The 2011 Interagro National Auction at Interagro Lusitanos in Brazil proved to be a successful event with buyers purchasing 28 top quality Lusitano horses and foals. The auction not only gave buyers an exclusive opportunity to purchase Interagro horses, but it also gave them the opportunity to become part of the family of Interagro Lusitano owners.
“The National Auction focuses mainly on yearlings and a small number of young horses just starting training under saddle. It exclusively offers Lusitanos bred by Interagro and gives clients a direct contact to the breeder with no secondary sales agent,” said Todd Grace, Client Services and Event Director for Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. “As in years past, the auction was a great success.”
The auction attracted many breeders and Lusitano “aficionados” alike; however, most of the young horses were purchased by amateur riders that had come to the farm and tried them prior to the auction. The average price of a horse purchased at the auction, before taxes and transport fees, was € 7.738 with Decurio Interagro bringing in the highest bid at € 17,419.
The average price for a foal was €3.194 with Giotto Interagro bringing in €5.254. Many buyers attended with the hopes of not only finding their dream horse, but taking home a bloodline they wished to add to their stable. Many horses at this year’s auction were from very desirable bloodlines. Giotto, the high selling foal, is by Nirvana Interagro and this was the first time his foals were sold at auction. Buyers were also presented with foals by Tufão Interagro, Profano Interagro, and Ofensor (MV). “All of the horses were amazingly calm considering the bustling crowd, music, and shouts of the dynamic bid spotters,” remarked Mr. Grace. “It was quite incredible considering how young the horses are and that it was the first time any of them had been in that kind of public setting.”
For prospective buyers unable to attend the auction, Interagro has recently begun offering private trips to the Brazilian farm with Sales Director, Mr. Peter van Borst. “Taking a trip to Interagro with Peter is an exciting and educational treat,” Grace said. “Each prospective buyer gets to experience Interagro in a unique way; from riding and driving the horses, learning the history of the farm, experiencing the Brazilian culture and food to appreciating the warmth and dedication that the Gonzaga family has for their horses, home, and country.”