World
Xiloé – The first Brazilian-bred Lusitano mare arrives in Scotland!
By Jean Llewellyn
Apr 8, 2008, 14:45

Last November, ABPSL (the Brazilian Association for Pure-Bred Lusitanos) and a number of their member breeders generously welcomed a group of prospective buyers and horse people from around the world to São Paulo to participate in a stud farm tour and other equestrian activities. (For website links to the stud farms visited please refer to the list below.) A very full schedule provided the opportunity to ride and interact with Lusitanos every day, as well as enjoy phenomenal Brazilian hospitality. According to one Canadian visitor, “It was an unforgettable experience and words cannot express our appreciation for everything that was organized on our behalf.”

As a result of the remarkable quality of Brazilian-bred Lusitanos that impressed so many people during the trip, one horse, the five-year-old Xiloé (by Mel Or, out of Mensagem do Top x Jogral do Top) has now arrived at her new home in Aberdeen – the first Brazilian-bred, approved Lusitano mare in Scotland we believe, who will now continue her dressage training with her delighted new owner, Kay Savory, who exclaimed, “She’s here! What a lovely horse she is – I still can’t quite believe she’s mine.”

Xiloé departed São Paulo on March 8 – an auspicious occasion thoughtfully recorded by the Brazilian shipping company, Global Trans Connection, who e-mailed Kay some photos of the mare boarding the flight in her cargo crate. She arrived in Luxembourg the next day, then bad weather in the English Channel delayed her ferry crossing, and she subsequently missed the trucking connection to Scotland. Fortuitously, she was traveling with two horses being shipped to the yard of Brazilian eventer Guy Fonseca, so Xiloé joined them for a week, before safely arriving at her final destination last Thursday, March 20.

“She’s a star. Walked down the ramp sedately, despite the howling gale. Unlike my ponies who had tried to jump on my head as I moved them to the front of the house for shelter,” Kay explained, wearing a broad grin. It’s also been a mind-blowing experience for Xiloé, seeing snow for the first time in her life. “She likes being tucked up in her stable. We’ve had snow showers and she doesn’t like the snowflakes blowing in on her face, but the full-clip for the Brazilian summer probably doesn’t help!”

There has been no shortage of interested visitors to Kay’s yard since Xiloe’s arrival. “She has a temperament to die for – everyone who has come to see her wants to take her home. She loves attention and has settled in remarkably quickly, despite the 12-day journey to get here. This is my dream horse and I feel so happy to have her here.”

Xiloé was bred by Geraldo Lefosse of Haras das Mangueiras from his prize stallion, Mel. She is especially impressive for her docility and work-willing nature, as well has her beautiful expression and stunning paces. For many years, Lefosse’s breeding philosophy has focused primarily on character, and he explains, “In fact, they have reached such a degree of docility that everybody now wants to have a piece of the cake!” A reference to his family now sharing his passion for Lusitanos – and especially for riding Xiloe’s brothers and sisters. Lefosse continued by saying, “For sure we will miss Xiloé a lot, but it is a gift to have the descendants of Mel around the world. Kay deserves her. I am very glad that she made her long journey safely and is in good shape.”

In conclusion, Kay said, “She’s a wonderful horse and every time I ride I will have memories of the fantastic week we shared in Brazil.”

A second horse, a palomino yearling filly, was also sold and will be traveling to the United States very soon. Further information to follow.

Lusitano tours …

Joining an ABPSL tour truly allows everyone to indulge their passion for horses, especially Lusitanos, and offers a wealth of opportunities to appreciate the unique qualities and abilities of this remarkable breed. Many of the world’s top dressage riders have already achieved success on the international stage with Lusitanos (Pan American Games medals, and World Cup wins), but their competition prospects extend to many other disciplines, including endurance, horse ball and carriage driving. (Four-in-hand World Champion Felix Brasseur has had a long and hugely successful relationship driving a Lusitano team.)

Equally, Brazilian-bred Lusitanos have been a dominant force in Working Equitation, and this trip will provide a perfect opportunity to learn more about this rapidly growing sport, as well as other traditional activities, by watching and participating in lessons on well-trained and titled Lusitano horses.

From the moment you are met at Sao Paulo airport and returned for your flight home, ABPSL will generously provide all internal transportation free of charge, with activities and many meals courtesy of the various stud farms and breeders. (Expect to gain a few pounds!!!)

The next tour begins in Sao Paulo on May 8, returning home on May 19, and will include the XI International Luso-Brasileiro auction at Coudelaria Ilha Verde, as well as the XXVII International Lusitano Festival, which takes place at the beautiful Hípico de Santo Amaro in Sao Paulo

If you are interested in participating in the above-scheduled tour, or would like information about other dates during 2008, please contact: jean@jeanllewellyn.com



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