Press release from Starting Gate Communications

Canadian entrepreneur Mark Rein and his wife, Tara, have partnered with Canadian Olympic champion Eric Lamaze in acquiring three prospects for the international show jumping market.

The Reins and Lamaze, who first met over 30 years ago when Lamaze was living and training in the Schomberg, ON, area, have purchased three horses in partnership together. Gatrona is a nine-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood mare (Canturano x Numero Uno) currently competing at the 1.45m level that was discovered by Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stable on a recent European buying trip. Egelund’s Miss Unique is an eight-year-old bay Danish Warmblood mare (Numero Uno x Cajus) that was purchased from Stephen Conter’s Stephex Stables of Belgium. The third prospect, Huriosa, is an eight-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood mare (Cardento x Furioso II) found with the help of British-based horse agent, Lexi Carter.

“Not only is Eric a great rider, he is fantastic at finding quality horses and training them to the top level,” said Mark whose wife, Tara, actively competes in the hunter/jumper divisions along with their two daughters under the Rein Family LLC banner. “We reconnected recently, and he explained his business philosophy around buying quality horses, putting time into their training, and developing them for the international market. I was very interested in partnering with him and told him if he happens to find his 2024 Olympic horse along the way as well, we’re all for it!”

Originally from Toronto, Mark now resides with his family in North Carolina where the business he co-founded, Epic Games, in headquartered. Tara grew up around horses in Aurora, ON. The Reins have three teenage children.

“I can’t thank Mark and Tara enough for getting involved at the top level of our sport,” said Lamaze, who claimed individual gold and team silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as an individual bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. “These are three horses that we will develop for the highest levels of our sport. In addition to investing, Mark and Tara are also interested in the idea of keeping a top horse for Canada in the future. As a fellow Canadian, I’m especially thankful to have their support.”

With bases in Wellington, Florida, and Brussels, Belgium, Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stable is a large training and sales business specializing in international sport horse sales. Lamaze and the Torrey Pines team will be competing in Wellington, FL, for the remainder of the winter season before returning to their European base outside Brussels, Belgium, in April.