From Portugal to the World Stage: Satélite Plus is the New Ride of Justin Verboomen

One of the most promising young Lusitano stallions of the emerging generation, Satélite Plus (by Lord Plus out of Nasa Plus) is beginning an exciting new chapter under the guidance of reigning European Champion and World No.1, Justin Verboomen.

The 4-year-old stallion, co-owned by Garaman Lusitanos and Dressage Plus, has been recognized with the title of Best Lusitano Stallion at the III Salão do Cavalo Lusitano in January 2026. Out of 95 competitors, he achieved the highest score ever recorded under the current annual stallion approval format, which consolidates annual stallion approvals into a single event.

Satélite Plus’s journey to elite competition began even before he gained public recognition. Peter Borst, director of Garaman Lusitanos’ breeding and sport program, identified the stallion early on as a top prospect. Working closely with Filipa Jácome, who oversees Garaman’s operations in Portugal and helps identify elite horses, Borst ensures that every horse meets the program’s exacting standards. Under their guidance, Satélite Plus joined Garaman’s dressage program.

This acquisition also fulfils Borst’s long-standing vision of collaborating with Vasco Freire from Dressage Plus to showcase the Lusitano breed at the highest level of international dressage.

“Satélite Plus has both the talent and the mindset for top-level competition,” said Borst. “He represents the vision I’ve championed for the past 20 years, fully aligned with Vasco Freire’s approach. His move to Justin Verboomen’s stable is a natural step in his career and a milestone for the Lusitano breed internationally.”

Garaman Lusitanos: Commitment in Breeding and Competition

Founded at the beginning of 2025 by Sharene Garaman and Peter Borst, Garaman Lusitanos combines a passion for Lusitano horses with a clear long-term vision: to develop a breeding and sport program grounded in rigor, distinction and purpose. With operations spanning the US and Portugal, the project bridges continents while honoring the heritage of the Lusitano.

“Garaman Lusitanos began as a dream I had to find a spectacular horse, a Lusitano, a breed I have loved for almost a quarter of a century,” said Sharene Garaman. “I had passion but no direction, that changed when I met Peter Borst. Peter is a legend in the Lusitano World and deservedly so. He assembled a team of highly reputable and visionary breeders, phenomenal riders, and we selected some of the most talented and exquisite horses I’ve ever seen.”

The project features a distinguished lineup of Lusitano stallions, each carefully selected for exceptional genetics and proven sporting ability, with a track record of competitive success. Highlights include:

• Marques dos Cedros (by Distúrbio out of Ema dos Cedros, by Rubi AR) – A 4-star Recommended Stallion with scores above 70% at Grand Prix level, rapidly cementing his reputation as a top contender under the talented Vasco Mira Godinho.
• Limbro da Hermida (by Zimbro out of Zarzuela, by Oficial) – ranked in the FEI top 150, regularly scoring above 68% in GP, with top GPFS scores exceeding 73% in 2025 also ridden by the same rider.
• Imperador de Cabeção (by Don Juan de Cabeção out of Eclipse de Cabeção, by Zula) – combining classic Lusitano type with fantastic temperament and over 60 registered offspring, he represents reliability in breeding and competition. He is now in training with João Sousa Faustino.
• Queluz do Luar (IRS x Irga by Violino do Retiro) –  a multi-award-winning stallion in model and gaits, now successfully competing in 6-year-old dressage classes under Olympic rider Daniel Pinto, current trainer of the Brazilian Dressage Team. 

Zonik Plus II

Borst also selected for Garaman’s dressage team a 7-year-old mare by Escorial, Pimenta da Hermida, who is showing exceptional potential and is in training with Vasco Mira Godinho.

Continuing this focus on outstanding sporting talent, the project recently welcomed Zonik Plus II — the full brother of Zonik Plus and the only non-Lusitano in Garaman’s program. Acquired in partnership with Dressage Plus, this addition highlights the team’s focus on exceptional sporting potential.

What truly distinguishes Garaman Lusitanos is not only its elite horses but also the collaboration, passion and dedication of everyone involved.

As Sharene Garaman reflects: “What I didn’t expect was how much joy I would experience and how much I would learn from our team. Everyone brings their passion and their ‘A’ game — the breeders, riders, the wives and husbands, and our phenomenal Portuguese management group under the direction of Filipa Jacome. The Portuguese have been so gracious and welcoming: it feels like a second home. Without this expertise, vision, and drive, Garaman Lusitanos could not have achieved as much in such a short time. It’s an alchemy I’ve never experienced — we all rise together.”

Shaping the Lusitano’s Future in International Dressage

Satélite Plus’ transition to Justin Verboomen highlights Garaman Lusitanos’ dedication to showcasing the Lusitano on the world stage. Every horse in the program reflects the project’s philosophy: excellence is a daily pursuit, and the breed’s future is built one stride at a time.

“Our goal,” Borst concludes, “is to demonstrate that the Lusitano is a breed of both legacy and performance. Satélite Plus embodies that vision, and his journey in international competition will be a landmark moment for the breed.”

Garaman adds, “seeing Satélite Plus take his place on the international stage is the fulfillment of a dream for all of us. Every decision we make, every horse we develop, is about honoring the Lusitano’s heritage while proving its extraordinary potential. This is just the beginning — we are committed to taking this breed to new heights.”

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-- press release, photos © Carlos Hernani

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