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Three Interagro Stallions Confirmed as Registered Sires at December 2018 Lusitano Show in Brazil
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Itapira, Sao Paulo, Brazil (March 8, 2019) – Three of Interagro Lusitanos’ top four-year-olds were recently evaluated and confirmed as registered breeding stallions during the December 2018 Lusitano Show in Brazil, adding to Interagro’s impressive list of active breeding stallions. The three Lusitanos from Interagro’s L Generation to be confirmed as registered sires were Lord Interagro (Destinado Interagro x Xaidar Interagro), Luca Interagro (Viheste (AR) x Callas Interagro), and Lavagante Interagro (Viheste (AR) x Bali Comando SN). Their inclusion in Interagro’s 2019 breeding program marks a fusion of rare and much sought after bloodlines to match with Interagro’s broodmares, and all three typify the modern Lusitano sport horse Interagro has perfected over the past four decades. The exceptionally built and elegant Lord Interagro’s pedigree calls back to some of the top Lusitano stallions, including the famed Xique Xique (CI), Distinto (MAC), and a number of top Interagro broodmares. Luca Interagro’s naturally uphill movement and beauty are hallmarks of grandsire Nirvana Interagro, a decorated dressage stallion, as well as great-grandsire Yacht (SA). His achievements already include top placings in the 4-year-old test during all three phases of the 2018 Interagro Dressage Rankings. Finally Lavagante Interagro, a half brother to Luca via shared sire Viheste (AR), has also had much success in the 4-year-old test. Viheste (AR) was a highly decorated competitor at the international CDI level, and represented Brazil at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen. The stallion had high placing rounds in the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special, Young Riders Individual and Team competition and the Young Riders Freestyle at competitions including the Sao Paulo CDI3, Rotterdam CDI3, Hamburg CDI4, Fritzens-Schindlhof CDI4, Cappeln CDI4, and Achleiten CDI4. A spectacular dark bay, Viheste (AR) was sold to Mexico but has clearly imparted his newly confirmed sons, Luca and Lavagante, with his dressage skill and classical beauty. Interagro’s shed rows are filled with some of the most prolific and influential sires in the modern Lusitano breed; from young FEI superstars Fellini Interagro and Baldor Interagro, to some of the most highly awarded, sought after, and longest standing stallions at Interagro such as Profano Interagro, Nordeste (SS), Perdigueiro (MAC), Nicola (MAC), Quínio Interagro. Each Interagro stallion is carefully selected for their temperament, rideability, beauty, athleticism, and intelligence before being carefully paired to mares. This long standing tradition of breeding excellence has resulted in Interagro being the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitanos in the world, with over 300 horses exported since 1990. |
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With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, 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. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents. For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst at 817 368 9447. All photos courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos unless otherwise noted |
Carl Hester Named as Premier Equestrian During Adequan® Global Dressage Festival CDI 5*
Wellington, FL (February 18, 2019) – Gold Medal Olympian, Carl Hester, says his secret to winning is all about keeping his horses happy. This is why he has been named as a Premier Equestrian during Week 5 of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI (AGDF). “I find it totally normal to keep horses in a way that they’re happy,” says Hester, “They’re turned out a lot, we hack a lot, and we only school four days a week at home.” He adds, “We’re seeing this more and more with Dressage horses having a chance to have a break and stretch their legs and go out to roll and have fun.” Hester continues, “It’s a sport and it’s tough and they go through a lot of training, so it’s lovely to know that they have some down time as well. A horse, of course, wants to be a horse!” he smiles.
It’s Hester’s exemplary character that Premier Equestrian – an industry leader in manufacturing world-class footing, dressage arenas and accessories, values and wishes to recognize through the Premier Equestrian Award. As a part of being named a Premier Equestrian, Hester was presented with a striking tricolor ribbon and engraved Premier Equestrian Award commemorative plaque during the AGDF in Wellington, Florida. “I’m flattered for the award,” Hester smiles, “Thank you!”
