Heather Bender

The Interagro Program - Discovering the Lusitanos From Brazil

Heather was introduced to the Interagro program by her student and professional trainer Jennifer Schuck from Pine Meadows Farms, Delano, Minnesota through her clients, Manuel Pinto and Louise Turkula Pinto. Dr. Manuel Pinto is a native of Portugal and grew up riding Lusitanos. His wife, Louise, had a long-standing passion for these horses and he wanted to give her a Lusitano. Their search in Portugal and Brazil led them to Interagro Farms.

Jennifer showed Heather her choices of possible breeding stallions from Interagro Farms for her clients Drs. Louis and Manual Pinto. Jennifer and Heather both agreed that two young stallions really stood out; Sargon Interagro and Spartacus Interagro. After their purchase and arrival, Jennifer, Heather and the Pintos were all thrilled with their choices. Both stallions are absolutely gorgeous! Sargon Interagro excelled under Jennifer, with her very correct basics, solid training program and Heather’s help through a regular clinic program. She showed him through the second level with scores into the low 70’s%. Jennifer and Sargon Interagro won several USDEF breed awards in 2004 and 2005.

Jennifer Schuck and the Pintos encouraged Heather to continue with Sargon's training program with a possible future of International competition. Heather accepted the challenge and began his new program in November 2005. With his correct basics, thanks to Jennifer, and his great attitude Heather moved Sargon to the 3rd and 4th level divisions with great success. Sargon's scores were consistently in the upper 60% to 72% during the very competitive winter Florida Season. Sargon racked up a lots of wins in shows to include the Palm Beach Derby and the overall High Score winner at 2006 Heidelberg Cup in Clarcona, Fl. and Dr. Edgar Hotz Perpetual Memorial trophy winner to list a few.

Jennifer also successfully competed him in the Florida winter circuit while taking a break from her busy business in Minnesota to focus on herself, showing in the sunshine of Florida, allowing her to have a coach for a change. Now that Heather's schedule is not allowing her to travel to clinic around the country, many of Heather’s students from other States and other countries, are traveling for several weeks to several month stays at Treasure Coast Farms.

Jennifer and her partner Cathy Belzer are traveling to Florida to train and show with Heather for a couple of months during the Winter Circuit. Cathy who has a love for eventing too, has the chance to run up to Ocala from Palm City and sneak in weekends with Famous Event trainer Ralph Hill.