Wellington, FL – Spectators at the February 19th Grand Prix and Great Charity Challenge at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival are in for a treat when Samba dancers and an exhibition by Lusitanos bring a flair of Brazil to the International Arena. The Brazilian-themed exhibition is in anticipation of the 2011 Lusitano CollectionTM International Horse Auction, considered the social event of the season, which will take place February 23-26 in Wellington, Florida at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The auction features Lusitanos from two top breeders: Interagro Lusitanos, the largest exporter of Lusitano horses in the world and winner of the prestigious “Best Breeder of the Year” Award by ABPSL in 2009/2010 and Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga, named the 2010 Best Breeder and Best Exhibitor at the 29th Lusitano International Horse Show in Brazil.

Cherri Reiber, an accomplished Grand Prix dressage trainer who represented the United States at the World Cup in 2000 and has participated in two Olympic selection trials, will drive two Lusitanos in tandem in the International Arena prior to the Grand Prix. Tandem driving is a thrilling exhibition that entails riding one horse and driving a second horse at the same time. Reiber will pilot Vistor Interagro and Zerbino Interagro and demonstrate the upper level movements of piaffe, passage, tempi changes and the spectacular Spanish walk. Driving in tandem is considered one of the most difficult of the driving disciplines, and Reiber’s presentation will be an impressive display of horsemanship and will showcase the versatility of the Lusitano breed.

Reiber will also perform a Grand Prix freestyle to Brazilian Samba music on Sargon Interagro, a Lusitano owned by Louise Turkula. Spectators in the International Arena will enjoy the fiery music and brilliant moves of Reiber’s Lusitano, as well as the explosive dance moves of Samba dancers. The dancers will take to the arena in their traditional Brazilian costumes, before moving into the International Tent to share the culture of Brazil with some up-close and personal dancing.

Members of Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitanos in the world, will attend the Grand Prix, including Cecilia Gonzaga who is the Managing Director of the Brazilian farm. Heather Bender, the USA dressage trainer for Interagro, Pia Aragão and Martin Brandes, two trainers from Interagro Farms in Brazil, and Peter Van Borst, the United States representative for Interagro Lusitanos, will also attend the Great Charity Challenge, which is expected to raise about $1 million for area charities.

ENDS