Wellington, FL (May 10, 2013) – In the team’s first appearance at the international level, Carmen Franco and the Lusitano stallion Vinho Dos Pinhais recently represented Colombia at the Intermediare I level during the Nations Cup CDI 3*, and their exceptional performance earned them the High Score Lusitano award, sponsored by Interagro Lusitanos. Franco was very excited to show what the 11-year-old Lusitano stallion was all about in this highly competitive dressage ring. “I’m very proud to be here,” she commented, “because we really have to make it for our team for this first year at the international level.” Franco continued, “I’m very proud to bring a Lusitano here. It’s really an amazing experience having a different breed here among this big group of warmbloods. There are good relationships with every horse,” she added, “but the Lusitanos give you something a little extra special that is very nice to have.”
“He’s doing very well, and I am very pleased,” Franco said about Vinho Dos Pinhais, who is owned by Nanette Sexton of Southgate Farm. Sexton is a big fan of the Lusitano breed, and in fact owns two exceptional horses from Interagro: Ubrique Interagro and Acolito Interagro. “We started Prix St. Georges last year, and this is our first international year. He’s still a little green, but doing really well. His program is very solid.” Franco wants to send many thanks to the Gonzaga family, particularly Cecilia Gonzaga, the farm’s managing director, and her father Dr. Paulo Gonzaga, who founded Interagro in 1975, and everyone at Interagro recognizing the Lusitano horse as it demonstrates the qualities Interagro breeds for: rideability, athleticism, and temperament. “This breed of horse is amazing,” she Franco added.
Carmen Franco and Vinho dos Pinhais were presented with the Interagro High Score Lusitano award for their performance on Team Colombia at the 2013 Nations Cup CDI 3*.
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 everyday. 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 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.
