Revista el Caballo Español 2008 n.185 (English)

El Caballo Español 30

7 8-2 0

Year XXX, Issue 185, May - June 2008

El Caballo Español

nº 185

May - June 2008

Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española

ANNIVERSARY

PRE HISTORY There were tax exemptions on gold and silver if these metals were employed “in decorations of swords, lances, stirrups and equipment for horses”

PROFILES When it is a major mission, the best horses are those that go out onto the streets, those with the biggest hearts, those that seldom refuse to do what is asked, those that push on, and in the end these are the PREs”

ANCCE REPORTS Javier Conde is ratified as the President of ANCCE

Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española

Letter from the President

First, I want to formally recognize the patience you have shown in recent months, which have been extremely difficult for us all. Likewise, I want to express my appreciation on behalf of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, and in my own name for the confidence you have granted us to lead the Association and successfully complete the projects launched. I also want to take a moment to recognize the professionalism shown by the employees working at the Association and Stud Book offices. If it were not for them, it would have been impossible to maintain the normal operations of the organization. My most sincere appreciation goes to them all. Thank you. The Stud Book continues to be our main task, we must not overlook other matters that are equally important for all PRE breeders; I am referring to the Selection Scheme, the Promotion Plan and the Conformation Competitions. Recently, contacts have been made with the General Livestock Office to include changes to the Selection Scheme, which will make it more attractive for breeder participation, but without forsaking the objectives of the Scheme. The proposed changes affect the veterinarian conditions, reducing the requirements with regards to osteochondrosis, the score sheet for the TQB to offer greater clarity to breeders, the introduction of a basic ridden test, to satisfy the demands of the majority of the sector and the consideration of the results of the most important conformation competitions for the selection scheme. Also and as a necessary measure in any Selection Scheme, lineal evaluations have begun for all participants in those competitions so that once the data has been processed, we will know in what manner a specific horse is an improver from the conformation point of view, thus breeders will see the usefulness of the Selection Scheme. Every aspect presented has been done so with the support of personnel from the Department of Genetics at the University of Cordoba School of Veterinary Science, where work has been carried out for some

time on Selection Schemerelated matters. It would be incomprehensible that now, or in the not-to-distant future, should the legislation need to be adapted, the proposed changes will be accepted, as they are demands from the sector and have the corresponding backing of scientific studies. We have always stated that the importance of the LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book is not the pure, simple administrative process, but the decision made on those topics that directly affect us, and one of the most important points is the Selection Scheme. Allow us to accept this responsibility and accommodate the selection scheme to the necessities of the average PRE breeder, so that it is sustained with their participation and they can take advantage of it, because it will be difficult for the scheme to achieve its objectives if the number of horses participating fails to increase. Javier Conde Cerrato President of ANCCE

Historia del PRE LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

1 4

NEWS

THE FORUM

Carlos Ponferrada Juan María Maestre

SPORTS

ASK THE EXPERT

José Antonio Fdez. Lineros

ANCCE REPORTS

PROFILES

PRE HORSES USED FOR POLICING & SECURITY Inmaculada Rodríguez

PRE HISTORY

INTERNATIONAL

LA BRIDA STYLE DRESSAGE SPANISH HIGH SCHOOL Juan Carlos Altamirano

ANCCE

www.ancce.com

Historia del PRE

SUMMARY

PIAFFE II Alfonso Cuesta

DAILY VETERINARY PRACTICE

EQUINE INFLUENZA: A RISK FOR YOUR HORSES? Esther Gutiérrez

ASSOCIATIONS

STUD FARM (Publicity - Report)

YEGUADA OVELAR

COMPETITIONS CALENDAR

LIST OF ANCCE MEMBERS

El Caballo Español 30

May - June 2008

Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española

ANNIVERSARY

nº 185

ALTA ESCUELA

El Caballo Español

FROM THE ARCHIVES

7 8-2 0

Year XXX, Issue 185, May - June 2008

PRE HISTORY There were tax exemptions on gold and silver if these metals were employed “in decorations of swords, lances, stirrups and equipment for horses”

ANCCE REPORTS Javier Conde is ratified as the President of ANCCE

Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española

Cover Page: Pre horses used for policing & security Photo: P.N

March - April 2008 / El Caballo Español

Let ters to the editor

THE PARTICIPATION OF YEARLINGS With this letter, I would like to express my opinion, which coincides with that of the large majority of specialists on the subject, about the participation of yearlings in conformation competitions or any other type of competition. I will try to go right to the question, without running on too long. We should start from the basis that horses, up to the age of three, should be at liberty or, at least, semi-liberty, with enough space to move and to enable them to develop physically and mentally under the best conditions. Attending competitions means that horses must necessarily be stabled, feed if they were being fattened for slaughter, have a serreton (Spanish cavesson with a metal nose-piece) put on them and in many cases, handled by people lacking sufficient knowledge and forcing them to run in hand and always on the same rein: towards the left. The consequence of this disastrous handling, when the time comes to ride these horses, their paces are destroyed or suffer serious mechanical and balancing problems and only a little later they begin to suffer health problems, lumps and swellings, degeneration of joints, tendons, etc... If this occurs to two-year-olds, imagine what happens to yearlings, which are even â&#x20AC;&#x153;more delicate.â&#x20AC;? They are forced to adopt unnatural postures, both at halt and when moving, and to support an excessive weight on their developing skeleton and what of their minds? It is filled with unsuitable conditioning, which will

ANCCE

have a decisive influence on their adult behavior. If we want to have quality horses, correct selection it is not enough; we must also raise them in the correct way, respecting their nature as a horse which, like other living beings, is made up of a body and mind characteristic of their species, that is to say, different to ours, to those of a dog, to those of a rabbit or a rat. I believe that respect for horses as such, should come above the commercial or advertising interests of breeders and/or of organizations, who, in the end, will be those who most benefit if they treat their horses with some common sense, although, as we already know, this is this least common of all the senses, at least among humans. Lluis Manresa Guiralt

www.ancce.com

Maitarinda from Yeguada Maipe

Dialogue brings us closer to one another and enriches us. Experiences, stories, consultations, and opinions from all who support the Purebred Spanish Horse are good for us and are interesting to everyone. The magazine “El Caballo Español” trusts that this section, “Letters to the Editor”, will be an interesting and useful means of communication with its readers. The letters to this section must be signed, with name, surname(s), ID and telephone number, and must not exceed 350 words. Send your letters for publication to: • Postal address: Revista “El Caballo Español”, ANCCE-Cortijo de Cuarto (Viejo), Bellavista 41014 – Sevilla, Spain (España) • Or by e- mail to: revista@ancce.com

