Verdugo Interagro Wins Interagro Lusitano High Score Prize at Wellington Classic Dressage Holiday Show
Wellington, FL (January 21, 2012) – Interagro Lusitanos, the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses, was proud to present the Lusitano High Score award to Verdugo “Doogie” Interagro, an 11-year-old gelding ridden by Lynda Alicki during the Wellington Classic Dressage Holiday show. Owned by Shelly Swetnam, Doogie scored a 66% in 3rd Level Test 1, which was his very first time showing together with Alicki. “I’m very, very happy with him,” states Alicki, “He was calm as can be in our first show we’ve ever done together. I feel he’s very nice and easy to ride.”
Alicki says she is going to continue to work with Doogie to get him ready for Swetnam to begin showing herself. “My first goal is to actually get in the ring with him,” laughs Swetnam. She explains that she fell in love with the Lusitano horse after her farrier recommended the breed to her. Now, in addition to Doogie, Swetnam also owns Oceano Interagro, and the two horses are living up to the Lusitano reputation of having a tremendous amount of ability in the show ring.
The Interagro horse is a modern Lusitano, a horse that excels in the traditional equestrian disciplines, from dressage and driving to jumping and working equitation. Interagro horses can be seen driving, working, and training on the farm in Brazil everyday. Interagro is committed to preserving the pure bloodlines of the Lusitano breed, and Interagro bloodlines include some of the most respected bloodlines in the breed such as Farao (JHC), Nirvana Interagro, Ofensor (MV), Xique-Xique (CI) and Yacht (SA).
Interagro also offers guests and clients a unique way to truly immerse themselves in the Luistano breed and the equestrian culture of Interagro through Destination Lusitano. From riding an Interagro stallion across the rolling Brazilian countryside to enjoying Portuguese cuisine, Destination Lusitano caters to each guests needs and can be tailored to their interests. Interagro offers private villas on the farm, and the 600 Lusitanos that call Interagro home make Destination Lusitano the ultimate equestrian getaway.
For more information on Destination Lusitano or to learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-nteragro.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 over 600 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.
Photo: Linda Alicki (left) and Shelly Swetnam with Verdugo Interagro at the Wellington Classic Dressage Holiday show. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)
