collection National Auction will be held this year on August 31, 2013 in Itapira, Brazil. Interagro expects around 500 spectators, many of which visit from the United States and abroad. Last year, international buyers purchased 9 of the 12 adult Lusitano horses presented at the auction.

The Interagro horse is a modern Lusitano, a horse that excels in the traditional equestrian disciplines, from dressage and driving to jumping and working equitation. Interagro horses can be seen driving, working, and training on the farm in Brazil every day. Interagro is committed to preserving the pure bloodlines of the Lusitano breed, and Interagro bloodlines include some of the most respected bloodlines in the breed such as Farao (JHC), Nirvana Interagro, Ofensor (MV), Xique-Xique (CI) and Yacht (SA).

Interagro also offers guests and clients a unique way to truly immerse themselves in the Lusitano breed and the equestrian culture of Interagro through Destination Lusitano. From riding an Interagro stallion across the rolling Brazilian countryside to enjoying Portuguese cuisine, Destination Lusitano caters to each guests needs and can be tailored to their interests. In addition, the 600 Lusitanos that call Interagro home make Destination Lusitano the ultimate equestrian getaway.

For more information about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.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 over 600 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. 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.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

Awards, Breeds, Dressage, JRPR

Balder and Versatil Imagem Win Interagro Lusitano High Score Award at GDF

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Matt McLaughlin and Versatil Imagem in action during the Global Dressage Festival. (Photo courtesy of Matt McLaughlin)

Wellington, FL (May 6, 2013) – Two talented Lusitanos represented the breed and brought the flair of the Portuguese to the dressage arena during the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, where the top dressage horses in the nation compete during the winter season.  Balder, ridden by owner Lesley Maxwell, and Versatil Imagem, ridden by Matt McLaughlin, were awarded the High Score Lusitano Award for performances at the GDF 5* CDI and WEF Dressage Classic CDI-3*.

Patience and training paid off for dressage trainer Matt McLaughlin, who rode his 11-year-old Lusitano gelding, Versatil Imagem, to a score a 63% in USEF Fourth Level test during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 5* show.  Versatil’s score topped all other Lusitanos at the show, and McLaughlin was very proud of his beautiful grey horse.  He explained that Versatil was pushed very hard as a youngster, before McLaughlin owned him, so being recognized with this award was quite special.  “I’ve been bringing him along,” he said, “and getting him over the pressure from bad experiences when he was younger has been a tough road.”  McLaughlin describes Versatil as a kind and affectionate horse, and feels his courageous Lusitano heart has brought him to the level he deserves to be in the show ring.  He goes on to say Versatil has fabulous FEI level dressage movement and competitive Grand Prix potential.

McLaughlin, who owns Equine Equities in St. Cloud, Florida, has successfully trained horses through Grand Prix dressage that have gone on to compete nationally and internationally.  He has earned the USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold rider medals, and in addition to providing instruction at his Florida farm, he travels throughout North America and Europe as a clinician.  He also has extensive history in the equine entertainment industry and is a charismatic and exciting performer. This was his first time showing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 5*, and winning the Interagro Lusitano High Score Award made the show an even greater victory.

Balder sporting his prize, a beautifully engraved halter from Interagro Lusitanos. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)
Balder sporting his prize, a beautifully engraved halter from Interagro Lusitanos. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Lesley Maxwell and her gray Lusitano Balder were also in the win, topping the field of Lusitanos during the WEF Dressage Classic CDI-3*.  The pair rode their way to a score of 63.710% in the First Level Test 3. Maxwell said she was so excited to win the Lusitano High Score and have Balder recognized at the Global Dressage Festival.  She will now have a reminder of this sweet victory every time she takes him out of his stall with the beautifully engraved leather halter she won as a part of the award.

