Hunter derby superstar Brunello has won the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships a record three consecutive times, the USEF National Horse of the Year title twice in a row and been named The Chronicle of the Horse’s Show Hunter of the Year. This summer he’ll be collecting a new honor as Breyer announced that the Brunello portrait model will debut at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, N.C., during Tryon Spring 8 CSI*****.
“It’s so exciting,” said rider Liza Boyd, who also co-owns the Hanoverian gelding (Acord II—Winnepeg, Werter) with Janet Peterson. “We couldn’t be happier, and it’s especially exciting for my kids who love Breyers and love Brunello. It’s a great thing for the hunter industry, too.”
Brunello’s model will be available starting June 10 at Tryon Tack, with only 400 models available at the launch. Each model comes with a special mini Breyer TIEC blanket.
The first Breyer models will be presented to Boyd, Peterson and Brunello’s longtime groom Alberto Ramirez on June 10 during the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, where “Ike” will be competing. Boyd will be signing autographs, and Ike will be making an appearance for photographs as well before the competition.
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At 18 Ike is still competing sparingly.
“He did one derby this spring, at [HITS Ocala (Fla.)],” Boyd said. “We trotted in the ring, and he got a standing ovation, which was so fantastic.
“Any time he shows now it’s just fun,” she added.
