2016 The Iberian Horse - Issue #1

Dedicated to the Spanish and Portuguese Horse ISSUE 1 | 2016

FEI Gold Medalist Rebecca Larkin with
P.R.E. Stallion Cartujano de Impaciente II

A Joint Publication of

The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse and the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association









Dedicated to the Spanish andON THE CONTENTS
Portuguese Horse
features
ISSUE 1 | 2016
14
COVER
Celebrating Passion and Dedication:
Professional FEI rider and The USEF Horse of the Year
USDF Gold Medalist, Rebecca Awards Gala
Larkin of Opulencia Equestrian,
and P.R.E. stallion, Cartujano By Erica Peet
de Impaciente II. Opulencia The United States Equestrian Federation pays tribute to
Equestrian consistently and the hard work of each champion at its annual awards gala.
reliably offers top-quality
dressage and performance 24
horses. Hand-picking,
competing and importing Andalusians/Lusitanos shine at the
exceptional talent for many 2015 USDF All-Breeds Awards
years, Opulencia Equestrian
offers premium athletes By Erica Peet
with unmatched versatility, An impressive number of Andalusians/
athleticism and bravado. For Lusitanos participated in the 2015 Adequan/
more information on all services USDF All-Breeds Awards.
offered, including consignment,
marketing and investment 28
opportunities, please see
pages 32 & 33, or Beauty versus Brains
www.OpulenciaEquestrian.com.
By Sarah Picchiarini, OT
departments Some animal experts have questioned the
practice of trimming horse whiskers and have
6 IALHA PRESIDENT’S LETTER sparked a movement toward leaving the
10 FPSH PRESIDENT’S LETTER horses’ sensory systems intact.
54 BUSINESS CARDS
56 STALLION LISTINGS 34
64 ADVERTISER'S INDEX
Felipe Orozco Jr.: An Artist
Unfolding

By Julie Alonzo
Felipe Orozco Jr. immortalizes Templado
IV’s majestic nature through an oil on canvas
painting.

42

Responsible Stewardship

By Mia Moore
This growing movement in the equine culture
provides horses with the protection they
deserve.

48

Turn Heads with the Proper
Turnout

By Erica Peet
A beautiful turnout of you and your horse will
get you noticed.

4 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 5

IALHA President’s Letter ISSUE 1 | 2016

By Janita Smith Dedicated to the Spanish and
Portuguese Horse
New Ideas and
New Horizons THE IBERIAN HORSE MAGAZINE IS A
JOINT PUBLICATION OF FPSH & IALHA
Here we are, spring
2016, and the face of the IALHA PRESIDENT
IALHA is changing. The
board of directors is excit- Janita Smith
ed to bring our members a
new look with the launch- IALHA PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
ing of The Iberian Horse.
Our new magazine is a joint Julie Alonzo, Chair
venture between the IALHA Erica Peet
and The Foundation for the
Pure Spanish Horse. We Douglas Ramsay
hope you like the new mag- Cheryl Thompson
azine and all it entails.
Janita Smith
The IALHA wants to be
responsive to our members: IALHA REGISTRY & MEMBERSHIP OFFICE
101 Carnoustie, North, #200
• Our new magazine was brought about by several things. Birmingham, AL 35242
In 2015, the IALHA went to an online magazine only, and we Tel: (205) 995-8900
heard from our members that they wanted a print edition. I can Fax: (205) 995-8966
hardly blame them, as I love the feel of the paper, the ease to Email: [email protected]
take a quick look, the beautiful photography and, of course, the www.IALHA.org
information about our breeds. However, paper is expensive! A
joint magazine with like-minded people means a paper issue we The primary objectives and purposes of the International Andalusian and
can have and hold, and it allows us to spread the costs between Lusitano Horse Association are:
the two organizations. So members, we are listening and trying
to be fiscally responsible while being responsive to the desires (1) to preserve, improve, and maintain the purity of the blood of horses
of our membership. of the Andalusian breed, which includes horses of Spanish origin known
as Caballo Pura Raza Española and/or of Portuguese origin, known as
• The future of our association belongs to our youth. Like Cavalo Puro Sangue Lisitano, or Raça Lusitano, and/or of Spanish/
everything in this world, we age, and as we look at our breeds, Portuguese origin, and to promote public interest in the science of
we know that we need young people to fall in love with them, breeding Andalusian horses, and to foster, aid, and encourage the
just as we did. Our members have been urging the IALHA to ex- breeding, exhibition, and promotion of this breed; and
pand our youth programs and initiatives. Through a grant made
possible by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), we (2) to advance the knowledge and education of the public and members
are once again offering free youth memberships to youth under about horses of the Andalusian breed and to promote the acquisition and
the age of 18. This year, we are also including with the youth distribution of knowledge of the history, use and standard, medical and
membership an IALHA saddle pad of the youth’s choice: all-pur- other care and treatment, and propagation of horses of the Andalusian
breed.
IALHA President’s Letter continued on p. 8
**Only issues, statements, declarations and decisions discussed
6 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 and agreed upon by vote of the Board of Directors or the membership
shall be considered official Association Policy. Any and all other issues,
statements, declarations and decisions expressed in any publication,
letter, video, speech, discussion or any other communication displaying
or not displaying the name of the IALHA or expressed by any Officer,
Director, employee or member shall be considered personal opinion and
shall not be deemed in any way to be policy of this Association or its
members, Officers, Directors or employees. The use of the Association
name, letterhead and or logo or any other representation of the IALHA
in any media shall not constitute recognition and/or agreement with the
contents of such.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

IALHA, 101 Carnoustie, North, #200, Birmingham, AL 35242.
No part of this publication may be reproduced by any mechanical,
photographic or electronic process without prior written permission of
the publisher.

COPYRIGHT © 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

www.the-iberian-horse.com

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 7

IALHA President’s Letter PUBLISHING OFFICE
Lionheart Publishing, Inc.
IALHA President’s Letter continued from p. 6
506 Roswell Street, Suite 220
pose, western or dressage. We are hoping that youth members Marietta, GA 30060
will use these beautiful saddle pads at shows, clinics, exhibitions
and anywhere they may be riding to promote their horses and Tel: (770) 431-0867
the IALHA. Pictures of our youth and their mounts, wearing the Toll Free: (888) 303-5639
new pads, can be sent to the office for possible inclusion in fu- Fax: (770) 432-6969
ture publications. Web: www.lionheartpub.com

• The board has seen the need to expand our judging pool President John Llewellyn
for IALHA shows, and working closely with USEF, we recently E-mail: [email protected]
announced our judges’ clinic to be held in conjunction with our (888) 303-5639, ext. 209
National Show in Salt Lake City this fall. The Honorable Wayne
Hipsley will be leading the clinic, and judges wanting to receive Publishing Editor Donna B. Brooks
or expand to an A/L USEF license or renew an existing license,
can use this clinic to fulfill their educational requirements. Spac- Assistant Editor Lisbeth Hencke
es are limited to 20, so if you are interested, see the IALHA web-
site for information and an application. 2016 Publications Committee Julie Alonzo, Chair
Spring is a time of hope, and while things in a volunteer organi- Erica Peet
zation move slowly, it is with great hope that I look forward to the Douglas Ramsay
remainder of 2016. Several new volunteers have stepped forward Cheryl Thompson
to help expand and build on our current directions. I am excited to Janita Smith
see what new ideas they may have and what new horizons can be
accomplished through them. If you are interested in volunteering, Advertising Sales Lisbeth Hencke
please email me: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Enjoy our new endeavor. vTIB Office: (361) 774-3957
Blessings, Fax: (888) 802-1249
Janita Smith www.the-iberian-horse.com
IALHA President
Art Director Alan Brubaker
Become part of the IALHA! E-mail: [email protected]
(888) 303-5639, ext. 218
To learn about the different types of membership and
the many perks of being a member, visit: Assistant Art Director Leslie Proctor
E-mail: [email protected]
www.IALHA.org (888) 303-5639, ext. 228

or contact our office: Online Projects/FTP Manager Patton McGinley
phone: (205) 995-8900 | fax: (205) 995-8966 E-mail: [email protected]
(888) 303-5639, ext. 214
email: [email protected]
Reprints Kelly Millwood
8 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 E-mail: [email protected]
(888) 303-5639, ext. 215

Non-member Subscriptions Maria Bennett
E-mail: [email protected]
(888) 303-5639, ext. 219

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

IALHA & FPSH members: Included with membership

Non-IALHA & FPSH members: $30 per year

Mail Subscriptions to: Maria Bennett
Lionheart Publishing, Inc.
506 Roswell Street, Suite 220
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: (888) 303-5639, ext. 219

The Iberian Horse magazine (ISSN # 2151-5190) is a joint publication of
The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse and the International Anda-
lusian and Lusitano Horse Association.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

IALHA, 101 Carnoustie, North, #200, Birmingham, AL 35242.
No part of this publication may be reproduced by any mechanical,
photographic or electronic process without prior written permission of
the publisher.