Maxwell rides and trains with Melanie Cerny, who trains with Shannon Dueck.  They are based out of Loxahatchee, Florida.  Everyone involved with Balder and his training are impressed by him and the Lusitano breed.  Maxwell acknowledges that the Lusitano horse is, in general, built for collection, and this coupled with their rideability and trainability make them a near perfect dressage horse.  The scores that she and Balder are getting this season, along with the many other Lusitanos competing in the Florida shows, give strong credence to the breed’s talent, trainability, and athleticism.  Interagro Lusitanos is dedicated to preserving these traits in the Lusitano, and horses bred by Interagro have progressed in and been successful at many disciplines, including Grand Prix dressage.

The Interagro horse is a modern Lusitano, a horse that excels in the traditional equestrian disciplines, from dressage and driving to jumping and working equitation. Interagro horses can be seen driving, working, and training on the farm in Brazil every day. Interagro is committed to preserving the pure bloodlines of the Lusitano breed, and Interagro bloodlines include some of the most respected bloodlines in the breed such as Farao (JHC), Nirvana Interagro, Ofensor (MV), Xique-Xique (CI) and Yacht (SA).

Interagro also offers guests and clients a unique way to truly immerse themselves in the Lusitano breed and the equestrian culture of Interagro through Destination Lusitano. From riding an Interagro stallion across the rolling Brazilian countryside to enjoying Portuguese cuisine, Destination Lusitano caters to each guests needs and can be tailored to their interests. In addition, the 600 Lusitanos that call Interagro home make Destination Lusitano the ultimate equestrian getaway.

For more information on Destination Lusitano or to learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.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 over 600 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. 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.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Dressage

Sons of the Wind Farm to Perform Traditional Quadrille during 2013 Midwest Tour

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Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Merrimac, MA – March 20, 2013 – As the kick-off to their 2013 Midwest Tour approaches, the Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts is preparing to perform a Quadrille and athletic movements including Airs Above the Ground for the guests at each event. Through informational clinics and performances, Sons of the Wind will be showcasing the talent of their Lusitano mounts. The tour begins at Cornell University April 5-7, and the second stop will be at Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio, from April 11-14. Then, they will be traveling to the Midwest Horse Fair in Wisconsin April 18-21, and wrapping up the events at the Minnesota Horse Expo from April 26-28.

The Lusitano was best known for its amazing athleticism as a loyal warhorse, and then as a brave, bold mount in the bullring. Today, the modern Lusitano has found its way in to many disciplines including dressage. During the tour, Sons of the Wind will teach guests about the Lusitanos’ history, and also perform a traditional Quadrille. Using four talented Lusitano horses, the riders will perform a beautiful dressage test in sync with music and each horse. All of the horses and riders will be wearing traditional Portuguese attire and tack.

Guests will have the opportunity to witnesses the spectacular perfection of the “High School of Classical Horsemanship” with the Pas de Trois, Work-in-Hand and on the Long Rein, and, finally, the Quadrille. The Levade, Courbette and Capriole, highlights of the Airs Above the Ground, were historically used during mounted battles hundreds of years ago as a defense against opponents.

The performance finishes with the Quadrille, performed to classical music. This consists of four to six riders working in formation at the walk, trot and canter with half-pass, lead changes, passage and canter pirouettes.

During these events, Sons of the Wind will also be teaching clinics focused on different training techniques that can help improve a horses’ dressage performance. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the Lusitano breed and classical dressage training.

About Sons of the Wind:

Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts currently has locations in Merrimac, MA, and Palm City, FL. Founded by Portugal’s Vitor Silva, Sons of the Wind and its affiliated schools were incepted in response to the need for an establishment capable of providing the rider the opportunity to experience and understand the correctness of all the movements of dressage. These establishments offer the training and schooling to horses and riders of different backgrounds and levels. Sons of the Wind is also a full service breeding facility for the talented Lusitano breed as it is very important for the growth of the school to keep training horses that could be great mounts and prospects for lessons and for sale.

