A rider and horse inside of an arena during a competition.
Gabriel Graciani also competes for the ETAMU Stock Horse team. | Courtesy photo

Equine Studies Student Wins Major Competition in Brazil

A person in western attire posing with a horse saddle.
Graciani photographed with the trophy saddle he received after winning the Champion’s Cup. | Courtesy Photo

East Texas A&M University student Gabriel Graciani, an Equine Studies major from Brazil, was recently crowned the Youth All-Around National Champion at the Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Cavalo Quarto de Milha (ABQM) Champion's Cup competition. The event was held in Araçatuba, Brazil, in October.

Graciani rode his horse, “Yet Smart Full PZ,” to victory after competing in several events, including ranch riding, ranch sorting, and team penning. In an interview with the ABQM following the win, Graciani said “Yet Smart” was exceptionally intelligent and easy to ride.

Graciani also spoke to the ABQM about his time at East Texas A&M, saying he has already made many friends and enjoys being a part of the university's Stock Horse team. The Stock Horse team participates in competitions similar to Graciani's recent event win, such as trail riding, pleasure riding, ranch work and more.

Translated into English, the ABQM is the Association of Brazilian Quarter Horse Breeders. It was formed in 1969 under the guidance of Brazil's Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. In addition to equine competitions, the association is the body within Brazil that maintains Quarter Horse genealogical records and sets breed standards.