2018 The Iberian Horse - Issue #1

ISSUE 1 | 2018





ISSUE 1 | 2018

Dedicated to the Spanish and Portuguese Horse

COVER CONTENTS
departments
ON THE DeDicateD to the SpaniSh anD portugueSe horSe ISSUE 2 | 2017

"Piaffer Bleu"
Original watercolor
by Beatrice Bulteau
The PSL Commission of IALHA
proudly supports the APSL

and the Lusitano

4 IALHA PRESIDENT’S LETTER 10 FPSH PRESIDENT'S LETTER
8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 20 WHERE WE HAVE BEEN SEEN
9 YOUTH CORNER 46 SPECIALTY ~ STALLIONS

A Joint PublicAtion of features
the foundAtion for the Pure SPAniSh horSe And the internAtionAl AndAluSiAn And luSitAno horSe ASSociAtion
12 The Romance of Golega
Photographer Barbara Ponder
immortalizes Saltador ORO, by Keron Psillas
highly decorated son of Indiano Keron takes us on a journey through
XVIII, represented by "Rancho Portugal's historical Lusitano region
del Lago." In 2004, Rancho Del and the famed annual horse festival
Lago doubled down on Indiano in Golegã.
XVIII and the results were
spectacular. Saltador ORO 25 The Carriages and Driving Horses at the
and Dardano RDL, by Indiano
XVIII are out of Guardiola mares Royal School of Equestrian Art in Spain
from the lines of Centella V,
Champion of Spain. by Diane E. Barber
An Interview with Manuel Marquez.
Each stallion is a USDF under
saddle Champion and Grand 32 The Indiano XVIII Cup
Champion Dressage Sport
Horse in Hand; is a multiple The FPSH announces a new Dressage Award.
USDF All Breeds Award winner,
and carries many IALHA
National Champion titles in
multiple categories under both
USEF and Spanish judges);
holds an IALHA Life Merit Award,
and has many championship
awards at regional shows; and
each stallion has in their own
right sired multiple National
Champions. Learn more at:

http://ranchodellago.net

Be sure to visit page 24 to read
about the Fundation's Newest
Dressage Award!

2 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

36 IALHA USEF 2017 HOTY Awards Index to

Congratulations to IALHA's best & brightest. advertisers

38 FPSH Supports Working Pg# Client
17 Barbier Farm
Equitation with Additional Award 5 DP Saddlery LP
31 Driving Essentials, Inc
40 Doubling Down on Indiano XVIII 24, 43 FPSH
19 GrafX by Laurie
The Impact of this legendary stallion at Rancho 39 Hidden Pond Farm
del Lago. C4 Hilltop Farm, Inc
22, 42 IALHA
44 USEF 2017 Annual Meeting 34, 35 Jackass Mountain Ranch
11 Keberica
Bringing joy and embracing change. 17 Keron Psillas Oliveira
Photography
18 Lionheart Andalusians
7 Peet Equestrian
C3 PSL Commission
C1 Rancho Del Lago
30 SF Andalusians
C2 Silver Spur Stables
1 Sleeping Willow Ranch
23 Southwest Classic WE

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 3

IALHA President’s Letter

DedicatedtotheSpanishandPortugueseHorse

by Janita Smith THE IBERIAN HORSE MAGAZINE IS A
JOINT PUBLICATION OF FPSH & IALHA
The Times They Are
a-Changin' IALHA PRESIDENT
Janita Smith

IALHA PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

Erica Peet, Chair Julie Alonzo

Jan DeLipsey Tania Radda

There is an old Bob IALHA REGISTRY & MEMBERSHIP OFFICE
Dylan song released in 101 Carnoustie, North, #200, Birmingham, AL 35242
1964, The Times They
Are a -Changin'. They Tel: (205) 995-8900 | Fax: (205) 995-8966
are! The world seemed Email: offi[email protected] | www.IALHA.org
to be moving fast back
in 1963, but today with **Only issues, statements, declarations and decisions
cell phones, high speed discussed and agreed upon by vote of the Board of
internet, video cameras, Directors or the membership shall be considered official
electronic equipment, Association Policy. Any and all other issues, statements,
not to mention high declarations and decisions expressed in any publication,
speed trains, ultra- letter, video, speech, discussion or any other communication
fast air transportation, displaying or not displaying the name of the IALHA or
etc. the times are expressed by any Officer, Director, employee or member
“a-changin’” faster than shall be considered personal opinion and shall not be
ever. deemed in any way to be policy of this Association or its
members, Officers, Directors or employees. The use of
The world of the the Association name, letterhead and or logo or any other
horse and horse people representation of the IALHA in any media shall not constitute
has been changing recognition and/or agreement with the contents of such.
too. As society has
changed, the role of the FPSH PRESIDENT
horse in our lives has changed, and the role of breed associations Cameron English
must change with the times. The IALHA has a primary mission
to preserve, improve and maintain the purity of the blood of the FPSH PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
Andalusian breed. It is our aim to promote public interest in and Managing Editor: Sue King
encourage breeding, exhibition, and promotion of the breed.
We do this by maintaining a rigorous examination of documents, Content Advisor: Dr. Celia Stenfors-Dacre
pedigrees, and DNA before registering a purebred or half-
Andalusian through our registry and working with the Portuguese FOUNDATION &
registry through the APSL. The IALHA promotes the breed by
licensing USEF breed shows and holding our National Show each PRE MUNDIAL REGISTRY OFFICES
year to provide recognition for the best of the breed. We strive to 115 Elm St. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87102
Tel: 505.294.0800 | www.prehorse.org
4 | THE IBERIAN HORSE IALHA PRESIDENT’S LETTER continued on p. 6 [email protected] | [email protected]
Issue 1 | 2018
The PRE Mundial Registry is a subsidiary of the Foundation
for the Pure Spanish Horse formed in compliance with IRS
regulations as a 501(c)5.

POSTMASTER: Send IALHA address changes to: IALHA,
101 Carnoustie, North, #200, Birmingham, AL 35242.
POSTMASTER: Send FPSH address changes to: FPSH,
c/o Ana Escobar, 115 Elm St. N.E., Albuquerque, NM

87102. EMail: [email protected]

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any
mechanical, photographic or electronic process without

prior written permission of the publisher.

COPYRIGHT © 2017 THE IBERIAN HORSE
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 5

IALHA President’s Letter SAVE THE DATES!

continued from p. 4 2018 IALHA
NATIONAL SHOW
provide a great magazine, USDF All-Breed awards, High Score
Ribbons at open shows, and grants and educational opportunities OCT. 9-13
to members.
2018 US OPEN
The IALHA Board of Directors has been working hard to CELEBRATION
maintain the IALHA as a vital organization that is keeping up with
“the times.” As a result of three years of strategic planning and OCT. 10-12
hard work by the board, the IALHA is moving forward to change
our Bylaws to keep the association current with the needs of our SOUTHWEST
membership today. We are proposing changes that will enable CLASSIC WORK-
more members to serve on the board of directors. It is our hope
that the reach of the board will broaden as a result of these ING EQ Show
changes. At this writing, the proxies outlining these proposed
changes are about to be sent out to members. The changes, if they OCT. 10-12, 2018
pass, will allow half-Andalusian owners to serve in any Regional
Directorship, not just as Directors-at-Large, and will also allow the Great Southwest
Board to meet electronically for several meetings a year, rather Equestrian Center
than the currently-mandated four quarterly in-person meetings.
The electronic age with technology options such as Skype and Katy, TX
Zoom allow board members to meet in a virtual room together,
something that was not possible only a few short years ago. Lastly, IALHA, the FPSH, and WE United are
the IALHA is planning to add a fourth position to the Registry Board working together to provide an amaz-
and make modifications to the Registrar position to broaden the ing opportunity to those who want to
number of people who understand the registry and to provide for show their horses. No matter what
the continued integrity of our registry. your interest is, you will find some-

Our annual elections will be open in June for nominations. If our thing to do!
members agree with the strategy of the board of directors, we will
have broadened our Bylaws to allow more members to be involved
and to bring their expertise, experience, and knowledge to the
association. As nominations open, please nominate members who
will work to direct, grow, and expand our beautiful breed. Nominate
yourself! Regional Director positions will be open in all Regions,
and positions will be open on the Registry board.

Whether the changes pass the membership meeting and
proxy vote process on May 19 or not, your association needs your
input. We need you to participate. Please feel free to contact me
at [email protected] with ideas, questions, or just the desire to
serve. I hope to hear from you.

“The Times They Are a-Changin’”, and we are changing too!

Janita Smith
IALHA President. vTIH

6 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 7

EVENTS Calendar 2018

Calendar of Events

2018 boasts a wide selection of events going on around the USA for Iberian horse owners.
Take a look at what is available, and go have some fun this year! Don't see an event listed? Let us know about
it and we will gladly update the next issue! Send your event information to [email protected].

