Interagro Lusitanos Win at Exposição Internacional do Cavalo Lusitano - Now Focus Switches To August Auction in Brazil

Semaneiro Interagro and Viajor Interagro, owned by Mr. Alvaro Coelho da Fonseca, competed in the pairs driving category. (Photo: Interagro Lusitanos)

Itapira, Brazil – The world-renown Interagro Lusitanos won a bevy of ribbons during the Exposição Internacional do Cavalo Lusitano – the 31st International Lusitano Show held in Brazil. Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world, was founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed. Since it’s founding, Interagro’s breeding program has flourished and the Interagro Lusitanos have found far-reaching success in show rings around the world. “The International Lusitano Show was a huge success and we are so proud of all of our horses,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos.

“Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga won the Best Breeder and Best Exhibitor Award, which thrills us because they are our partners for the Lusitano Collection® International Horse Auction. Their horses and riders put in excellent performances, and overall it was a fantastic presentation from Rocas do Vouga.  Our own riders and horses from Interagro gave them a run for their money, with top placings in dressage and working equitation.”

Interagro Lusitanos in the ribbons at the 31st Annual show included: Baramir Interagro and Luiz Andrade, first in the Preliminary Class in Working Equitation; Dark Lord Interagro and Patricia Gelain Brito, placing 2nd in the dressage; Xelim Interagro and Edmar Brito, second in Third Level dressage; Bruxo Interagro and Patricia Gelain Brito, seventh in Second Level.

Semaneiro Interagro and Viajor Interagro, owned by Mr. Alvaro Coelho da Fonseca, competed in the pairs driving category. Under the guidance of three different drivers, the Interagro bred horses placed second, third, and fourth, and had the noted distinction of being driven by Prince Harry during his Brazilian state visit earlier this year.

“We also want to congratulate all of the offspring of the great stallion Ofensor (MV) on their success at the show,” Gonzaga said. “They really made a name for themselves by winning the Champion of Champions; Great Champion Young Male; Great Champion Young Female; and Reserve Young Champion. They are all owned by Rocas do Vouga except for Gaviota, who is owned by Toca da Raposa Stud Farm in Bahia.”

Dark Lord Interagro and Patricia Gelain Brito competing in dressage. (Photo: Interagro Lusitanos)

With the show behind them Gonzaga said Interagro Lusitanos is looking forward to the 2012 auction, which will feature both young Lusitanos and horses that have already been started under saddle. “The auction is always a highlight of our year,” she said. “If you want to own a Lusitano, the auction is a wonderful place to find the horse of your dreams. The Lusitano is a fantastic breed, with their combination of ideal temperaments paired with talent and power.”

The auction will be hosted on August 25, 2012 at Interagro Lusitanos in Itapira, Brazil, with special guest breeder Rocas do Vouga. This year’s event is a combination of the Interagro Collection National Auction and the Lusitano Collection® International Horse Auction, offering buyers a unique chance to buy both trained horses and young stock. The auctions are always action-packed events, featuring exhibition rides and a showcase of the sale horses taking part in the auction. The National Auction normally features young foals and weanlings in a unique bidding format, while the Lusitano Collection includes mature horses that have been started under saddle and some that are more advanced in their training. The combined auction includes elements of both and is a dynamic option for buyers looking to select a Lusitano.

“We are passionate about the Lusitano breed and how versatile it is, from competing in upper level dressage all around the world, to four-in-hand driving to, of course, excelling in working equitation. Nothing is as wonderful to me as sharing my horses with others who appreciate their beauty, athleticism, and unique temperament,” Gonzaga said. “I keep in touch with the owners who buy our horses at the auction each year, and their success stories – as well as how much they love the horses – is a testament to our breeding program and the Lusitano.”

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.