For more information about Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts, please visit www.sonsofthewindfarm.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Benefits, Breeds, Community/Charity, Dressage

Zerbino Interagro “Plays for Pink” on Challenge of the Americas Team International

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Cherri Reiber and Zerbino Interagro at the 2013 Challenge of the Americas. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (March 14, 2013) – Nowhere was the beauty and power of dressage put to better use than on Saturday evening, March 9th during the 2013 Challenge of the Americas (COTA), where quadrille teams of Grand Prix horses danced elaborate routines to music to support breast cancer research and awareness.  Zerbino Interagro, ridden by trainer Cherri Reiber, demonstrated the baroque elegance of Lusitano dressage horse as they rode for Team International and helped boost the team to the highest score and the win during the 11th Annual Challenge of the Americas at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“Lusitanos like Zerbino Interagro are a special treat.  It is a beautiful breed to have participate in such an historically haute ecole performance.  It really hearkens back to the origins of dressage and classical horsemanship,” said COTA organizer, Mary Ross.

The equestrian Who’s Who list of COTA riders and guests, many whose lives have been touched by cancer, created a memorable evening of horsemanship in support, through Play for P.I.N.K., of the important work of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).  The Challenge, which celebrated its 11th year, has raised upwards of $1.8 million in funds directly benefiting BCRF research.

“I just keep wanting to raise more,” said a deeply appreciative Ross, who started the event in memory of her late mother, Jean Cruse, and her battle against cancer.  “I am so appreciative of the riders who come and perform.  They do it simply because cancer in some way has touched their lives.  They get nothing in return but dinner.”

The real winners, in addition to the beneficiaries, were the spectators, who were swept off their feet by the elegant equestrian synchronicity of the winning Team International sponsored by the Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch:  Todd Flettrich, Devon Kane, Susanne Hamilton, Nancy Later, Sharon McCusker and Cherri Reiber made mastering the quadrille pattern created by coaches and choreographers Ruth Hogan-Poulsen and Erin Swaney look effortless. Hogan-Poulsen’s musical compilation included hits by recent Oscar-winner Adele, as well as P!nk, David Guetta, and Bruno Mars.

The Challenge of the Americas began in 2002 as a luncheon exhibition at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby to its position today as a ‘must’ on the Florida equestrian scene’s March calendar.  Each year’s COTA features dressage alongside another equestrian sport, and this year’s spotlight was on bridleless reining performances with brothers Trevor and Rick Steed, and the special ‘return to the saddle’ by Mason Phelps, alternate for the 1968 US Olympic Three-Day Team, retired from the irons for 15 years. Phelps performed a disco Pas de Deux with US Olympic Bronze Medalist Debbie McDonald that drew cheers from appreciative fans.

Interagro Lusitanos, breeders of Zerbino Interagro were thrilled that one of their horses was on hand to contribute to the fund raising event. “We love to showcase these talented horses and it is even more exciting when it is for such a good cause,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, the Managing Director for Interagro Lusitanos in Itipira, Brazil.

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 over 600 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. 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. Interagro hosts guest at the farm with their Destination Lusitano program. For more information on Destination Lusitano or to learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

Breeds, Dressage, Training/Clinics

Sons of the Wind Farm Announces 2013 Tour Dates

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Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Merrimac, MA – March 5, 2013 – Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts will be showcasing the talent of their Lusitano mounts throughout the country during the month of April at multiple events. In additional to conducting informational clinics, Sons of the Wind will be performing a Quadrille and athletic movements including Airs Above the Ground for those in attendance.

The dates for the 2013 tour include:

  • April 5-7: Cornell University (hosted by CAYUGA-DCT)
  • April 11-14: Equine Affaire Ohio
  • April 18-21: Midwest Horse Fair, WI
  • April 26-28: Minnesota Horse Expo

The Lusitano was best known for its amazing athleticism as a loyal war horse, and then as a brave, bold mount in the bullring. Today, the modern Lusitano has found its way in to many disciplines including dressage. During the tour, Sons of the Wind will teach guests about the Lusitanos’ history, and also perform a traditional Quadrille. Using four talented Lusitano horses, the riders will perform a beautiful dressage test in sync with music and each horse. All of the horses and riders will be wearing traditional Portuguese attire and tack.