MAY 2018: JULY 2018: OCTOBER 2018:

Make Sure Your Horse's Registration 26-27 BHTMW, A-Rated Show, CHECK OUT THIS COLLABORATION!
Papers are getting done so you can One Location, 3 Fabulous Shows.
attend the IALHA National Champion- Elkhorn, WI IALHA, the FPSH, and WE United are
ship Horse Show! working together to provide an amaz-
27-29 BHTMW, Regional ing opportunity to those who want to
USDF members; make sure your show their horses. No matter what
memberships are renewed and that Championship Horse Show, your interest is, you will find something
your horses are registered for the Elkhorn, WI to do!
USDF All-Breeds Awards.
AUGUST 2018: 9-13 IALHA National Champion-
4-6 Feria Del Caballo Espanol,
10 Iberian Horse Magazine, Mate- ship Horse Show & BOD General
Industry Hills, CA Meeting, and APSL Inspections, Lo-
rials Deadline cation; Great Southwest Equestrian
15-25 P.R.E. Revision throughout Center, Katy, TX
23-26 ERAHC Classic Open
the US and Canada 10-12 US Open Celebration,
Dressage Show & Regional Cham-
19 Special Member's Meeting and pionship A/L Horse Show and APSL Come Play at the Re-Launch of the
Inspections, Lexington, VA FPSH Celebration Show, and P.R.E.
Vote, 1 p.m. During Board Meeting. MUNDIAL REVISION. Location: Great
Location: Elements Dallas Fort Worth 24-26 Texas Rosen Breed Southwest Equestrian Center Katy, TX
Airport North, 3550 W. IH-635, Irving,
TX 75063. Telephone 972-929-9800 Show, Tyler, TX 10-12 Southwest Classic Work-

19-20 IALHA Board Meeting, SEPTEMBER 2018: ing Equitation Show, A-rated show
licensed by WE United, Location: Great
Location; Elements Dallas Fort Worth 1 FPSH National P.R.E. Open Barn Southwest Equestrian Center Katy, TX
Airport North, 3550 W. IH-635, Irving,
TX 75063. Telephone 972-929-9800 Day. Further details to be announced NOVEMBER 2018:
soon.
JUNE 2018: 22 The FPSH Raffle Horse Winner
11-23 FEI World Equestrian
7-9 America's P.R.E. Cup, Earl War- Announcement
Games, Tryon, NC
ren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara, DECEMBER 2018:
CA. Contact Felix Prieto. 14-16 Feria Del Caballo Espa-
10 Iberian Horse Magazine
8-10 June Fest, Clinics and show nol, Industry Hills, CA
Materials Deadline
classes sponsored by FPSH and 19-22 8:30 AM ~ FPSH Annual
Rancho del Lago 30 FPSH Tri-Cup Awards an-
Meeting at World Cup in Las Vegas,
15-17 Buckeye Baroque Show, NV. Contact: [email protected] nounced: Fuego, Norte, and Indiano XVIII

Springfield, OH. 22 Andalusian World Cup, Las

Vegas, NV

8 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

IALHA Youth Membership

YOUTH Members
by Phillipa and Libby Mills are our FUTURE

For the third year, the IALHA is offering Free Youth Memberships to youth
under 18 who ride a horse registered with the IALHA. This program, funded in
part by a grant from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), enables
qualified youth to enjoy all the benefits of IALHA membership at zero cost to
themselves or their families. Once again this year, along with the FREE MEM-
BERSHIP the IALHA is offering a FREE western or dressage saddle pad for join-
ing.

You can find the link to the IALHA Calling all Youth Members form at https://
ialha.org/usef-ialha-sponsor-youth/. Please fill out the form and submit it to the
IALHA office in Birmingham. Phone: 205-995-8900. If, by chance, you hap-
pened to pay for a youth membership for 2018, you can fill out the form and
request reimbursement.

One request the IALHA Board makes of the Youth members is to please
send photos of you and your horse together, showing off the IALHA saddle
pad to: [email protected] or [email protected]. These photos will be shared on
Facebook and in The Iberian Horse magazine to promote our youth.

A big Thank You goes out to our Youth member Libby Mills, who was the
first to renew her membership and send us a photo! Here is what her mother
had to say:

"I recently renewed the IALHA youth membership for my daughter Eliza-
beth Mills. We wanted to take advantage of the offer to share a youth photo.
Libby oftentimes shows off her IALHA pride by riding with the IALHA saddle pad
that she received for her membership. Libby is shown here riding her wonderful
Andalusian Liberty. We are excited to be IALHA members again this year." vTIH

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APSL INSPECTIONS, or want to reserve your spot,
please send the Request for APSL inspection to the IALHA office with fee, and also to Sharon Mohr of
the PSL Commission; [email protected]. All forms should be sent in at least one (1) month prior to the
inspection, with the fee (paid to IALHA).

If you have any questions about the FPSH P.R.E. MUNDIAL REVISION, please contact the Foundation for
the Pure Spanish Horse at [email protected] or call; 505-294-0800.

NOTE: This is a general announcement board. If a group or individual would like detailed announcements, please
contact us to run an advertisement.

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 9

FPSH President’s Letter

by Cameron English Ocala area,
and although
Our New Director working
continually
In this issue I want to take the opportunity to in Public
remark on the fantastic job the Foundation’s new Relations and
Executive Director, Sue King, has been doing since her Marketing, her
onboarding in October 2017, and tell you a little about professional
her. We were very fortunate to find an individual who not path took
only has a professional background in Public Relations her into
but also an extensive knowledge of horses. Here are a technology,
few highlights from the Bio of our new Director. real estate
and non-profit
Born in St. Augustine Florida, Sue's family has education.
Catalan roots going back over 200 years in the state.
Her Grandmother spoke Catalan and the rich Catalan Privately though, Sue continued to expand her
culture that remains strong in St. Augustine is deeply equine knowledge. Initially training in dressage with
rooted in her blood. A profound love of the horse is part warmbloods, she shifted gears and began working as an
of those roots. Her family were Florida Cowmen and assistant to Julio Garcia (RIP) a Paso Fino trainer. Here
worked stock on cracker horses, descendants of the she found the superiority of both the Spanish training
horses of the conquistadors. methodology and the New World Spanish breed.

Interested in Cultural Anthropology she received her Sue owned and managed a boarding and training
BA in the subject from University of Florida (UF). After barn and she and her husband owned a 65-acre horse
graduating she moved to Europe where she lived in farm in St. Augustine, FL.
the Netherlands and traveled through many countries
including Spain and Portugal. After returning from As the President of St. Augustine, FL’s Minorcan
Europe she moved to Costa Rica where she saw her first Cultural Society, she headed up Paseo St. Augustine, a
Andalusian in a Paseo in Alajuela. Returning to the US “horse-intensive” celebration inspired by the Sao Joao
she took a Masters Degree in Mass Communications/ festival in Minorca.
Public Relations from UF with a specialty in Horse
Management. Sue was working as a consultant to an equestrian
based business in Ocala, FL when she spotted an
The University’s location in central Florida – the horse advertisement for the Foundation for the Pure Spanish
capital of the United States – positioned the institution Horse, Executive Director position. Her daughter had
at the cutting edge of Equine Science technology. With been recently and happily married and her own husband
the economic life of central Florida centered around the had passed away several years earlier so she decided it
horse, Sue’s goal was to work in the horse industry in was time for a new adventure -- moving to New Mexico
a communications function. While in school she took and taking on the challenges of steering the Foundation
clinics from Linda Tellington Jones in Wellington, Dorita to new heights!
Konyot, Bill Woods and Kathy Connelly. She was a
groom for Kathy Daily, “r” rated licensed USEF Dressage Her goals at the Foundation are centered on re-
Judge, USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist. Her trainer at invigorating the P.R.E. Mundial Registry to promote
the time was Eventing Technical Delegate, Carol Ogden American P.R.E. Breeders and Horses and expanding
Malphurs. After graduating she relocated away from the the educational mission of the Foundation. Sue is
currently working to streamline and advance the
technological aspects of the operation while maintaining
a focus on the grandeur of the Spanish culture and its
gifts to the cultivation of horses and horsemanship. vTIH

10 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 11

The Romance of Golegã

by Keron Psillas

THE R oma n c e

OF GOLEGÃ

Keron Psillas began her professional Ihad my first glimpse of the Ribatejo, the region of Portugal that is home to
photographic career in 2006. After the Lusitano and all its heritage, in the Spring of 2011. Following the Tagus
two years tenure as Director of the river south, the plane flew over a vast delta, heavily cultivated and glowing
Art Wolfe Digital Photography Center, green with rice paddies and hay fields. The margins of the delta rose gently to
she has maintained a robust career a shelf to the East, and the land turned into pastures and open woodlands. As
as a freelance photographer, writer, the plane neared the city we circled out over the Atlantic and then flew right
and teacher. She continues to offer back up the Tagus. This time I could look down and see the Tower of Belem
photographic workshops and tours on and the hills of Lisbon just behind. Finally, after dreaming of Portugal since
several continents. She often teaches with seeing the glorious Lusitanos of Brazil and the beautiful performance of the
her mentor, National Geographic veteran, Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Paris, I had arrived!
Sam Abell, and Charlie Waite, renowned
English landscape photographer, along Perhaps you can tell that this is not a training article or a biographical
with other notable professionals. Her piece on a famous rider. This is a story of romance, charm, beauty and
published works include Meditation for history, all created by a noble, dignified horse whose characteristics and
Two, Alchemy, and 40 Years Later, all functionality have made them rising stars in the dressage competition
with long-time collaborator Dominique world and increasingly, among the enthusiasts for Working Equitation.
Barbier. This September she debuts a Iberic horses have always been the Horse of Kings and a treasured mount
landmark work: Cavalo Lusitano, The for students of classical dressage, but now the rest of the equine world is
Spirit Within, dedicated to her husband. learning to appreciate their unique abilities. Now, back to the romance…
She accepts commissions for farm shoots
at various times during the year. She lives A legendary performance in Paris in late November of 2007 was the
in the Ribatejo in Portugal, in the heart first time the Four Classical Schools were seen together. It was a moving
of the culture of the Lusitano. For more experience when they filed into Bercy, four abreast, the Directors of the
information: www.keronpsillas.com. Schools at the head of columns of their horses and riders. The crowd
was on its feet cheering and it was only the beginning. We saw dazzling
performances of the Schools from Saumur, Jerez, Vienna, and Portugal.
But the riders from Portugal captured my heart with their beautiful bays from
Alter and their gorgeous baroque costumes. I decided then I would journey
to Portugal as soon as I could.