COPYRIGHT © 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

www.the-iberian-horse.com

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 9

FPSH President’s Letter ISSUE 1 | 2016

By Cameron English Dedicated to the Spanish and
Portuguese Horse
The Year of
Collaboration FPSH CHAIR

These are exciting times for the Pure Span- Barbara Currie
ish Horse. Very recently, someone asked me,
“Where do you see the future of the P.R.E. go- FPSH PRESIDENT
ing in the next few years?” It was a nice ques-
tion to be asked, because it reminded me Cameron English
that the P.R.E. horse is continually emerging
into the forefront and capturing the interest of FPSH PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
so many equestrian enthusiasts. Regardless
of your equestrian background – if you’re an Barbara Clark
elite dressage competitor from Wellington, or Coty
a cowboy dressage aficionado, or perhaps,
a working equitation fan – the P.R.E. horse is Dr. Celia Stenfors-Dacre
starting to find the type of acceptance that is
the equivalent of a breed on its way to “going FPSH FOUNDATION STAFF
viral” in terms of interest level.
Executive Director: Barbara Clark
My question to you is “What are you doing Accounting Services: Joanne Gayer
with your P.R.E.?” It is a timely question because as I write this article, I Membership Services: Ana Escobar
am doing so knowing full well this article is targeted to be released in
an unprecedented publication, The Iberian Horse, the first ever jointly Treasurer: Al Rotter
developed publication between the IALHA and The Foundation for the
Pure Spanish Horse (FPSH). Imagine this publication reaching the depth FPSH
and breadth of the full membership of the two associations. The IALHA
and The FPSH have very high hopes for the promotional value of reach- INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE P.R.E. HORSE
ing our esteemed members with a very high-quality publication. Mem- 115 Elm St. N.E.
bers from the IALHA executive board of directors, including President
Janita Smith, met with The FPSH executive board. These meetings are Albuquerque, NM 87102
part of an on-going effort by both organizations to work together to Tel: 505.294.0800
combine resources and gain greater impact for our combined promo- Fax: 505.294.0812
tional dollars.
Email: [email protected]
I guess you could call this the year of collaboration. This year, The www.prehorse.org
FPSH has been asked to fill a seat on the IALHA National Show Com-
mittee, and I have been participating for the past several sessions. Julie Mission Statement:
Alonzo, IALHA show chair, is leading a great team of show experts, and
based on what I have observed, the IALHA National Show, to be held T he Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse is a nonprofit public benefit
Sept. 13-18 at South Lake County Horse Park in Utah, is going to be the corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. The
best ever. Start planning to bring your Revision candidates, as The FPSH primary purpose of this not-for-profit corporation is to develop, perpetuate
will be planning a Revision during the National Show. and foster an appreciation and understanding of the Pure Spanish Horse
(P.R.E.) throughout the United States and any other country where interest
10 | THE IBERIAN HORSE FPSH President’s Letter continued on p. 12 in the P.R.E. has been expressed or the help of The Foundation requested.
Issue 1 | 2016
The Foundation was established:
• To assist in the protection of the breed, including sharing of breeding

stock and breeding information throughout the world.
• To maintain a strong and cordial working relationship with the parent

Stud Book and the entities which administer its rules and regulations,
• To educate owners and the public about the P.R.E., its history and traits.
• To establish and maintain a program for introducing youth and students

to the P.R.E. including training them to care for and show the horse.
• To provide protection for P.R.E. horses in endangered circumstances by

reduce and/or relocation
• To sponsor shows and other programs that introduce the P.R.E. to the

public.
• To work with any sister organization or organizations which also have the

mandate to protect and promote the P.R.E.

PREA (Pura Raza Española Association)
PREA is the subsidiary of The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse
association and is the manager of the P.R.E. Mundial registry and the
Spanish Heritage Horse Registry (SHHR). This subsidiary was formed in
compliance with IRS regulations to ensure the nonprofit 501 (c)3 status
of The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse association. PREA is also a
not-for-profit organization however it is a 501(c)5 and any contributions to
it are not deductible from federal income tax as a charitable contribution.

PREA Administrators
Ph: 505.323.4413 Fax: 505.294.0812

Margarita Smith
Esther Conway (Enrolled Agent)
Jolisa Anderson (Enrolled Agent)

COPYRIGHT © 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

www.the-iberian-horse.com

Shalimar Farms

Shalimar Farms is having a GREAT foaling season
and is VERY proud of what we have produced!

All foals move from behind
and will make great dressage
prospects! We have several
wonderful horses for sale that
are ready to start - come visit and
pick your next equine partner!

For more information contact:
Arthur Christensen
Shalimar Farms
985.893.2013

[email protected]

FPSH President’s Letter

FPSH President’s Letter continued from p. 10

And, related to the registration process for your integrated database, an automated screen-driven ap-
Spanish horse, The FPSH is pleased to announce a plication process, a refreshed and newly modernized
major new development in the collaboration between website that is interactive, as well as a few other modi-
the IALHA and The FPSH. The groups are offering a fications that I will leave proprietary for now. As you
reciprocal registration, allowing you to have a dual know, the original Carta Mundial registry was designed
registration for a very reasonable fee of only $50. This and formatted around the Cría Caballar (Spanish Mili-
means that your IALHA “S” horse or your FPSH P.R.E. tary Division – which oversees the P.R.E. horse in Spain).
horse can now be registered in either registry for an Our registry originated using the standards and Revi-
additional $50 fee! sion policies of the original Spanish military judging
Revisions will be scheduled in the next few months. guidelines. We will continue our Revision under these
For those of you new to this process, Revision is the guidelines; however, we are now converting those doc-
procedure where a Spanish judge reviews your mare uments and standards to capture the data and update
or stallion, using a qualifying list of judging criteria. If the prior database to a more modern, screen-driven,
your horse can meet the high standards of the Revision interactive database with an Internet-based design.
process, your horse will be Also, I would like to draw
deemed “Apta” or “Apto,” your attention to the many
and considered approved exciting initiatives launched
for breeding. Of course, … There is a new groundswell at The FPSH recently. I

your candidate will need to of amazing and wonderful hope you are taking the
be registered or “inscribed,” developments in the world time to review our news
parent verified, and con- blasts and website. Here
firmed to be a descendent are a few major initiatives I
of Pure Spanish Horse lin- of the P.R.E. horse. From the am sure you will want to be
eage before the Revision exciting collaboration between aware of:

can be done. The FPSH the IALHA and The FPSH, to the Our international vice
supplies DNA samples for president, Maria O’Brien,
evaluation through U.C. Da- many programs that The FPSH has a wonderful tour

vis Veterinary Genetics Lab- is offering, you can expect to planned of the top Span-
oratory for confirmation of ish horse ranches. Twenty
parent verification. In order have great support for the lucky people are about to
to host a Revision for your welfare of your Spanish horse. travel under the knowl-

P.R.E. horse at your location, edgeable guidance of Ma-
you simply need to gather a ria as she tours the group
minimum of five horses for from Madrid to Jerez.
review, and we will come to you! Some of the finest ranches will host the visitors, in-
In addition to the IALHA and FPSH collaboration go- cluding the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez.
ing on, we have exciting new developments in major Although the tour departing the end of April is full,
programs in the Horse Rescue Charity that is run by check with The FPSH office for the next available
The FPSH. Our team of FPSH staff are working tirelessly tour. Contact our office by visiting www.prehorse.
to rescue P.R.E. horses as we find out about those in org.
jeopardy. I also want to announce the development of an
Within The FPSH association, there have been some exciting new youth program being organized by our
recent developments you will want to be aware of. We own Steve Kipper. This program will include support-
have had the good fortune of securing funding for sev- ing youth and young adult riders. The goal is to en-
eral very positive projects. These projects are critical courage young riders to participate the P.R.E. horse
to the future growth and development of our breed. in the equestrian competitive stage. If you have a
First, the re-engineering of P.R.E. Mundial. This is an youth rider you want to be considered for this pro-
exciting registry upgrade project, Carta Mundial 2.0! gram, please contact us right away.
With the new improved Carta Mundial, you will see an One of the wonderful traditions of the Cría Ca-

