February 8, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) – The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) commends the House of Representatives for unanimously passing H.R. 306, the Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, introduced by Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC).  This bill will provide for a new management plan for the free-roaming Corolla wild horses in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The Corolla horses’ presence on the island is thought to coincide with the arrival of the Spanish explorers on the American coast in the early 16th century.  Today, these beautiful horses roam over 7,500 acres of public and private land in coastal Currituck County, North Carolina.

“This critical piece of legislation will enable the protection and responsible management of a prized herd of Colonial Spanish Mustangs,” noted Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for AWI. “Wild horses have held a significant role in North Carolina and our nation’s history and this bill will ensure their preservation.”

The current Currituck Outer Banks Wild Horse Management Plan of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides for a maximum of 60 horses, with the population controlled through adoption, relocation, or contraceptive fertility methods.  According to Gus Cothran – a leading equine geneticist at Texas A&M University who has conducted extensive research on American wild horses – the genetic variability of the Corolla horses is among the lowest seen in any wild horse population in the country.

H.R. 306 will incorporate Dr. Cothran’s recommendation to increase the herd to a minimum of 110 animals, with a target population of between 120 and 130.  In addition, the legislation will provide for cost-effective management of the horses while ensuring that natural resources within the refuge are not adversely impacted.  The Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act will mandate a viable population control plan for the horses – including auctions, adoptions, contraceptive fertility methods, and other viable options.

AWI supports the bill’s goal of increasing the population in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge while addressing concerns over conflicts with endangered species on refuge lands, and commends Representative Jones for his commitment to the protection of both wild and domestic horses.  We hope the Senate will likewise move swiftly to approve the measure when it comes up for consideration in that chamber.

For More Information Contact:
Chris Heyde – (202) 446-2142

Zairo Interagro and rider Heather Bender receive coaching during the USDF Trainer’s Conference at High Meadow Farm. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 7, 2012) – Zairo Interagro, a beautiful grey Lusitano stallion bred by Interagro Lusitanos, participated as a demonstration horse the during the USDF FEI-Level Trainer’s Conference with trainer Heather Bender. The USDF Trainer’s Conference was held at High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida, and featured Christoph Hess, an FEI “I” judge in both dressage and eventing.

“I am so pleased that Zairo Interagro had the opportunity to represent the Lusitano breed during the Trainer’s Conference,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, the Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos in Brazil. “Trainers from around the United States attended the conference, and this event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the breed.”

Zairo and Bender took part in the Third level demonstration, working on flying changes and stretching over the back under the tutelage of Hess. “Zairo is a talented horse and a good representation of the Lusitano breed, which are known for their generous temperament and trainability,” Gonzaga said.

Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world, operates out of their 1200-acre ranch outside of São Paulo in Brazil. Well known for hosting Lusitano auctions in the United States, this year they will hold their auction in Brazil. “We are encouraging Lusitano fans to mark their calendars for June 23rd, the date of the 2012 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction,” Gonzaga said.

With the success of the auction in the United States and the blossoming popularity of the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos prompted the organizers to host the prestigious auction at Interagro Lusitanos outside of Sao Paulo. Interagro’s unique equestrian culture and dedication to preserving the pure Lusitano lineages offers visitors an unparalleled equestrian experience.

Named the “Best Breeder of Year” in 2009, 2010, and 2011, Interagro Lusitanos was founded in 1975 with the goal of preserving the Lusitano breed. “Interagro’s mission has always been to develop a bloodline of Lusitanos that are competitive in contemporary equestrian pursuits, including FEI level dressage. As a competition and performance horse, the Lusitano is hard to beat,” Gonzaga said.

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 nearly 700 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

In the technological age many turn to the Internet to find information on horses as well as their products and services, but it can be difficult with the amount of sources and the uncertainty of bias in ratings and reviews.  A great resource for information on horse breeds has just been released from FindTheBest.  This is a great reference on 258 different horse breeds, comparing a number of qualities including breed groups and origins, as well as physical features like size, coat and color.  FindTheBest presents the facts in easy to use tables and allows for side-by-side comparisons of different breeds and consumer products so that you can find the best.

This is also a great resource for horse lovers to come, share and exchange information on what they are most passionate about.  My youngest sister is 13 years old and has been able to use this site to research some of the horses she has.  She is largely interested in the Rodeo style of horseback riding so things like barrel and pole racing as well as various roping events.  Each horse is trained and used almost exclusively for that one event.  Information on horse breeds can give insight into their success or failures in various rodeo events.  This is a call to action for horse lovers to come and connect.

