Portuguese former number one Grand Prix rider Gonçalo Carvalho has received the ride on the Portuguese owned Lusitano mare Batuta. The bay mare made a very successful international Grand Prix debut this year under Spanish rider Jose Antonio Garcia Mena.
The 8-year old Batuta (by Quixote x Icaro) is bred by Sociedade Quinta das Terras and was previously owned by Coudelaria Herdade das Figueiras, which sold her to the group International Sport Horse Investment. The temperamental bay mare was first introduced to former Spanish team trainer Jan Bemelmans who recommended Jose Antonio Garcia Mena as her rider.
The duo made its international Grand Prix debut this year and scored extremely well for their first year at Grand Prix, winning classes at the CDI Barcelona and Madrid (73.171%). The pair was supposed to compete in Aachen but that didn't happen due to the sudden rider change.
After the retirement of his top Grand Prix horse Rubi, 2012 Olympic Games rider Gonçalo Carvalho had no successor ready for international Grand Prix. The arrival of Batuta to his barn is a very welcome addition.
Photo © Top Iberian
Related Links
Scores: 2014 CDI Madrid
2014 CDI Madrid: A wonderful Festival de Doma Clasica at Villa de Madrid
What a Show, What a Night! 2014 Barcelona Dressage Tour a Real Boost for Spanish Dressage
Experience Versus Youth at CDI4* of the Barcelona Dressage Tour
When God Smiles on Spanish Talent, Garcia Mena Shines at 2013 CDI Toledo