Trip of a Lifetime Immerses Travelers in World of the Lusitano Horse in Brazil
Itapira, Brazil (November 10, 2012) – Are you ready to embark on the trip of your lifetime? Imagine entering a world of Lusitanos where you will be surrounded by beautiful horses, spectacular countryside and charming Brazilian accommodations. It may sound like a dream, but “Destination Lusitano” is a reality at Interagro Farm.
Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world, open their doors and invite guests to enjoy the farm’s horses, history, and unique equestrian culture. Dubbed Destination Lusitano, Interagro is proud to offer this incredible opportunity to experience the Lusitano breed and the daily routine of the Brazilian stud farm and training center.
“Interagro was amazing. I took dressage lessons on schoolmasters, tried my hand at Working Equitation, went on several trail rides and drove in carriages pulled by a team of Lusitanos,” said Katie Hoog, an American dressage rider who recently embarked on a Destination Lusitano trip to Interagro Farm, “My mom even took a lesson on a Lusitano stallion. I have experienced horse vacations and clinics in several European countries, but nothing comes close to my trip to Interagro Farm.”
Hidden in the tropical landscape of southern Brazil, Interagro Farm is a secluded equestrian sanctuary and home to over 600 Lusitanos. Walled in by lush foliage and rolling hills, Interagro Lusitanos is unmatched in every way: from its horses and staff to its natural beauty, wildlife and accommodations.
“Everyone can find something they enjoy at our farm,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos. “Guests can take a dressage lesson in the picadeiro or ride working equitation, an exciting and growing discipline that combines dressage-like maneuvers with obstacles that must be negotiated quickly and efficiently.”
Each Destination Lusitano experience can be customized to meet guests’ needs or desires, allowing them to schedule their stay and pick and choose which activities they prefer. Interagro offers a private villa on the farm where guests can lounge by their private pool, soaking in the Brazilian sunshine and enjoying incredible cuisine and scenery. Trail ride through Interagro’s 1200 tropical acres of rolling hills, fields of coffee beans, and exotic animals and plants. Visit the herds of young horses in the pastures, take a lesson in the picadeiro, Interagro’s indoor arena, on a Lusitano schoolmaster, or ride the exciting working equitation course. Interagro’s horses suit every level of rider, from the experienced professional to beginner. For those who prefer not to ride but still wish to enjoy the Brazilian countryside, Interagro’s teams of driving horses provide a comfortable alternative to horseback. Interagro also features a stunning array of wild flora and fauna, all accessible through walking or riding trails that meaner through forests filled with exotic wildlife and endangered species of trees.
While the allure of traveling to Brazil is exciting, the real prize is the Lusitano horse. The breed has captivated riders around the world thanks to their athletic abilities, tremendous work ethic and generous temperament that makes them suitable for professionals and amateurs alike. Interagro is also unique in that visitors can see the ‘living pedigree’ of their Lusitanos; from sires, dams, relatives, and offspring, Interagro offers an unparalleled look at Lusitano breeding and lineages. “When people become fans of the Lusitano breed, it becomes a passion that lasts their entire life,” Gonzaga said. “We keep in touch with all of the people who buy our horses and they develop an amazing bond with their horses, because each Lusitano really is amazing. We have seen over the years that if someone buys a Lusitano, they often love the breed so much that they buy a second and a third. I will warn you that the Lusitano is addictive!”
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 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.
To learn more about Destination Lusitano or plan a trip, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.com . To watch a video about Interagro Lusitanos on Youtube, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXEVa6t0m6E.
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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 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.
