The USMMA Presidents have travelled to Brazil almost every year. We encourage our members to visit Brazil! It is a fabulous experience to bask in their native warmth, culture and to learn about the Mangalarga Marchador in its native country. “If you really know Brazil, you have seen enough beauty for half a lifetime.”
Brazil is not just coffee, samba and soccer. The fifth largest country in the world (after Russia, Canada, China and the U.S.) it is among the ten leading industrial nations. Brazil is the largest country in South America. Its area of about 8.512 million km ² comprises 47% of the South American continent. The population is 185 million. Its coastline along the Atlantic extends over a length of 7367 km.
It has long been known that Brazil is the world’s No. 1 supplier of sugar cane and a pioneer in bio-ethanol. Huge sugar cane plantations provide the raw material. But it also occupies a front seat in the steel business. In informed circles, the Brazilian economy, with large, well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors, is known as the most powerful in South America, and on the world market increasingly important. Of course, with that coastline, the beaches of Brazil and the tourism industry had long since become world famous. Copacabana and Ipanema are well known and were sung about by famous artists.
Brazilian people are diverse with African, Indian and European roots. They blend these into the soul of the carnival, in collective dances, religious and mystic rituals and sensual feasts. All this and much to discover and learn with astonishment.
But in Brazil there is also the Mangalarga Marchador! Did you know that this is the one of the largest horse breeds in the world? There are over 400,000 registered among 30,000 members by the Association of Mangalarga Marchador Criadores (ABCCMM). The Mangalarga Marchador is considered a Mercedes and the Brazilians even consider it – with good reason – as the best “Saddle Horse” in the world. Bred from Iberian ancestors it has a comfortable way of going – the marcha. The marcha is very fast, but efficient in its movement so it can carry the rider for many hours – and they do. Brazilians love the calvagadas, the long rides.
Well, now you combine endless sugar cane fields, beaches, rain forest and dunes with the encounter of very friendly and very fun-loving people and of course with these horses, and already is the most perfect and beautiful riding holiday. Riding through the rain forest, over the dunes and then along the sea under a full moon ride is a special experience. On the beaches, fresh fish and lobster are available from the grill. Or, ride inland visiting the large fazendas (ranches) where their breeding operation can easily be 100-800 horses. Besides the riding and the beaches, there is history and nature to discover. The Pantanel, the Iguacu waterfalls, Oro Preto, Sugarloaf Mountain, the list could go on and on. The possibilities are endless in Brazil and the riding is always an unforgettable and memorable experience.
Take a look into Brazil, home of the Mangalarga Marchador!