Hester was raised in the UK on the tiny Channel island of Sark. The island has no cars, and so horses are very much part of lifestyle. At 19 Hester had no ambition or aspirations, but with no jobs on Sark and winter coming, he decided to apply for a job with horses on the mainland. Through an advertisement in Horse and Hound, he arrived at the Fortune Centre in Hampshire, where adults with learning and physical disabilities are given a sense of freedom and achievement through riding. It was there Hester had his first opportunity to compete and it was on the Fortune Centre’s skewbald mare, Jolly Dolly, that Hester won the 1985 Young Dressage Rider Championship.
Hester’s career took the most dramatic turn when Dr Bechtolsheimer approached him to join his yard as a rider. “I was totally overawed at the interview; I had never seen a yard like it or horses of this caliber. When Dr B asked me how much I would want, I said nothing! To ride the horses would be enough!” he continues, “I remember Dr B smiling and saying how does £XX a week and a cottage sound. I thought all my birthdays had come at once!”
This part of Hester’s career is well documented but it is sufficient to say that he feels a lasting fondness and debt to Dr and Mrs B who literally gave him the chance of a lifetime.” I rode and trained with Dr B for three and a half years and in 1990 went to the World Championships on Rubelit von Unkenriff, the European Championships in 1991 and in 1992 the Barcelona Olympics on Georgioni. I was the youngest British rider to ever compete in an Olympic Games. It was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to me, and a period that changed the course of my life.” From there, Hester went on to win the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics and a silver medal from the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and he continues to be a shining star on the Great Britain Team.
Today, Hester considers himself fortunate for the opportunity to come to the US each year to help and train with his long-time friend, Katherine Bateson during the winter season in Wellington. Back in the UK, he and his team are also training for the European Championships coming up this year in Rotterdam. “This will be quite fun for us,” Hester explains, “because it was last time in Rotterdam, in 2011, when the GB Team won our first gold medal,” he continues, “We’re really looking forward to going back this year and seeing what we can do. Holland is a great place to have the European Championships, and Rotterdam is exciting,” he adds. Hester goes on to say that they also have the Olympics in mind for next year, and he’s looking forward to what the future holds. “We make a gold medal team, and now we’re getting gold medal facilities, and great shows” he says about life in the UK, “So, it’s a wonderful place to start producing great horses for the future!”
Premier Equestrian wishes for all disciplines of equestrians and horse lovers to have enjoyable experiences with their horses, in or outside the show ring. The company is proud to offer an affordable choice for first-rate American-made products that enhance the equestrian performance of its customers. For more information about Premier Equestrian and its full line of products including footing, dressage arenas, and arena groomers, please call 1-800-611-6109 or visit www.PremierEquestrian.com.
Photo: Carl Hester receives the Premier Equestrian Award at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival CDI 5*- JRPR’s Joann Weiber presenting
Katie Johnson and Paxton Qualify for Iron Spring Farm Future Stars Performance Series Final at Week 6 of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival
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Ashley Holzer and Valentine Conclude Week 5 at Adequan® Global Dressage Festival With Win in FEI Intermediate I Freestyle CDI3*
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P.J. Rizvi and Breaking Dawn Dazzle in Their Second Win of AGDF Week 5
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Winter Respiratory Health
An elevated concentration of irritants in the air causes measurable lung inflammation in all horses. There may or may not be a true allergic component. Continued exposure can lead to IAD (inflammatory airway disease) or RAO (recurrent airway obstruction) in susceptible horses. These conditions have a considerable impact on the horse’s comfort and performance. There may be increased risk of infectious lung disease or irreversible damage in chronic cases.
A variety of airborne substances have been implicated. Ammonia from bacterial breakdown of urea in urine is a well-documented lung irritant in a variety of species. “Organic dust” is also an offender. This includes microscopic particulate matter from mites, plant material (e.g. beta-glucans), feces, bacteria and their products (endotoxin) and fungal spores.
A critical first step in reducing airway irritation is to guarantee good air circulation through the barn. High moisture levels indicated by window condensation suspend the irritating substances, and reduced air turnover allows their concentration to increase. Other measures to take, especially if you have symptomatic horses, include:
- Pick out stall wet spots frequently and consider stall deodorizers (even kitty litter works) for ammonia control
- Store hay in a separate building
- Use wood or paper bedding rather than straw
- Do not clean stalls or sweep with horses in the barn
- Wet hay and bagged feeds before feeding
- Turn the horse out as much as possible
Several supplement ingredients can help with maintenance of normal lung function in the face of these temporary challenges:
- Spirulina assists in the maintenance of a normal, balanced immune response and stabilization of histamine releasing cells.