El Caballo Español

Historia del PRE ANCCE ORGANIZES THE “RAFAEL SOTO DRESSAGE CLINIC” AT CHAPÍN WITH THE COLLABORATION OF THE COUNCIL FOR SPORT EL CABALLO ESPAÑOL The PRE horse magazine since 1978

Edited by: Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española (ANCCE) Cortijo de Cuarto (Viejo) 41014 SEVILLA Telephone: +34 954 68 92 60, Fax: +34 954 69 03 27 www.ancce.com revista@ancce.com Editor-in-Chief: Javier Conde Cerrato Editorial Committee: Comisión de Comunicación de la ANCCE Editor: José A. Fdez Lineros lineros.doma@hotmail.com revista@ancce.com Technical Coordinator: Inmaculada Rodríguez Prensa@ancce.com Columnist: Jaime Molina, Manuel González and Jacobo Rojo Secretaries: Ana Luque and Inmaculada Segura Publicity: Alejandro Sánchez +34 954 689 260 comercial@ancce.com

The “1st Rafael Soto Dressage Clinic” took place at the Chapín Sports Complex. It was run by the rider from Jerez (Olympic medalist at Athens 2004). The event, organized by the National PRE Breeders’ Association (ANCCE), and with the collaboration of the Council for Sport, was attended by ten dressage riders and ten prestigious stud farms, under the supervision of Rafael Soto, as director, and José Antonio García Mena the person in charge of the riders at the CAR-ANCCE High-performance Center. Augusto Romero, the treasurer and ANCCE executive committee member, explains that “we even have a waiting list for the stables. Since the last SICAB in Sevilla, we have received studs farms from Catalonia, Galicia and Extremadura, among others. We can say that

things are going better than ever since moving to the Chapín Complex five years ago. We have a very professional team, and our philosophy is to project the PRE for top competition, without it losing aesthetics or its roots in the selection of the horse. In fact, we export horses to more than 50 countries.” The technician in charge of the High-performance Center, José Antonio García Mena, confirmed that “this Clinic is really important for us, with 13 horses and riders participating. We are working hard with PRE Horses, continuing with the follow-up to improve the breed and to keep selecting. We have some fortunate facilities in Jerez, which is the cradle of the dressage and we have world class riders here, as is the case of the director of this Clinic, Rafael Soto.”

Photos: Manuel Vasco, Rafael Lemos, Juan Olivares, Jo Jarret, Edyma Design and Set up: Editorial Maratania www.maratania.es maratania@maratania.es Translations: Yreva Arobed SL traducciones@yrevaarobed.com Photo mechanics and Printing: J. de Haro Artes Gráficas, S.L. www.jdeharo.com jdeharo@jdeharo.com Legal Registration Code: SE-186-1980

ne, including its contents, texts, graphics and photographs, whether in English or Spanish, may be reproduced by any means without specific written permission from the publishers. El Caballo Español is not responsible for the opinions expressed by its collaborators in the articles published.

News March - April 2008 / El Caballo Español

FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ASOCIACIÓN DE ALTA ESCUELA ESPAÑOLA

The First General Assembly of the Asociaión de Alta Esucela Española (Spanish High School Association) took place on the 18th of February at 7 p.m. at the main offices of the Caja Rural del Sur (savings bank) in Sevilla. This Assembly was led by the Association Board of Directors, its president, Álvaro Domecq, vice-president, Joaquín Fernández, secretary, Rafael Lemos, treasurer, Pedro García and legal Consultant, Fernando Acedo. This First General Assembly was attended by members and guests invited by the Equestrian Association Board, including Ángel Peralta, Jaime Guardiola, Ernesto Vázquez, President of the Spanish Horse Opinion Forum and , Francisco Reina, the General Manager of the Royal School of Equestrian Art Foundation, just to name a few.

by the RFHE, presided by Álvaro Domecq and under the general coordination of Mercedes González. This Equestrian Associaiton, in this commission is responsible for social communication; and he likewise referred to: - Continue defending the principles upon which this discipline is based and the interests of the members who follow along these lines. - Increase the number of members, seek out sponsors to be able to reinvest in promotion, competitions and grass-root equitation. - Reach agreements with organizations as FREAAE, ANCCE, MAESTRANZAS of SEVILLA and RONDA, RCEA, and Armed Forces to collaborate in favoring riders and horses involved in Alta Escuela Española.

Upon inaugurating the Assembly, the President of the Association, Álvaro Domecq, thanked everyone for their attendance and referred to the necessity for the Federation to have horses available that can represent Spain in top level international competitions. He also pointed out that “new Rules and Regulations for this discipline are being worked on”, highlighting the differences between Low and High School and so as to demonstrate that what is seen in the arena should have a very Spanish flare, stressing the hard work that is necessary to achieve great success.

These points and all those included in the agenda were unanimously approved by the members present at this First General Assembly and continued to name Angel Peralta Pineda as Honorary Member for 2008.

The vice-president, Joaquín Fernández, continued to discuss the Association projects for 2008, heading his speech with the commission, recently created

As a conclusion, a Diploma was presented to the First Honorary Member of 2007, which had gone to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation.

