Brazil to Germany: Antiochus Interagro Takes Working Equitation Talent to Europe
Germany (October 19, 2017) – Interagro’s Lusitano sport horses are no strangers to international travel; as the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitanos in the world, Interagro’s skilled dressage, driving, jumping, and even yearling Lusitanos have boarded transcontinental flights to the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. In the past few months, one Interagro gelding has been making waves in Germany’s fast growing competitive working equitation scene, where he is bringing a bit of Brazilian agility and athleticism to the historically horse centered continent.
Ridden by Pedro Ribeiro, Antiochus Interagro debuted at the Master Class level in Austria this past September, after excelling quickly through the lower levels of the sport in what is his first year of competition. Ribeiro, who is a Portuguese native and proficient in dressage, working equitation, and the highest levels of garrocha riding, notes the horse’s speed and balance, despite being barefoot, and an exceptionally willing attitude as contributors to his success. In his first season of showing, Antiochus has consistently placed in the top of the class, with great aptitude for the speed and cow events, the latter of which are more common in Europe than Brazil and the US.
Antiochus’ story began in Itapira, Brazil, where he was hand selected to be featured at the 2011 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction held in Wellington, Florida. Lisa Cosgrove purchased him from Germany after a nine month search for talented 6-year-olds, and shipped him to Europe to continue his training. A royally bred, pure Veiga Lusitano, Antiochus Interagro (Ofensor (MV) x Opera II (MV)) has begun his competitive working equitation career, and has showcased that natural talent, balance, and a willing temperament Interagro is known for.
“In addition to his talent, speed, and agility, Antiochus is an easy going and fun to ride horse who is just as comfortable working at peak performance with Pedro as he is going for a trail ride with me,” said Cosgrove. “In the dressage and obstacles he is obedient and relaxed, but can switch seamlessly to the high octane power of the speed or cow class which is extremely important in the discipline. We are excited to see how far he can go!”
As one of the explosively growing equestrian market segments, working equitation is traditionally Portuguese, as is the Lusitano breed, which is the preferred mount for the 3- or 4-phase discipline. On Interagro’s 1,300 acre stud and training center, the concepts of working equitation are used as much outside the competition arena as within, during the daily tasks of managing its 3,000+ horses and the property itself. As such its Lusitanos are naturally inclined towards the discipline, which includes dressage, obstacles, speed, and cow events. In 2016, Xaveco Interagro topped Brazil’s inaugural Working Equitation World Cup, and many of Interagro’s horses have gone on to top titles in the US and Brazil. Antiochus Interagro’s success in Europe marks a new milestone for the breed and the sport, as the gelding’s origin and journey to Germany highlights the growing demand for athletic, intelligent, and trainable horses to succeed in sport and working disciplines.
For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@interagrolusitanos). To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, do not hesitate to contact the farm in Brazil.
Media contact:
Holly Johnson | holly@equinium.com | +1 954 205 7992
©2017 Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC | Wellington, Florida USA
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