It took nearly four more years but arriving in June of 2011, with the
Barbiers, to discover the heritage of the Lusitano...and to take a trip down
a poignant memory lane for Dominique...was unexpectedly life-changing.

12 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

INES CANCIO, GRANDDAUGHTER OF MESTRE LUIS VALENÇA, PERFORMS WITH THE CENTRO EQUESTRE LEZIRIA GRANDE

From my first glimpse of the Ribatejo I felt a connection to of Andrade and Meneses from learning about Mestre
the land that was surprisingly strong. I had traveled many Oliveira and his horses, but now I was hearing about the
times to Brazil with Dominique and Debra, beginning in personal side of the man and his relationship with his
2007, and photographed the finest Lusitano breeding horses and the breeders that created them.
farms and their magnificent horses. But it was the land
and heritage of Portugal that kept calling me through the After we left Mestre Valenca, we traveled to
noble Lusitano. Avessada, a tiny village west of Vila Franca, and stepped
back more than 30 years in history. We visited the
On this first trip we saw a lovely performance by manège of Mestre Oliveira. Nothing had changed since
the School of Equestrian Art in the outdoor ring at the the years that Dominique had lived and studied there. It
National Palace at Queluz, visited Sintra, and toured the was quiet, only a few horses in the old stalls, but no one
Coach Museum in Belem.
CARLOS OLIVEIRA WITH TORERO
A visit to Mestre Luis Valencia would take us north,
following the Tagus up into the Ribatejo. I was at eye level
with the watery landscape I had viewed from above. And
I was now seeing horses dotting the open woodlands,
rolling hillsides, and intermittent grasslands. I saw fields
with black bulls lazily munching in the heat of mid-day.
Nesting storks made condominiums of the electricity
pylons while wading birds of all kinds were busily
bobbing beaks up and down in the rice paddies.

Listening to Dominique reminisce with Mestre
Luis was like turning the pages in a history book of the
Great Masters. Of course there was much discussion of
Mestre Nuno Oliveira. Each of these men shared favorite
personal reminiscences. But they also spoke of the great
breeding families of Portugal. Veiga, Coimbra, Freire,
and Braga were names I had heard often and had seen
on the genealogy of fine Lusitanos from Brazil. I knew

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 13

on ancient cobblestones began to mix

with announcements over a loudspeaker

(all in Portuguese), and the calls of the

vendors roasting chestnuts...QUENTE!

(Hot!). Children were calling to parents

to “look at that one!”, friends called to

one another as they were recognized,

(En forma? Sim! Sempre!) and then the

flow of horses and people opened onto a

large square. I had arrived: Golegã! The

lights and the chestnut smoke started to

mix with the mist and light rain, and it lent

an almost Dickensian feel to the scene.

Horses with riders in traditional costume

were parading around the central show-

PAULO SERGIO PERDIGÃO PERFORMING WITH LONG REINS ground, emerging from the mist and fog,

from midday until well into the middle of

the night. I was on sensory overload (and

in the manège. The chair in the corner where the Mestre loving every second).

would sit each day to offer the occasional comment to From time to time I would recognize a friend from

he students was dust covered, but there. The names on Brazil, or an acquaintance from the trip in June. People

the outside wall of the Picadeiro of the horses that the were warm and welcoming, and it made it easy to be

Mestre shared his life with were all still there...and the more relaxed in such an energetic atmosphere. But the

hand-painted azulejos of the haute école movements most surprising thing was the horses. With all the activity,

were still at the end of the arena, waiting for the next rider sounds, smells, smoke, barking dogs, screaming

to passage beneath them. Time stood still in melancholy children, banging, clanging and uproar...nearly every

anticipation. single one was calm and controlled. We are talking

There was a visit to Santarem for a bullfight, hundreds and hundreds of horses, mostly stallions,

unexpectedly exhilarating and enchanting with its happily going about their business with a minimum of

pageantry. Then we visited Senhor Manuel Coimbra and fuss. Riders of all ages (from 3 to 83) were riding the

saw horses at his manege in nearby Golegã. I had heard parade circuit and sharing the track with carts, carriages,

all about this amazing festival for years, and here I was in ponies, donkeys, and the charging and snorting horses

what seemed to be just a normal sleepy little Portuguese that seemed (by their costumes) to belong to the

village. Little did I know then what a transformation takes bullfighters. Here and there, around the grounds, riders

place every early November. stopped by the casitas of friends to have a drink (from

I had my chance to return to the Feira de Golegã horseback) and share a tale or two. As the night grew

in November of that year when I was offered some longer these casitas grew more popular.

magazine work during the Festival of the Lusitano. Upon I was witnessing an event that had taken place for

arrival, at first I had no idea which way to go, so I decided centuries. Since the mid 1700‘s, breeders and owners

to follow the horses. They were everywhere! All manner brought their finest horses to Golegã, to the St. Martin’s

of riders in traditional costumes of forcados, campinos, Fair, to be seen, to buy and sell horses, and to promote

and apresentadors...carriages, carts, horses being led, their stallions for the coming breeding season. It was the

horses being ridden, all moving toward an unknown time for friendships to be renewed, news to be shared,

point. I was happy to just float along on the current. and breeding to be judged. Since 1972, the festival has

As we neared the center of all the activity the streets been known as the National Horse FairThe Fair at Golegã,

grew narrower and even more crowded. Animals, horses usually eight days or so and always at the time of São

and carts were happily coexisting within inches of each Martinho (November 11), stretched across the history

other. I’m certain I was wide-eyed! The sounds of hooves and tradition of the Lusitano. The Feira unites the people

14 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

The Romance of Golegã

of the Ribatejo around the endeavor to preserve the are always Campinos in attendance in traditional dress.

finest characteristics in the Iberian horse. The intelligent, On another corner you can marvel at the proud black

brilliant, but kind animal that was bred to courageously horses of Senhor Ortigao Costa. And another holds the

face the bulls in the field is the same horse needed to proud lineages of Senhor Manuel Veiga and just beside

pull the carriage for the family and carry the campinos that, his cousins at the Veiga-Maltez casita.

and landowners across their estates. These horses You can also spend time in the picadeiro, watching

were bred to be functional, hardy, willing in work, and riders present horses for sale to clients, watching

happy to partner with their caretaker. Those are the performers warm up before going out to the arena,

characteristics that are still revered today and are evident and looking to see who is talking to whom from where.

in the proud lineages of the last 300 years. Golegã is the place to be for all of Europe if you are

I met again a familiar face and frequent photographic looking to meet the best breeders and see the best

subject from my trips to Brazil, Senhor Carlos Oliveira.... horses in one place. The picadeiro and the casitas are

champion apresentador on several continents. Carlos where the negotiations are struck.

worked for the finest breeders in Portugal, Spain, All the disciplines are there to enjoy; along with the

France, Belgium, Switzerland, Mexico, Columbia morphology competition there is dressage, jumping,

and Brazil for thirty years: Senhors Veiga, Braga, and working equitation, driving in all configurations, even

Coimbra, Senhor Carlos Torres and Senhor Vasco Freire Horseball! There are special performances of the

with many others. He trained and presented many of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, Mestre Luis

great champions of the last twenty-five years including, Valenca’s Centro de Equestre do Leziria Grande, and the

among many others, Adeel, Neptune, Opus, Oceano, Masters of Working Equitation generally offer a carousel.

Violino, Riopele, Raja, and Dragao. That heritage made The other popular activities at Golegã? Shopping

him an integral and highly respected part of the Lusitano and drinking. There are tack shops and custom tailors

culture in Portugal with a lofty reputation surpassed only for Portuguese riding outfits, boot makers, toys, custom

by his love and passion for the horse. porcelains, blacksmithing…..if it has anything to do with

I mentioned romance at the beginning, didn’t I? the Lusitano, you can find it. The drinking? One of the

Carlos and I fell in love and were married. It all began on a great traditions at Golegã is to have Ginja (or Ginjginha)

night with a full moon in Golegã that November. But let’s in little chocolate cups. This liquor, made from a fruit

get back to the horses, the land, the traditions.

