In Focus: Milena Pappas and PremiuMares

Long-time LGCT competitor Milena Pappas, a passionate equestrian and advocate for the highest standards in horse breeding, founded PremiuMares in 2015, a breeding initiative dedicated to recognizing mares in breeding and producing world-class sport horses. With a deep love for horses and a commitment to excellence, Milena Pappas has worked to build a breeding program focused on mares with outstanding pedigrees—those proven in breeding or with successful careers at the highest levels of competition.

“One of the reasons I started breeding is because of my interest in the genealogies and pedigrees of the horses,” says Milena, “I wanted to see what similarities the horses have, where the genes come from, what the traits are, and their characteristics”

Modern show jumping is increasingly demanding, especially at the elite level. With PremiuMares, Milena’s aim is to breed horses capable of excelling in any environment across the globe. An accomplished rider herself, Pappas not only enjoys her connection with the horses she breeds but also the connections with other people in the sport that are born out of the breeding industry. “You meet new people, you learn a lot about the sport, about the genealogies. It’s extremely interesting, especially when you get to ride the horses themselves,” she explains.

PremiuMares places strong emphasis on both the athletic ability and temperament of the horses, understanding the importance of breeding well-rounded horses that excel not only in competition but also in their partnerships with riders. “The hope would be to have people come up to you and say, ‘you bred this horse and it’s given us so much joy, we’ve won so much, or it’s given us so many moments of happiness,” says Pappas. “That would be the ultimate accomplishment.”

As PremiuMares continues to grow, Milena Pappas hopes to build on their foundation of excellence and reach new heights in the coming years. “In ten years, the goal is a combination of having achieved a horse that is of the ultimate Grand Prix 1.60m 5* quality and making people happy. Young riders coming up and telling you how much joy this horse has brought them,” she tells us. PremiuMares was born out of a passion for excellence and a love for horses, and this is exactly what Milena strives to deliver to clients.

Through PremiuMares, Milena Pappas has established herself as a prominent figure in the equestrian community, contributing to the advancement of the sport with her dedication to breeding excellence.