ANCCE

- Be a dynamic means of communication for all aspects related to the discipline. To help the RFHE commission, when the regulations are approved, to disseminate them among the Armed Forces, interested Associations, riders, breeders and enthusiasts in general, quickly and efficiently.

www.ancce.com

ANCCE ORGANIZES THE “1ST CARRIAGE DRIVING CLINIC” GIVEN BY JUAN ROBLES MARCHENA AT THE FINCA LA TORRECILLA The several times carriage-driving champion of Spain, Juan Robles Marchena from Huelva, gave a clinic directed at all aspects of this discipline (Singles, Pairs, and Teams (four-in-hands), at the Finca La Torrecilla facilities. Held on February 22 and 23 at the facilities supplied by the breeder Juan Tirado, in Trujillo (Cáceres), the event was a great success. Juan Robles Marchena, an extraordinary driver, taught eight participants, during two intense days of work; these represented the Mater Christi, Yeguada Las Tenerías, Yeguada Juan Tirado, Yeguada Martín and the Escuela de Capitación Agraria de la Junta Extremeña (Extremadura Regional Government Ag School). In total, fifteen Pura Raza Español Horses took part in the various sections for Singles, Pairs, and Teams. Some participants attended with their own turnouts while others were able to participate in the clinic thanks to the collaboration, once again, of Juan Tirado, who offered his own carriages for the classes. Representing ANCCE, the President of the Carriage Driving Commission, Mr. José Varo Garrido attended, and he appeared to be very satisfied with the results after the conclusion of the clinic.

ANCCE is trying to deepen all knowledge about PRE horses and to do this, during 2008, it will be organizing clinics throughout Spain, and abroad, to train breeders and owners in the topics that are most often of interest. Also, efforts are undertaken to endow the PRE horse with suitable training, to be able to enjoy the breed and value all of its virtues. Participant stud farms: - Ganadería Mater Christi: - Yeguada Las Tenerías - Yeguada Juan Tirado - Yeguada Martín - Escuela de Capacitación Agraria de la Junta de Extremadura. Participant Whips: - Pedro Pingarrón - Macarena Sanpedro - Álvaro de la Iglesia - Vicente López - Aureo Hernández Pozo - Juan Tirado - Enrique López Cozar - Luis Carlos Martín

El Caballo Español

EQUIOCIO 2008

CONVICTED OF FRAUD IN THE PURCHASE OF 23 PUREBRED SPANISH HORSES AND SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS

This past March 19th, at seven in the evening, the Mayor of Ferrol, Vicente Irisarri, presided the inauguration of the 11th Edition of the Horse Show know as Equiocio 2008. The event was held at the Punta Arnela Fair Grounds in Ferrol.

The Provincial Court of Cordoba has sentenced each one of the two people accused of criminal fraud in the purchase of 23 PREs (Purebred Spanish Horses) to three years of prison, as they deliberately used promissory notes with insufficient funds as payment.

Attending the event, in addition to the Mayor, was the Vice President of the A CoruĂąa Provincial Government, Pablo Villamar, the General Manager of FIMO, Domingo DĂaz Basoa; and the President and Directors of Equiocio. Paloma Lago, the benefactress, and renown TV Showwoman Belinda Washington.

The owner, confident in the apparent solvency of the person supposedly buying the horses, allowed them to be removed from his property prior to having formalized the payment.

It was followed by a tour of the Equiocio facilities and the celebration concluded with the attendees being offered a glass of Spanish wine.

The sentence considers that the two defendants, E.G.F. and J.C.R.M., came to an agreement to seize twenty-three PRE horses without paying their legitimate owner. To do this, in April of 2005, J.C.R.M. went to a farm in the municipality of Espiel and, after having held various conversations with the owner, a sales agreement was reached.

Months later, the vendor began to investigate the viability of the promissory notes, and discovered that there were insufficient funds in the accounts detailed in the documents. Thus, when the vendor ended up without the horses, money, and promissory notes, he decided to discuss what had happened with the police. After a full investigation, the horses were located on different farms in Granada, Malaga and Alicante, although some animals, worth some 83,800 euros, had disappeared or died. The court considers this situation as criminal fraud for which each individual has been sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of 2,700 euros. They must also reimburse 184,800 euros to the vendor for the animals that cannot be recovered.

Equiocio is not just another equestrian competition. It offers a wide range of possibilities from expositions, to events for children including, tests and competitions dedicated to the world of horses. This year, the event dedicated a large section to promoting Galician movies, by running fulllength and short films produced in Galicia.

ANCCE

www.ancce.com

THE ROYAL ANDALUSIAN SCHOOL OF EQUESTRIAN ART LAUNCHES THE FINAL PHASE OF TECHNICIAN COURSES FOR 2008

This institution has trained 24 students this year from the United States, Costa Rica, Germany, Holland, Italy, France and Israel. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (REAAE), responsible to the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Sports, has concluded the third and final phase of the equestrian technician course program. This program strives to increase training of those working in this discipline. This year, twenty-four national and international students from the United States, Costa Rica, Germany, Holland, Italy, France and Israel participated in this course. The final phase of was held at the

Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities in Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz) until March 14th. Practical and theoretical lessons were offered within the training program on lunging, presentation of the PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse), dress and equipment for doma vaquera, working in hand, pirouettes, the rider in top competition, mounted airs and transitions, applied typology, working on two tracks, flying changes, carriage driving and piaffe and passage. The Equestrian Technician Course is made up of three biweekly periods, running from February 4-15 and 18-29, and March 3-14.

El Caballo EspaĂąol

HORSES AND EQUESTRIAN ORGANIZATIONS

Coliseo XXXI from Yeguada Maipe

A Summer course at the International Menéndez Pelayo University will be held from June 23-28 The equestrian sector in Spain has, throughout the past decade, experienced unusual growth. The best endorsement for this asseveration was provided by the competitive success achieved at the last Olympics, in Athens, where the Dressage team won the silver medal, with PREs (Purebred Spanish Horses). Once again, this translated in the PRE being more appreciation internationally, and to an extent that the amount paid for some horses reached the sum of 300,000 euros. In addition, the sector has recovered its natural international prestige, providing wealth and employment. In Andalusia alone, Rodríguez Alcalde quantifies the direct revenues of this equestrian world, in 2002, at 478 million euros. In 2003, there were 68,006 stallions and 72,622 mares in the PRE Stud Book. Taking advantage of this bonanza, the time seemed right to bring the horse to the University, and to use it as a platform for dissemination to achieve the following objectives: a) To discuss the problems having an impact in the development of the world of horses in general, and more specifically the PRE world (the most representative breed of Spain); b) To present society with the cultural and competitive aspects horses offer, as well as the economic potential and well-being that can be obtained from them;

ANCCE

c) To spread the wealth that this sector provides in a developed society and its future perspectives; d) To summons all those involved in the world of horses in northern Spain to Santander, to transfer the Andalusian model to that area, so as to reactivate their equestrian businesses, and e) To reach conclusions and disseminate them throughout the country. I. Equestrian Culture (23rd) I.a. Equestrian Art: From the paintings of Altamira al Guernica. Alberto Villar Movellán Professor of History of Art at the University of Cordoba I.b. The equestrian organization of Philip II: The Andalusian Horse. Eduardo Agüera Carmona Professor at the University of Cordoba School of Veterinarian Science. I.c. The Carriage: Origin and evolution Miguel Rojas Maestre Carriage Driving Member of the Spanish Equestrian Federation.