Grayson Nance
Business Development Associate
FindTheBest

Proceeds to Benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 31, 2012 – The 3rd Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online auction of exclusive handcrafted Kentucky Derby Hats, continues February 1st with a hat inspired by the great sire Fortunate Prospect.

This is the fourth hat in a series of six magnificent chapeaus to be auctioned by Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY.  Each hat has been custom crafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Old Friends, the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to the dignified retirement of former racehorses.

Each of Steinmann’s magnificent designs is inspired by one of the champions retired at Old Friends, and one will be auctioned every month leading up to this year’s Kentucky Derby, to be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY on May 5.

This month’s hat is “The Fortunate Prospect,” a sultry design of rich black tones and orange hues. To view the hat and to read more about Maggie Mae Designs go to www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

Bidding opens on February 1st at 8pm. To bid on go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.  Bidding is open until February 11.

Fortunate Prospect, now 31, is the oldest retiree at Old Friends, and has been pensioned at the farm since 2005. Gramps, as he is fondly known, had a respectable track record (about a dozen stakes wins, including the San Vicente at Santa Anita and the Equus Handicap at Garden State) but it’s his family tree that has grown with distinction.

Considered one of the truly great stallions in Florida breeding history, Mr. P has sired numerous stakes victors.  Of his 779 foals, 663 started and 573 were winners of 2,700 races worth over $43 million.

The stallion also gained recognition over the years as a top broodmare sire: His daughter Successful Dancer is the dam of multiple stakes winner Successful Appeal while Fortuesque is the dam to 2009 Kentucky Derby contender Musket Man.

This Derby hat is especially elegant.  Moved by the deep coat of the near-black stallion, Steinmann used lush black dupioni silk as the foundation for the hat then covered the chapeau’s dramatic 23-inch brim with swirling layers of ebony and espresso tulle.

The centerpiece, a stunning rose curl, was created using goldenrod shantung, soft coral organza, and deep tangerine satin. The colors represent Fortunate Prospect’s one-time racing silk colors.

As she has done in other recent designs, Steinmann has also woven a physical remembrance of Fortunate Prospect into the hat. Several strands of the great stallion’s tail hairs have been braided into the trim.

Similar designs by Steinmann have sold for upwards of $1,000.

Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby began on November 1 2011 with “The Noor.” “The Prized” hat followed in December and “The Benburb” rang in the New Year last month.  The next hat will go on the block March 1, 2012.

The online auction has raised over $10,000 for Old Friends since its inception in the fall of 2009

For additional information contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com (347-423-7322) or Maggie Mae Designs at info@maggiemae.com (508-430-1626)).

For more information about Old Friends see the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions – from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning and unique bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Owner Sally Faith Steinmann personally handcrafts every design.  Salons of her fashions can be viewed at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 115 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Maggie Mae Designs (508-430-1626), sally@maggiemae.com

Fleet Halaaniz. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Hyslop)

Wellington, FL (January 25, 2012) – Fleet Halaaniz, a purebred Arabian who proved to be a dressage star during his lifetime as well as a wonderful ambassador for the Arabian breed, passed away recently at the age of 27. Owned by Lisa Hyslop of Oak Hammock Farms, in Loxahatchee, Florida, Fleet was a special horse that will be missed by his many fans.

“My parents bought Fleet when he was four years old and after I graduated from college he became ‘my’ horse,” Hyslop said. “Fleet excelled in the dressage ring and as a rider I accomplished the required scores for my USDF Bronze and Silver Medals on him. Although Fleet won many championships in his lifetime, his greatest achievement was probably being an ambassador for the Arabian breed. He also introduced many riders to the more difficult movements in dressage as a lesson horse at my farm.”

Fleet, who was an Ibn Mirzaz son out of a mare named Fleeta Twin Aana and bred by Fleetwind Arabians, was the AHA (formerly IAHA) Regional Champion or Reserve Champion Training in Prix St. Georges. He also won the National Champion Fourth Level/Prix St. Georges/Sport Horse Show Hack. “He won his last National Championship in 2003 when he was 19 years old. We buried him with those winning roses,” Hyslop said.