Over the last seven TYPICAL NIGHTTIME SCENE IN GOLEGÃ WITH SMOKE FROM ROASTING CHESTNUTS

years, I have brought

clients, students, and

friends to revel in the

charm and passion of

the feira. After people

get over the shock

of so many beautiful

horses going ‘round

and ‘round the square

outside the arena, they

begin to settle in to see

the subtle differences

in breeding. On one

corner of the Largo

(square where the arena

for competitions exists)

you can see the casita

of Manuel Coimbra. I

enjoy this because there

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 15

The Romance of Golegã

CARLOS OLIVEIRA (LEFT) WITH FRIENDS ROMINA STEINER CARLOS OLIVEIRA PRESENTING THE CHAMPION THREE
AND JACQUES MONSIEUR, BOTH ESTEEMED LUSITANO YEAR OLD STALLION FROM TORRES VAZ FREIRE.
BREEDERS FROM HOLLAND AND FRANCE, RESPECTIVELY.

similar to a wild cherry, is wildly popular all over the the Lusitano from the last 35 years. Tragically, we lost
region, but even more so in Golegã. Some of the ‘bars’ my husband Carlos after Golegã of 2016, when he fell
are at ground level for walk-up patrons, and some are a from one of our horses. The feira takes on an extra layer
bit higher, for the ‘walk up patrons’ on horseback! You of nuance and depth for me now, and for his friends and
have been warned. family. While it is true that it will never be the same for any
of us, the spirit of the Lusitano that he loved so much
If you come this year, it’s likely you’ll find me will continue to draw people from around the world.
photographing in the arena or having a rest in my favorite That generous, expressive, noble character that Carlos
spot: the casita of Senhor Manuel Braga and Senhor shared with his beloved Lusitanos is alive and well, as it
Luis Meneses. There are wonderful horses to be seen has been for centuries.
but I go there to see family and friends. I go there to see
pictures of my husband on the walls and to listen again So now, come see for yourself. We are waiting to
to the familiar, poignant stories. Here is the history of
welcome you! http://feiradagolega.com vTIH

AN HOMAGE TO SENHOR MANUEL ASSUNÇÃO COIMBRA DURING THE FESTIVAL

16 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Keron Psillas Oliveira

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 17

18 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 19

Were We Have Been Seen

Andalusians and Lusitanos are amazingly versatile! The IALHA and the FPSH are proud to share the
accomplishments and special events that our members are participating in, outside of our breed
shows. The following is a compilation of what some of our members wanted to share with All for
this issue of The Iberian Horse.

Supporting A Great Cause. IALHA Member's Miracle Baby Makes
a Presence in Dressage.
In March, my Andalusian stallion Luchador BP
(shown above), of Morning Star Andalusians, had the Lord Nelson, our big Half-Andalusian colt
opportunity to be part of a Working Equitation Demo (below), is very special: he is the son of our
at a Mini Horse Expo put on by Main Stay Therapeutic beloved P.R.E. companion of 25 years, El Gavilan.
Farm, in Richmond, Illinois. In front of a huge crowd, Nelson was a "test tube baby" made from El
Luchador demonstrated the canter work required Gavilan's frozen semen, collected just before he
of a Working Equitation horse, while Whisper, a paint was gelded in 1993. In 2014, UC Davis' Center for
mare ridden by Christine Righeimer, demonstrated Equine Health, in collaboration with Texas A&M
the lower level work. This demo was a fantastic way University, produced two embryos using the new
to show off the natural talent of the Andalusian, which ICSI process. One embryo was frozen for future
makes this breed such great Working Equitation use and the other was transferred to a recipient
horses. Luchador's temperament was a testament mare. Their very first ICSI process was successful,
to the kind, willing and friendly characteristics of our and eleven months later, in late July 2015, our little
Andalusian stallions. To top it off, Luchador showed his "love baby", Lord Nelson was born.
IALHA pride by sporting his IALHA saddle pad!
Now at 2 1/2 years of age, Nelson displays the
The demo was one of many that helped to provide calm and athletic traits of his Shire/Thoroughbred
education, shopping, and fun for people while also dam, and the beauty, intelligence and supple
sharing the wonderful programs that Main Stay gaits of his wonderful P.R.E. sire. During 2017 he
Therapeutic Farm offers to their clients. All proceeds competed in-hand against much older warmblood
went to benefit Main Stay, a 501c3 non-profit colts. He finished the year by winning a blue ribbon
organization. ~Kim Pittman from IALHA for All-Breeds Dressage Sporthorse
Breeding, as well as a medal at the USDF Annual
Awards Banquet in Lexington, K Y. I hung them
on my horse's stall, for people to admire. We love

Lord Nelson
dearly and
are totally
excited by
his prospects
for dressage
in the future.
~Carol Alonzo

We are always looking for more member stories! Youth members, don't forget to show
off your horses! Submit your experience to [email protected].

20 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Where We Have Been Seen

Tradition with A Whimsical Flair. Pleasure Driving: Numerous Classes and
Tons of Fun!
The NW Equine Horse Expo in Albany, Oregon
should be attended Friday, Saturday and Sunday The luck of the Irish was with the Houston Area
to fully enjoy and grasp the meaning behind all Carriage Association who held the “Pot O Gold”
the costumes and breeds. I was fortunate to have Pleasure Driving Show over St. Patrick’s Day
been one of six in the IALHA group to showcase weekend in Luling, TX. Equines of all shapes and
my Andalusian stallion, Lebrijano LIV. sizes participated – from miniature donkeys, to
draft horses, and everything in between. I was
LEBRIJANO LIV (photo credit @ wesdotphotography) fortunate to have another opportunity to drive
Francine Dismuke's Lusitano gelding Generoso
The expo allowed me “to just be me” and Unico (“Uno”) at this great show in several super-
have fun without the pressure of an actual show fun classes. Day one, we entered and won
environment with its strict dress code. I showed the Horse-division Turnout and Reinsmanship
my artsy side of fashion by choosing a Knight’s classes. We placed third in the Working class,
costume along with a sword at my side for attire. I and competed also in the All-division Ladies-to-
dressed my steed up in his red saddle pad. The red Drive. Day two, we competed in Timed cones
next to his metallic white highlighted how “classy” and Cross-country classes. Never having driven
he is. Lebrijano rose to the occasion; he strutted a cones course, I was a bit nervous, but Francine
across the arena with pride. and Malen were encouraging and Uno was a
superstar. He is a true testament to his breed, and
Educating people about the Andalusian is to Francine's training. After the cones courses, all
one of the highlights to these kinds of events. entries went directly into a cross-country course
The creativity and the ability to just have FUN, is that wound around obstacles set up across the
another. The IALHA group this year really put their entire property. I am just beginning to learn about
ALL into this event. From helping each other in the the world of driving but can certainly see that it
booth, to cheering each other on. is a sport that will get you “hooked”! And, I am
beyond grateful to be able to learn from the best.
From Knight’s costumes to traditional dress, the ~Kaeli Dressler vTIH
expo was an AMAZING experience. ~Sarah Kress

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 21

One week, Three Fabulous S22 | THEIBERIANHORSE
Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e Issue 1 | 2018 |2

Shows, One Great Location23 | THEIBERIANHORSE
w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 24

An Interview with Manuel Marquez

The CARRIAGES and The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in
Jerez, Spain is not only home to an exquisite P.R.E.
Driving Horses herd of dressage show horses. It also boasts a
prestigious carriage museum and teams of exceptionally
at the Royal Andalusian School of
trained carriage driving horses that perform in the
Equestrian Art IN SPAIN...
school’s world-renowned performance “How the

Andalusian Horses Dance”.

The museum was o cially established in 2002 by the

Junta de Andalucia (regional government) to honor and

preserve the tradition of horse-drawn carriages, which

coincided with the World Equestrian Games held in Jerez

that year. It is located in a 19th-century building that

was formerly a winery across the street from the main

grounds of the Royal School. Twelve of the original

carriages and harnesses acquired by the school

from the Domecq family in the 1980s are on display

in the main room of the museum and are equipped

with interactive touch screens for visitors to access

information about twas bred origin and history.

The carriage horses are stabled there among the

immaculate collection of carriages, harnesses and

costumes.

At the helm of the day-to-day management

of the entire carriage department is Manuel

Marquez, Manager of Carriages and Coachmen,

who has meticulously overseen every detail for the

past 20 years. The museum, horse training, sta

management, teaching students, and everything

related to the shows at the school, outside exhibitions

and competitions are under his watchful eye with

tremendous pride at the heart of his passion. M
Several years ago, I participated in private classes

with Manuel as a part of an intensive training program

at the Royal School. My experience with the reins of a

single-horse carriage in my hands forever altered my

perception of horse drawn carriages and it provided a

newfound appreciation for the similarities between riding

and driving. As a naive bystander, driving had always

looked fairly easy to me. That certainly changed when I

found myself in the driver’s seat for the first time. Initially,

having all of the horse’s energy and power in front of me

was disconcerting. But, with Manuel’s careful coaching,

I tapped into my riding experience and I discovered

tremendous commonalities shared by both disciplines.

25 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 Written and photograwpwhwe.tdhebibyerDiainahnoerseE..onBlianerber Issue 1 | 2018 |2

First and foremost I learned that, as with work under
saddle, clear communications to establish a solid
trusting connection with the horse was paramount. I also
quickly discovered that sensitive hands, timing, use of
my voice and reward were also key, as well as engaging
core muscles with great posture for balance.

The short time spent training with Manuel left me with
a lingering fascination and respect for driving. Years later
I still yearned to learn more about the behind-the-scenes
world of the carriage department at the Royal School.
When I returned to Andalucia for my annual trip last fall,
I had the good fortune of spending another day with the
master with a notebook and camera in hand.

Warming up for the weekly performance of "How The Andalusian Horses' Dance".

