David Raposa and S&L Sage Win Equis Best Presented Horse Award at American Gold Cup CSI 4*-W

David Raposa (USA) and S&L Sage were honored with the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award at the American Gold Cup CSI 4*-W running September 14 through 18 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY.

After evaluation at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Horse Inspection earlier in the week, the ground jury led by Lloyd Longenecker of Annville, NY, selected Raposa and the nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Wandor van de Mispelaere x Radiator) owned by S&L Farms as Best Presented.

During the FEI Horse Inspection, the ground jury rated each horse and handler on appearance, including grooming, tack, behavior, jog attire, and interaction with the judges. Of the 143 horses that jogged for FEI competition during the American Gold Cup CSI 4*-W, Raposa said it was an honor to know that S&L Sage impressed the ground jury enough to be selected the winner of the Equis Best Presented Horse Award.

“It’s nice that [Equis Boutique] does this award and encourages people to pay attention to the pride we take in how these horses look,” said Raposa.

For the Equis Best Presented Horse Award, Raposa was presented with a Kingsland vest from Lauren Kenney of Equis Boutique following the $86,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier, presented by Windsor Show Stables. The recognition marked the second time Raposa and S&L Sage have won the award after also taking the honor during Week 6 of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

Raposa’s groom Marin Tinajero prepared S&L Sage for the FEI Horse Inspection at the American Gold Cup. When asked about Tinajero’s efforts, Raposa responded, “Marin does a great job and keeps the horses looking really good. There is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes, and he works hard at it. He pays attention to detail and is always proud of how the horses look. And he’s just a great guy.”

Raposa has had the ride on S&L Sage for nearly two years and moved the gelding up to grand prix competition in July of 2015. After clear efforts in FEI competition at HITS Saugerties and The Hampton Classic, Raposa is eager to keep moving him up.

The American Gold Cup CSI 4*-W continues through Sunday, September 18, when the $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York takes the stage as part of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.

Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress the horse and rider. Featured brands include Parlanti, Manfredi Equestrian, KASK Helmets, Anna Scarpati, Kingsland Equestrian, Kentucky Horsewear, Animo, and Dy’on, as well as a variety of imported specialty bits and Official FEI and Just World International merchandise.

With a vision to raise the bar for FEI-sanctioned horse shows, Equis Boutique offers the Best Presented Horse Award at top events throughout North America. The next presentation will take place at The Capital Challenge Horse Show, which runs October 1 through 9 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

For more information on Equis, LLC boutiques, please visit EquisBoutique.com, or look for Equis Boutique on Facebook and Instagram!  Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.