Est. 1978
Bridle & Bit
Arizona's Premier Equestrian Publication
Feature Interview
Home›Interviews›Gabriel Borges
Feature Interview · April 2024
Gabriel Borges
Rising Star in the Reining Horse World
By Tracy Wager  ·  Bridle & Bit Magazine
← All Interviews
Gabriel Borges on 007 — Bridle & Bit April 2024
Gabriel Borges on 007  ·  Bridle & Bit Magazine · April 2024  ·  Photo: Chelsea Schneider
We sit down with Gabriel Borges, a sensational new star in the competitive realm of reining horses. Born with a passion for horsemanship and an unyielding determination to succeed, Borges has quickly risen through the ranks, earning himself a coveted spot in The Run For A Million this August in Las Vegas. Gabriel Borges was born in Brazil, where his love for horses first took root. He came to America in 2015 and embarked on his journey driven by dreams of conquering the equestrian world. Amidst intense competition at the Cactus Classic — resulting in a 4-way run-off — Borges' qualification for The Run for a Million was a testament to his skill and dedication, evoking a sense of accomplishment and anticipation.
The Journey to America
Q When did you come to America?
A

I came to America in 2015.

Q In Texas, you cowboyed riding young horses. How did that go?
A

I worked for Tom McCutcheon & Duane Latimer in Texas. Then I tried to go out on my own and rode 2 year-olds around for multiple people until I moved to Arizona. When I got to Arizona I worked for Andrea Fappani. After that I worked for Martin Muehlstaetter and then went out on my own.

Q How did winning the 100X make you feel?
A

Winning at the 100X made me feel real. I had worked so hard for all of this and had dreamed about it. When it happened it made me feel REAL and it gave me the strength to keep going even harder on my journey.

Partnership with 007
Q You've been close but never qualified for The Run for a Million before — what was the difference this year?
A

I have been trying to qualify for The Run For A Million for the past 3 years. Two years in a row, just a simple half a point kept me out. This year, I was the most prepared and had the horse to do it!

Q Qualifying for The Run for a Million amidst intense competition must have been exhilarating. How did it feel when you realized you had scored well and qualified?
A

When I realized that I qualified, it was amazing.

Q How did the pressure of the run-off make you feel?
A

The pressure of the run-off really put my horsemanship to the test. Something that I stand behind is horsemanship and how I communicate with the horse. I had to trust these skills and I had to trust my horse. That is what helped me with the pressure of the run-off. Everything that is REAL is put to the test when we are in situations of REAL pressure.

Q Working alongside your wife Macy adds another dimension to your journey. How does it feel to pursue championships together?
A

It always feels good to have somebody by my side that loves this as much as I do. Someone that I can trust and count on every time! Macy & I are in this together and she always pushes me when I need it — she is behind the scenes making sure that I can keep my focus on the horses and the competitions only.

Q 007 holds a special place in your heart and career. What sets him apart from other horses?
A

Why is 007 different? The fact that I have known him since he was born. I was able to make him from the very start. He has already proven that he is very consistent and does not let me down. I can really count on him to go every time I push him, or put pressure on him at difficult moments. At tough competition he is always there for me. I know he is a horse that is there for me anytime that I need.

Vargo Ranch
Q Vargo Ranch provides the ideal setting for success in the competitive world of reining horses. How does it feel to have all the necessary tools at your disposal?
A

Working at a ranch like Vargo's facilitates my journey. It has everything I need and there is never a hesitation on anything that is needed to make it better for the horses. It is always there and that is a big deal at the level that we are competing. Nowadays, if you do not have the right tools to work, you simply cannot get the job done the best you can. The Vargo's provide that — for that I am thankful.