12 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

ballar was a tradition of developing stal- horse gain momentum more than ever in 2016. Come be a part
lion depots. Throughout Spain, stallion of the most amazing and wonderful horse to ever gallop the
depots managed by the military still planet! And remember, it’s about the horse …. vTIB
exist. These depots are available for Cameron English
mare owners to bring their mares to be FPSH President
covered by some of the finest stallions.
Prices are kept very affordable, with the Vento is an extremely attractive
intent of keeping the genetic quality of stallion with classical dressage
the Spanish horse as elevated as pos- and jumper breeding. He
sible. The FPSH is working on a plan to is very kind, honest, calm,
introduce a frozen and cooled semen self-assured, willing, forward
bank, which would be made available thinking and bold. Vento
to our members via our own "Stallion is incredibly easy to handle
Depot." The Stallion Auction that is run in virtually every situation.
every spring is always a very popular Judges and clinicians love his
event. The Stallion Depot will expand approachable personality and
on that program. The finest stallions his desire to please and he has
from Spain and the Americas will now confidence in every situation.
be available at competitive prices and He has a unique amber eye
inventoried by The FPSH. This program color and full mane and tail.
should be available to mare owners by There is nothing he will not try
the spring of 2017. as he approaches everything
with a “can do” attitude.
To summarize, there is a new ground-
swell of amazing and wonderful de- Vento has three beautiful
velopments in the world of the P.R.E. gaits with easy collection.
horse. From the exciting collaboration His extended walk, trot and
between the IALHA and The FPSH, to canter are particularly good
the many programs that The FPSH is and show excellent, correct,
offering, you can expect to have great ground-covering movement.
support for the welfare of your Spanish His gaits score very, very well in
horse. The only thing left is for you to competition. Vento has superb
get involved. The IALHA National Show, conformation with plenty of leg
The FPSH Rescue Horse Charity, the bone, as noted in his IALHA
Carta Mundial Registry, the Stallion Auc- stallion inspection.
tion and Depot, the Registration and
Spanish V.I.P. Breeding Ranch tours, all Vento is physically very sound
have one thing in common: They rely on and is currently training Grand
volunteers to help us execute and bring Prix Level dressage.
them to fruition. Come and join us! We
will find an exciting and amazing place
to include you in the exciting world of
the P.R.E. horse. No matter what back-
ground in horses, or lack thereof, you
have to call your own, we have a place
for you. There is a sense among us who
are vested in these numerous programs,
a sense that we are on the crest of an
amazing wave. Expect to see the accep-
tance and the excitement of the P.R.E.

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 13

Celebrating Passion and Dedication:

The USEF Horse of the
Year Awards Gala

BY ERICA PEET
Photos by Adam Brehnan, USEF

The United States Eques-
trian Federation (USEF)
Horse of the Year Awards
Gala was a night of socializing and
celebration. This annual event took
place on Jan. 16 at the Hyatt Regen-
cy Lexington Center in Kentucky.
The evening began with a re-
ception, where people mingled
and munched on delicious appe-
tizers while surrounded by pictures
of the 2015 Horses of Honor. All of
the ladies and gentlemen were in
their cocktail party best or dressed
to the nines in tuxedos and ball
gowns, which made for a stunning The Awards Banquet was a great opportunity to celebrate together.
gathering. Inside the ballroom was
the beautiful display of all the trophies. Seeing each trophies and ribbons: Kim David, Cheryl Thompson,
trophy up close gave you the chance to look at the Jennifer Stewart and Rosalie Wenckoski. Between
engraved names of all the previous years’ winners. the four of them, they collectively earned 11 of the
What a neat feeling it is to be a part of something 20 trophies!
that has been shared by so many other equestri- The Andalusian/Lusitano division has two Grand
ans, whose dedication and passion led them to the National Trophies: the Gandor Trophy for the Pure-
same recognition as you. People took this time to bred Andalusian/Lusitano and the Urco Trophy for
reminisce over the year and take group pictures the Half-Andalusian/Lusitano. These perpetual tro-
with their family, friends and hard-earned trophies. phies are presented to the winners along with an
At 7:00 the dinner and awards presentation embroidered blanket, a keeper trophy and ribbons.
began. The awards are handed out based on the This year, the Gandor Trophy went to the An-
breed or discipline. This means that our Andalu- dalusian mare Dulcineya, owned by Kim David of
sian/Lusitano awards are given first. I would like Michigan. Dulcineya was Champion in the Halter,
to think it is because we have the best breed in Open English Pleasure and Specialty divisions and
the world, but alphabetically works too. Of the 13 Reserve Champion in Amateur English Pleasure.
IALHA members who earned USEF trophies this Beautiful and functional, Dulcineya is exactly what
year, four were present at the gala to receive their our breed is all about.

14 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

The Gandor Trophy was awarded to the Andalusian mare RA Dulcineya.

Kim David accepted the Grand Champion Andalusian/ Champion in English Pleasure Open and Amateur,
Lusitano Horse of the Year for the second time for her mare RA Western Open, and the Halter division, and she was
Dulcineya. Reserve Champion in the Specialty and Junior Ex-
hibitor divisions.
“We were grateful to be part of the USEF Year-
End Awards Gala, and it was an honor for our mare “We were thrilled when Lauren La Vine had her
Dulcineya to be recognized for a second time as Half-Andalusian Adelina RLA for sale last spring. We
USEF Grand Champion Andalusian/Lusitano Horse moved quickly and my granddaughter immediately
of the Year. Dulcineya is a tremendous competitor, fell in love with ‘Addy.’ Addy is the perfect horse
and we are blessed to be on this journey with her,” for us,” said Cheryl Thompson. “Both my husband
said Kim. “The night was extra special, as we had and I and our granddaughter can show her, and she
the opportunity to celebrate and share the evening consistently performs at a high level in both halter
with our friends, Howard and Erica Peet and Jen- and rail classes. We are very proud to be the owners
nifer Stewart, who helped us achieve our goals this of this year’s USEF National Grand Champion Half-
year with Dulcineya, as well as other competitors Andalusian.”
who are an inspiration to us.”
The Andalusian/Lusitano division awards 20 tro-
The Urco Trophy was won by the Half-Andalu- phies between the purebred and half-bred partici-
sian mare Adelina RLA, owned by Cheryl Thomp- pants. The purebred Andalusian/Lusitano trophies
son of Illinois. Adelina exemplifies the versatility of go to: English Pleasure – Open, Amateur and Ju-
our Half-Andalusian/Lusitano horses. She earned nior horse; Western Pleasure – Open, Amateur and
Junior horse; Driving; Halter; Junior Exhibitor; and
Performance Horse – Specialty.

The Half-Andalusian/Lusitano trophies go to:
English Pleasure – Open and Amateur; Western
Pleasure – Open and Amateur; Driving; Halter; Ju-
nior Exhibitor; and Specialty.

There is also an award for Working Western,
which is open to a purebred or half-bred entry.

In addition to those trophies, USEF recognizes
High Point Awards for Breeder of the Year, Owner
of the Year and Sire of the Year.

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 15

USEF HORSE OF THE YEAR

Cheryl Thompson happily accepted the award for Cheryl Thompson was awarded Andalusian/Lusitano Owner of
the Andalusian/Lusitano Owner of the Year. the Year.

