Itapira, Brazil (September 4, 2014) – “All around, it was good for the horses, it was good for me, and it was great fun for Cecilia (Gonzaga),” said Interagro Lusitanos U.S. representative, trainer and whip, Peter van Borst, who was joined by Cecilia Gonzaga, in her debut as groom, as he smoothly negotiated the buckskin Lusitanos, Democrito Interagro and Cagliostro Interagro, to reserve honors in Pairs Cones at Brazil’s elite Quinta da Baroneza combined driving and grand prix show jumping competition. The matched Interagro geldings were no strangers to an appreciative audience, having performed earlier in a four-in-hand driving exhibition hosted by Mercedes Benz at the event.
Cecilia’s only instruction was, ‘Do not go too fast,” van Borst said with a chuckle, “which is not a great piece of advice when trying to do cones with precision and speed.” In the end, the result was another successful showcasing of the diversity and beauty of the Lusitano horse; although the Interagro trainer, who confessed that it has been a “long time” since he had negotiated such a course, could not help but joke, “In Cones, a whip and groom are not allowed to speak to one another, so asking me to go any slower wouldn’t have done any good!”
Interagro Lusitanos was on hand at Quinta da Baroneza to participate in the elite equestrian celebration hosted at one of the most exclusive and high-end horse communities in the country. Also performing in the four-in-hand exhibition there were Interagro equestrians and whips Antonio Souza, one of Interagro’s most vauled trainers, and Carol Borja.
Van Borst has been integral to the Interagro program for nearly two decades. He was visiting the farm in Brazil to see the horses in training. His incomparable knowledge of bloodlines and the unique qualities to each Interagro-bred Lusitano have consistently translated into ensuring the farm’s renowned ability to match people with the perfect equine partner. Horses from the Interagro Lusitanos breeding and training facility in Itapira, Brazil are continuing to make their mark worldwide as trainers, like van Borst, continue to showcase their athleticism and trainability in conjunction with their beauty and willingness to work.
To contact Interagro about horses for sale and services, contact the farm at this link.
Source: World Dressage News