Hyslop said she has many years’ worth of amazing memories about her special horse. “Fleet provided me with my first national wins and gave me recognition. I owe him a tremendous amount for elevating my riding and my career to new heights. I can’t think of one person who met Fleet who wasn’t instantly smitten with him,” she said.

Hyslop said one particularly fond memory revolves around a Regional Finals competition in which Fleet started acting like he was sick. “We had a party for Fleet and had to call the vet because he was acting like he was going to colic. The vet wrote, ‘Too much cake and champagne’ on his diagnosis sheet. Fleet was the perpetual party animal!” Hyslop said.

Hyslop said that Fleet is buried at Oak Hammock, a farm he helped form. “Though he will be missed by many, he has moved on to greener pastures. Please know what a wonderful life this dear horse lived and that he went surrounded by those who loved him most,” Hyslop said.

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

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the opening of the fourth annual “Favorite Breed Competition” contest. Designed to function as a “competitor’s choice” award, this contest recognizes and applauds the efforts of the year’s favorite USEF licensed breed competition, as decided by the officials, trainers, riders, drivers, handlers or owners who participated.

Eleven competitions will be recognized (one per breed category), receiving a plaque as well as a mention in the USEF Week in Review e-newsletter. From these competitions, two will be selected from a random drawing to win the Grand and Reserve prizes. The Grand Prize winner will receive a pizza party for their exhibitors at the 2013 competition; the Reserve winner will receive an ice cream party for their exhibitors at the 2013 competition. In order to be eligible to claim their prize, the competitions must remain USEF licensed for 2013.

All USEF members in good standing who have participated in a USEF licensed breed competition as a trainer, coach, rider, driver, handler, official or owner, are encouraged to vote and share their feedback with USEF.

The contest is now underway and voting ends December 1, 2012. To cast your vote during this competition season, simply visit https://www.usef.org/_AUAIFrames/FavoriteBreed/default.aspx.

For more information, please contact Alexandra Harper, National Affiliates Representative at (859) 225-6951 or via e-mail at aharper@usef.org.

Photo courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos

Itapira, Brazil (January 19, 2012) – Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world, is inviting fans to mark their calendars for June 23rd, 2012, the date of the 2012 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction. The esteemed auction, which features a world-class selection of Lusitano horses, has been held in the United States for the past four years.  The success of the auction in the United States and the blossoming popularity of the Interagro Lusitano prompted the organizers to host the prestigious auction at Interagro Lusitanos outside of Sao Paulo.  Interagro’s unique equestrian culture and dedication to preserving the pure Lusitano lineages offers visitors an unparalleled equestrian experience.  The 1200-acre ranch is set among lush tropical landscape and Interagro’s selection of Lusitanos at auction have been bred and selected for their movement, trainability, and talent for competitive endeavors.

The 2012 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction will allow prospective buyers to immerse themselves in everything Lusitano while enjoying an insider’s glimpse of the Interagro operation and selecting their ideal horse. “Our farm has a unique history and as a private business, is not open to the public. We have loved hosting the auctions in Wellington, Florida over the past few years, but so many people have shown an interest in visiting Interagro that we decided bring the auction back to our farm in 2012.  The 2004 and 2005 Collections were held in Brazil, and all of the horses are bred and trained here, so the 2012 auction will be a new angle for those who have been with us in the United States,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, the Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos in Brazil. “The truly unique aspect of holding an auction on the breeding farm is that every buyer will have the chance to see their prospects’ sire, dam, relatives, and to meet the people that have handled and trained that horse since it was foaled.  This ‘living pedigree’ combined with Interagro’s unequaled selection of Lusitanos offers visitors a completely unique experience and buying opportunity.”

Named the “Best Breeder of Year” in 2009, 2010, and 2011, Interagro Lusitanos was founded in 1975 with the goal of preserving the Lusitano breed. The Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction is an annual event which presents finely bred Lusitanos chosen for their movement, trainability, and talent for competitive endeavors.  The auction features young horses under saddle and Interagro offers Lusitanos for sale ranging from yearlings to more finished horses with show experience. “Interagro’s mission has always been to develop a bloodline of Lusitanos that are competitive in contemporary equestrian pursuits, including FEI level dressage. As a competition and performance horse, the Lusitano is hard to beat,” Gonzaga said.

The Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction is known for being an action-packed evening, featuring everything from lively Samba dancers to exhibition rides to a showcase of demonstrations by each of the sale horses taking part in the auction. “The auction is one of the most thrilling evenings of the year and draws Lusitano fans from all over the world,” Gonzaga said. “The evening is filled with exciting activities and once the bidding starts, anything can happen.”

The Lusitano breed is renowned for their generous temperament and ease under saddle, making it an attractive prospect for amateur and professional riders alike.  The 2012 Collection will feature Lusitanos suitable for riders at all levels. “Whether the buyer is looking for an amateur’s mount or a professional prospect, they will find an Interagro Lusitano that is a perfect match.  All of the Interagro horses presented at auction are chosen for their athleticism and trainability, traits that have made them a popular pleasure and show mount across the world,” Gonzaga said. “Save the date and join us in Brazil. It will be the trip of a lifetime.”

The Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction is an event not to be missed, so mark your calendars now for the Brazilian equestrian event of the season, June 23, 2012. For more information on Lusitanos, or for more information about the auction, visit www.lusitanocollection.com, email info@lusitano-interagro.com or call 817-368-9447.

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 700 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

Horse of the Year Neville Bardos (Photo Courtesy of USEA)

Cincinnati, OH – For the first time ever, the USEF crowned two horses with its highest honor, one from an International Discipline and one from a National Discipline. Neville Bardos and Sjoerd were named 2011 Horses of the Year at tonight’s USEF annual Horse of the Year celebration. Honored for their accomplishments in 2011 their roads through the last 12 months, while both exceptional, have been very different.

Videos of all of the Horses of Honor are available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/USEFAnnualMeeting2012.

Neville Bardos – Eventing

He shouldn’t have lived. But he did. He shouldn’t have returned to his life as an event horse. But he returned better than ever. Trapped in a burning barn for 45 minutes, Neville Bardos made a miraculous recovery from injuries sustained in a fire that claimed the lives of six other horses at his rider Boyd Martin’s barn in West Grove, PA. The now 13-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding won the USEF National CCI3* championship in 2009 and was 10th at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games – leading the U.S. effort. But his life changed dramatically in the early hours of Memorial Day in 2011. Martin pulled him out of the burning barn to safety. Neville Bardos was left with horrific injuries due to massive amounts of smoke inhalation and the subsequent damage to his throat.

Neville, who is owned by 10 members of a syndicate bearing his name, never seemed to feel as badly as he should have and he began making a miraculous recovery. Through the help of his vet (Dr. Kevin Keane), his groom (Lindsey Taylor) and the Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center (where he visited the Hyperbaric Chamber) Neville defied the odds and made a miracle trip to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in England in September. He rocketed around the cross-country course clean and fast and finished seventh at the world’s toughest CCI4*.

Braver than brave, Neville Bardos’ courage saw him through more than just a difficult cross country course it helped see Martin through the rebuilding of his own life. Shortly after the fire, Martin lost his father in a bicycling accident in Australia. Shortly after that Martin’s wife Silva lost her father to cancer. It was a nightmare summer for the Martin’s and Neville’s success helped them find their way through it.

In 2011, he was also second at the Red Hills Horse Trials in the CIC3*(in March), fourth in the Advanced at the Millbrook Horse Trials in August. If Neville Bardos had lived the rest of his life in the field this story would have had a no less incredible and happy ending. But Neville was looking to make a miracle and tonight was the next chapter in that mission.

Hear the reaction to Neville Bardos’s win here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/blogs/187/boyd_martin_on_neville_bardos_win.aspx.

Sjoerd – Friesian

Horse of the Year Sjoerd (Rick Osteen Photo)

Not to be outdone by a tearjerker Sjoerd’s year on the National circuit was one of insurmountable success. Xena Vimercati’s stallion won and won and won. He transcended divisions, riders and classes. Anyone lining up against the striking jet black Friesian knew that to try to beat him they better bring their A game.

He was honored for his confirmation and presence in the ring and with his panache and personality he garnered fans everywhere he went. He was undefeated in 2011 in the Halter division.

Sjoerd was named World or Grand National Champion 14 times in 2011. He also added four World/Grand National Reserve Champion titles to his list.

At just six years of age, Sjoerd is beginning to build a dynasty.

