Nov 02, 2010The Chronicle of the Horse
The Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction Names The Equestrian Aid Foundation As Official Charitable Partner For Second Year
The Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction, featuring Lusitano horses well suited for modern FEI-level equestrian sports, especially dressage, jumping and driving, will take place in the United States for the fourth consecutive year featuring horses from the world’s top Lusitano breeders. The auction will be held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, in Wellington, Florida, on February 23-26, 2011. For the second year in a row, The Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction has named the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) as its official charitable partner for the event.
The Equestrian Aid Foundation is a nonprofit organization, serving people in the equestrian community who are suffering from a catastrophic illness or injury by providing financial assistance for their medical or other basic needs. “The Equestrian Aid Foundation helps riders of all disciplines and levels, as well as those working in the horse world,” said R. Scot Evans, president of the EAF. “In many cases the people we assist are unable to work because of physical limitations. The funding we provide may be the only income they receive. It can make an enormous difference in their lives to know that we’re there for them with financial help and emotional support. The funds raised for the EAF during the event will go a long way to helping those in need.”
Evans added, “We’re thrilled to be a partner with The Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction for another year and we’re grateful for the opportunity to introduce the EAF to people from all over the world who are here to see these exquisite Lusitanos available at the auction. It’s an exciting event and should be on everyone’s calendar to attend.”
The event, which takes place during the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival, gives interested buyers the unique opportunity to purchase Brazilian horses without the hassle of import fees or quarantine periods. The Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction will be a multi-faceted experience extending far beyond that of a simple horse auction. “The auction is a social and equestrian event that will draw previous buyers as well as trainers, Olympians, and horse lovers from North and South America,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, who operates Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, one of the breeders taking part in the auction. “My father, renowned Lusitano breeder and author, Dr. Paulo Gaviao Gonzaga, started Interagro Lusitanos 35 years ago. Today, Interagro is the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitanos in the world.”
The 2011 auction will offer the most prestigious collection of Brazilian Lusitano horses selected specifically for US sport horse enthusiasts. “The Lusitano’s generous temperament and ease under saddle makes it an attractive prospect for amateur and professional riders alike,” said Gonzaga. “They are renowned for their willingness to please and are also known for processing a higher than average intelligence. These attributes contribute to the Lusitano’s increasing popularity in so many equestrian disciplines.”
For more information about Lusitano horses or The Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction scheduled for February 23-26, 2011 in Wellington, FL, visit www.lusitanocollection.com.