Guests attending The 2010 Lusitano Collection™ International Horse Auction at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, will not only be treated to a spectacle of magnificent-looking Lusitano horses from two of the finest breeders in Brazil, but they will enjoy world-class dining and entertainment, as well. Beginning on Wednesday, February 24, these newly imported horses from Interagro Farms and Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga will be available by appointment for potential buyers to try out. The Lusitano Collection™ is a trademark established by the most important Lusitano horse breeders in Brazil and one of the largest exporters of the Lusitano horse in the world. Their combined experience represents more than 300 years of excellence in the selection of the best animals and genealogies in the breed. Interagro Farm Managing Director Cecilia Gonzaga commented, “We have handpicked the healthiest and most desirable sport horses from our breeding farms for this event. Trained by experienced riders, the Collection horses are FEI caliber, and are x-rayed and evaluated by a board of veterinarians from the Palm Beach Equine Clinic.”
During the Showcase Reception on Friday evening, February 26, guests will be ushered through giant wooden doors into a hacienda-like atmosphere under a tent within the covered arena at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Prior to the parade of horses when the auction horses—18 stallions, two mares and one gelding—are presented under saddle, the audience will be treated to an eight-horse quadrille performance. These gray horses, all Collection horses sold between 2005 and 2009 and now owned by eight different people, will move in unison to the tune of lively Brazilian music. Quadrille coordinator Heather Bender, who is also the Director of USA Training–Interagro Farm Export Program, reports that “some will piaffe, do half passes and flying changes, but the real beauty in a quadrille occurs when the horses are in sync, a necessity when ‘threading the needle’ in perfect harmony across the arena, an audience favorite.”
Also during the evening, The Lusitano Collection™ will auction off a rose gold plateau ring donated by the exquisite Italian designer Vhernier to benefit its official charitable partner for the event, Equestrian Aid Foundation, which assists those in the horse community suffering from catastrophic injury or illness during their time of need.
The event culminates on Saturday, February 27, when guests dine at candlelit tables with cuisine catered by Christafara’s, well known in Palm Beach for its fresh, healthy, contemporary menu served with a creative flair. Colorful heart-pumping entertainment will be provided by Paulo Gualano’s performing company, which includes female samba dancers wearing brilliant headdresses and tiny bikinis and “The Rhythm Beaters,” men who create a pulsating, contagious beat with their drums. A native Brazilian, Gualano has provided percussions for Gloria Estefan’s recording of “Destiny” and has worked with Quincy Jones.
Seasoned equestrian auctioneer Tom Biederman, who comes with 10 years of experience from Fasig-Tipton Company, North America’s oldest Thoroughbred auction company, will direct the bidding during the auction of the Lusitano horses. When each horse from The 2010 Lusitano Collection™ is ridden into the arena, a video of the horse will be projected on an 11 x 20 foot inflatable screen. The lavish atmosphere will sizzle with excitement as horse lovers vie to claim their favorite Lusitano.
For tickets or more information about The 2010 Lusitano Collection™ International Horse Auction, go to www.lusitanocollection.com or call the ticket office at (877) 546-7393.
The 2010 sponsors of the event include the publications: Canadian Horse Journal, Dressage Today, Horse Connection Magazine, The Friesian Blood & Baroque Horse Magazine, Palm Beach Post, Warmbloods Today and Wellington, The Magazine; as well as Red Barn, The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center and Cantor & Webb P.A.