“We are proud of the numerous national and re- Rosalie Wenckoski of Ohio was accompanied by
gional titles won by Ximango Interagro, Neo de la her son Jason on this special night to receive her
Luz, Bricadora and Ucrania Interagro, and Adelina long-awaited Champion Western Pleasure Amateur
RLA, making us the USEF 2015 Andalusian Owners award and the Reserve Champion Andalusian/Lu-
of the Year,” said Cheryl. sitano and Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Working West-
ern award.
Jennifer Stewart was in attendance to receive her
trophy for Andalusian/Lusitano Breeder of the Year “Thank you IALHA for moving the National Show
along with her Championship in the Half-Andalu- to Lexington, Va., which helped to bring my award
sian/Lusitano Specialty division and Reserve Cham- goal to reality,” said Rosalie. “The Working Western
pionships for the Andalusian/Lusitano Driving and award was made possible with the help of trainer
Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Halter division. Mike Schmidt. Going to the gala and seeing all the
fantastic people and winners from all over was very
“We were very excited to learn that we were exciting ... I had an ecstatic night!”
IALHA USEF Breeder of the Year for the second year
in a row,” said Jennifer. “We are so grateful for our In addition to the breed awards, there are disci-
amazing clients, friends and horses. A huge thank pline-specific divisions that a competitor can com-
you to our clients who showed their horses that pete in. The disciplines recognized are dressage,
we bred this year and to Peet Equestrian who also driving, English pleasure, reining, western, and
helped to make this dream a reality once again.” western dressage. These divisions are open to all of
the USEF participating breeds. This year, the IALHA
Sire of the Year was Santiago, owned by Cara Ro- is pleased to announce that the Western Pleasure
throck, who was unable to attend the gala. and Western Pleasure Adult Amateur awards for
the open western discipline were won by one of our
Jennifer Stewart received a trophy for Andalusian/Lusitano own, Nancy Latta of Burbank, Calif., on her Andalu-
Breeder of the Year. sian stallion Kripton-SENI II. Nancy also earned the
Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Adult Ama-
teur award on her Andalusian mare Afrodita M Suay
I. Congrats Nancy on winning this open breed divi-
sion!

“All of us at Amandalusian Farm enjoyed partici-
pating in the USEF Open to All Breeds classes of-
fered at several of the shows here in Southern Cali-
fornia. The classes are a bit different because all

16 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

the accomplishments of a rid-
er of any horse or pony breed
Rosalie Wenckoski: Champion shown in Hunter Pleasure,
Western Pleasure Amateur, Reserve

Champion Andalusian/Lusitano, and Hunter on the Flat, Show
Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Working Hack, Hunter Hack, Dressage
Western Award. Hack, Costume, Side Saddle,

or Western Dressage.”
The nomination went to
the Ad Hoc Awards Com-
mittee, who are in charge of
selecting the Equestrians of
Honor. Of all the nominations
sent in from all of the differ-
ent breed affiliates, Bill was
chosen as the recipient of
the Vaughn Smith Trophy! He
and the other Equestrians of
Honor then went in the run-
ning for the Equestrian of the
Year, which is determined by
a vote, open to the general
public. These awards and
many others are presented at
breeds can participate in the same the Pegasus Awards Dinner.
class, not just breed specific,” said
Nancy. “Kripton was very competi- Gareth Selwood accepted
the Vaughn Smith Trophy for
tive in the Western Pleasure Divi- Bill, who was not able to at-
sion including Open, Amateur and
Championship classes. We are look- tend the dinner. The IALHA
is very happy to congratulate
ing forward to the 2016 show sea- Bill on receiving this special
son.” The Urco Trophy was won by the Half- award!
Andalusian mare Adelina RLA.

The evening concluded with the “I am grateful to be work-
big announcement of the Horses of
ing and showing what are in
the Year. There were six very deserving Horses of my estimation, some of the best Andalusian horses
Honor that were considered for these awards. This in the country. I look forward to exciting things in the
year the International Horse of the Year winner was future,” said Bill.
PVF Peace of Mind, owned by Suzy Stafford. This The USEF Year-End Awards are “one of the oldest
amazing Morgan mare is doing big things in the nationally recognized multi-breed awards programs
Combined Driving world. The National Horse of the in the country.” To be eligible for these awards, hors-
Year winner was Brunello, owned by Janet Peterson es need to be recorded under the USEF Horse Re-
and Liza Boyd. Brunello is a Hanoverian gelding that cording program. Those horses then earn points at
is turning heads in the hunter rings. recognized competitions. At the end of the year, the
The Pegasus Awards were held on the evening of USEF verifies and totals the points to determine the
Jan. 15. The Pegasus Awards “are a celebration of winners for the various breed and discipline awards.
individuals who have made a unique impact on the The Horses of Honor are chosen by a USEF com-
horse world. These awards give each recipient the mittee, who critique nominations made by the USEF
distinctive honor of being one of the best in their members or affiliate associations. The winners of
field.” This year the IALHA Board of Directors nomi- the Horse of the Year awards are determined by
nated trainer Bill Deeney, of Tilley Andalusians, for an open to the public, online vote, and winners are
the Vaughn Smith Trophy. This award “recognizes chosen from the Horses of Honor.

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 17

USEF HORSE OF THE YEAR

Photo by Terri Cage
Photo by Joe Latta

Bill Deeney was awarded the Vaughan Smith
Trophy, Equestrian of Honor.

When the award galas are over, all of Photo by Rob Hess Kripton Seni II won the Open Breed Western Pleasure Open and Amateur.
the perpetual trophies are put on display
at the USEF national headquarters at the Urco trophy winner Adelina RLA.
Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., for www.the-iberian-horse.com
visitors to see and admire throughout the
year.

I had such a great time attending the
Horse of the Year Awards Gala in support
of our friends Kim and Ken David. It is a
wonderful evening for socializing and cel-
ebrating. I hope that this exciting event
appeals to some of you, and whether you
earn an award or not, consider attending
the gala in the future. You can be a part
of it by being there to show pride in our
breed’s accomplishments and congratu-
late and cheer on our fellow Andalusian/
Lusitano winners! Supporting our members
who earned their awards gives a sense of
camaraderie to our group. It also shows
that the Andalusian/Lusitano members are
supporters of the United States Equestrian
Federation and its awards programs. vTIB

18 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016

Issue 1 | 2016 TH E IBER IAN H O R SE | 1 9

USEF HORSE OF THE YEAR

USEF 2015 Award Winners

USEF Horse of the Year Grand Champions

Grand Champion Andalusian/Lusitano Grand Champion Half-Andalusian/Lusitano
The Gandor Trophy The Urco Trophy

Dulcineya/David, Kimberly - Michigan Adelina RLA/Thompson, Cheryl - Illinois

Andalusian/Lusitano Leading Sires Andalusian/Lusitano Leading Owners

1. Santiago 1. Mrs. Cheryl Thompson
Andalusian: Bruno - Campanera II, Washington, Ill.
By Legionario III 2. Ms. Kimberly David
Haslett, Mich.
2. Fucilazo-Cen 3. Royal Horse Farms
Andalusian: Delegado Mac - Dormilona V, Lake City, Fla.
By Enamorado IV 4. Mrs. Cynthia AJ Roberts
Round Hill, Va.
3. Heroe Mac 5. Mrs. Karen Rock
P.R.E. Andalusian: Jubiloso VIII - Albricia, Big Rock, Ill.
By Leviton 6. Ms. Sandra L. Werner
Alachua, Fla.
4. Centello H
Andalusian: Ascension - Hermosa D, Andalusian/Lusitano Division
By Despierto
Andalusian/Lusitano Halter Horse
5. Indiano XVIII
Andalusian: Cazador IX - Bondadosa II, 1. Dulcineya/David, Kimberly
By Temerario Michigan

Andalusian/Lusitano Leading Breeders 2. Neo De La Luz/Thompson, Cheryl
Illinois
1. Royal Horse Farms
Lake City, Fla. 3. Brincadora XLVII/Thompson, Cheryl
2. Rothrock Andalusians Illinois
Streator, Ill.
3. Mrs. Cynthia AJ Roberts 4. RHF Leia/Royal Horse Farms
Round Hill, Va. Florida
4. Mrs. Karen Rock
Big Rock, Ill. 5. Deco/Klecz, Manuela
5. Dr. Walter W. Henslee West Virginia
McDade, Texas
6. Mr. Abelardo Morales Puron 6. SM Serafin/Smith, Janita
Ocala, Fla. Illinois

20 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Andalusian/Lusitano Division, continued

Andalusian/Lusitano Driving Andalusian/Lusitano Amateur English Pleasure

1. JS Cazador/Rock, Karen 1. Icaro XXIV/Lott, Martha
Illinois Florida

2. Guerrero Roy/Royal Horse Farms 2. Dulcineya/David, Kimberly
Florida Michigan

3. Keno GR/Garrison Ranch 3. Dallas Do Castanheiro/Schramm, Susan
California West Virginia

4. 3YS Bailadora/Branson, Therese 4. Ximango Interagro/Thompson, Cheryl
Texas Illinois

5. La Traviesa TA/Tilley, Nadine 5. Xenophon/Werner, Sandra L.
California Florida

6. Harlow CR/Tilley, Nadine 6. CDC Memoria/Alonzo, Julie
California Oregon

7. Ungaro TA/Tilley, Nadine 7. Vendito RJ/Johan-Nass, Kim
California California

Andalusian/Lusitano Junior Exhibitor Andalusian/Lusitano Junior Horse English Pleasure

1. Listo VI/Golden, Valerie 1. JS Cazador/Rock, Karen
Ohio Illinois

2. Baltizar/Kanstul, Dana 2. Guajira BOT/Tilley, Nadine
California California

3. Portos/Croasmun, Cheryl 3. Copernica COR/ Brok, Rebecca
California Pennsylvania

4. Lucero BP/Asman, Joanne 4. RDL Zanetta HGA/Henslee, Walter
California Texas

5. Bellatrix REA/Odell, Lexi 5. Macarena RDL/Henslee, Walter
Texas Texas

6. Balitor/Kanstul, Dana 6. Sedona TA/Tilley, Nadine
California California

7. Disparo/Pittman, Kim 7. Mediterraneo’s Venezia /Forsythe, Brenda
Minnesota California

8. Diablo DC/Waller Farms 8. Arturo PA/Sydow, Jody
Texas Texas

Andalusian/Lusitano Open English Pleasure Andalusian/Lusitano Open Western Pleasure

1. Dulcineya/David, Kimberly 1. TB Xochimilco/Phelon, Debra Cooper
Michigan South Carolina

2. Ximango Interagro/Thompson, Cheryl 2. Ximango Interagro/Thompson, Cheryl
Illinois Illinois

3. Icaro XXIV/Lott, Martha 3. Sincerrey Santiago/Watt, Rose
Florida Pennsylvania

4. Xenophon/Werner, Sandra L. 4. Kripton-Seni II/Latta, Nancy
Florida California

5. Kripton-Seni II/Latta, Nancy 5. Sedona TA/Tilley, Nadine
California California

6. Vendito RJ/Johan-Nass, Kim 6. Lucero BP/Asman, Joanne
California California

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 21

USEF HORSE OF THE YEAR

Andalusian/Lusitano Division, continued

Andalusian/Lusitano Amateur Western Andalusian/Lusitano Performance Horse
Pleasure
1. Baltizar/Kanstul, Dana Michelle
1. Hombre Arana/Wenckoski, Rosalie California
Ohio
2. JS Cazador/Rock, Karen
2. TB Xochimilco/Phelon, Debra Cooper Illinois
South Carolina
Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Halter
3. Kripton-Seni II/Latta, Nancy
California 1. Adelina RLA/Thompson, Cheryl
Illinois
4. Vendito RJ/Johan-Nass, Kim
California 2. RHF Jasmin/Royal Horse Farms
Florida
5. Saltador Oro 1/Henslee, Walter
Texas 3. RHF Lola/Royal Horse Farms
Florida
6. Bellatrix REA/Odell, Lexi
Texas 4. A Fabulous Dream KLM/La Vine, Lauren
California
7. Robusto AF/Latta, Nancy
California 5. Duarte GAF/Roberts, Cynthia
Virginia
Andalusian/Lusitano Junior Horse
Western Pleasure 6. Selwood Park Samson/Rock, Karen
Illinois
1. Sedona TA/Tilley, Nadine
California Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Junior Exhibitor

Andalusian/Lusitano and Half- 1. A Fabulous Dream KLM/La Vine, Lauren
Andalusian/Lusitano Working Western California

1. TB Xochimilco/Phelon, Debra Cooper 2. Adelina RLA/Thompson, Cheryl
South Carolina Illinois

2. Hombre Arana/Wenckoski, Rosalie 3. TDR Sjoerd’s Desiderata/Vimercati, Xena
Ohio California

Andalusian/Lusitano Specialty Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Open English
Pleasure
1. Dulcineya/David, Kimberly
Michigan 1. Adelina RLA/Thompson, Cheryl
Illinois
2. Ximango Interagro/Thompson, Cheryl
Illinois 2. Sonrisa TLM/Morosani, Elizabeth
North Carolina
3. Oleado/Davis, Lena
Florida 3. Abacus Xanthus/Painter, Cheryl
Virginia
4. Xenophon/Werner, Sandra L.
Florida 4. Sombra De Luna/Walters, Heather
Florida
5. Zerbino Interagro/Robb, Johnny
Florida 5. Storm Shadow/Green Field Farms LLC
Nebraska
6. Faraona Roy/Royal Horse Farms
Florida 6. On Fire/Wright, Colleen
California
22 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016
www.the-iberian-horse.com

Andalusian/Lusitano Division, continued

Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Driving Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Specialty

1. Abacus Xanthus/Painter, Cheryl 1. RHF Jasmin/Royal Horse Farms
Virginia Florida

Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Amateur 2. Adelina RLA/Thompson, Cheryl
English Pleasure Illinois

1. Adelina RLA/Thompson, Cheryl 3. Sonrisa TLM/Morosani, Elizabeth
Illinois North Carolina

2. Sonrisa TLM/Morosani, Elizabeth 4. Ando/Zartmann, Denise
North Carolina Illinois

3. El Baila El Jazz/Posteraro, Kathleen 5. Storm Shadow/Green Field Farms LLC
Pennsylvania Nebraska

4. Ando/Zartmann, Denise 6. Nothing Toulouse/Roberts, Cynthia
Illinois Virginia

5. On Fire/Wright, Colleen Western Division
California Open to All Breeds

6. Don Ciro Alejandro/Branson, Therese Western Pleasure Open
Texas
1. Kripton-Seni II/Latta, Nancy
7. Valerosa RDL/Henslee, Walter California
Texas
Western Pleasure Adult Amateur
8. Desiderio/Blaszczyk, Haley
Wisconsin 1. Kripton-Seni II/Latta, Nancy
California
Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Open
Western Pleasure 2. Afrodita M Suay 1/Latta, Nancy
California
1. Adelina RLA/Thompson, Cheryl
Illinois

2. On Fire/Wright, Colleen
California

3. Storm Shadow/Green Field Farms LLC
Nebraska

Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Amateur
Western Pleasure

1. Don Ciro Alejandro/Branson, Therese
Texas

2. On Fire/Wright, Colleen
California

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 23

USDF ALL-BREEDS AWARDS

Andalusians/Lusitanos shine at the

2015 USDF

All-Breeds Awards

BY ERICA PEET

24 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 Adagio won Purebred Second Level Adult Amateur & Vintage Cup.
www.the-iberian-horse.com

The rarity of the Andalusian/Lusitano breed Valsar won Champion Half-Andalusian First Level
has not slowed down the popularity of riding these Open and Vintage Cup.
magnificent horses in the dressage ring. Our won-
derful breed had an impressive number of entries
in the 2015 Adequan/USDF All-Breeds Awards.
The trainability, athleticism and talent of the Anda-
lusian/Lusitanos have made many riders’ dressage
dreams an attainable goal. The 2015 Adequan/
USDF Annual Convention was held Dec. 2-5 at the
Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Con-
gratulations to all of those who competed for these
dressage awards!

IALHA member Kathy Whitson, who earned top
honors at Second Level Adult Amateur and Re-
serve in the Second Level Open division, shared
her thoughts. “It is very exciting that at 61 I am fi-
nally realizing a lifelong dream of being success-
ful with my horse in dressage. As a mother and a
teacher, my horse ambitions were put off because
those things came first,” said Kathy. “But now I am
free to work with my wonderful 22-year-old Andalu-
sian, Adagio, who is the first Andalusian that I have
ever owned! Adagio has great heart which has
made the journey possible and amazing.”

Heartfelt congratulations to all the IALHA
horses and members whose accomplishments in

the dressage court are celebrated through the
USDF All-Breeds Awards program. vTIB

Tonico do Top won Champion Purebred Grand Caminante del Sol won Champion
Prix Musical Freestyle and Open. Purebred Third Level Adult Amateur.