DB: How many of them are trained to perform in the DB: How many carriages are in the museum and how old
show “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” and how are they?
many horses and carriages are driven in each show?
MM: All of the horses are trained to perform. Ten or MM: The museum has approximately 40 vintage
more horses usually participate in the show with up to carriages. The oldest one is the Carretela, circa 1800.
four carriages. The most modern one is from the end of the 20th century.

Manuel Marquez, Manager of Carriages and Coachmen, and assistant. DB: What qualities must a horse have to be good at DB: How many of the carriages do you use for training
pulling carriages? What is special about the horses you and for the shows? Do you use any of the vintage
A CONVERSATION WITH MANUEL MARQUEZ (MM) choose to lead the teams of horses? carriages for special performances?
AND DIANE BARBER (DB) MM: Carriage horses must have a good character, good
DB: How many P.R.E.s do you currently have in the conformation and good movement, which all of our MM: We use seven carriages for training to teach and
carriage department and were they bred at the Royal P.R.E.s have. The most expressive horses are generally perform di erent types of driving. For the show we
School? used as the carriage guides (leaders). use an average of 10 carriages. Because it is a living
MM: At the present time, we have 22 horses working museum, every carriage can be used.
as carriage horses. Twelve of the horses were either DB: How old are the horses when they start training and
purchased or given to the school from di erent breeders how long does it typically take to train them to be ready DB: How many people care for the horses, equipment
and ten are stallions from our own FREAAE stock, which for the performances at the school? and carriages?
have proven to be excellent for this discipline. MM: The horses are started around the age of three. For
a horse to participate in a show it needs approximately MM: There are six sta members under my direction –
26 | THE IBERIAN HORSE two years of training, depending upon the evolution of a coachman, a foreman and four stable workers. There
the animal during the training period. are also six students in training.

w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e DB: Are the horse and driver costumes historical? What
is the significance of the bells and the tassels that are a
part of some of the horses’ costumes? Are the tassels
made at the school?

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 27

An Interview with Manuel Marquez

MM: The dress is specific to the carriage and harness category
that we are presenting. The bells are an element of the Calasera
harnesses, which are traditional harnesses from our land. The
tassels are also traditional. They are made my local artisans, not
at the school.

DB: Is any of the leather equipment made in the saddlery at the
school?
MM: Yes, our saddlery department does much of the leather
work.

DB: How many horses are in the largest team at the school?
MM: The largest team is six. More than that would be difficult
because of the size of our show arena.

DB: How do you stop a team of horses in an emergency:
MM: I talk to them softly, take the brake and pick up the reins
continuously until the horses calm down.

Performing a difficult perfect circle in the Royal School's colesium (below).

28 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Historic costume display (above). Manuel Marquez students driving behind the Royal School palace.

DB: What are the most important pieces of equipment MM: Getting the correct curvatures in a circle,
on the horses and why? Why do they wear blinders on serpentine, backing and, of course, straightness.
their eyes? What kind of bits and shoes are used?
DB: Do you have a favorite horse?
MM: In general, all of the pieces are necessary to
perform their functions in the hitch, without some MM: For me, they are all my favorites. But, I have a new
of them it would be impossible. The horses wear horse named Baluarte, which is very special. Although
blinders so they do not see the carriage behind them he has more dressage training, he has very good
and so they do not get scared. Special bits specifically movements, great character, good conformation and
for carriage horses are used (not double bits like the is showing a very good attitude with a lot of potential.
dressage horses). Usually the shoes are not special vTIH
shoes, unless there are circumstances that require
them to avoid slipping. Diane E. Barber lives
in Los Angeles and is a
DB: Tell me about the carriage wheels please. lifestyle writer, interior
designer and equestrian
MM: The wheels are made of wood or iron, depending with an affinity for Spain
upon the coaches. The wooden ones are made by and P.R.E.s. She travels
hand and are for vintage coaches to preserve tradition to Andalucia regularly to
and their originality. Iron wheels are used on coaches train with Rafael Soto and
for competitions because they are lighter and capable to visit her friends at the
of a lot of speed and better maneuvers. Royal Andalusian School
of Equestrian Art. For
DB: What are the most difficult maneuvers to make more information visit:
with a team of horses? www.realescuela.org

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 29

30 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 31

INDIANO XVII Dressage Cup

INDIANO XVIII Cup: Spain. Standing at 16.1 hands, with a pearly white coat,
he was presented as an adult in Spain at six important
New Dressage Award from morphological (conformation) shows. These showings
The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse resulted in his being named six times Undefeated
Champion and he was hailed “The Lion of Spain”. At
It is with great excitement that The Foundation for each of these presentations he won first prize, gold
the Pure Spanish Horse presents to you a new medal, and champion of the breed, as well as twice
year-end dressage award. The INDIANO XVIII CUP. undisputed champion of functionality. This stallion won
Up until now, The Foundation now offered two year 1st prize at the World Congress as well as the Gold
end Dressage awards. These awards, The Fuego de Medal, Champion of the Breed, and absolute Champion
Cardenas Cup and the Norte Lovera Cup, are awarded of Functionality.
to the highest scoring P.R.E. horses at the FEI and
National levels of Dressage. After careful evaluation Federico Jimenez Sainz of Mexico purchased
of the levels, their differential in difficulty and their INDIANO in 1993/94. When he was originally exported
corresponding scores, it was decided that an additional from Spain, there was considerable resistance to
category was needed. Previously the Norte Lovera Cup his leaving as it was thought that horses of his quality
covered Training level to Third level, and the Fuego de should stay in Spain. Two important Spanish breeders
Cardenas Cup covered Fourth level to Grand Prix. With indicated that they would quickly buy him back to return
the addition of the INDIANO XVIII CUP we are able to to his country of birth if there were an opportunity at any
represent the middle levels on a more equal basis. time. The beauty of this stallion was well known, but it
was his extreme movement that engendered awe and
Awards will now be given thusly; The INDIANO XVIII astonishment.
CUP will be awarded to the highest scoring P.R.E. in
Training, First, and Second Levels. *INDIANO was used to cover a large percentage of
the mares of Hacienda Santa Lucia (particularly those
The Norte Lovera Cup will be awarded to the highest of "BOCADO" blood) in 1994 and 1995. He also showed
scoring P.R.E. in Third level, Fourth level and Prix St. in Mexico, with success equal to his Spanish record. In
George. 1997, Federico and Antonio Jimenez offered to stand
this horse at stud in the United States. During this time
The Fuego de Cardenas Cup will be awarded to the he bred 28 Spanish mares, as well as 6 Hanoverian,
highest scoring P.R.E. in Intermediate I, Intermediate II Selle François, Oldenburg and Thoroughbred mares.
and Grand Prix (please see qualifying requirements at
the end of the article). In late 1997, he was purchased by a US based
syndicate and stood for breeding. That year he had one
The New Cup is being dedicated to the amazing
Stallion Indiano XVIII due to his exceptional attributes
and his influence on the progression of the P.R.E. in
America.

*INDIANO XVIII - Grey Stallion (1985-2012)
(Cazador IX x Bondadosa II)
Deemed “The Lion of Spain” possessed a marked
physical beauty and presence that was only surpassed
by his movement, which was exemplary, regardless of
breed. Noble, beyond noble, his head and neck were
so perfect one just felt overwhelmed. He was born in
1985 in Spain, bred by Don Joaquin Conesa Conesa
on his Nobleza del Guadiana farm. His pedigree
represented the blood of the Romero Benitez line. Both
his sire and dam were of this coveted line. Indiano can
be traced directly back to the pure Cartujano horses
through the purest and most admired bloodlines of

32 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

of the most successful breeding seasons any stallion RULES & REQUIREMENTS
has ever had in the United States. Bookings were so full
that he was shown only twice, at Best Movement, once RULES & REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
in Ventura and once at the California Regional Show INDIANO XVIII CUP:
in Costa Mesa, both of which he won. He was a joy to
ride, either in competition, or on the trail; a gracious Rules for the FPSH year-end awards for
soul ridden by all types of riders, skilled and amateur dressage parallel those of the Adequan/
alike. He would step up in winning form when ridden USDF Dressage horse of the year awards
in performance classes. In retirement, he toured the with some additional provisions.
countryside carrying his owner bareback. INDIANO
was also incredibly gentle, allowing children to love him • The owner of the PRE must be
all over. He participated in the Rose Parade of 2002 and a member in good standing with The
also had a 'bit' part in an NBC series. Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse.
(You can join retroactively).
THE LEGACY OF INDIANO XVIII
At the time of his introduction to the US, most of • The PRE Horse must be registered with
a recognized PRE registry, PRE Mundial,
the foals of INDIANO were not for sale. They were Cria Cabellar, ACPRE, LG ANCCE, IALHA,
considered a precious resource for new breeding etc…
programs. Few of his daughters in Mexico were for sale.
At Nobleza del Guadiana in Spain, 60% of the important • Copies of the breed papers must be
and sought after mare band were related to INDIANO, submitted to the Foundation prior to the
through his daughters, granddaughters and great award being awarded.
granddaughters. Even though INDIANO XVIII was grey,
a large percentage of his offspring either from bay or REQUIREMENTS
grey mares, were colored. He produced both bays and National Levels: Training, First, Second,
blacks. Third and Fourth levels

D. Joaquin Conesa Conesa, this superlative stallion’s • Minimum of 8 scores
breeder said, "This horse marked a glorious epoch in - From four different Judges
the history of my farm. Both those who knew this horse - From four different USEF/USDF
recognized competitions
and those who will see his - Including two scores at 60 percent
children and grandchildren or higher from the highest test of the
will understand the long level
term improvement of P.R.E. - Median score of 60 percent or
horse in the US by the blood higher to qualify
of this "Lion of Spain." vTIH
FEI Levels: Prix St. George, Intermediate I,
CAZAR: Intermediate II, and Grand Prix
1998 Indiano son.
Legendary movement inherited • Minimum of 4 scores
from his sire. Owned by - From four different Judges
Rancho del Caballo Plateado, - From four different USEF/USDF
recognized competitions
Rochester WA. - Median score of 60 percent or
higher to qualify
ARTURO PA
Indiano XVIII grandson For more information on the USDF Horse
stamped with characteristic of the year award please go to usdf.org/
intelligence and noble awards/horse of the year.
bearing. Owned by Silver
Spur Stables, Angleton, TX

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 33

34 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 35

IALHA USEF Horse of The Year Awards

CONGRATULATIONS TO 2017's BEST AND BRIGHTEST!

