Feb 07, 2012 – The Chronicle of the Horse
Lusitano Stallion Zairo Interagro Represents The Breed In 2012 USDF Trainer’s Conference
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.