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 25

USDF ALL-BREEDS AWARDS

Place Horse Name Rider Median Score Place Horse Name Rider Median Score

Purebred Dressage Sport Horse Breeding 3-Year-Old Purebred First Level Open

1st Hamlet JC Nicole Grous 70.188 1st Galante Robert Chapeski 69.853

2nd Fino Malu Elizabeth Hendrix 69.167

Half-Andalusian Training Level Adult Amateur & Open

1st Regalo Oro Penny Wetherbee 69.892 Purebred Vintage Cup
1st Galante Robert
2nd Belisarus Lisa Jackson 66.438 2nd Xenophon Chapeski 69.853

Shelley Van Den Neste 67.941

Half-Andalusian Training Level Vintage Cup

1st Regalo Oro Penney Wetherbee 69.892 Half-Andalusian Second Level Open & Vintage Cup Award

Purebred Training Level Junior/Young Rider 1st Valsar Lynn Jendrowski 65.122

1st Serena SRF Angela Loczi-Storm 66.364 Purebred Second Level Adult Amateur & Vintage Cup Award
65.569
2nd Madrigal MC Meghan Watt 1st Adagio Kathy Whitson 65.565

Purebred Training Level Adult Amateur 2nd Donzi MC Hilary Clayton 65.046

1st Teodoro III Tania Radda 65.222 Purebred Second Level Open
64.659
2nd Fino Malu Jacqueline Powers 1st Dante RDL Martin Arnold 66.768
65.565
Purebred Training Level Open 2nd Adagio Kathy Whitson

1st Marques WEC Reese Koffler-Stanfield 70.114

2nd Galante Robert Chapeski 69.773 Half-Andalusian Third Level Musical Freestyle

1st Pagano Andrea Meoak 67.833

Purebred Training Level Vintage Cup

1st Galante Robert Chapeski 69.773 Purebred Third Level Junior/Young Rider
65.222
2nd Teodoro III Tania Radda 1st Invicto MC Meghan Watt 62.372

Half-Andalusian First Level Musical Freestyle Purebred Third Level Adult Amateur

1st Sonhadora WML Bethany Nehse 72.000 1st Caminante del Sol Jill Mincks 65.192
71.167 63.045
2nd Valsar Lynn Jendrowski 2nd Chaman Olivia Banyon

Half-Andalusian First Level Adult Amateur Purebred Third Level Musical Freestyle

1st Ascenso Chandilyn Smith 67.339 1st Roberto Christy Raisbeck 70.833
66.374 69.567
2nd Sonrisa TLM Elizabeth Morosani 2nd Picasso FRF Diane Redlich

Half-Andalusian First Level Open Purebred Third Level Open

1st Valsar Lynn Jendrowski 71.618 1st Arturo Kristen Aggers 69.616
67.505 65.746
2nd Sonhadora WML Bethany Nehse 2nd Kelico Luke McLaughlin

Half-Andalusian First Level Vintage Cup Purebred Third Level Vintage Cup Award

1st Valsar Lynn Jendrowski 71.618 1st Roberto Christy Raisbeck 63.718
62.121
Purebred First Level Junior/Young Rider 2nd Dulcineya Penny Underwood

1st Recheio do Retiro Alexis Rzesnowiecky 67.647 Half-Andalusian Fourth Level Musical Freestyle
64.159
2nd Listo VI Valerie Golden 1st Talisman BHF Torrey Wilkinson 68.792
67.000
Purebred First Level Adult Amateur 2nd Pagano Andrea Meoak

1st Forcado CL Barbara Nagle 66.176
65.588
2nd Donzi MC Hilary Clayton Purebred Fourth Level Adult Amateur

1st Picasso FRF Diane Redlich 63.311

Purebred First Level Musical Freestyle

1st Dante RDL Martin Arnold 73.833 Purebred Fourth Level Musical Freestyle

2nd Xenophon Shelley Van Den Neste 70.000 1st Vento Carolyn McMulllen 66.333

26 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Place Horse Name Rider Median Score Place Horse Name Rider Median Score

Purebred Fourth Level Open Purebred Intermediate I Open

1st Barroco Melissa Maclaren 67.443 1st Sultao Rebecca Larkin 62.500
65.778
2nd Karillo G Susan Van Lennep 2nd Roebel Comando SN Kimberly Sosebee 61.579

Half-Andalusian Prix St. Georges Adult Amateur Laura Kauffman

1st Talisman BHF Torrey Wilkinson 64.868 Purebred Intermediate II Open

1st Tomillo VII Fie Studnitz Anderson 64.539

Half-Andalusian Prix St. Georges Open

1st Diego-Garcia Heather Bender 65.329 Purebred Grand Prix Adult Amateur
64.868 1st Zerbino Interagro Johnny Robb
Allison Larson 60.550

2nd Talisman BHF Torrey Wilkinson

Purebred Prix St. Georges Adult Amateur Purebred Grand Prix Musical Freestyle

1st Vento Carolyn McMulllen 65.329 1st Tonico do Top Felicitas Von Neumann-Cosel 70.906
62.698
2nd Verdi do Retiro Barbara Bonk 2nd Zerbino Interagro Johnny Robb 63.875

Purebred Prix St. Georges Vintage Cup Award Purebred Grand Prix Open
1st Verdi do Retiro Barbara Bonk
2nd SoberanodoFunchal Andrea Jackson 62.698 1st Tonico do Top Felicitas Von Neumann-Cosel 66.625
60.724
2nd Tomillo VII Fie Studnitz Anderson 63.250

Purebred Prix St. Georges Open Francisco Garcia
1st Bon Orpheo Jeffrey Lindberg
67.303 (Only the top two from each award category are shown here.
2nd Barroco Melissa Maclaren 65.592 For complete results, visit usdf.org)

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 27

GROOMING

Not just velvet softness… horses’ muzzles convey important information to their brains.

28 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Beauty

versus

Brains

By Sarah Picchiarini, OT

Some animal experts have questioned the practice of
trimming horse whiskers and have sparked
a movement toward leaving the horses’
sensory systems intact.

B eauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. And Our horses are covered in hair. With hair types
try as we may to be objective advocates for from coat hair to mane and fetlock hair, each
the health and wellness of our horses, the type of hair has a different function determined
American tradition of trimming horse hair (specifi- by thousands of years of evolution. The ear hair
cally ears and nose) may have slipped by the radar of protects from insects and debris, the fetlock
many horsemen and women. Some animal experts feathers direct the flow of water down the leg,
across the world have questioned the practice of and the vibrissae are the crown jewels of spe-
trimming horse whiskers and have sparked a move- cialized “hair.” The muzzle whiskers or vibrissae
ment toward leaving the horses’ sensory systems in- are a completely different class of hair and are
tact. located around the muzzle, nose and eyes of the
horse. Vibrissae are longer and thicker than coat
The discussion is beginning to circulate through- hair and are unique due to the presence of an
out the American horse world, and as an occupa- intricate system of nerve endings that can sense
tional therapist specializing in human sensory system pain, pressure or traction (Rice et al., 1986). If
function, this topic caught my eye. To understand that isn’t impressive enough, two different class-
how this trend has caught momentum, it is important es of vibrissae are responsible for providing criti-
to be familiar with the form and function of muzzle cal information for both object recognition and
whiskers or vibrissae on horses.

