Laura Graves Sparks Excitement with New Lusitano Stallion Lider Seven

Wellington, Florida, USA - Laura Graves, the celebrated former World No. 1 in dressage, continues to make waves in the equestrian world with the recent addition of Lider Seven, an impressive 11-year-old Lusitano stallion, to her stable. This Brazilian-bred stallion, known for his striking buckskin coat and standing at 17.2 hands, is expected to take Graves’s performance to new heights. The news was announced by Romance Farm Inc., owned by six-time Olympian Robert Dover, who has expressed excitement about showcasing this remarkable horse together with Graves later this year. The announcement marks a significant milestone not just for Graves, but for the Lusitano breed as a whole as he is seen as a potential game changer in the global riding community, particularly for Lusitano and Warmblood breeders alike, as reported by dressage-news.com.

Lider Seven, bred by Wu Gang, carries a rich pedigree as he is sired by Especial HM out of Danai HM. He made an impressive debut at the Prix St Georges level in April 2022, achieving scores of 73.75% and 73.971%. By the end of that year, he had already claimed the USDF All Breed PSG Champions title after a series of strong performances in the United States. Furthermore, he was recognized as the USDF Horse of the Year 2024 Grand Prix reserve champion, solidifying his place as one of the notable horses in the sport. However, despite his accolades, Lider Seven has yet to compete internationally, although that may change now that he is partnered with Graves. Eurodressage details that he has not only sired 78 offspring since becoming a recommended stallion in 2023 but has established a solid reputation on the competitive stage.

Training Under Robert Dover

The stallion’s training is currently under the stewardship of Robert Dover at Beauty Central Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida. This facility, owned by Raquel Rizzuto, is a hub for top-tier equestrian talent. As opposed to earlier rumors indicating that Canadian rider Ariana Chia might take the reins of Lider Seven, the emphasis now is on the dynamic pairing of Graves and the stallion. The two have various exciting competitions lined up, with Graves making her return to the spotlight after the retirement of her beloved mount Verdades.

Graves, whose achievements are notable—having been the only American rider to earn the No. 1 world ranking—briefly competed with SenSation HW, clinching the U.S. Small Tour Championships in 2022. Now, with Lider Seven alongside her existing mounts Java Dulce and Sole Mio, she’s poised for a season that promises to showcase her extraordinary talent once again.

The Lusitano Legacy

The Lusitano breed, known for its beauty and athleticism, has been steadily making its mark in the world of international dressage competitions. Events like the CDI 5* in Aachen, where Lusitano horses have scored impressively, highlight their rising status on the global stage. Breeders, owners, and trainers across the globe are investing heavily in this breed, enhancing its competitive presence significantly. For example, in 2019, a Lusitano team even secured strong placements at the Youth Dressage European Championships, showcasing the breed’s versatility and potential across various levels of competition, as noted on cavalo-lusitano.com.

As for Laura Graves, her journey with Lider Seven is a story that resonates with many local and national equestrian fans. The seasoned rider’s competitive spirit combined with the exceptional qualities of Lider Seven makes them a duo to watch. This new chapter is sure to add excitement to the dressage scene, and all eyes will undoubtedly be on their performances in the upcoming events.