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II. Dressage (24th) II.a. The PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse) and Dressage.

Honorary President of Rural and Equestrian Tourism of Andalusia

Rosa Mª Fraderas Lloret

IV.c. Equestrian Training

Dressage Member of the Spanish Equestrian Federation.

Ernesto Vázquez López

II.b. Silver medal for Dressage, at the Athens Olympics Beatriz Ferrer Salat Rider on the Dressage team

(afternoon) Equestrian exhibition

Athens

Olympics V. Structure and Economy of the Equestrian Sector II (27th)

II.c. The Spanish Dressage team for Beijing. Horses and riders Round table. (afternoon) - Dressage.

President of the Opinion Forum “El Caballo Español” (The Spanish Horse)

V. a. Organization of equestrian competition: the role of the Spanish Equestrian Federation. Francisco Castejón Montijano.

Equestrian

exhibition

III. The PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse) (25th) III.a. The National PRE Breeder’ Association Carmen Martínez de Sola Coello de Portugal Former president of ANCCE III.b. Current state of the PRE Stud Book Juan Pedro Domecq Solís In charge of the Stud Book and breeder III.c. Passion and charm of the Andalusian Horse Álvaro Domecq Romero Founder of the Royal School of Equestrian Arte, in Jerez IV. Structure and Economy of the Equestrian Sector (26th) IV.a. National Plan for the Organization and Promotion of the Spanish Equine Sector Carlos Escribano Mora Director General Production

Animal

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food IV.b. The equestrian business and tourism

Professor at the University of Cordoba School of Veterinarian Science President of the Veterinary commission of the Spanish Equestrian Federation V.b. The equestrian sector balance sheet: the Andalusian case. José Javier Rodríguez Alcaide Professor at the University of Cordoba School of Veterinarian Science Secretary of the course: Prof. Dr. Francisco Peña Blanco Professor of Ethnology, University of Cordoba.

the

Duration of the course: 30 hours For more information, go to: www.uimp.es or e-mail the Seminar Secretariat: rberzosa@uimp.es

1ST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON EQUINE FOOT CARE FOR FARRIERS AND VETERINARIANS

TheFirstInternationalConvention on Equine Foot Care for Farriers and Veterinarians took place in Valencia from April 24-26. This convention was organized by AFC—Associació de Ferradors de Catalunya (Farrier Association of Catalonia), AEVEE—Asociación Española de Veterinarios Especialidad Equina (Spanish Veterinarian Association for Equine Specialists), AVVC—Asociación Valenciana de Veterinarios de Caballos(ValencianAssociation of Horse Veterinarians) and AVEEC—Associació de Veterinaris Especialitat Equina de Catalunya (Catalonian Veterinarian Association for Equine Specialists). David Canes, Gaspar Castelijns and Martí Salas were responsible for the direction of the event. Oriented toward equine professionals, the event became a discussion forum and the exchange of knowledge on topics related to the specialty of equine foot care. Speakers attending the convention included topnotch, internationally famous farriers and veterinarians within this specialty, including: Chris Pollitt, Alan Nixon, Jean M. Denoix, Francis Desbrosse, Pat Harris, Mike Savoldi, Meike Van Hell, Ana Boado, Marta Prades, Gonzalo Maranon, Hans H. Castelijns, Mark Aikens, Loic Ent wistle, D i e t e r Kronert, Deni Leve i l l a rd, Antoine Corona, M a r t í Salas, and Francesc Franquesa.

Ramón Moreno de los Ríos

El Caballo Español

NEW MAGAZINE: TROFEO DOMA CLÁSICA” Directed by Katharina Braren, this magazine will be published twice a month, with an initial run of 18,000 copies.

COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ROYAL EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION OF SPAIN AND THE MERAGEM RESEARCH GROUP This past February, a collaboration agreement was signed between the Royal Equestrian Federation of Spain (RFHE) and the MERAGEM Research Group, which is made up of personnel from the Universities of Sevilla and Complutense which is located in Madrid. Both organizations have greatly influenced the equine sector: the RFHE is the organization in charge of all the equestrian competitions in Spain, covering all the disciplines, and is a reference in the equine sector of Spain. MERAGEM, on the other hand, is an organization responsible for the specialization of equine genetics and the PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse) selection schemes among other pure breeds. The objective is for both institutions to work together to improve the competitive performance applied to the genetic improvement plans, and to adapt the information generated in the various competitions organized by the RFHE, such as the control of functional performance in the selection schemes of the breeds. With this agreement, it will be possible to process the information gathered to date from the various disciplines regulated by the RFHE so as to analyze the necessary adjustments in the incorporation of the genetic evaluations.

A new magazine is about to be born which specializes in Dressage: Trofeo Doma Clásica. This publication, according to its Director, Katharina Braren: “Conceives competitive dressage as a lifestyle that encompasses the interests, tastes, and preferences of those who take part in it.” It will include national and international news, articles, interviews, and reports about everything to do with the most elegant of equestrian disciplines.

Moreover, this agreement will lead to the design of collection models that are adapted to the protocols of the equine selection schemes, and the exchange of information between institutions. This is of primary importance to advance in the field of genetic improvement. This three-year agreement is renewable should the two parties so desire. The reliability of the genetic evaluations of each breed will be thus increased, since the volume of results will be much greater.