- MSM supports a controlled inflammatory response.
- Research has documented low levels of antioxidant vitamin C in IAD/RAO lung fluid and supplementation can help restore this.
- Jiaogulan (Gynostemma platensis) is a Chinese adaptogenic herb which supports normal airway dilation for good air flow.
The reaction to the airborne irritants and allergens generates considerable oxidative stress. All living things are equipped with the ability to produce a range of antioxidant defenses, but these can be overwhelmed. When that happens, plants offer a rich source of antioxidant phytochemicals to help maintain homeostasis. These include all berries, grape seed and skins, citrus bioflavinoids which work with vitamin C, Boswellia, Turmeric, Ginger and Ginkgo.
N-acetyl-cysteine supports the horse’s ability to manufacture glutathione, an important antioxidant. As an additional benefit, it assists in maintaining a normal, watery consistency to mucus so that it can be moved out easily.
IAD and RAO are common equine respiratory conditions caused by environmental irritants. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce exposure to irritants, as well as supplements to feed that help the body maintain normal lung function.
Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya®, offers supplements to support respiratory health.
LungEQ promotes overall equine respiratory, lung and immune health. For horses with respiratory reactions to environmental irritants and seasonal allergens. With Spirulina Platensis which may help stabilize the mast cells that release histamine. MSM supports normal regulation of inflammation. Flaxseed meal promotes balanced inflammatory pathways. Jiaogulan supports healthy histamine levels, open airways, and healthy immune response.
Spirulina has been documented to support the immune system in producing circulating IgG and IgM antibodies, mucus membrane associated IgA antibodies in the lungs, gut and genitourinary systems, and to shift away from the IgE antibodies associated with allergic reactions.
Phyto-Quench Pellets provide powerful antioxidants featuring Devil’s Claw to help maintain healthy immunity, especially for horses not on fresh pasture. With phytonutrient rich ingredients for vascular and tissue integrity, Phyto-Quench fights the damaging effects of free radicals by neutralizing oxidative reactions to maintain a normal inflammatory response. Plant-based phytonutrients include Garlic, Devil’s Claw, Turmeric, Grape Seed, Ginkgo Biloba, and Boswellia. Also available in a palatable powder that does not contain Devil’s Claw.
Bio-Quench Supports horses with seasonal allergies. With natural antioxidants to help promote the immune system and provide protection from excessive oxidation that can generate free radicals. With a potent blend of plant antioxidants, antioxidant vitamins and B vitamins for optimal immune enhancing effects.
Vitamin C or immune support and function, especially for horses not on fresh pasture. It promotes the body’s innate resistance to pathogens and protects against damaging free radicals to maintain a healthy inflammatory response.
Permission to reprint this article is granted, provided credit is given to Uckele Health & Nutrition, who appreciates being notified of publication.
About Dr. Kellon
Dr. Eleanor Kellon, staff veterinary specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition, is an established authority in the field of equine nutrition for over 30 years, and a founding member and leader of the Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance (ECIR) group, whose mission is to improve the welfare of horses with metabolic disorders via integration of research and real-life clinical experience. Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal. www.ecirhorse.org
Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya, is an innovation-driven health company committed to making people and their animals healthier. On the leading edge of nutritional science and technology for over 50 years, Uckele formulates and manufactures a full spectrum of quality nutritional supplements incorporating the latest nutritional advances. www.uckele.com.
Antiparasitic Resistance Invokes FDA Request
By Nikki Alvin-Smith
Resistance to dewormer products currently available on the market has caused the FDA to invoke a request that animal drug companies voluntarily revise their product labels for their approved anthelmintics used in livestock, including horses.
This edict brings the issue of antiparastic resistance front and center and horse owners may wish to heed the advice that the FDA has provided in regard to the need to engage in a targeted, evidence based worm control program for their equines to include fecal equine control testing (F.E.C.T.). The F.D.A. also heralded the importance of retesting (F.E.C.R.T) after administration of an appropriate dewormer treatment. This is necessary to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment.
