Levicu

Levicu was a bay mare acclaimed for her fantastic acceleration, flat-out speed, and endurance, owned by Peter Brant and praised by many players. For many years a mainstay of the elite White Birch string, she helped the team to many high-goal victories. The awards during her stellar career were many, including Best Playing Pony of the Gold Cup in 1983, 1989 and 1990.

Described by one writer as a “butter-mouthed speed-and-shove specialist,” Levicu was bred by Hector Barrantes and made her reputation in Argentina, then as a star for White Birch in the U.S.A. Levicu’s exceptional heart and courage first became apparent when she played three chukkers in the final of a hard-fought Argentine Open, leading La Espadana to victory. She then continued her winning ways in the U.S. and was considered “the best horse in Florida for at least five years” according to Owen Rinehart.

In 1985, ridden by Gonzalo Pieres of the White Birch team, Levicu fought out three chukkers for the team’s victory in the Piaget World Cup. Pieres summed it up: “She had everything, including the proverbial big heart; she never gave up.”

Christian LaPrida said, “She is out of this planet, amazing. Everything you want in a pony. She makes you feel confident, makes you play.”

That sentiment was shared by opponents, who, in the words of one writer, “have seen Levicu make their horses look like carousel fixtures.”

Watercolor portrait of Levicu (Top Photo) by artist, Melinda Brewer; www.poloart.ca