COURSE ON FIRST AID AND CARE OF HORSES This course was held on March 29, at the installations of the Italica Veterinary Center in Santiponce (Sevilla). The course covered all the aspects of equine health and covered the most common problems and pathologies, including those that arise during fairs and pilgrimages. The various talks were given by the veterinarians of this Center, Beatrice Gittermann and Sonia Fernández Vázquez, and Lisa Rimoldi collaborated in practical sessions.

ANCCE

www.ancce.com

RULES FOR THE "14th NATIONAL CAYETANO LÓPEZ y LÓPEZ AWARD”

The Collage of Veterinarians in conjunction with Caja de Burgos, Caja Círculo and Caja Rural Burgos (all savings banks), would like to announce the 14th National “Cayetano López y López” Award. 2008 RULES & REGULATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION 1. Participants: This is a national competition, open to all veterinarians who send in unpublished, scientific and/or research work, or which represent a new or original contribution in the area of “THERAPY ASSISTED BY ANIMALS. WELL-BEING FOR HUMANS.” 2. Work: These must be written in Castilian and the original and four copies must be presented in Din A4 format and electronic support, double-spaced, in Times New Roman Font, size 11, including document or bibliographic references. It may or may not be accompanied by graphic material, with a strict minimum of 120 and maximum of 220 pages. 4. Judging and decision: The winner will be decided in September 2008, by a team of Judges specifically summonsed for that task. 5. Economic Award: The fund for the 14th prize is FOUR THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED EUROS (€4500), with the judges reserving the right to divide this, or to not award it, should, in their opinion, the works presented not reach the required level. 6. Publishing Rights: The winning work or works shall remain the property of the Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de Burgos (Official Veterinary College of Burgos), and this organization will reserve the rights to their publication. Those works that do not receive prizes will be available to their authors, at the Secretariat of the Collage, during the three months following the date that the awards are announced. 7. Acceptance of the rules and regulations: The presentation of a work involves the author/s accepting all the rules and regulations for this Competition.

GRADUATE COURSE IN EQUESTRIAN TRAINING

3. Place and date of presentation: The Works must be received by the Secretary of the Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de Burgos (Official Veterinary College of Burgos) (C/. Alfonso X El Sabio, 42, 1.º -09005 BURGOS, Spain) before the 1st of September 2008. A sealed envelope or document must accompany all the presented Works, which must contain the following: 1. Name, address and telephone numbers of the author/s. 2. A document accrediting the capacity for entering the competition, in accordance with the first rule for this competition. On the outside of the document, the title of the work will be displayed and the pseudonym under which the author/s are presenting the work.

The National University for Distance Education (UNED) has issued an official statement to inform that this is the last year it will offer this course, as the Bolonia Agreement changes higher educational proposals. The official announcement states: “All Spanish Universities within the European Area for Higher Education must change their educational proposals to adapt them to the Bologna agreements.” UNED is well aware of this change; therefore its qualifications, and in particular its own degrees, must be reformed. Thus, the graduate course in Equestrian Training

that has been successfully offered for the last five years will run for the last year, only to adapt to European mandates. Once the new graduate and post graduate degrees have been defined, the course and UNED management will decide whether or not it is feasible to run the graduate course in Equestrian Training in the future”. For further information about course objectives, subjects (theory and practical) and the price of course, please go to www.formacionecuestre.com

El Caballo Español

OBITUARY JOSÉ ANTONIO LEIVA Pepe Leiva, a breeder from Cordoba who greatly loved Purebred Spanish Horses, was a person without timetables for his friends, and who shared everything he had. As a man of peace who sought consensus, he strove to be discrete. He was the promoter behind the Asociación de Criadores de Cordoba (Cordoba Breeders’ Association), and of the Pozoblanco and Cordoba Conformational Competitions. He had been a member of ANCCE for some time, was also a member of the Board, and president of the SICAB Organizing Committee, where is skills and virtues for organization blossomed. A great person and loyal collaborator of ANCCE has left us; rest in peace. Our best wishes and condolences go to Carmen, his wife, their children, his mother and the rest of his family.

JUAN Mª MAESTRE It was in the early eighties when I heard Mr. Juan Maria Maestre speak for the first time. He was already a legend in horse-loving Andalusia, along with a couple of other names; later, some years later, I had the pleasure of meeting him, and we even coincide as collaborators with to this magazine, which I today have the honor of directing, El Caballo Español. Always immaculate, with exquisite manners, his presence was vital in the afternoons at Pineda, for which he was the President for a time. Mr. Maestre was the promoter of the current day Doma Vaquera. He was behind the drafting of the first Rules and Regulations for this new discipline, which at the time was known as Spanish Country Dressage, for which was the first Spanish National Champion. He was competed in Dressage. The names of some of his horses will forever remain in the minds of all of those who follow this discipline, Aleada, Comunero and how not, N´Est Pas, Olympic champion in Barcelona, in the hands of Juan Matute and, Capitán, a PRE he used to illustrate his contributions in this magazine. He was Deputy Elder Brother of the Real Maestranza de Caballería (Royal Order of Chivalry) in Sevilla and a person who was loved and respected by all those who knew him. Andalusian equitation has lost one of most outstanding individuals, but he will remain forever in its history. José A. Fdez. Lineros

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THE FORUM 1

The Forum

Carlos Ponferrada

Natural Training “OK, but… with where do I begin with this natural training?” In the previous article, we begin to define the most prominent characteristics of the horse as an animal species and, at the same time, how we could use that knowledge in any aspect of our relationship with them. I explained five of these, and now will go on to the following five; however first, here is a quick recap of the first five:

They communicate by body language: "If you enter, it is your own responsibility..."

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As a gregarious animal, they need a leader who they trust and who they can follow.

1. Escape

7. They communicate through body language

2. Horses are highly perceptive

This is a fact. Contrary of what you might believe based on the films that we watch, they do not understand words, not even when they are “whispered.” It is true that they can understand oral commands, voices, screams, but rather than understanding, they perceive the order through conditioned repetition and specifically, they perceive the tone of the voice as pleasant, unpleasant, dangerous,...

