Lavagante Interagro and Tyra Vernon in their Prix St. Georges debut

In March 2026 another Interagro bred Lusitano stallion made his debut at the FEI level, joining the ranks of international-level competitors from the Brazilian breeding farm. Lavagante Interagro (Viheste (AR) x Bali Comando SN), ridden and trained by Tyra Vernon of BREC Dressage, began his FEI career with scores through 72.2%, back to back wins in the Prix St. Georges, and the FEI High Point Award at the Southeast Horse Shows Spring Kick Off Dressage held March 28-29, 2026 in Newberry, Florida. With 9’s from 5* Judge Cesar Torrente for both his entrance centerline-halt-salute and pirouettes, Lavagante’s exceptionally sporty movement, correct conformation, and super temperament have set him apart as both a competitor and a breeding stallion.

Photo – Lavagante Interagro and Tyra Vernon

Unusual Arrival

Known as Lava around the barn, the stunning black stallion’s life in the United States began last spring, when he was imported by BREC Dressage as a sale horse after Vernon scouted him in Brazil. After being competed through Third Level dressage in São Paulo, the then 11-year-old stallion caught a flight to Florida as an upper level sales prospect with Vernon. “Lava’s arrival was unusual in that the shippers actually dropped off another black Lusitano by mistake,” said Vernon. “We quickly realized the new horse was not a stallion and was clearly younger, but as soon as the real Lava arrived he was just lovely and had the most amazing personality. After a few months of riding him and seeing his true potential, I decided to purchase him and we now have the best connection.”

Lavagante Interagro as a young horse in Brazil (Photo: by Martina Brandes)

This connection quickly proved itself in their performances at WEC Ocala and the Region 3 Championships, where the pair were named the 2025 4th Level Freestyle Champions and Reserve Champions in both the 3rd and 4th Level Open Divisions. Their winning Freestyle was set to rock music, and highlighted Lava’s exceptional pirouettes with one judge commenting, “Not quite Glamourdale, yet,” and awarding scores through 75%. In addition to their show success, Vernon and Lava also participated in events that showcased his talent including a Steffen Peters Clinic and Ibericon, where Lava earned great feedback. Following up on this success, Lava and Vernon progressed to their winning 2026 Prix St. Georges debut and now have their eye on the Grand Prix.

Natural Talent

“He’s just such a natural talent and so willing,” said Vernon. “Lava’s talent for collection is a major highlight, and we are taking the time to perfect his changes before beginning his CDI career. His overall quality is worth the time to develop correctly, and he really stands out as an amazing example of Lusitano quality. It’s fantastic that he is also a breeding stallion so he can pass this talent to the next generation; one of our riders also has one of Lava’s babies as part of the team at BREC, so that is really fun. I’ve had a great working relationship with Interagro over the years, and have brought more than 30 horses to the US from their farm in Brazil. All of their horses possess a mind that matches their athletic ability, making them a joy to train, ride, and have in the barn.”

Tyra Vernon and Lavagante Interagro in the Steffen Peters clinic

Vernon also purchased and imported Lavagante’s maternal brother, Navegador Interagro, as a yearling in 2018. Navegador is also out of Bali Comando SN and by Interagro’s beloved black stallion, Zingaro Interagro. Lavagante’s paternal brother, Luca Interagro, is currently also standing in the United States and training at the FEI level with Tiago Ernesto of Elite Horse Academy in Loxahatchee Groves.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

About Interagro Lusitanos

Established in 1975, Interagro Lusitanos is celebrating 50 years of success in breeding, training, competing, and exporting Lusitanos this year. More than 320 horses have been exported from their Brazilian-based breeding and training center to the US, and Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents.