Portuguese dressage rider Roberto Brasil and Vila de Sagres' Lusitano stallion Hercules d'Atela have surged to the number one spot on the Medium Tour ranking list published by the Portuguese Equestrian Federation (PEF).
PEF released the latest edition of the Portuguese Dressage Riders' Ranking on 1 September and it showed Hercules d'Atela at the top of the board, ahead of Nuno Carvalho on Sandro Plus.
Brasil and the 8-year old rising Grand Prix stallion (by Soberano out of Vaqueja d'Atela) are currently in North Europe preparing for the next stage of their sport career on the international platform at the CDI Grote Brogel in Belgium on 2 - 5 September 2021.
Working on a Future at Grand Prix level
The pair has been gaining mileage at medium tour level in Portugal and over the summer worked on consolidating the Grand Prix movements.
"I have been working on getting him stronger and more solid," he explained. "Hercules has very little experience as I am showing him is his first year. So I want him to like and enjoy his job. I have never pushed him harder than I could nor want. His well being is my absolute priority."
The pair has been working with former Portuguese team selector and 4* judge Carlos Lopes.
"From time to time Miguel Ralao also helps me out, bringing his experience as an Olympic rider to the table as well," said Roberto. "I have also ridden with Richard White every time he comes to Portugal."
Decorated Stallion
The licensed breeding stallion was a champion and gold medal winner in his age group at the 2015 and 2016 International Lusitano Festival. In 2016 he won the title and gold medal at the 2016 European Lusitano Breeding Championships held in Germany, after which he sold to brood and sport horse farm Vila de Sagres.
Hercules joined the stallion roster at Vila de Sagres in Brazil for a few breeding seasons, before returning to Portugal to be part of Roberto's string of dressage horses as an ambassador of the sport branch of Vila de Sagres in Europe.
"He has been passing onto his offspring his gaits, size, and a lot of colour despite that he's grey. Most of his offspring are coloured in fact," said Roberto. "The first ones are going under the saddle this year, but ourfirst impressions are that they have a good mindset, just like their father."
The Portuguese Lusitano Studbook (PSL) has bestowed Hercules d'Atela with the 4* Recommendation, the second highest label for a stallion. He earned the 4* recommendation for his Model and Gaits.
Exciting Future
"The plan for the autumn is to do a few more CDI's in Europe and then move to Grand Prix towards the end of the year," said Roberto. "The goals for next year is to aim for a spot on the Portuguese team for the 2022 World Equestrian Games. But we will only do so if he is ready. If not I'll keep on waiting for him and look towards the 2024 Paris Olympics. it's still three years away, so we have time."
Discover Vila de Sagres at www.viladesagres.com.br or on Instagram
Tune in with rider Roberto Brasil on Facebook and Instagram.
Photos © Rui Pedro Godinho
Related Links
Hercules D'Atela Receives 4* Recommendation from Portuguese Lusitano Studbook
Vila de Sagres and Roberto Brasil Unite to Boost Brazilian Bred Lusitanos in Dressage