This an excerpt from the FDA statement regarding their request for voluntary additional labeling:
“New Labeling Information about Antiparasitic Resistance
Cattle, Small Ruminants, and Horses ~
Antiparasitic resistance is particularly concerning in grazing species (cattle, sheep, goats, and horses). Because these animals are continually exposed to worm eggs on the pasture, they can have repeated parasite infections. FDA has requested that animal drug companies add the following statements to the labels of all anthelmintics for cattle, small ruminants, and horses:
- Parasite resistance may develop to any dewormer, and has been reported for most classes of dewormers.
- Do not underdose. Ensure each animal receives a complete dose based on a current body weight. Underdosing may result in ineffective treatment, and encourage the development of parasite resistance.
- Treatment with a dewormer used in conjunction with parasite management practices appropriate to the geographic area and the animal(s) to be treated may slow the development of parasite resistance.
- Fecal examination {F.E.C.T.} or other diagnostic tests and parasite management history should be used to determine if the product is appropriate for the herd/flock, prior to the use of any dewormer. Following the use of any dewormer, effectiveness of treatment should be monitored (for example, with the use of a fecal egg count reduction test {F.E.C.R.T.} or another appropriate method).
- A decrease in a drug’s effectiveness over time as calculated by fecal egg count reduction tests may indicate the development of resistance to the dewormer administered. Your parasite management plan should be adjusted accordingly based on regular monitoring.”
How has this parasite resistant situation developed you might ask? The overuse of dewormers brings with it increasing likelihood of even larger equine internal parasite populations that have developed resistance to current dewormers on the market. Inappropriate dosing either due to the horse spitting out the dewormer at time of administration or wrong weight estimations for dosage are also causes for dewormer resistance to begin. But the main cause comes down to the survival process part of which is successful reproduction.
When you administer a dewormer product to your horse it will necessarily be most effective against the adult sexually active worms that are the most sensitive and it will leave behind those worms that are the most resistant. Now you have created a selective breeding situation. These resistant adult worms will now mate together to create more highly dewormer resistant worms.
As a result, eventually the dewormer will become useless as a method for treatment of worms in that equine population and their environment. As horses move around from place to place, these resistant worms are spread on the pasture to other grazing herds.
There are many options to source for your testing needs but be certain to find one that offers full consultation services to address questions you may encounter if your F.E.C.R.T. does not showcase the expected 90% reduction in the shedding worm count.
PLEASE NOTE: This article is available for use in its entirety without edit or excerpt, in any media format on condition that credit is given to Horsemen’s Laboratory, and author Nikki Alvin-Smith as a byline at the beginning of the article publication. Horsemen’s Laboratory URL address and Nikki Alvin-Smith URL must be included. We would appreciate notification of any publication via email to media contact Nikki@NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com Thank-you for sharing!
This article is brought to you courtesy of Horsemen’s Laboratory Inc., Mahomet, IL. –
About Horsemen’s Laboratory: Established in 1993 by John Byrd D.V.M., an experienced lifelong horseman and a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. As an equine medicine practitioner in California for 13 years, Dr. Byrd served as ex-officio member of the board of directors of the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association where he also served as the organization’s official sales veterinarian. In addition, Dr. Byrd frequently officiated, as veterinarian for horse shows sponsored by the management of Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California. Dr. Byrd’s extensive experience with horses led him to observe how a horse’s health could impact performance leading to the founding of the specialist lab for equine fecal worm egg counts. Please visit https://www.horsemenslab.com/ to find out more about F.E.C.T. services available directly to the horse owner including; advice on equine fecal egg count testing; quick and easy purchase of test kits online; reporting and expert consultation services. Dr. Byrd enjoys sharing his wealth of knowledge of equine parasitology with horse owners from all walks of life, and is available to provide lectures/symposiums for your club, organization or event. Please contact Dr. Byrd via his website for rates and further information.
