For a partnership that began only earlier this year, 19-year-old Canadian rider Naima Moreira-Laliberté and her German-bred stallion Sancerre (Sir Donnerhall x Rubinstein) have already become a pair to watch. Each boast an impressive resume of accomplishments, with Moreira-Laliberté establishing herself as one of the most successful young riders in Canada with several medals under her belt in the last four North American Junior and Young Riders Championships, and Sancerre having already started on the road to the Grand Prix under his former rider Dana Hewett (also Canadian).
Now in the hands of Moreira-Laliberté and her long-time trainer Janine Little, Sancerre continues to improve. With equal parts attention to training, happiness, and health, it seems that the sky is the limit for this young team.
Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian-based producer of natural equine health products, noticed this devotion to good health and horse care during the duo’s recent performance at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The company rewarded them with the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award. Presented to horses that exemplify Omega Alpha’s dedication to excellence in equine health, the award includes an Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award ribbon, fly scrim, and numerous award-winning Omega Alpha equine supplements.
Already an advocate of Omega Alpha products, Moreira-Laliberté is eager to add these new items to her already extensive collection.
When asked how she maintains Sancerre’s excellent health, Moreira-Laliberté’s answer was relatively simple. “We use a lot of supplements from Omega Alpha. We also try to not to work our horses more than three days in a row,” she said. “We work them three days, one day off, one day lungeing. And we closely monitor what they eat and if they gain weight and how much they are working.”
Continuing a routine like that, Moreira-Laliberté hopes, will lead to continued success for the pair, like their successful recent performance during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
“It was my best Prix St. Georges test,” said Moreira-Laliberté. “This is a new partnership and I need to learn how he is so we can adapt to each other. I’m still figuring him out, but I have really high hopes for him.”
Moreira-Laliberté also hopes her expanded breadth of all-natural Omega Alpha products will help them reach their goals. “This year, I’m getting through my first season of Small Tour with him to hopefully train him to the upper levels.”