Dr. Cesar Parra has competed successfully in World Cup Finals, World Championships, Olympic Games and most recently at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, MX, where he was a member of the Gold Medal Team riding mount, Grandioso, owned by Michael and Sarah Davis. However, there was one difference; this time he was reperesenting his new country, the United States. Before that he was competing for his native Colombia.
“I feel super honored to be representing the USA,”commented Parra about his recent citizenship change. “It is a dream come true for me.”
In preparing for the Games there are many things that one must consider in addition to the training and preparation leading up to any competition. It’s also imperative to think about the importance of nutrition for both the horse and the rider. Fortunately, the U.S. has such a strong support team that most of the worry about adjustments to feed, water and exercise were what they focused on.
“Thanks to the super organization of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), ‘Grandi’ had very few changes in his diet once he arrived in Mexico,”said Parra. “They ensured that his favorite food was waiting there for him. We also packed a lot of Gatorade as Grandi loves it and will always drink it. It makes me feel better in a new surrounding knowing that he is staying well-hydrated.”
Grandioso has obviously been well supervised in the nutrition department. The dark bay, Westphalian gelding who Parra believes is 17.3 hands (“I don’t know for sure as I have never measured him,” he explained) is gorgeous and a fun horse for Parra.
“Although he is quite big, he is very sensitive and sweet. He has a temperament like a big dog. One of the funniest sights is to see him walking with his groom, Jen. She is tiny and Grandi adores her,”explained Parra.
“He is super fun to ride,”continued Parra, Whitehouse Station, NJ. “He is special in his gaits, temperament and natural ability. He is the whole package and I think he is only beginning to show what a superstar he is. I cannot say enough nice things about Grandioso. He is amazing in every way.”
Watching Grandioso at the recent Pan American Games I would have to agree. He has elegant expressive movements and seemed unfazed by the electric atmosphere. Ultimately he finished 6th, which would have been a high enough placing to allow him to compete in the final Freestyle phase but each country is only allowed to have three members compete in the Freestyle and teammates Steffen Peters on Weltino’s Magic, Heather Blitz on Paragon and Marisa Festerling on Big Tyme placed first, second and third and ultimately won the Individual Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.
While riding for his native Colombia, in 1999, Dr. Parra led Colombia to a historic Team Silver medal in the Pan American Games. In 2000, Dr. Parra moved with his family to the United States. Dr. Parra finished fourth individually in the Pan American Games held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2003 and since then has competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics, the 2005 FEI World Cup Finals held in Las Vegas and the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.
In addition to Grandioso’s regular feed program after he attended a cocktail reception hosted by Healthy Horse Boutique he was introduced to their Cookies with a Clue, a line of cookies that are designed to target the situation, while ensuring your horse gets the basic supplements that every horse needs. The Cookies are organic, GMO-free and have no additives, hormones or chemicals. Veterinarian Dr. Greg Staller discussed nutrition at this gathering and also the value of giving your horse products that don’t have additives, which is the philosophy behind the “Cookies.”
“I love the whole concept of Cookies with a Clue as it fits right in with our nutritional program,”remarked Parra. “I respect my vet, Dr. Greg Staller, immensely so when he recommended the product I knew I should take a close look. And it’s a great idea. I strongly believe that rewarding is a crucial aspect of the training process, but shoving the horse full of sugar doesn’t seem so healthy to me. I would sometimes cut up apples instead, but that can get quite messy. With the Cookies with a Clue I can know that I am supporting my horse’s health and he thinks he is getting a treat!”
Marian Nilsen, owner of Healthy Horse Boutique has a full line-up of healthy products in addition to the Cookies. “We choose products that have no fillers, sugars or chemicals, are safe and effective, are organic and GMO free. All our supplements follow good manufacturing practices and are standardized for optimal potency. Finally, our Cookies with a Clue are the one treat you can feel good about giving your horse.” To find out more visit www.healthyhorseboutique.com.
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