Watching a well-trained Lusitano float through intricate dressage movements reminds one of Pegasus, the horse whose wings protrude from his muscular shoulders. But unlike this mythical winged equine, the Brazilian horses from The 2010 Lusitano Collection™ International Horse Auction need assistance to travel the 4,000 air miles to Florida. Now in its third year, the Collection relies on Worldwide Livestock Services (WLS) and Lazcar International, both family-owned businesses, to ensure a safe and problem-free trip.
The 21 horses at Interagro Farms and nine horses at Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga Lusitanos traveled by horse van to the airport where they were transferred to specially made, fully covered aluminum jet stalls, three to a pallet, padded on the sides and airy in front and back.
Interagro Farms Managing Director Cecilia Gonzaga said, “When the horses travel in groups, we don't need to give them tranquilizers as, being herd animals, they are more relaxed and feel safer being next to one another. Accompanied by the veterinarian, trainers and grooms, the horses were given hay and water. Do Vouga manager Raul Silva explained that hay is always available to the horses as chewing helps alleviate boredom for the horses during the nine-hour flight. His staff don jackets as the horses prefer a cold temperature. Silva quipped, “When the lights are put out and the turbines purr, the horses settle back, emit a gentle snore and enjoy the trip!”
Upon arrival at Miami International Airport, the horses were met by a representative from Lazcar International as well as a representative from Worldwide Livestock Services (WLS), the animal handling company founded by Tony Alessandrini and his brother, Alexander Alessandrini. WLS employees, under the supervision of a U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian and assisted by the Lusitano Collection™ staff, transported the horses in their three-pack jet stalls to the Miami Animal Import Center, located at the airport facility. The horses were stabled in this new, state-of-the art, self-contained import center, built in 2004 and containing 104 stalls, while they underwent the Florida government-mandated seven-day quarantine. “When one considers the time, effort and expense of shipping a horse from Brazil to the U.S., there is a huge benefit to buying a horse at the auction. Not only do you skip the hassle of importation fees and quarantine, you get to meet and deal directly with the breeders,” noted Cecilia Gonzaga.
The 2010 Lusitano Collection™ International Horse Auction will take place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, from February 24-27. Interested buyers have the opportunity to view the horses being ridden by their trainers, try out the horses by appointment, examine the horses’ x-rays and medical records and ask the veterinarians questions.
Entertainment, cocktails and fine dining will be provided on Friday and Saturday evenings when guests gather for the Showcase and Auction, respectively. 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.