By Roberta Milani (Translation by Caroline Padilla) / ABCCH
Photography: LC Ruas/CHB (who also contributed to this article)
Against the stunning backdrop of the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, a 100% Brazilian duo – Stephan Barcha riding Brazilian Sport Horse mare Primavera, made history during the XIII Olympic Games, and filled the nation with pride.
Primavera (Calvaro Z x Paroli), bred by Haras Montana and owned by Haras Império Egípcio, incurred only a single fault – while exiting the double (5b) – over the final course of the Paris Olympic Games, which put them into a very well-deserved fifth place individually. With a time of 80.07 seconds, the pair demonstrated skill, speed, and harmony to record the second-fastest single-fault time. Among the 30 finalists competing for medals in the jump-off, only three riders managed to clear the course.
Reflecting on his performance and in celebratory mood, Stephan Barcha said, “The feeling is that I came very close to the dream of an Olympic medal. The sport we have chosen is undoubtedly one of the most challenging. I am very proud of the entire process, of my mare – without her, it would have been impossible to be here. She is a fantastic mare, born in Brazil, and I was involved in every step of her development. I have many people to thank for having her under my saddle.”
Stephan began riding Primavera at the age of six, and together they have won numerous titles, including two Brazilian Senior Top Championships, victories in the main Grand Prix events in Brazil, a Pan-American Championship, and a South American vice-championship, along with excellent results in major Grand Prix classes in Europe. “Today, being in an Olympic final and finishing fifth with a mare bred and developed at home is a great day for which Brazilian riders and breeders should be very proud,” Stephan added. It was the best result for Brazilian equestrianism at an Olympic Games since 2004... To read the complete article you need to be a subscriber
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