rasileiro CAentro B rabianHorseShow IT WAS THE BEST IDEA FOR A SHOW — EVER! Rogério Lemes Garcia of Skyline Arabians decided to hold the 33rd annual Exposiçao Centro Brasileira do Cavalo Árabe at the Pousada do Rio Quente (“Hot River resort”) in Caldas Novas in the state of Goiás in Brazil. This area of Brazil is famous for its underground thermal activity and it is a popular vacation destination for Brazilians desiring to soak in the many spas. The Rio Quente resort has several hotels on-site, a huge water park, freshwater diving, zip lines, rappelling, an aviary, paintball course, and many other attractions. The resort caters to families and some 3,000 people stay here in the high season. Therefore, as families were making their way to the wave pool, or the thermal pools, or the water slides, they could also stop and watch the horse show. It was a new experience from center ring to see people in bikinis, thongs, and bathrobes lining the rail, but the important thing was that there were people lining the rail. In fact, when some spectators decided to sit on the hill overlooking the soccer field … er … show arena to watch the classes, the resort staff quickly brought in dozens of chairs. Tables with umbrellas provided shade, and one could order drinks from nearby bars sprinkled around the area. Aside from introducing a whole new audience to the Arabian horse, it was a blast for exhibitors, breeders, and yes, judges as well! At the end of the first day of showing, everyone met up in the evening in the thermal pools, heated by the naturally hot river water that flows through the resort. There are many pools of various temperature levels, charmingly lit at night, and most have bars in the center. 2 6 ARABIAN HORSE WORLD 6 FEBRUARY 2010
September 4, 2009 Caldas Novas, Brazil by Cindy Reich Photos by Rogério Santos and Cindy Reich
The Pousada do Rio Quente in Caldas Novas in the state of Goiás in Brazil.
After a long, hot day at the show, the opportunity to soak in the pool, engage in some hydrotherapy underneath the waterfalls or swim up to the bar for a caipirinha (Brazil’s national cocktail) was unique in my experience of attending horse shows. Unlike in the United States, judges are not presumed guilty until proven innocent, and we mixed with exhibitors, owners, and breeders in a social setting. It is pretty hard to act nefarious in a bathing suit paddling around the thermal pools! The beauty of this idea is that there is something for everyone in the family