3. They react very quickly 4. They learn very quickly 5. They have an excellent memory

6. They are sociable animals In other words, they need a herd or group to lead a normal life. For horses, this is not an option. They need the herd because it is the only way they are sufficiently secure to be able to support their companions offering their own survival by being vigilant as a member of the herd, for the benefit of the herd. While some graze, others watch over them as a defense mechanism. “It’s the same old story once again! Defense from what? A herd? They live in a stable!” They must feel safe and secure in their environment. Be it a stable or paddock, with a group of horses or with a herd formed of two, a horse and a human, which can be taken in substitution due to the lack of another horse to form a group, a society in which they feel supported and secure. Whether we like it or not, horses form the mini herd of two. Our concern is to establish the hierarchy; to be the first or the second within the group hierarchy (that is to say, the lowest in this case).

They are capable of communicating by means of body language, to express every-day ideas such as “get out of here”, “you can stay close and scratch me”, “this food is mine”, “hey, don’t come much closer to me”, “you can catch me now”, “I don’t like the way that you are approaching me”, “I am frightened”, “now I am calmer and more relaxed”, “I accept what you want me to do”, “you are as annoying as the flies”,… If we are capable of understanding these calls for communication, we will be in a position to be better communicate with them. However, if on the contrary, we do not make an effort to understand their language, we will, no doubt, be at a disadvantage, since horses need not make major efforts to understand us. In other words, horses effortlessly interpret our body language; this is their form of communication. For them, it is as easy to read us as for you to read, to interpret what these words have just expressed. That is to say, it is

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They can be rapidly desensitized to a new stimulus.

better that we tell them what we really want to tell them or we run the risk of being misinterpreted. For that reason, sometimes they seem to act against our will. Generally, a great many horse-related problems arise because out of ignorance, and without realizing it, we transmit inadequate information to them. Our normal body movement (with the evolution of our species) clearly expresses our character as predators. Thus, we can convince them that we are predators who do not want to eat them; it is as if we were to say that we could make them understand that, although we are predators, right now with them we are not operating on “predator mode.” To do this, we can use a technique that could be classified as surefire. No, I am not exaggerating. It always works, with all horses, in a different way depending on the speed of our reactions. This is the technique of advance and retreat. You will learn it soon.

eat, and where, whether it is worthwhile to escape from something, or to confront it. The leader gives others a feeling that they can entrust their lives with him, because he have never failed them, but above all, because the order of their daily actions is always constant, therefore they always know to stay with the leader. The only thing the leader does to obtain that leadership is to control the movement of the others. By control, I mean when to move, in what direction, at what speed, when to stop,… It is not just a matter of getting angry with the herd; it is more than that; it is controlling their movement, at all times or when it is needed.

8. They need a leader

If I could achieve that, what would I get in exchange for that control of movement? The answer is a word that when taken out of its etiological context runs the risk of damaging the sensitivity of the more sensitive reader: submission. Submission is the willingness of the horse to accept the decisions its leader takes with regards to its own life.

Equine society establishes a hierarchy somewhat more complex than “a boss and the rest being infantry (cavalry in this case).” Nevertheless, the presence of a leader in the group is necessary. The leader organizes the life of the group. He/she says when to

Of course, if I were a horse and my leader told me that he was going to beat me to death, well, I believe that I would look for a life somewhere else and with another leader who would not make me defend myself to survive, because in me, born as a horse, the instinct

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... making them assimilate a stimulus as non-aggressive or dangerous.

for survival prevails above everything and everyone, leaders included. Therefore, who fulfills the horse’s the profile as leader? A calm person, who is consistent in what they do, who does not need violence to lead, but who, at the same time, makes it clear with his/her attitude, that he/she would not hesitate to use it if it were necessary (although the leader would never cause a situation in which this would be necessary). Preferably a mare, sound, old enough and with enough experience to resolve situations that might arise, one that can always be trusted, and who never fails them. But if there is one to fulfill the profile, then the horse will make do with a predator who demonstrates that it is not a predator, and who fulfills the remaining requirements. In fact, when we achieve the status of leader in the mini herd of two (horse and human) what we have created is a substitution phenomenon, or better said, the horse accepts us as leader, still knowing that we are predators, because there is no-one else available. Undoubtedly, if there were, the horse would choose it. Hard to accept? Possibly, but in reality, horses will always prefer to be with other horses (instinct) before being with us, rejecting being handled away from its stable mates, for example. It is only something we must work on.

9. They can be desensitized quickly So, I can manage to get a horse to stop being frightened of stimuli it considers worth escaping from, a plastic bag that flies around, the shot of a gun, the deafening noise of the fair grounds, a rug, a saddle, a rider, a garrocha (pole used to flip young bulls), the shaking of a hat when we salute from the saddle,… Well, that has been known for many years and even centuries. But, what is the best way to do this? Choose you the stimulus to which you want to desensitize your horse. Present it to him in an appropriate way. Repeat this until the animal accepts it. Oh yes, I forgot, there are some requirements. First: so far as it is classified by “each” horse, the stimulus will thus be difficult for it to accept. If the stimulus can be presented on a level from the 0 to 10, don’t start with a 4, or a 5. You must start with a 1 or even a 0.5. If upon presenting the stimulus, a flight reaction is triggered, then cease in presenting the stimulus and retreat. Literally, take a step back (this it is the famous advance and retreat technique). Then repeat it again until the horse accepts the stimulus at the original level. Now go on to a higher level. This is repeated until the desired level of desensitization has been reached. Are there other ways of doing this? Yes.

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Do they carry any risk? Of course, just look around you to confirm that.

10. Horses belong to a precocial species â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is this? More crazy jargon from natural training?â&#x20AC;? A foal, at birht, takes about an hour to get up, and a little longer to follow its mother wherever she wants to go. If this was not the case, the foal would be at the mercy of the animals hunting to survive (please note, dear reader, that I have not used predators on this occasion). Puppies take far longer. Like humans, dogs are an altricial species; they are slower to develop its full ability to look out for itself.

generated by predators with their body language and to differentiate them from those that do not frighten them, ending up learning to desensitize themselves when faced with them over time, remembering this for the future. Oh, I have just realized that the best to explain just what makes horses tick is the simple fact that they are precocial. I could have begun with that, right?