About Nikki Alvin-Smith: International and national published freelance writer and photographer in such world renowned publications such as The Chronicle of the Horse, Horse and Hound, Dressage and CT, Warmbloods Today, The Horseman’s Yankee Pedlar, Reiter, The Equine Journal, Spur, Hoofprints, Horsin’ Around, Horses All, Field & Stream, Western Horse and Gun, Pony Quarterly, Horses All Canada, Catskill Horse to name a few. Ghostwriting, blog services, PR/Marketing copy either direct with manufacturer or for agencies, copy editing and editor services also available. Nikki also produces catalog copy, white papers, e-books, corporate brochures and advertising copy for international corporations and PR/Marketing for celebrities.
As a Brit who has called the America home for the past 34 years, Nikki brings a unique perspective to the equestrian world. Nikki is also an accomplished Grand Prix dressage trainer/competitor, competing at international Grand Prix level to scores over 72% and is a highly sought clinician offering clinics worldwide. She has been a horse breeder/importer of warmblood and Baroque breeds for more than 25 years. Together with her husband Paul who is also a Grand Prix trainer, they run a private dressage breeding operation and training yard in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York.
Please visit https://nikkialvinsmithstudio.com/ to learn more about the affordable freelance writing services on offer
Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award Goes to Lusitano Stallion Hobbit Interagro and Rider Tiago Ernesto During Week Three of 2019 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival
Wellington, FL (February 4, 2019) — After recently mastering 3rd Level Test 3 in Region 9, Tiago Ernesto, the head trainer of Haras Dos Cavalieros, now has his sights set on a successful season in Florida competing in Prix St Georges with the gorgeous Lusitano stallion, Hobbit Interagro. The jaw-dropping 7 year old stallion was the picture of health during Week Three of the 2019 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), and his display of equine fitness and athleticism resulted in Ernesto being honored by winning the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award.
Omega Alpha feels it is important to honor riders and trainers, like Ernesto, who make great health a top priority for their horses. Ernesto describes his role at Haras Dos Cavalieros, located in Houston, TX as having a strong focus on keeping all of their horses healthy and happy on the inside and out. The farm is one of the biggest breeders of Lusitano horses in the nation. With 30 mares that they breed every year to stallions that they own, and also to stallions in Portugal through AI, Haras Dos Cavalieros must make a priority of maintaining optimal health in all their horses to ensure the best Lusitano foals are brought into the US market. “Our goal is to introduce more Lusitanos into the marketplace,” Ernesto explains, “and also to take the Lusitanos as far as we can in competition.” In addition to the focus on dressage, Ernesto also trains and competes his horses in working equitation. He describes this discipline as being very mentally stimulating for both horse and rider, which helps the horses formulate a good attitude and a great work ethic. Working equitation involves skills such as going through an obstacle course without being affected by the many distractions that are a part of the test. The Lusitano breed is exceptional in this arena because of their historic roots and genetics producing the horses of today with very courageous hearts and minds. Ernesto is excited to be able to demonstrate this courage with his horses in the dressage ring throughout the season in Wellington. Haras Dos Cavaleiros has brought 10 horses from their ranch in Texas that they are showing in Florida for the duration of the circuit. Omega Alpha shares these same feelings about being proud of the horses’ well being and, in turn, horses’ performance. Therefore, it is important to them to honor owners and trainers, like Ernesto, who make great health a top priority for their horses. The Healthy Horse Award includes an assortment of popular Omega Alpha health products, a cooler, and a commemorative ribbon.
Ernesto is excited to use Omega Alpha products. With all natural ingredients like marshmallow root, slippery elm, licorice root, and ginger root, the assortment of Omega Alpha products will help the horses of Haras Dos Cavaleiros maintain a level of optimum health so they can perform their best this season.
In addition to recognizing horses in optimum health, Omega Alpha offers an extensive line of all-natural products for humans and other animals as well. Clients everywhere have experienced the benefits of Omega Alpha to help improve and maintain respiration, digestion, joint health, hormonal balance, immune health, detoxification, muscle rehabilitation, endurance, and performance. To learn more about the company, visit www.OmegaAlpha.com or call 1-800-651-3172.
Photo: Tiago Ernesto and the stunning Lusitano stallion, Hobbit Interagro receiving their Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award during week three of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. (Photo courtesy of JRPR, no photo credit necessary)
Laura Graves and Verdades Capture Another Win in the “Friday Night Stars” Grand Prix Freestyle at AGDF 3
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