It is difficult to imagine that my Lusitano odyssey only began a little over three years ago when I attended my first International Festival in São Paulo. Then, in May 2007, my professional journey with ABPSL to globalize Brazilian-bred Lusitanos began, thanks to the passion and commitment of ABPSL president, Luis Ermírio de Moraes, and the invaluable support of Raul Antonio de Maura Silva. Since then, I have made many trips, organized stud farm tours for foreign visitors, met numerous dedicated breeders, enjoyed remarkably endless hospitality, and made a great many friends.
I was reporting the news on behalf of ABPSL when the dressage team won a medal at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro last year, earning Brazil an Olympic berth – but only if the individual riders could satisfy the 64.00% qualification requirements of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Rogério Clementino and Nilo VO were the first to achieve this, followed by Luiza Tavares de Almeida with Samba on home ground in São Paulo in May, then Leandro Aparecido da Silva and Oceano do Top in Poland at the end of June.
Even before the Olympic Games begin (on Saturday, August 9 with the first dressage day of the three-day event), Brazil’s Olympic dressage team has rewritten the history books, with Luiza becoming the youngest Olympic equestrian competitor in history. It will also be the first time that the whole Brazilian dressage team will be riding Lusitanos, and Rogério will become the first black equestrian athlete, the “Black Knight” (although to be politically correct we should refer to him as an African-Brazilian!)
And, of course, we must not forget that Brazilian-bred Lusitanos have become an international commodity, as Australian team member Hayley Beresford will be riding Relampago do Retiro, bred and jointly owned by Eduardo Fischer. Meanwhile, Portuguese eyes will focus on their own national team: Miguel Ralão Duarte/Oxalis da Meia Lua, Carlos Pinto/Puy du Fou, and Daniel Pinto/Galopin de la Font. Not all Brazilian-bred Lusitanos, but all magnificent equine athletes who will demonstrate the breed’s undeniable qualities to a global audience numbering in the hundreds of millions. It will be the first time that seven Lusitanos have ever competed in an Olympic Games.
So, on the eve of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, with equestrian sport being hosted by Hong Kong, Lusitanos have reached a pinnacle of success, especially in South America, thanks to the dedication of Brazilian athletes, breeders, owners, and the many supporters and fans who can feel immensely proud of their accomplishments.
This isn’t my first Olympic Games, but I can honestly say that it will likely be the most meaningful for me both personally and emotionally. British by birth, French for 10 years, and now living in Canada – yet I will wholeheartedly be Brazilian and ABPSL’s roving ambassador in Hong Kong during the days of dressage competition:
Wednesday, August 13: Individual Dressage Grand Prix – First Qualifier (Day 1) / Team Dressage Final Grand Prix (Day 1)
Thursday, August 14: Individual Dressage Grand Prix – First Qualifier (Day 2) / Team Dressage Final Grand Prix (Day 2) / Team Dressage Medal Ceremony
Saturday, August 16: Individual Dressage Grand Prix Special – Second Qualifier
Tuesday, August 19: Individual Dressage Final Grand Prix Freestyle / Individual Dressage Medal Ceremony.
My trip begins tomorrow evening, arriving in Hong Kong Thursday afternoon, August 7. I will be staying at the official media hotel in Sha Tin, close to the Olympic venue, for all three disciplines … and I will be checking my e-mails every day!
Although this special “blog” has been created on behalf of ABPSL, I know that many of you will be interested in what’s happening on a day-to-day basis in Hong Kong, from day one until the final medal has been awarded. I will therefore be uploading news and results every day, perhaps several times, so you will be kept up-to-date with Olympic events as they unfold from the comfort of your own armchair. And, naturally, focusing on any news from the Brazilian dressage camp, plus competition reports and results as they unfold. I will also feature an Olympic “journal,” bringing you the sights and sounds of Sha Tin and Hong Kong.
I am fortunate that Peter, my husband, will also be with me in Hong Kong, so it will be his fabulous photos that will illustrate the pages of this ABPSL blog.
Although a horse’s view of the Olympic Games is perhaps just another arena in a foreign country with a different view, it is an athlete’s dream – whether or not they reach the podium – to be an Olympian, and membership of this elite club carries a lifetime membership.
So, join me in Sha Tin/Hong Kong at the Olympic Games on behalf of ABPSL.
ps I will be sending all my text to Raul to translate into Portuguese, which will then be uploaded onto this “blog” under the “Portuguese” category on the right-hand side of this page, underneath the calendar.
Hey, nice tips. Perhaps I’ll buy a glass of beer to the person from that chat who told me to visit your blog
By: Pirsey on April 22, 2009
at 6:39 am