Horses must learn to be look out for themselves very quickly and to escape when they perceive danger; they learn to obey their leader; they learn to react quickly and within the herd when faced with those stimuli that frighten them, especially those that are

Later, the leader makes the subordinate follow

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In a herd of two, one says when, how and where to move or stop

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As a small tribute to, Mr. Juan Maria Maestre, a contributor who recently departed this life, we are producing one of his articles, specifically, the one published in issue 5 of 1991. It was one in a series of articles titled Equestrian Comments.

The Forum

EQUESTRIAN THOUGHTS By Juan Maria Maestre y Lasso de la Vega, QUALIFIED EQUITATION RIDING MASTER

We all know that equitation, in addition to being an art, is also a science, although an inexact one, and that rationality, progression and observation of the times, of understanding, doing and perfecting (in that order) the things that its jobs must be divided into, play an fundamental role, in being able to reach, at the best times, the attainment of this HOW of equitation, or if you like, dressage, which, undoubtedly, is the most important factor of this trio composed of WHEN, WHY and HOW. But, before deepening even more into this matter, it would be a good idea to tell those of you who, without having major objectives,

like to enjoy the beautiful art that is within the reach of everyone who would like to take part; even if for no other reason than that when riding, you are at the ideal height and it is the most beautiful way for a person to travel. It is definitely worth trying, particularly as, for this to happen, all you need is to have the most elementary notions of equitation, plus a horse whose training has been based on confidence.

On the contrary, (well its still worth the trouble), if we would like to enjoy equitation to the full, then it is necessary for both rider and horse to have not only the best training and a minimum level of fitness, but also, with regards to the rider, an endless love, and, more importantly, at least at the start, what we call in the horse-world, elementary equestrian feel. And for the horse, in addition to being receptive, also, at least at the start, must have elementary impulsion. But apart from all that, for things go well, it is also a good idea for the rider to clearly

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understand that he/she is the member of the equestrian couple (as is natural, although sometimes it does not appear so) who must take on the intelligent part of the process, and, therefore, as such, must behave well with his/her horse. To make a long story short, in addition to being a support, must also, with its memory, strength and beauty, respond correctly to everything that the rider asks for.

not mention because there are so many) must be ignored. Depending on the horse and the circumstances, all have their whys and wherefores for their use.

So when talking about these two important concepts (impulsion and feel) to which we have applied the word elementary, which must be synonymous to good equitation, if on the one hand, while carrying out dressage exercises, the rider must and can improve them, on the other hand, if they do not improve even minutely, it will be difficult to create, at least to a sufficient degree, quality equitation.

The rein aids are those that when impulsion is achieved, manage it and along with the legs, give form and content to the desired movement.

Therefore, if things go well, we should start seeing that riding is “thinking,” and riding well is “thinking well.” Unfortunately this is sometimes difficult to understand and much more difficult to do. So, if we would like our thoughts and orders to be carried out correctly by the horse, it is of utmost importance that the horse also understands us; that everything that we want to do with the horse must come from and be a part of our mind, and to which, the same as a modern computer, we must give true and viable information in advance, so that in this way, rider and horse being loose and flexible in the body, the thoughts and orders can run easily from one to the other, and blended with the equestrian feel and the difficult coordination of the aids, will be carried out correctly and beautifully effectively. HORSE – RIDER UNDERSTANDING All living creatures in this world, and preferably those of the same breed or family, use signals, sounds or other means which grants them their own unique code of understanding. But in this particular case, despite the parties making up the pair being so different from one another, with the passing of time, thought and practice, it was the intelligent rider who was successful by means of what we call the language of the aids and their difficult coordination. THE AIDS AND THEIR DIFFICULT COORDINATION If on the one hand there are multiple aids, it is also true that they can also be anything that one way or another, rationally facilitate in the necessary understanding. Within their diversity, you can say that the most important are the reins or upper aids, the legs or lower aids and the seat. But although these are the most effective, this does not mean that the rest (which I will

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Well, the rein aids are those that start up the engine of the horse, which is its hind quarters, producing the impulsion and movement. And except in the case of excess force, should not be brutal.

Before deepening even more into this matter, it would be a good idea to tell those of you who, without having major objectives, like to enjoy the beautiful art that is within the reach of everyone who would like to take part. The rein aids must never be destructive. Lastly, the seat aids, which are not only those that play a part in the impulsion, balance, center of gravity etc, and make the aforementioned agreement between these possible, but are also those that caused the great French rider, BAUDANT, to say that a good position of the rider is so important that, should it not be good, they will not have a good seat and equitation will not be possible. Therefore, bearing in mind that neither the rein aids must be destructive, nor must the legs be brutal, it would appear to be only natural

The training of a horse (generally) can be divided into three large periods: gaining its confidence, preparing it to be ridden and riding it that these conditions must also extend to all the others, as it would be serious if the poor use of these were to convert them into aids for punishment. THE PACES OF THE HORSE Horses moves using three paces, the walk, the trot and the canter, and it can go forwards, in circles, laterally and diagonally, and without being abused, backwards, that is to say, in equestrian language, that the rein-back (being a double–edged sword) is the first thing that should not be taught. The walk is a marching pace; the body of the horse is always in contact with the ground by means of one or more of its legs.

The trot and the canter are jumping paces, because this contact is lost for short periods, which are called the moment of suspension. The walk is four-time, the trot is two, and the canter is three-time. But these times, whether congenital, due to defects of balance, tiredness or due to the rider not performing correctly, can be distorted from their correct rhythm, leading to disunited canter, the “crab walk” or the Peruvian paso fino gait, the trot using lateral pairs (pacing), etc…., things that are not corrected at the start can become ingrained. In very general terms, you can say that the training of a horse (generally) can be divided into three large periods: gaining its confidence, preparing it to be ridden and riding it, which covers the understanding, doing and perfecting. Although the preparatory work so that a youngster can be ridden (as is natural) is done from the ground, this does not mean that this finishes at the end of this phase, as it is always a great help to being ridden (the most significant example, the lunging of the horse). But whether the work is carried out from the ground, under saddle or in harness, if the objective of it is to achieve a horse that is collected, has impulsion and balance, the horse must always go (except when at rest), between two aids, those of impulsion and those that contain this. Due to this, on the lunge, the horse goes between the whip and the rein; In harness, between the reins and the whip; In hand, between the whip and the reins, and under saddle, between the legs and the reins. Therefore, depending on the level of training reached, the rider when mounted could find the horse well in front of the hand (the horse pulls or is heavy in the hand), behind the hand (the horse is lacking impulsion and contact with the hand), behind the legs (the horse is napping dangerously) or between the legs and the hand, which is the ideal in this balanced impulsion that so beautifully can do everything. As you can see, when talking about dressage, it could appear (and to a certain degree that is the case), that we are giving certain emphasis to the word impulsion, and this is correct, although the balance could be considered as the compendium of all this, however with only a relative balance some things can be achieved, but you could say that a horse without a clear impulsion, when referring to dressage, does not exist and it would be better not to waste any more time on it. However, of the three paces, which is the most important with regards to achieving a good dressage?

