A Visit to Interagro Lusitanos Puts Van Borst Back in the Drivers Seat at Brazil's Quinta da Baroneza Driving & Grand Prix Spectacular

Cecilia Gonzaga on board as groom (Photo: Elayne Massaini)

Itapira, Brazil - “All around, it was good for the horses, it was good for me, and it was great fun for Cecilia (Gonzaga),” said Interagro Lusitanos U.S. representative, trainer and whip, Peter van Borst, who was joined by Cecilia Gonzaga, in her debut as groom, as he smoothly negotiated the buckskin Lusitanos, Democrito Interagro and Cagliostro Interagro, to reserve honors in Pairs Cones at Brazil's elite Quinta da Baroneza combined driving and grand prix show jumping competition. The matched Interagro geldings were no strangers to an appreciative audience, having performed earlier in a four-in-hand driving exhibition hosted by Mercedes Benz at the event.  Cecilia’s only instruction was, 'Do not go too fast,” van Borst said with a chuckle, “which is not a great piece of advice when trying to do cones with precision and speed.” In the end, the result was another successful showcasing of the diversity and beauty of the Lusitano horse; although the Interagro trainer, who confessed that it has been a “long time” since he had negotiated such a course, could not help but joke, “In Cones, a whip and groom are not allowed to speak to one another, so asking me to go any slower wouldn't have done any good!”

Interagro Lusitanos was on hand at Quinta da Baroneza to participate in the elite equestrian celebration hosted at one of the most exclusive and high-end horse communities in the country. Also performing in the four-in-hand exhibition there were Interagro equestrians and whips Antonio Souza, one of Interagro’s most vauled trainers, and Carol Borja.

Van Borst has been integral to the Interagro program for nearly two decades. He was visiting the farm in Brazil to see the horses in training. His incomparable knowledge of bloodlines and the unique qualities to each Interagro-bred Lusitano have consistently translated into ensuring the farm's renowned ability to match people with the perfect equine partner. Horses from the Interagro Lusitanos breeding and training facility in Itapira, Brazil are continuing to make their mark worldwide as trainers, like van Borst, continue to showcase their athleticism and trainability in conjunction with their beauty and willingness to work.
 
About Interagro Lusitanos
Interagro is a unique experience for any visitor, but especially for those looking for their dream horse. Buyers may view prospects individually, as well as study sires, dams, siblings and relatives going back generations. Because of their close relationship with Interagro owners and knowledge of the breed, the dedicated staff have insight into the genealogies and history of each Interagro Lusitano bloodline.  This multifaceted knowledge of temperament, conformation, movement and suitability across disciplines helps buyers feel confident they will select the perfect horse from its vast herd.
  
Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is 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, and since that first generation has produced more than 2,185 Lusitanos. Today, 450 horses populate Interagro's 1200-acre, six-barn showplace ranch (which has appeared on the covers of 21 international magazines). In 2009, Interagro was recognized as ABPSL 'Lusitano Breeder of the Year.'

To learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, the Lusitano breed, and upcoming auctions and events, please visit www.lusitano-interagro.com. To contact Interagro’s US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst, about horses for sale and his services, contact him via email at Capall9336@aol.com or by phone at 817-368-9447.