He won back-to-back Shakespeare Perpetual Hi-Point Friesian Trophies and Jeff Wonnell Memorial Versatility Silver Belt Buckles continuing a streak that began in 2010. He also scored the Robin ut de Warren Memorial Perpetual Trophy, World Champion Saddle Seat Open, 19 Regional titles and 5 Reserve Championships. He won with 10 different people in 2011, demonstrating his versatility and trust. He won across the country, picking up championships in California, Colorado and Virginia. He won with multiple riders across divisions at the same show, exemplifying his ability to adapt to different styles of riding in the different classes he contested. He won Equitation, Dressage, Liberty, Walk/Trot, English Pleasure, Trail, Hunt Seat Pleasure, Saddle Seat, Western Pleasure, Junior and Amateur Classes.

As a sire, he is already beginning to prove his mettle. He is the sire of TDR Zivah the Diva who was the 2011 USEF Grand National Champion Part-bred Friesian. In 2010 and 2011 she was the Grand National Part-bred Halter Champion. Sjoerd’s foals, although only yearlings and weanlings, are consistently winning top honors in the show ring. They carry his looks and his talent with them.

Hear the reaction to Sjoerd’s win here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/blogs/186/sjoerd_wins_2011_national_horse_of.aspx.

The other four Horses of Honor are:

Starr Llight – Arabian

Starr Llight is frequently referred to as both Dynamic and a Diva. Every time the now 16-year-old Arabian mare enters the ring she rises to the occasion. With her young owner Leah Beth Boyd in the stirrups, Starr Llight ended up winning a spectacular ride-off for the coveted Open Purebred English Pleasure title at the 2011 Arabian National Championships. With that victory, Starr Llight became the winningest Purebred English Pleasure mare of all time and is only the second mare since 1988 to win the title. She is also the oldest mare, and second oldest horse overall, ever to garner the coveted prize.

Purchased by her young owner in 1999 from a dispersal sale, this mare has now won 11 National or Reserve Championship titles. Boyd and Starr Llight are the only Arabian horse/rider team to win a National Championship in the Junior exhibitor, the Amateur exhibitor, and the Open division.

CHThe Daily Lottery – Saddlebred

When it comes to the Five-Gaited division for Saddlebreds, High Hickory Farm’s CHThe Daily Lottery put together an undefeated record in amateur competition in 2011. CHThe Daily Lottery scored Grand Champion titles at the UPHA/American Royal, Kentucky Fall Classic, Midwest Charity Horse Show, Bonnie Blue National, and the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show and dominated every time he set foot in the ring.

The now 8-year-old is no stranger to success with his rider Gabe Deknatel and his consistency and big motion are impossible to ignore. Trained by John and Tammie Conatser, CHThe Daily Lottery is handsome, fast and seemingly invincible.

Coral Reef Via Volo – Jumping

Though small in stature (15.3h) and nicknamed “Shrimp,” Coral Reef Via Volo is a giant when it comes to jumping. With one of the world’s best riders, Beezie Madden, aboard she topped the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List for much of the 2011 competition year and went on to impress the world at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. She led Team USA’s Gold-medal effort, which also secured 2012 Olympic qualification. She added only one time fault through five rounds of jumping and won Individual Silver to back up the Team Gold.

In 2011, Coral Reef Ranch’s Via Volo and Madden racked up numerous wins across the globe. They were on the winning team in the Nations Cup at the CSIO4* Wellington. They won the D-LINE Cup 1.60m Spruce Meadows and the Longines International Grand Prix of Rotterdam (CHIO). A recent partnership, having won their first competition together just over a year ago, the future for Coral Reef Via Volo is bright.

Weltino’s Magic – Dressage

Bruce and Jen Hlavacek’s Weltino’s Magic was undefeated in 2011, winning with Steffen Peters at the Intermediaire I level at the Festival of the Horse CDI and the Del Mar National CDI in California before heading to CHIO Aachen and taking on the best small tour horses in the world. Together they continued their unbeaten streak in Aachen, Germany, and then returned home to sweep all three tests in the USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championships at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions in September to earn their spot on the U.S. Team for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

They continued to set a remarkably high standard at the Pan American Games and brought home Team and Individual Gold medals. ‘Magic’s’ character comes through in his performance and he has evolved into a top contender since he was started by Peters’ wife, Shannon. With Shannon he was Markel/USEF National Young in the Six-Year-Old division.