What do you get when you combine passionate Amy Lamberth accepting the Paul Bricco accepting the
riders, talented horses, and USEF-sanctioned horse Gandor Trophy for Alhena REA. Urco Trophy for Zima.
shows? The winners of the USEF Horse of the Year
Awards, of course! 2017 boasted a competitive field of LEADING BREEDERS
wonderful purebred and half-Andalusians and Lusita- 1 ROYAL HORSE FARMS -LAKE CITY, FL
nos from all around the country. The IALHA is proud 2 DR. WALTER W HENSLEE -MCDADE, TX
to congratulate the following people and horses on a 3 MRS KRISTA CAMBRON -ALVARADO, TX
job well done! 4 KIMRIC FARM -AUBREY, TX

IALHA GRAND CHAMPION LISTINGS LEADING OWNERS
1 ROYAL HORSE FARMS - LAKE CITY, FL
GRAND CHAMPION ANDALUSIAN/LUSITANO 2 MISS LEXI V ODELL- BURLESON, TX
1 ALHENA REA /CELESTE LAMBERTH - TX 3 WALLER FARMS- BEAUMONT, TX
2 FRESONA ROY /SHEILAH MELSNESS - MT 4 MRS REBECCA BROK- MOHRSVILLE, PA
3 RHF LEIA /ROYAL HORSE FARMS - FL 5 MRS NADINE E. TILLEY- THOUSAND OAKS, CA
4 FALCONERA ROY /ROYAL HORSE FARMS - FL
5 LUCHADOR BP /KIM PITTMAN - MN LEADING SIRES
1 DOBLADILLO II [Endrino x Burladora-MAC, by Mastil]
Celeste Lamberth had this to say about her Champion, Al- 2 MAGICO VIII [Regidor RW 2155S x Encarada II
hena REA: "What an honor to own and show such an exceptional 2143S, by Educado]
horse and have her many achievements recognized in the HOTY
awards. Our family was able to attend the elegant awards cer- Jennifer & Steven Stewart Sheila Melsness accepts the
emony where we met many other breed owners and celebrated accept awards for Leading awards earned by Fresona ROY.
their accomplishments. Winning the Gandor Trophy was an excit- Breeder, Owner, and Sire w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e
ing finish to a incredible year - a testament to Alhena REA's true for Royal Horse Farms.
representation of the Andalusian horse's power and versatility."

GRAND CHAMPION HALF-ANDALUSIAN/LUSITANO
1 ZIMA / PAUL BRICCO - IL
2 EL BAILA EL JAZZ /KATHLEEN POSTERARO - PA
3 A FABULOUS DREAM KLM /JOSIE CROASMUN - CA
4 RDL ISADORA SCF /CYNTHIA FIGURA - TX
5 ADELINA RLA /CHERYL THOMPSON - IL

Paul Bricco had this to say about his Champion: "Zima
started her show career as a weanling, starting with halter. She
moved on to her performance career as she grew, with driving
work around the age of 5-6. Zima is now 13 years old and un-
fortunately was not shown and was just lightly worked for about
5 years.

For her to come back in 2017 and compete as well as she
did, and go on to win the USEF Grand Champion Half-Anda-
lusian Horse of the Year is a testament to the Andalusian and
Lusitano breed. They are wonderful horses, and I am proud to
own and show both the Andalusians and Half-Andalusians."

36 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018

IALHA USEF Horse of The Year Awards

3 HEROE MAC [Jubiloso VIII x Albricia, by Leviton] AMATEUR ENGLISH PLEASURE HORSE
4 FUCILAZO-CEN [Delegado MAC x Dormilona V, 1 JEQUE MC /KAELI DRESSLER - TX
by Enamorado IV] 2 ALHENA REA /CELESTE LAMBERTH - TX
5 SALTADOR ORO 1 [Indiano XVIII x Centellita, 3 BANDIDO LX /CYNTHIA DAVILA - LA
by Centella V] 4 LUCERO G /REBECCA BROK - PA
5 HONESTA KR /MICHAEL SYDOW - TX
NATIONAL, IALHA PUREBRED DIVISIONS
JUNIOR HORSE ENGLISH PLEASURE HORSE
HALTER HORSE 1 TANTARO TA /NADINE TILLEY - CA
1 FRESONA ROY / SHEILAH MELSNESS - MT 2 SIUX MOR /NADINE TILLEY - CA
2 RHF LEIA /ROYAL HORSE FARMS - FL VALIENTE RDL /BERNARD ROBINETT - TX
3 FALCONERA ROY /ROYAL HORSE FARMS - FL
4 VALIENTE BP /MARY LEADBETTER - MN OPEN WESTERN PLEASURE HORSE
5 RHF IDEAL /REJOICE RANCH - FL 1 LUCHADOR BP /KIM PITTMAN- MN
2 DIMAGGIO TA /NADINE TILLEY- CA
DRIVING HORSE 3 GENEROSO UNICO /FRANCINE DISMUKES- TX
1 LUCHADOR BP /KIM PITTMAN - MN 4 DARTANAN ADF /MICHAEL SYDOW- TX
2 GENEROSO UNICO /FRANCINE DISMUKES - TX SINCERREY SANTIAGO /ROSE WATT - PA
3 FALCONERA ROY /ROYAL HORSE FARMS - FL
4 LISTA MC /MALEN DELL - TX AMATEUR WESTERN PLEASURE HORSE
5 JS CAZADOR /KAREN ROCK - IL 1 ALHENA REA /CELESTE LAMBERTH - TX
2 HOMBRE ARANA /ROSALIE WENCKOSKI - OH
JUNIOR EXHIBITOR HORSE 3 FRANQUEADA /SHERRY MC GALLIARD - TX
1 ALHENA REA /CELESTE LAMBERTH - TX
2 DIABLO DC /WALLER FARMS - TX JUNIOR WESTERN PLEASURE HORSE
3 FRANQUEADA /SHERRY MC GALLIARD - TX 1 TANTARO TA /NADINE TILLEY - CA
4 FRESONA ROY /SHEILAH MELSNESS - MT 2 VALIENTE RDL /BERNARD ROBINETT - TX
5 HOMBRE ARANA /ROSALIE WENCKOSKI - OH
SPECIALTY HORSE
OPEN ENGLISH PLEASURE HORSE 1 ALHENA REA /CELESTE LAMBERTH - TX
1 RHF IDEAL /REJOICE RANCH - FL 2 FRESONA ROY /SHEILAH MELSNESS - MT
2 ALHENA REA /CELESTE LAMBERTH - TX 3 BANDIDO LX /CYNTHIA DAVILA - LA
3 LISTA MC /MALEN DELL - TX 4 RIBERA V /WALLER FARMS - TX
4 XENOPHON /SANDRA L. WERNER - FL 5 XENOPHON /SANDRA L. WERNER - FL
5 PRECIOSA HGA /MICHAEL SYDOW - TX
NATIONAL, IALHA PARTBRED DIVISIONS

HALTER HORSE
1 EL BAILA EL JAZZ /KATHLEEN POSTERARO - PA
2 ZIMA /PAUL BRICCO - IL
3 A FABULOUS DREAM KLM /JOSIE CROASMUN - CA
4 LIL TIGER /CINDY BERG- CA
5 ADELINA RLA /CHERYL THOMPSON - IL

DRIVING HORSE
1 PATINA JDON /NADINE TILLEY - CA

JUNIOR EXHIBITOR HORSE
1 A FABULOUS DREAM KLM /JOSIE CROASMUN - CA

Christian Whitelock accepts the Rosalie Wenckoski & Danielle
awards earned by RHF Ideal. Kirk accepting the awards
earned by Hombre Arana.

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 37

IALHA USEF Horse of The Year Awards

Kathleen Posteraro & Kathleen Kathleen said, "As I stood on the stage at the 2017 USEF HOTY banquet accompanied by my mom,
Friel accepting the awards I not only realized a dream, I witnessed the power of faith, hope, patience and perseverance against
earned by El Baila El Jazz. overwhelming odds. In 2012, my young talented dressage horse sustained a horrific injury. An inexpli-
cable encounter with a porcupine in our pasture resulted in a fetlock infection that should have ended his
life. That he lived was a miracle in and of itself. That he would someday go on to successfully compete,
soundly and comfortably, was an unimaginable gift. Our long rehabilitation journey was full of setbacks,
triumph, tears, and joy that finally lead us to ultimate redemption.

