Finding my dance partner

Generoso Interagro is my second Lusitano horse.

Reitor de Quintana was my first. Debra Barbier invited me to Brasil, and he was one of the horses in the auction. He was a gelding and therefore not what Debra was looking to purchase. I had a perfectly wonderful horse at that time, but I encouraged her to bring him home as I loved him already. I knew he was a wonderful horse; honest, talented, and so giving. Long story short, she bought him on auction night.

A few months later he was mine! He was my miracle. I taught several students on him, and he was always there for me. He was smart and intuitive, and always reminded me when I rode well…and when I did not!

After he passed, I did without a horse of my own for over a year. I so missed the wonderful disposition, the honesty, the talent of my friend. I knew I wanted another Lusitano!Liz riding Generoso at Coudelaria do Castenheiro, Brasil, 2017. 

I returned to Brasil with Debra and Dominique and rode lots of wonderful horses. I thought I wanted one of the lovely babies bred by Debra. Then I saw Generoso. What a perfect name that he lives up to everyday! He is truly generous to a fault. I brought him home thinking I would work with him and sell him if he wasn’t the horse for me. Now, I can’t imagine a life without him.

I love all horses, they live in the moment. That said, the Lusitano is level-headed, trustworthy, honest, and a pure joy. The breed of Lusitano is exceptional, and the Barbiers always have the best of the best to pick from.

-Liz Conrod

Upcoming Trip to Brasil – The Dance Partner of Your Dreams Awaits!

Upcoming Trip to Brasil – The Dance Partner of Your Dreams Awaits!

You are invited to join Debra and Dominique on the trip of a lifetime in Brasil for the Lusitano International Expo, as well as a whirlwind tour of the very best breeding farms, where you will have the chance to see and even sit on high quality horses under the instruction of Debra and Dominique before choosing  one of your very own. They have imported approximately 200 Lusitanos to date, and chosen the top farms to visit.  The Barbiers’ talent in matching horse and rider is unparalleled and they take full advantage of their close connections with the breeders around the country  to find you the best possible fit. 

This is our 18th year in the making, and with the current favorable dollar exchange, prices are incredibly low. It is the best time to come  and experience the Brasilian culture and hospitality as well as diving head first into the world of the majestic Lusitano. 

Don’t delay, as spots for this trip are in high demand! Click here to make your deposit. 

For committed buyers, we have special pricing – $1500 of your trip fee will be applied to the Barbier Farms commission, which is 15% of the purchase or $5,000 (whichever is higher). All transportation, importing, and vet checks are arranged for you. 

Package includes private coach transportation in Brasil, all hotels, breakfast each day, and some meals while visiting farms. It does not include meals during the Expo, nor does it include international airfare. Please contact us for pricing and options at barbierfarm@aol.com

 

The Brazil trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity to rapidly expand every aspect of your understanding of horses in a truly unforgettable and mesmerizing place. Perhaps if you are as fortunate as I was you will also experience the sheer beauty of bringing home an equine being that was always meant to be part of you. – Lauren Schultz, Healdsburg, CA

Brazil trip report

Brazil trip report

Though long overdue, there is much to say about our trip to Brasil in late May/early June.

We arrived and went immediately to the show ground for the International Lusitano Expo in Tatui. Our friend, Dr. Clélia Erwenne has done a tremendous job at Hipica Tatui. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. Congratulations Dr. Clélia!

Though the numbers were smaller this year, we saw young horses of good quality from a good number of breeders. Roberto Pedrosa, of Haras do Drosa, took home Best Exhibitor and many placings with gold medals in the classes. It was great to connect with old friends and see their babies and horses at the show. Raul Silva from Rocas do Vouga, Cecilia Gonzaga from Interagro, Geraldo LeFosse from Haras das Mangueiras, Davi Carrano from Manege Sant’ Adelaide, Ndzinji Pontes and Isabella Sanches from Coudelaria Funçao….and the list goes on! It’s been nearly 20 years that we’ve been traveling to Brasil in search of great Lusitanos. While they continue to be our reason, the real treasure has turned out to be the friendships we’ve created. The Lusitano world has lost a number of very important friends and breeders this year, so it is all the more reason to acknowledge the relationships that exist within this special group.

After the fun of the Expo, we visited the farms and Debra’s babies! It is with great pleasure and pride that we say the H, I, J, and L babies are coming along splendidly! After just two months of handling and initial riding, Hermes DB and Herodes DB are showing the qualities that make us love the Lusitano. They are steady, willing, expressive and courageous! (And they are sons of our very own BAILADO DO TOP!). We hope to take the I, J, & L babies to the 2017 Expo. Debra is particularly proud that Larapio DB and Lagarticha DB are showing all the great qualities of their namesakes.

Lastly, congratulations to Caylee Sparry on the purchase of her new horse, Galan Do Nico.  He’s a lovely fellow and will bring you many years of joy and learning!

Stay tuned….Debra and I are planning a buyers-only trip back to Brasil in the fall. With all the horses fresh in our minds AND the dollar still so high, it’s time to go with us! Contact Debra for details:  barbierfarm AT aol.com. And don’t forget, click on the link for the Symposium above and join us in Healdsburg October 7, 8, and 9 for the 13th Classical Series Symposium!

Amities~

Dominique and Debra Barbier

Have a look at Herodes, just several weeks under saddle. Thank you, Davi, for the wonderful video surprise!

Generation “I”

Generation “I”

Another generation "I" baby.

Another generation “I” baby.

Generation "J" baby

Generation “J” baby

Feeding time for all the youngsters, a country life.

Feeding time for all the youngsters, a country life.

Generation “L” baby!

Generation “L” baby!

Caylee and Galan do Nico

Caylee and Galan do Nico

 

 

 

 

Updates to clinic schedule…latest news

Hello Friends,

Debra and I have just returned from Brasil where visited all the breeding farms and attended the International Lusitano Expo in Sao Paulo….at a new venue! The facility at the Hipica Paulista was tremendous, but it was even better to see old friends and the progression of the young horses we saw last year and the year before. Rocas do Vouga was named Best Breeder for the 5th year in a row. Congratulations to Manuel, Thereza, Raul, Carlos, Edneu, and all the team for Rocas do Vouga! 

After a clinic in New Jersey, we’ll be headed to Portugal with our guests for the Festival in Golegã! Click on the link above to see what you will be missing. This way you’ll be sure to plan to join us next time!!!

We’ve added dates in December for our clinics….have a look at the Clinic tab above. I’m looking forward to seeing friends old and new in Chicago, Colorado, and Minnesota! If you are interested in hosting a clinic for 2015, please be in touch! Dates are limited and the calendar fills quickly. And we have announced the date for the February Symposium…our 10th in the Classical Series. Click the tab above (February Symposium) for all the information.

Until then….Amities….DB

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