Dozens of champions were honored across the USEF’s 28 Breeds and Disciplines tonight. From jumpers to hackneys, vaulting horses to parade horses, the evening recognized the best horses from 2011. The reception and the HOTY dinner were made possible by Adequan, a steadfast supporter of the USEF. For more information about our other Annual Meeting Sponsors please visit: http://www.usef.org/convention/2012/sponsors.aspx.

More information about the Horses of the Year and the 2012 Annual Meeting is available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/USEFAnnualMeeting2012.

Carmen Franco and the Lusitano stallion Batistuta V.O. won the High Point Lusitano Award at the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (January 12, 2012) – Nan Sexton’s handsome Lusitano Batistuta V.O. rode into the winner’s circle at the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge, winning the USEF First/Second Level Test of Choice class with a 70.968%. Ridden by trainer Carmen Franco, the stallion’s score also helped him win the High Score Lusitano Award, sponsored by Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world. The Holiday Challenge was the second show of Batistuta’s career, and the second time for the brilliant buckskin to earn the Lusitano High Score.

The High Score Lusitano Award, which is sponsored by Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, recognizes the highest scoring Lusitano at select dressage shows on the Florida circuit and highlights the dynamic and competitive Lusitano breed. “I do enjoy the Lusitano breed,” said Franco, who trains for Sexton’s Southgate Farm. “This was Batistuta’s second show and there is no way to describe him except to say he is awesome. He’s a very talented and athletic horse with great gaits. He is only six years old, but he is a fun horse to ride and he has lots of positive energy. I think that the future will take him to the FEI level.”

The talented stallion was bred in Brazil and imported by Sexton. “We want to thank Interagro Lusitanos for sponsoring the Lusitano High Score Award,” Franco said. “I can’t say enough wonderful things about Interagro and their founder Dr. Paulo and his daughter Cecilia. We have a couple of Lusitanos from Interagro and they are wonderful horses.”

Cecilia Gonzaga, the Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos, congratulated Batistuta on winning the Lusitano High Score Award for a second time in a row. “Batistuta’s show career is off to a great start and we are so excited to recognize his outstanding achievements in the show ring. We truly enjoy sponsoring the Lusitano High Score Award because we love to promote this talented and versatile breed,” Gonzaga said. “Lusitanos excel in the show ring and one of their endearing attributes is their rideability and trainability, which makes them perfect for both amateurs and professionals.”

Interagro Lusitanos was founded in 1975 with the goal of preserving the Lusitano breed. Located on a 1200-acre ranch outside of São Paulo in Brazil, the farm is home to 700 Lusitano horses. “We have imported many Lusitanos into the United States and as competition and performance horses they are hard to beat,” Gonzaga said. “Interagro’s mission has always been to develop a bloodline of Lusitanos that are competitive in contemporary equestrian pursuits, including FEI level dressage.”

Interagro once again won the Best Breeder Award at the 3rd Annual Lusitano Festival at Aguas de Lindoia in November of 2011. “It’s exciting to see that our tradition in breeding excellence continues,” Gonzaga said, adding that the Brazilian farm has opened their doors for private buying trips for prospective buyers. “We welcome buyers to come and visit us to learn the history of our farm and experience our amazing horses. It will be a trip of a lifetime because once you experience the amazing Lusitano, your life is never the same again.”

To learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, or a buying trip to the Brazilian farm, 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 nearly 700 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

GEORGETOWN, KY — JANUARY 3, 2012 — Diamond Stripes, the 9-year-old son of Notebook, has been retired to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY,

Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, made the announcement today.

Bred in Florida by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Rogers Jr, for their Four Roses Thoroughbreds, Diamond Stripes won six of his 16 starts, including three black-type victories. His earnings total $1,479,014.

Diamond Stripes broke his maiden in the 2006 Pegasus Stakes (GR3) and the following year he captured the Meadowlands Cup (GR2). The win earned him entry into that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he finished 8th on an off track.

His greatest victory, however, came in 2008 in Dubai where he triumphed in the $1-million Godolphin Mile (UAE-II) under jockey Edgar Prado.

In recent years, however, the gray gelding had begun a drop down the ranks, starting in claiming races at New Mexico’s Sunland Park.

“I contacted his trainer, Chris Hartman, about retiring the horse,” said Blowen. “Chris put us in touch with Mrs. Rogers and she generously donated Diamond Stripes and sponsored his trip from New Mexico to Kentucky.  We’re so happy to have him.”

For more information about Diamond Stripes or any of the retirees at Old Friends contact the farm at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org