There were two important things I learned along the way. One was the benefit of giving him the
opportunity to recover in his own time, and second was to carefully listen for him to tell me what he was
ready to do next. I came to appreciate the partnership I have with a truly magnificent individual who has
an indomitable will and an equally courageous heart. To accept our awards that evening was a loving
testament to my once in a lifetime, the amazing El Baila El Jazz."

OPEN ENGLISH PLEASURE HORSE OPEN WESTERN PLEASURE HORSE
1 A FABULOUS DREAM KLM /JOSIE CROASMUN - CA 1 TYSON'S MICHELANGELO /SUSAN EGBERT - TX
2 EL BAILA EL JAZZ /KATHLEEN POSTERARO - PA
3 PATINA JDON /NADINE TILLEY - CA AMATEUR WESTERN PLEASURE HORSE
4 TYSON'S MICHELANGELO /SUSAN EGBERT - TX 1 TYSON'S MICHELANGELO /SUSAN EGBERT - TX

AMATEUR ENGISH PLEASURE HORSE SPECIALTY HORSE
1 ADELINA RLA /CHERYL THOMPSON - IL 1 ZIMA /PAUL BRICCO - IL
2 EL BAILA EL JAZZ /KATHLEEN POSTERARO - PA 2 RDL ISADORA SCF /CYNTHIA FIGURA - TX
3 SELWOOD PARK SAMSON /SONYA LAKHANI - IL 3 AS TITANIUMS BASTIAN /VICKI KREBSBACH - TX
4 A FABULOUS DREAM KLM /JOSIE CROASMUN - CA 4 SELWOOD PARK SAMSON /SONYA LAKHANI - IL
5 ALUCYNANDO /REBECCCA BROK - PA vTIH

FPSH Adds to their Awards Program

The Foundation is proud to join Working Awards. Horses must be registered with WE United and
Equitation United (WE United) in recognizing the PRE MUNDIAL in order to be eligible for this Award.
the achievements of horses
registered with the PRE Mundial through Working Equitation is one of the
WE United’s Breed Performance Award. fastest-growing equestrian sports in the
country. The sport is well established in
WE United’s Breed Performance Europe and is rapidly gaining popularity
Awards are offered in order to recognize in the United States. Competition
the accomplishments of specific breeds includes three separate phases:
in Working Equitation. These awards are Dressage, Ease of Handling (precision
presented once per year at the end of the around obstacles, judged much the
competition season. same as dressage, for the finesse with
which each is completed), and Speed (a
The Foundation will provide the 2018 timed event, also around obstacles).
PRE Award. Horses’ annual competition
points reported to the WE United Annual For complete information visit www.
Leaderboard will be used to determine the prehorse.org/programs--awards.html
winner of the year-end Breed Performance
vTIH

38 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 39

Doubling Down on Indiano XVIII

The IMPACT of this
LEGENDARY STALLION

at Rancho del Lago

The impact of Indiano XVIII on said, "When you see him, you are English pleasure and movement.
the P.R.E. breed in the United going to think, 'I have to have this That includes 17 National
States has been remarkable. blood in my breeding program and Championships, 13 times Champion
The Indiano “Look” has carried I don't care what it takes to get it!" or Grand Champion Dressage Sport
through and is clearly stamped in the The Henslees followed her advice. Horse in open USDF shows, 85
expressive eyes and noble bearing Championships at Regional shows,
of his offspring. His many sons and In 2004 the Henslees “Doubled 6 USDF All Breeds awards, and 4
daughters have had impressive Down” on Indiano XVIII lines Lifetime Merit awards. Saltador
careers and with the entry of his acquiring both Saltador ORO ORO was IALHA Horse of the Year
grandchildren into the show ring, the (Indiano XVIII x Centellita II) in in 2011 and the breed nominee to
influence of his bloodline promises partnership with Hogan and USEF in 2012.
to be an enduring one. producing Dardanos RDL (Indiano
XVIII x Electra GR) from breeding the Every one of the offspring of
Probably the clearest example double granddaughter of Centella V Saltador and Dardanos taken to
of this is in the breeding program of they purchased from Hogan. This national shows have gained one
Walter and Judy Henslee of Rancho foundation really paid off quickly and or more national titles. They have
Del Lago. They have flourished continues to yield dividends today. sired 10 National Champions and
with a program replete with the Between Saltador and Dardanos, 2 Reserve National Champions
Indiano XVIII line. The introduction they have racked up 250 show titles with 2 dozen national titles and 5 of
of his genetic base began with the under USEF, USDF and Spanish the 10 also have USDF open show
decision to purchase one of Gina Judges in diverse disciplines such Championship titles. Out crosses
Hogan's imported Guardiola mares as halter, dressage sport horse, have also been successful with
and send her to California to breed hunt seat, heritage and native tack, 4 part bred National Champion
to Indiano. Gina enthusiastically working equitation, dressage, crosses to Azteca, Percheron and

FIG 1 FIG 2 FIG 3

40 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Friesian mares, winning 11 titles at Show…100% have come home with Fig 6: PRECIOSA ORO – Indiano
IALHA national shows. at least one National Championship. granddaughter. 2x National Champion and
2017 Reserve National Champion.Photo
But that isn't the whole story Looking at the influence of Indiano courtesy Connie Kelts Photography.
because it doesn't count the impact XVIII at this one farm is indicative Fig 7: INOLVIDABLE RDL – by Notable
of the Indiano daughters. The of his widespread contribution to GF (Gaucho III out of Navila, daughter of
Henslee Ranch has produced quite the American P.R.E. We can be Indiano). 2017 National Champion and
a few really outstanding offspring by assured there will be many more Gold Medal Movement under the USEF
crossing Indiano daughters (mostly US champions to come from judges and National Champion Colt and
out of Gina Hogan's Guardiola the genetics of this seminal and Best Movement Young Horse under
mares) with Magico VIII (Regidor exceptional stallion. Spanish Judge. Photo courtesy Don Stine
RW x Encarada II) and Persiles YET Photography.
(Faraon XXVIII x Chachi). Fig 1: DARDANOS RDL - Indiano XVIII son OTHER NAT'L CHAMPIONS NOT PICTURED
x double Centella V granddaughter. 78 DANTE RDL - Indiano grandson. 2x National
Cima de ORO (Indiano XVIII Championships, Reserve Championships, Champion, 3 X Res National Champion, 3x
x Centellita II ) is the full sister of High-Point and Movement Awards from USDF All Breeds Awards. Competing 4th
Saltador and her daughter by a 2008–2017. 4x National Champion, 26 level dressage.
Gaucho III son is one of their best Championships at Regional Shows, 6 Gold REGULUS RDL - Indiano grandson. National
mares, Cenicienta ORO, owned Medal Movement Awards, both IALHA Life Champion, 3X Res National Champion.
in partnership with Hogan. The Merit Awards; USDF Sport Horse Grand 2x USDF Dressage Sport Horse Grand
Henslees have crossed her twice to Champion, and 3 USDF All-Breed Awards. Champion.
Saltador, concentrating the Indiano Photo courtesy Don Stine Photography. ALAZAN HGA - Indiano grandson. 3x
blood with wonderful results and National Champion, 4x Res National
plan to keep the now 3 year old filly, Fig 2: SALTADOR ORO - Indiano XVIII son. Champion. 3x USDF Dressage Sport Horse
RDL Saltadora ORO for the breeding 2011 Horse of the Year; Both IALHA Lifetime Champion.
program. Merit Awards. 171 Championships, Reserve ARTEMIS RDL - Res National Champion
Championships, High-Point and Movement Indiano granddaughter.
Another Hogan mare, Zorra D Awards from 2004–2016. 13x National CLARISA LHR - Indiano granddaughter.
ORO (Indiano XVIII x Alita, Centella Champions in four divisions, 22 Gold Medal 2x National Champion, multiple Regional
V lines) is the dam of three National Movement Awards, 20x Best Movement of Champion.
Champions, all sired by Magico (line Show, more than two dozen first-place wins RDL DIAMANTE - Indiano grandson.
bred Guardiola). in open dressage shows and multiple USDF National Champion, USDF Sport Horse
Sport Horse Grand Championships and
In looking over his records Walter USDF All-Breed Awards. Photo courtesy Champion. vTIH
Henslee found that fully 400 of Connie Kelts Photography.
the Henslee’s 650 show titles are FIG 7
from horses with Indiano XVIII in Fig 3: ARTURO PA - Nat'l Champion Indiano
the pedigree. There are currently grandson. Photo courtesy Erica Peet.
17 horses at Rancho Del Lago
with Indiano blood. Nine of those Fig 4: RDL Z ANETTA HGA - Indiano
have been to an IALHA National granddaughter. 2x National Champion, 2x
Res National Champion, 7x USDF Dressage
Sport Horse Champion. Photo courtesy
Michael Vermaas.

Fig 5: BRILLANTE RDL - Indiano grandson.
5x National Champion and 4x Regional
Champion. Photo courtesy Erica Peet.

FIG 4 FIG 5 FIG 6

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 41

42 | THE IBERIAN HORSE IsIsusuee112| |220018187 w w w.t h ei-bibeer iraiannh-ohrosres.eo.nclionme

The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse Invites You to Join Today!

