Lusitano CollectionTM Auction Horses Top the Field-
Acolito Interagro Wins High Score Award at the Wellington Classic Dressage in the Tropics Show
Wellington, FL (August 6, 2012) – Acolito Interagro, a Lusitano stallion owned by Nan Sexton, rode away with the High Score Lusitano Award, sponsored by Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil during the Wellington Classic Dressage in the Tropics show in July. Acolito Interagro and trainer Carmen Franco scored an impressive 68.710% in First Level Test 3 on Saturday, giving them the win in the class and securing the High Score Lusitano Award and the embroidered cooler. Sexton purchased Acolito Interagro, who was bred by Interagro Lusitanos in Brazil, at the Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction in 2009. Acolito finished just ahead of another horse from the Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction, Zerbino Interagro, who won the Intermediare-1 Freestyle with a score of 68.50%.
“I train with Carmen at my Southgate Farm and Acolito has been moving up the levels in his training,” Sexton said, adding that she was thrilled to win the High Score Lusitano Award. Franco, who is well known on the dressage circuit, has also won the High Score Lusitano award with two other horses, Vihno dos Pinhais and Batistuta V.O., both owned by Sexton.
Cecilia Gonzaga, Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos in Brazil, the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses, was thrilled that one of their own took the High Score Lusitano. “Acolito was sired by my stallion Farao (JHC) and he was a great stallion that produced horses with wonderful temperaments and gaits,” Gonzaga said. “I simply love Acolito and I have even had the opportunity to visit him in Wellington. I am so pleased he doing so well for Nan and that he is winning at the shows.”
Thinking About Getting Your Own Lusitano Future Champion?
Gonzaga added, “We are just weeks away from the 2012 annual auction. The auction is always a highlight of our year,” she said. “For anyone who wants to own a future Lusitano champion, the auction is a wonderful place to find the horse of your dreams. The Lusitano is a fantastic breed, with an ideal temperament paired with talent and power.”
The auction will be hosted on August 25, 2012 at Interagro Lusitanos in Itapira, Brazil, with special guest breeder Rocas do Vouga. This year’s event is a combination of the Interagro Collection National Auction and the Lusitano Collection® International Horse Auction, offering buyers a unique chance to buy both trained horses and young stock. The auctions are always action-packed events, featuring exhibition rides and a showcase of the sale horses taking part in the auction. The National Auction normally features young foals and weanlings in a unique bidding format, while the Lusitano Collection includes mature horses that have been started under saddle and some that are more advanced in their training. The combined auction includes elements of both and is a dynamic option for buyers looking to select a Lusitano.
“We are passionate about the Lusitano breed and how versatile it is, from competing in upper level dressage all around the world, to four-in-hand driving to, of course, excelling in working equitation. Nothing is as wonderful to me as sharing my horses with others who appreciate their beauty, athleticism, and unique temperament,” said Gonzaga. “There is still time to join us in Brazil for this year’s auction and find your future Lusitano champion.”
For more information about Interagro Lusitanos or the Interagro Collection® International Auction, visit their website at www.interagro-lusitano.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: Nan Sexton’s Lusitano stallion, Acolito Interagro, won the High Score Lusitano Award at the Wellington Classic Dressage in the Tropics sponsored by Interagro Lusitano’s hosts of the 2012 auction later this month. (Photo courtesy of Carmen Franco)
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