Press Room

Martin Downs Equestrian Center Builds New Barn for Collection

This past month, Interagro Farm stallions and mares arrived to fill up a new 26-stall barn at Martin Downs Equestrian Center in Palm City that was constructed exclusively for The 2009 Lusitano Collection^® Auction. George Cosman, owner of Martins Downs Equestrian Center, Inc, built the barn at the Center, which also includes a 44-stall barn, a six-stall barn, two round pens, paddocks and three lit arenas on the 24-acre property. Cosman, who purchased the facility about a year ago, has made major improvements on the farm which is about two miles equidistance between the Florida Turnpike and I 95. The large barns have state-of-the-art feeding systems, fire preventive measures, a misting system for insects and ceiling fans above each stall. The eight Martin Downs Equestrian Center employees, including barn manager Tara Jacobs who graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in small business management, keep the barns immaculate and provide boarders and customers with friendly, responsive service.

Heather Bender, who is the Interagro Farm consultant and Martin Downs trainer as well as a Palm City resident, said, “After their long journey, the Lusitanos needed a quality facility to live and work. Martin County has a quiet atmosphere. We have experienced horse people who have offered us incredible hospitality and support.” Cecilia Gonzaga was pleased with the Center’s fenced-in circle of trails which provided a needed “recess” for the Interagro horses who are accustomed to weekly Saturday trail rides in Brazil.

The young horses trained in classical dressage were ridden daily by Interagro Farm riders in the covered lit 100 foot by 200 foot arena. Many of the horses watched their companions being exercised in basic dressage from their open Dutch doors. Two shower stalls at each end of the new barn plus several grooming stalls helped in keeping the aisles clear. Stairs led to a loft where a bucket of food and a marked clipboard were placed above each of the stalls. Grain was dropped down a chute to the horse’s bucket, and hay was dropped from above.

“Our horses are fed from heaven,” Cecilia Gonzaga joked. Whether or not the 20 stallions and three mares understood, they appeared to be quite content in their stalls. Concluding the tour of the new barn, Heather singled out the convenience of the shower in the bathroom and a roomy office as well as a tack room for the Brazilian’s temporary stay.

“I am interested in maintaining a world class equestrian center,” stated George Cosman, “where anyone from any place in the world can come and feel comfortable.” Boarders in the large barn are given their own roomy 4’x 12’x 2’ closet, complete with door and latch where tack and grooming supplies may be kept. George proudly pointed out the six rescue horses that he had brought back to good health and to introduce a teen with special needs who worked in the barn under supervision twice a week as part of a vocational program.

Currently the Center’s barns are full, but if you’d like more information about the Martin Downs Equestrian Center, call (772) 220-8337. For more information about The 2009 Lusitano Collection^®, visit www.lusitanocollection.com or call (866) 540-8809.