Join us in supporting the Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E.)! We’re a non-profit public benefit, 501 C (3) corporation whose mandate
is to develop, perpetuate, & foster an appreciation & understanding of The P.R.E. Horse. Membership in our clubs is tax
deductible to the full extent of the law. Members receive annual subscription to The Iberian Horse magazine and recognition as
a club member the year end issue, an income tax donation receipt, a membership card, access to FPSH library materials,
unlimited FREE classified website ads, listing in our breeders and farm directory and discounts on all PRE Mundial
services. Members can share their P.R.E. ranch news in our monthly email newsletter.

CLUBS ADDITIONAL BENEFITS COST CLUBS ADDITIONAL BENEFITS COST
$12/Month $100/Month
PASSAGE CLUB or $144/yr COURBETTE CLUB* or $1200/yr
Basic benefits Basic Benefits
plus Voting Rights
PIAFFE CLUB*
Basic benefits $24/Month or Web Farm Ad
plus Voting Rights $288/yr Ten Comprehensive Buyers Guides to the P.R.E.
Web Farm Ad Annual Recognition
One Comprehensive Buyers Guide to the P.R.E. Banner
15% discount on Foundation Events

LEVADE CLUB* $50/Month or LIFETIME MEMBER*
Basic benefits
plus Voting Rights $600/yr Basic benefits $2500.00 -
plus Voting Rights One Time Fee
Web Farm Ad Web Farm Ad
Five Comprehensive Buyers Guides to the P.R.E.
10% discount on Foundation Events Twenty Comprehensive Buyers Guides to the P.R.E.
Annual Recognition
Banner
15% discount on Foundation Events

Join today and Start Benefiting!

YES! I want to join the Club (Please Print Clearly)
My Membership is Recommended by_________________________________
Name_________________________________ Breeders Codigo#___________________ Do you own? ( ) Stallion ( ) Mare ( ) Gelding ( ) P.R.E. ( ) S.H.H.R.
Birth Date _________________ Farm/Ranch: ________________________________
Billing & Mailing address (optional)
_________________________________________________________________ City_______________________ State__________ Zip___________
Email____________________________________________________ Website_________________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________ Fax_____________________________________ Cell____________________________________
Facebook Contact _______________________________________ ‘Friend’ The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Instagram!
Parent/Guardian Permission Signature_____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Printed Name_________________________________
Select Payment:
( ) Please charge my account $_____ each month for the life of the membership.
Automatic annual membership renewal unless written cancellation received 30 days prior to expiration.
( ) Please charge my account for the entire year at once in the amount of $
- OR -
( ) My check is enclosed for a lump sum payment of ___________________
( ) YES! I’ll give $5 extra per month for The Building Improvement Fund!

Credit Card Number__________________________________________________ (All major cards accepted)
Name as it appears on the credit card: _________________________________ Expiration Date ________ V Code _________(Three or four digit code on back or front of card)
Signature_______________________________________________________________

Please make checks payable and send to: The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse
115 Elm St. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87102

QUESTIONS about Membership? See www.prehorse.org, or Call us at (505) 294-0800 / Fax (505) 294-0812 or
e-mail [email protected]. THANK YOU!

IsIssuseue1 1| 2|0210818 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 43

Bringing Joy, Embracing Change

US Equestrian’'

2018 Annual Meeting

spotlighted progress on their
ambitious strategic plan.

it’s working!

murray kessler (photo credit Taylor Pence)

The United States Equestrian Federation’s 2018 • Revenues are projected to rise $4.7 million in 2018,
Annual Meeting, which took place in Lexing- which allows for greater reinvestment in sport
ton, Ky., Jan. 17-20, showcased how recent
changes in approach are making equestrian sports’ • Competition Lite, a program to increase access with
future brighter. Themed “Bringing Joy, Embracing a pathway to USEF competition, has already signed
Change,” this year’s convention honored champions, up shows for Saddlebreds, Paso Finos, Western
delivered updates on key strategies and initiatives, dressage, Connemara, Welsh Pony, and Hackney
hosted a number of popular educational forums, and Roadster, with Morgans also in the works
welcomed lively open discussion.
• A new Grassroots Advisory Panel is addressing the
US Equestrian President Murray Kessler’s upbeat decline in B, C, and local shows
progress report on the organization’s strategic plan
was the Annual Meeting’s centerpiece. A year after • The new, searchable Rulebook app makes access-
launching the strategic plan—including the USEF’s ing rules faster and easier
consumer-facing rebranding as US Equestrian—
Kessler showed how US Equestrian is rising to the • Greater investment in para-equestrian and a grow-
challenges of its vision statement: “to bring the joy of ing rider pool in para-dressage
horse sports to as many people as possible.”
• The new Learning Center launched more than 50
“We want to be accountable for the things we say videos, with more to come
we’re going to do,” Kessler said. “At the end of the
day, we have a 28% increase in membership, a $5 • Complete redesign of US Equestrian magazine, to
million revenue increase, and a whole lot more ben- be mailed to all members in 2018
efits and programs, and we’re having one of the win-
ningest years that we have ever had internationally, • The Joy Tour visited 19 major events, with more
with success across the disciplines and all levels.” planned in 2018

GENERAL SESSION HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED TOP- • USEF Network offered 54 livestreams, 26 new
ICS SUCH AS: events, and 5,400 hours of on-demand video
• Membership has grown 28% to 105,000 members,
• Social media drew 637,000 fans, 15 million video
including 27,000 at the new fan level views, and 161 million impressions

• New, tougher penalty guidelines, and Drugs & Med-
ications program and rules amendments, show a
stronger stance for a level playing field

44 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

During the General Session, Kessler commented, agery prompted an idea to form a collaborative library
“You gave us a $750,000 investment last year to get of affiliate-approved, rights-free photos and video
started. ... That means by the end of 2018 we will that USEF can use to promote those breeds and dis-
have delivered a 500% return, but we’ll have that ciplines. This year’s FEI World Equestrian Games™ at
benefit every year going forward, because we’ll be Tryon International Equestrian Center also presents
at a new level. That’s huge.” promotional possibilities for the affiliates and a variety
of breeds and disciplines, and USEF senior staff re-
Bill Moroney, CEO, also commented on this year's ported that the federation is working with WEG orga-
successes, stating, “This has been a big year. We’ve nizers on those affiliate opportunities. Moroney sug-
had a lot of major successes, and there are some gested that the group consider a “marketing retreat”
challenges still to overcome. None of us take those to collaborate on other marketing-related strategies.
lightly. It’s about getting as many people with a horse
as we possibly can, regardless of the breed or disci- Other topics of the roundtable meeting included
pline they end up with." membership growth, sponsorship, and improving
communications between US Equestrian and affili-
A COLLABORATIVE AFFILIATE ROUNDTABLE ate organizations. The roundtable group agreed to
The annual Affiliate Roundtable brought US reconvene once or twice by conference call in 2018
to follow up on discussions and continue sharing
Equestrian's 29 diverse breed and discipline af- ideas, both among themselves and between affili-
filiates together for the annual Affiliate Roundtable. ates and the USEF.
The collaborative meeting promoted idea-sharing
on a number of issues, from membership to market- MORE CHANCES TO LEARN
ing to support for licensed officials and ways to im- The 2018 Annual Meeting’s educational oppor-
prove communication between US Equestrian and
affiliates. tunities included a new series of moderated fo-
rums on such topics as Crisis Communications with
The Roundtable agenda was based on feedback communications professional Sarah Hamilton, the
from the affiliates, who submitted topics of interest SafeSport Initiative with Malia Arrington of the U.S.
they’d like to discuss. The meeting covered such Center for SafeSport, and a detailed discussion of
subjects as: a proposed Coach Register by US Equestrian’s Di-
rector of Sports Programs, Will Connell. Mark Bellis-
• opportunities for collaboration, growing mem- simo, the guiding force behind the FEI World Eques-
bership, and sponsorship trian Games™ Tryon 2018, also updated attendees
on that event and the accompanying World Equine
• ways to improve communications between US Expo. A new feature open to all, the Competition
Equestrian and affiliate organizations and Member Summit, which had a theme of “Facing
Challenges Together,” covered competition calen-
• support for licensed officials dar management, the cost of participating in eques-
trian sport and competition, show standards, and
• USEF affiliate membership benefits prize money and bonus money. vTIH

“Everybody in leadership at USEF is focused on For more information on the Annual Meeting highlights—in-
growing equestrian sports and bringing the joy of cluding Kessler’s presentation and specific departmental
horse sports to as many people as possible through updates from US Equestrian’s senior staff at the General
every breed and discipline, and we know we can’t do Session, as well as the Pegasus Awards dinner and videos
that without great affiliate relations,” Kessler said in about 2017 Equestrian of the Year McLain Ward and Wil-
opening the Roundtable meeting. liam Steinkraus Lifetime Achievement Award winner Joseph
Dotoli—visit USEF Network. To find it, go to the USequestri-
“This is a major priority for us. We view ourselves as an.org Home Page, click the Network & News tab, and scroll
the governance experts and you as the discipline and down for the 2018 US Equestrian Annual Meeting tile.
breed experts, and it doesn’t work unless we all do it
together,” he added.

Affiliate representatives’ desire to see more breeds
and disciplines in consumer-facing US Equestrian im-

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 45

46 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2018 w w w.t h eib e r ian h o r s e.o n lin e

Issue 1 | 2018 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 47