Wellington, FL – February 11, 2011 – Nona Garson is a truly legendary horsewoman who has competed at the Olympics, the Pan American Games, and the World Championships. As an international rider, she has now decided to bring the European auctions to America through the InterContinental Sport Horse Auction. Garson handpicks quality mounts that are available each year. The 8th Annual InterContinental Sport Horse Auction will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., with a preview on Friday, February 18 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at The Ridge Farm in Wellington, FL
Garson grew up in New Jersey, where she began riding at the young age of six. She had a successful career as a junior, showing ponies and Junior Jumpers. After graduating from the junior ranks Garson opened The Ridge Farm in the 1970’s with her father. She began competing internationally in 1995 after she won the Pan American Games Selection Trial aboard “Barrick”.
“That was the most exciting moment of my career,” noted Garson. “It was considered one of the hardest grand prix classes they had ever run at that point in America. That was my first chance to get on a big team, and then I went on to win a bronze medal at the Pan American Games.”
The Ridge Farm has grown a great deal since the 1970’s; with three locations that host shows and train young horses and riders. Garson’s training philosophy has allowed her to be very successful throughout her career as she continues to compete today. “I’m a horse lover; I want to work with the horse not against it,” she explained. “I think the horse sport is teamwork and I think we have to be very sensitive to what the horse is telling us.”
Garson puts the same care and dedication towards the InterContinental Sport Horse Auction that she puts towards her riding. This year Garson has narrowed the 80 horses that applied down to 31 horses. “I know every horse that is in the auction very well,” she said. “I’ve seen them go and I’ve seen them jump; I’m quite familiar with them. This is something that I’ve created, so it is very special to me.”
Every horse that is available through the auction has a set of digital x-rays, graded flexions, pictures and videos. The horses can be tried during the week before the auction and there will be a formal presentation Friday to help make buyers comfortable with the process.
Garson will be presenting each horse herself during the auction and feels that this is the best group of horses to come through the auction in its seven-year history. The horses that will be available at the auction can currently be viewed online at www.interconsporthorse.com. There are photos, videos, and pedigree information for each horse. Interested parties can register at anytime online to bid at this year’s auction, and the public is welcome to attend the preview and the auction.