The clinics conducted at Cornell University and the Midwest Horse Fair will include how to develop the strength of your performance horse through the Pendulum of Elasticity, how simple exercises such as leg yield lead can lead to pirouettes and changes, and the importance of strength training.

During Equine Affair and the Minnesota Horse Expo, the clinics hosted by the Sons of the Wind will focus on long-lining, lateral work, and tempi changes, as well as how and why to introduce the piaffe/passage progression early in a horses training.

These clinics will give riders and trainers’ valuable insight and knowledge in classical dressage training that they can apply at home. Sons of the Wind will be able to answer questions and guide guests through the exercises at each event during the tour. These clinics will provide invaluable information that will assist horse and rider as they progress and expand their dressage knowledge.

About Sons of the Wind:

Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts currently has locations in Merrimac, MA, and Palm City, FL. Founded by Portugal’s Vitor Silva, Sons of the Wind and its affiliated schools were incepted in response to the need for an establishment capable of providing the rider the opportunity to experience and understand the correctness of all the movements of dressage. These establishments offer the training and schooling to horses and riders of different backgrounds and levels. Sons of the Wind is also a full service breeding facility for the talented Lusitano breed as it is very important for the growth of the school to keep training horses that could be great mounts and prospects for lessons and for sale.

For more information about Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts, please visit www.sonsofthewindfarm.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Awards, Breeds, Dressage, JRPR

Roffman and Uruguai Take Interagro Lusitanos High Score Award at Florida Dressage Classic CDI

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Caroline Roffman and Uruguai at the Florida Dressage Classic CDI. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)

Wellington, FL (March 4, 2013) – Caroline Roffman and the Lusitano stallion Uruguai were in the ribbons this weekend, as they scored an impressive 66.477% in the FEI Prix St. Georges to take the Interagro Lusitanos High Score Lusitano Award during the Florida Dressage Classic CDI, which is the second CDI of the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.  The pair was presented with a beautiful black halter with silver accents and an engraved plate for their prize.  The stunning black Lusitano stallion, known around the barn as Alejandro, is owned by Robinson Lusitanos of Louisiana.

The 11-year-old black stallion demonstrated the elegant assets of power and precision that have made the breed so popular for dressage.  “He is kind and willing, and always ready to take you down the centerline,” Roffman said of the stallion. “He is easy to ride, and a great match for any rider, of any level.”

Robinson Lusitanos, one of the largest Lusitano breeders in the United States, began its breeding operation that features mostly Interagro Lusitanos from Brazil, purchased and imported under the guidance of Interagro’s US Sales Director, Peter Van Borst.  Uruguai’s studmates include the notable Maverick Interagro and Pitagoras Interagro.

Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil sponsors the High Score Lusitano Award during the Florida dressage circuit, and is recognized as the largest breeder and exporter or Lusitano horses in the world.  “We are always looking to recognize exceptional Lusitanos competing on the dressage circuits,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos.  “Our horses and clients have had much success, and the Lusitano is becoming a favored mount for many sport horse disciplines.”

The Interagro horse is a modern Lusitano, a horse that excels in many disciplines, from dressage and driving to jumping and working equitation. Interagro horses can be seen driving, working, and training on the farm in Brazil every day.  Interagro is committed to preserving the pure bloodlines of the Lusitano breed, and Interagro bloodlines include some of the most respected bloodlines in the breed such as Farao (JHC), Nirvana Interagro, Ofensor (MV), Xique-Xique (CI) and Yacht (SA).

Interagro also offers guests and clients a unique way to truly immerse themselves in the Luistano breed and the equestrian culture of Interagro through Destination Lusitano. From riding an Interagro stallion across the rolling Brazilian countryside to enjoying Portuguese cuisine, Destination Lusitano caters to each guest’s needs and can be tailored to their interests.  In addition, the 600 Lusitanos that call Interagro home make Destination Lusitano the ultimate equestrian getaway.

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, over 600 horses populate the 1,200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. 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.

For more information on Destination Lusitano or to learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com