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 29

GROOMING

“Many European without stopping to locate it visually. Horses rely
organizations have on vibrissae to identify objects directly below
created animal welfare their noses where they don’t have vision. In ad-
dition, vibrissae near the eye can alert the horse
acts that include to objects threatening the sensitive eye area.
recommendations against Some researchers believe vibrissae serve an im-
portant function in eating, assisting adult horses
removing any of the to avoid inedible items when grazing and help-
horse’s sensory organs, ing foals locate udders to nurse. Imagine, if you
will, the importance of being able to sort out
including vibrissae.” oats from rocks when eating. Could trimming vi-
brissae increase intake of non-food items? Is it
spatial tasks (Brecht et al., 1997). Unlike other possible lack of muzzle whiskers could increase
forms of horse hair, vibrissae do not shed out, the occurrence of colic? Neither question has
likely to avoid disruption of their important role been answered through scientific research, but
in tactile sensation (Young et al., 1976). both are questions worth asking when consider-
ing the value of vibrissae.
Information from the vibrissae travels to the
somatosensory areas of your horse’s 1.2 billion As many of us know, our horses compensate
neurons in the cerebral cortex, where it is trans- well when vibrissae are trimmed. Plasticity, or
lated into behavioral responses based on the in- the ability of the brain to modify based on use
formation received. Though there is very little (or non-use) allows other sensory systems to
research on vibrissae specific to equines, rat make up for the missing sensory input. Just as
models suggest that vibrissae play an integral when a human has had a stroke and is able to
role in sensory function. Researchers have found re-learn motor patterns to regain function, or
that each vibrissa is represented in a specific when a person with vision impairment relies
area in the brain, suggesting that each whisker more heavily on his other sensory systems, our
has an area of the cortex specifically engineered horses make do with what they have. Stories
to interpret incoming information (Woolsey, are floating around on the Internet about eye
1970; Hutson et al., 1986). injuries, nose scrapes and foals unable to nurse
after trimming of vibrissae, but our horses are
Thus, the seemingly unimportant muzzle whis- truly amazing prey animals who place a high
kers are undercover sensory organs, hardwired value on self-preservation and will accommo-
to the horse’s brain, providing a steady stream of date well.
information. Though we humans do not have vi-
brissae to assist with our object recognition and Currently, the Netherlands, Germany, Bel-
spatial tasks, we do have stereognosis. Stereog- gium, Sweden and many other countries across
nosis is the ability to identify three-dimensional Europe have established either formal bans or
objects by touch (without vision) and comes in recommendations against trimming vibrissae.
handy when you need to retrieve something Many European organizations have created ani-
from your pocket or deep in your purse. Imag- mal welfare acts that include recommendations
ine a day without the ability to identify objects against removing any of the horse’s sensory or-
tactilely. What if you were unable to discriminate gans, including vibrissae. In the U.S., the habit of
between the buttons on your phone without removing vibrissae has not yet been addressed
looking? Or find the zipper tab on your pants so directly.

I am the first to admit, I am not an expert on
horse anatomy or neurological function. I my-
self have regularly trimmed my show horses’
whiskers, ear hair and fetlock feathers. I am,
however, a professional trained in sensory func-
tion and can attest to the importance of opti-
mally functioning sensory systems in humans for

30 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Those long hairs serve an
important purpose!

everyday tasks. I have spent countless hours References
helping people regain seemingly small functions
that have an enormous impact on daily func- Brecht M., Preilowski B., Merzenich M.M. (1997),
tion. Can horses function without their whiskers Functional architecture of the mystacial vibrissae,
or hair? Sure. Can they adapt to the differences Behavioural Brain Research, Vol. 84(1-2), 81-97
created by altering a sensory system? Of course.
Hutson K.A., Masterton R.B. (1986) The sensory
Equally relevant, however, is the question contribution of a single vibrissa’s cortical barrel,
about whether we should require them to do Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol. 56, 1196-1223.
so. As horsemen and women, maybe we should
question our routines related to cosmetic hair Rice F.L., Mance A., Munger B.L. (1986) A com-
trimming. Maybe we should consider the func- parative light microscopic analysis of the sensory
tion and the welfare of the horse before decid- innervation of the mystacial pad. Innervation of
ing on a grooming plan. As a group that values vibrissal follicle-sinus complexes, Journal of Com-
the functionality of our horses, let us strive to parative Neurology, Vol. 252(2), 154–174
set the right example by bringing this discus-
sion to the forefront. This beholder, reformed of Young R.D., Oliver R.F. (1976) Morphological
my whisker-trimming ways, is striving to find the changes associated with the growth cycle of vibris-
beauty in a horse with a fully functional sensory sal follicles in the rat, Journal of Embryology and
system and learning to appreciate horse kisses Experimental Morphology, Vol. 36(3), 597-607.
with whiskers. vTIB

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 31

32 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 33

EQUESTRIAN ART

Felipe Orozco Jr.

The Art Opening at Jurupa Valley High School was a huge success.

34 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

An Artist
Unfolding

By Julie Alonzo

Photo by Jorge Robledo

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 35

EQUESTRIAN ART

F elipe Orozco Jr., a talented equestri- the most unique aspects of this grand piece are
an artist, was first introduced to many the pieces of jewelry meticulously sewn onto the
IALHA members in 2009, when a drawing canvas to provide a flawless three-dimensional
from his Golden Royal Horse Collection appearance. Felipe spent more than 12 months
won the IALHA’s art contest and was featured on working on Templado IV, a lengthy journey that
the cover of the IALHA magazine and National began with hours of photography. Felipe draft-
show program as well as on show merchandise. ed several photographer friends to help him
Recently, Felipe found himself in the spotlight capture the walk, trot, stance and playfulness of
once again when another one of his original this stallion. The team of artists took hundreds
works of art, Templado IV, was featured in an art of still shots to capture all possible angles of this
opening hosted by his alma mater, Jurupa Valley great specimen, an important element to achiev-
High School in Mira Loma, Calif. “I wanted to ing the vision of demonstrating his elegance and
have the art opening at my high school,” Felipe breathtaking features in paint.
explained, “because I think it is important to let
other students in the neighborhood know that With the success of his Golden Royal Horse
with hard work and God’s help, you can achieve Collection to fuel his dream, Felipe was looking
your dreams.” for his next great inspiration. That inspiration
came when he was first introduced to this Span-
Inspired by the pure Spanish stallion of the ish beauty by owner Barbara Currie. With this
same name, Templado IV, the painting brings encounter he felt the need to immortalize the
the horse to life through an oil on canvas paint- stallion’s majestic nature in a painting that would
ing adorned with an array of gold and jeweled ultimately reflect Templado IV in the midst of
embellishments. The painting stands over 6 feet a stunning Spanish walk. It has been said that
tall and over 4 feet wide. Its specially made can- painters focus so deeply on their artwork that
vas reflects the black and white shadow of col- they fall into a sort of trance while they are creat-
ors that shine brilliantly as they blend together ing. This is exactly how Felipe describes his own
to reflect Templado’s natural elegance. One of experience of creating Templado IV. His experi-

“I wanted to have the art opening at my high school
because I think it is important to let other students in the
neighborhood know that with hard work and God’s help,

you can achieve your dreams.” – Felipe Orozco Jr.

36 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Templado IV Photo by Jorge Robledo

ence was equally as emotional as it was artistic. It would appear that the artist’s goal was real-
He was determined to make every paint stroke ized. Felipe’s painting Templado IV was recent-
and detail in the creation of this artwork attest ly valued at more than $200,000. At the same
to Templado’s overwhelming beauty and love time, Felipe received an insurance appraisal on
as it was manifested. His goal was to transcend his Golden Royal Horse Collection work, which
that emotion and magnificence so that everyone came back at just under $1 million.
would be able to experience the eminence of
the horse through his artwork. Felipe was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and
raised in Mira Loma, Calif., with the rich tradi-

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 37

38 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 39

EQUESTRIAN ART

Photo by Leymi Gutierrez

Above: Felipe credits his success to his
family’s support.

Right: Felipe’s artwork captures the
spirit of the horses he loves so much.

tions of Mexico embraced in his home. His love Photo by Paco Rey
for horses is the foundation upon which he has
built toward the mastery of his many talents,
thus earning him the title of artist, singer, per-
former, composer, designer and horse trainer. “I
was raised up around horses all my life,” Felipe
explained. “My dad is a horse trainer; he is the
one who introduced me to this magnificent crea-
ture.”

The overall mission for Felipe’s paintings is to
embody, not just the beauty, but the soul and
spirit of these magnificent giants. His in-depth
knowledge of their anatomy and moods as well
as his ability to magically command a horse as
he rides, allows Felipe to masterfully capture his
appreciation of his equestrian heritage in ways
that help his work stand out from the work of
other artists.

Felipe attributes much of his success to his
family and the opportunities he has had to
spend a lot of time with horses. “My family

40 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

“My mom and dad You can read more about Felipe and view his
have always told art at the following online places:
us, ‘With God and
respect you will Facebook: www.facebook.com/soyfelipeoro-
achieve your goals.’ zco
I am living proof that
dreams really can Instagram: @felipeorozcousa
Twitter: @felipeorozco_
come true.”
Snapchat: orozcofelipe72

has always been very supportive,”
he said. “They have always helped
me in any way they can, and work-
ing with horses day after day has
inspired me to draw them, as I have
learned to read their emotions and
way of life. Their natural beauty has
been my inspiration.”

