Portuguese Grand Prix Horse Nobel das Figueiras Sold to American Judy Sloan

U.S.A.

Ricardo Reis International and Elizabeth McConnell Dressage are very pleased to announce the sale of Nobel das Figueiras to United States dressage rider Judy Sloan.

Nobel das Figueiras

Nobel das Figueiras is an 8-year-old Portuguese sport horse registered gelding by the late Galan das Figueras out of Fama das Figueiras (by Unico x Invulgar). Previously owned and bred by Horses of Figueiras, Nobel has been beautifully trained and successfully competed to national Grand Prix (70% in his first GP!) by Portuguese Olympian Maria Caetano.

Maria commented upon his sale, “It’s a bittersweet feeling to see Nobel flying to the US. He’s a fantastic horse with a great future ahead! I’ll miss him a lot, but it makes me very happy to see that he’s going to an amazing home with everything he deserves! I wish all the best for this new combination!”

Judy Sloan

Judy Sloan, a lifelong equestrian, is a United States Dressage Federation Gold Medalist and competes at the National and FEI levels of the sport. Judy gives significant time to various not-for-profit equestrian organizations. She is the Secretary Treasurer, and an Officer of the US Equestrian Federation.

Judy is also the Treasurer of The Caribbean Equine Relief Fund and is one of four founding Directors focused on raising awareness for that organization’s mission of securing resources for equines in need in that region. Judy is also an avid supporter of several therapeutic riding organizations, believing strongly in the power of horses to heal. Judy enjoyed a 40-year corporate career, the last 25 years were spent as a Senior Partner at Deloitte. Judy lives in Wellington, Florida and Millbrook, NY with her husband David, numerous horses and two dogs.

A New Journey

Ricardo Reis and Maria Caetano with Nobel

“I am so excited about the journey Nobel and I are embarking on together; we looked far and wide for an established young grand prix horse that has the quality for the International ring and was appropriate for an amateur – Nobel ticked every box” Judy commented. “Horses like him are like Hen’s teeth to find, and I feel so lucky that he came into my life”, she added.

It was quickly clear to trainer Molly Maloney that Judy and Nobel were a perfect combination. Katherine Bateson, who also trains Judy, commented she is excited to have another amazing horse with Lusitano heritage in her program.

“After a fantastic start in Grand Prix with Maria, Nobel das Figueiras will certainly be an ambassador for the Portuguese horse in the United States!” stated Ricard Reis. “We both wish Judy and Nobel, and their team, the very best of success in the future. We look forwards to watching them this season in Wellington, Florida”.

-- press release