Felipe is currently working on a
new collection, “The Black Tie Col-
lection,” and he also hopes to con-
tinue to work on large paintings in
the vein of Templado IV. At some
point in the future, he would like to
have his own gallery that might help
inspire generations to follow their
dreams.

“I have been so blessed. I get to
have amazing moments with my fam-
ily and friends, and now more peo-
ple will read about my life and sto-
ry,” Felipe reflected. “God works in
mysterious ways. My mom and dad
have always told us, ‘With God and
respect you will achieve your goals.’
I am living proof that dreams really
can come true.” vTIB

Issue 1 | 2016 TH E IBER IAN H O R SE | 41

RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP

Responsible
Stewardship

with Dick and Jane

By Mia Moore

42 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Although it seems daunting, responsible stewardship of your
horse can be accomplished with a bit of simple planning. It’s

very similar to the planning process we do for ourselves.

Photo by Camp Rusk

Horses enjoying their retirement at the idyllic facility, Camp Rusk.

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 43

RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP

T he current overpopulation of our favorite Phew, that is a lot of obligation! Although it seems
species, the horse, is causing some pro- daunting, responsible stewardship of your horse can
found changes in the attitudes of horse be accomplished with a bit of simple planning. It’s
owners toward the care and well-being of very similar to the planning process we do for our-
their horses. There is a cultural shift towards making selves. As humans we plan for our living, education,
sure that our magnificent horses experience humane healthcare, disability, retirement costs and care for
lives and do not end up in slaughterhouses. This issue our dependents should something happen to us. We
is not breed specific. Although many people think it just need to do the same for our horses who come
only happens to unwanted grade horses that have no under our planning process as dependents. Let’s
value as riding or breeding horses, unfortunately, it is look at a typical case study for a horse owner.
also happening in our breed. The Foundation for the
Pure Spanish Horse (FPSH) recently put the following Dick and Jane have been married for 15 years and
quote on its Facebook page where it was the most are financially successful. Jane used to have horses in
viewed post ever: her youth and would like to relive those happy memo-
ries and have a horse to do dressage and pleasure rid-
“The greatest horse rescuer, in my eyes, is ing. Dick finally agrees to the purchase of a horse so
the one who stands by their horse throughout that Jane will cease her endless nagging about it, and
his or her life no matter what. The horrors that his life will once again be peaceful. He thinks his only
await horses as they age are as unthinkable as problems are paying a small investment in a horse and
they are very real. Keep your horse. #teamof- a monthly board bill to keep it at a nearby stable. Jane
horseangelsncfh” purchases a horse we will call “Precious.” Precious is
Our culture is changing. No longer are horsemen an 8-year-old gelding that is just perfect for Jane; he is
willing to accept the fact that so many trained, regis- good on the trails, passed his vet check and has been
tered horses are going to slaughter. It is no longer so- trained to Second Level in the fine art of dressage.
cially acceptable to send your horse to an auction, be- Jane purchases all the necessary tack and equipment
cause everyone now realizes that the many horses sold so both horse and rider can be comfortable, moves
at livestock auctions actually end up in a kill pen and, Precious into his new home and starts to enjoy horse
eventually, at a slaughterhouse in Mexico or Canada. ownership again. Dick has never seen Jane’s eyes
So what does it mean to make sure that you are shine so much, and his life is bliss too. This happiness
a responsible owner or steward of your horse’s life? lasts about a week. Jane gets a call from the stable
The Unwanted Horse Coalition, a broad alliance indicating Precious is looking colicky, and he needs a
of equine organizations joined together under the vet. The vet comes out, finds that Precious has mild
American Horse Council (The FPSH is a member), is colic and gives him some pain relief, which makes him
a leader in the field of changing our cultural values better. This event starts Jane thinking about how to-
towards horses. tally dependent Precious is on her and how to protect
They state: “To ‘own responsibly’ means many and care for him. She loves him so much.
things, but fundamentally it means that before you
buy or breed a horse, you understand how it affects Dick takes on the project of figuring out what to do
you and the horse, both in the present and in the since Jane is too busy riding and caring for Precious
future. To own responsibly means that you, as that to do the research. He quickly determines that there
horse’s owner and provider, understand and consid- are areas where he can purchase insurance to help out
er all options available to your horse including sale, and other areas where he will have to self-insure. Dick
lease, donation, adoption, retirement, and alterna- obtains several quotes and decides to obtain an equine
tive programs and uses. It means that you consider mortality insurance policy on Precious with a surgical
end-of-life decisions, including veterinary care, eu- rider in case he needs surgery for any reason. This pol-
thanasia, and disposal, before that time comes. And icy is typical of present equine insurance and will help
it means that the industry must continue to work to- protect Dick and Jane’s finances should Precious pass
gether to find a solution to this problem.” away or need surgery. He decides not to purchase the
loss-of-use policy, which would protect their investment

44 | THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 www.the-iberian-horse.com

Photo by Kristen Sandefur Jane has no idea what to do with Precious if
something happens to her. She realizes that it
Hopefully this little foal can look forward to a long and happy life would be unfair to ask Dick to devote the time she
with an owner who will always take care of him. is spending down at the barn to keep Precious hap-
py and well-cared for. Jane does the only thing she
if Jane was no longer able to ride Precious. Loss-of-use can think of: She asks her Facebook friends what
policies are typically quite expensive, and Dick found to do! Jane starts a conversation that goes far and
it was better to self-insure for this issue. Dick and Jane wide. She had no idea there were so many options
both decided if she were no longer able to ride Pre- available. Her Facebook friends came up with the
cious, they would send him to a retirement facility so he following:
could live out his life with equine friends. They found
one they liked called Camp Rusk located in the climati- • Put Precious in her will and leave enough mon-
cally temperate area east of Dallas. To help plan for ey for his care
the expected cost of $150 per month, they decided
to open a savings account and put a monthly sum into • Ask a trustworthy horse friend to take him
it specifically for this purpose. At this time there is no • Provide instructions for Dick to donate him to a
long-term care insurance for horses. If the unthinkable
happens and Precious loses his life, this fund can also therapeutic riding facility or college that has an
be used for his final expenses. equestrian team
• Leave him to a vet school
Dick is happy with what he has found and feels • Put him in a retirement home at the time of her
as though his job is complete, and he has done all death
he can. Jane comes back from the stable that night • Donate him to an equine charity
with a large goose egg on her head and a substantial • Have Dick take up riding
headache. Dick runs over to her and asks, “What hap- • Purchase term life insurance specifically for the
pened? Did you fall off?” Jane explains that she was care of Precious should anything happen to
walking down the aisle of the stable leading Precious Jane.
back to his stall, and she slipped on some hay on the
floor. Her head landed on the blanket rack as she fell, She and Dick talked it over and decided to pur-
causing the goose egg. They were both glad that it chase an inexpensive term life insurance on Jane’s life
was nothing serious, but once again, it caused them that would go towards the upkeep and retirement of
to think. What would happen to Precious if something Precious should something happen to her. She stipu-
happened to them? lated that Precious should be used by youth partici-
pating in dressage at the current stable with Jane’s
current instructor/trainer.

Dick and Jane slept well that night realizing they
had done everything they could think of to protect
Precious. Can you think of more they should do?

One service that is available to you for your respon-
sible stewardship is The Peace of Mind Program. It
is free to you and ensures that your family members
or executor have a recourse that will help when they
need it most. To learn more about the Peace of Mind
Program visit: http://www.prehorse.org/Programs/
peace_mind.lasso

Ultimately, your horse’s care and future is up to you.
Responsible stewardship does take a bit of time and
money, but by doing it you will be glad you are part of
the growing movement in the equine culture that pro-
vides horses with the protection they deserve. vTIB

Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 45

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Issue 1 | 2016 THE IBERIAN HORSE | 47

SHOW PREPARATION

Turn Heads
wit h t he Proper Turnout

By Erica Peet

THE IBERIAN HORSE Issue 1 | 2016 R egionals and Nationals are right
around the corner and that means
that all the training, lessons and
hard work you have done all year are go-
ing to be put to the test. You know that
your horse is fit, the gaits are solid and the
transitions are clean. Now you just have to
hold it all together through a five-minute
class and hope that you knock the judge’s
socks off. But before you even step foot
into the show ring, you must remember
the other fun part, the outfits!

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