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The Mall

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El Caballo Espa単ol

sports ANCCE DRESSAGE CUP COMMENCES With the onset of 2008, the ANCCE Dressage Cup begins its tenth year. It seems that it was only yesterday when a group of breeders, for general interest and for their own, designed this ANCCE competition. They drafted the rules and regulations to govern the event and the ball began to roll. What times for the Equsandalus team! Even today, I well remember that first year of competition in this ANCCE Cup. For many of us, riders of PRE horses, it offered us the possibility of competing in the discipline of Dressage and becoming professionals in this sector of the horse world. Today, several years having gone by, the results have been remarkable; there are more PREs in competition and there are a greater number of riders participating in this equestrian discipline, who come from the PRE stud farms.

PHoto Juan Olivares

Juan Manuel Muñoz Díaz montando a Fuego XII de la Yeguada Miguel Á. de Cárdenas y criado por Joasquín Márquez González Foto Lemos

As in previous years, this 2008 ANCCE Dressage Cup will be made up of a series of national and international category competitions, in addition to the Selection Tests for Young Horses. These competitions will be qualifiers for the ANCCE Cup final, held at SICAB at the end of the year. The 2008 ANCCE Cup begins, as has been customary in recent years, at Dehesa de Montenmedio, coinciding with the International Sunshine Tour. From the 27th of February to the 16th of March, PRE horses compete with each other and against other breeds and nationalities, making these magnificent equestrian facilities an excellent venue to see the best of the PREs competing in top level tests. Thanks to this fact, this particular competition has the category of CDI *** and the horses arriving from abroad are top notch athletes. This is especially true this year, with 2008 being an Olympic year; many of the

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Mario Gómez riding Gorrión Peñator, owned by Mario Gómez Morcuende and bred by Yeguada Ungo

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PHoto Juan Olivares

riders participating in the Gran Prix tests (Big Tour) came with the intention of getting good averages and thus being able to climb positions in the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) ranking, so as to qualify for the Olympics, which are to take place in Beijing. In the arena were riders from far-away countries such as the interesting case of Hiroshi Hoketsu, a 65-year old Japanese rider, who, riding his Hanoverian mare, Whisper, was always among the top, and even won the Gran Prix Special in the second week of the circuit. He already has a foot in the door to Beijing. He might very well be the oldest athlete at the 2008 Olympics. Spain, after the results achieved in these three international competitions included in the Sunshine Tour, will almost certainly have three horses and riders suitably positioned in the FEI ranking to qualify for Beijing. One of these, Fuego XII and Juan Manuel Muñoz Díaz, is perhaps the closest to home. Fuego XII is a Purebred Spanish Horse and thanks to him, it is possibile that the PRE will be present at this major competition. By early May, the Spanish national team will be designated in full. Of the three CDIs making up the Sunshine Tour, the two first score towards the ANCCE Cup. Therefore, in the first week of the circuit, in the 1st ANCCE Dressage Cup Competition, a good group of PREs could be seen competing in this extraordinary equestrian competition setting.

Luis Lucio riding Os-Nervi owned by Josep Luís Burges & Luís Lucio and bred by José Burgues Pique

In the tests for 5 year olds, Estanquero de Ymas, from Sandarac Vince S.L. (stud farm), was the winner. This horse had previously won the 2007 functionality test for young horses at SICAB. His rider, Yassine el Quahhaby, made his international debut this year in the discipline of dressage. It is worth noting that the ANCCE Dressage Cup is a springboard for many; as in this case, a magnificent handler in the conformational competitions, both in hand and in ridden tests, can go on to compete in equestrian disciplines. There were two PRE representatives in the tests for 6 years olds. Gorrion Peñatoro, ridden by Mario Gómez Morcuende, came ahead of Despierto JF, belonging to Yeguada Miño, coming first in this first ANCCE Cup competition for 6 year olds. In the higher level tests, to be precise, in the Prix St. Georges and Intermediare I, there were eleven PRE horses participating. Os-Nervi, ridden by the Olympic rider Luis Lucio, was the best placed PRE of the 59 horses entering the arena. At the weekend, during the competition and at this level, the audience was able to enjoy the sight of other Olympic riders on the backs of PRE horses. Juan Antonio Jiménez Cobos rode the PRE, Kamai I, owned by the Antonio Moreta stud farm, and he came second among the PREs. Ignacio Ramblas Algarín participated with Vistoso XI and Jarillero, both owned by the Yeguada Sola Nogales.

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There was also good group of PRE horses in the top competition category. Of 58 horses participating in the Gran Prix tests, ten were PRE. This elevated participation by Spanish horses in the higher level tests does no more than confirm that the PRE is more gifted for international competition and these top tests, where in addition to valuing the quality of the natural paces, what is required is to perform exercises in which the capacity for collection and concentration are much greater. In Gran Prix, the king was Fuego XII, owned by Miguel Cárdenas Osuna and ridden by Juan Manuel Muñoz Díaz. They finished first of the PREs, at a considerable distance ahead of the rest and was on the point of running off with absolute victory. From the 58 participants in the Gran Prix, they came 2nd, with an average of 69.042%, very close to Faberge, ridden by the Olympic rider, Beatriz Ferrer Salat, who won the test with an average of 69.500%. Thanks to these results, it is almost certain that there will be a PRE horse competing at the upcoming Olympics. We asked the international judge for Poland, Wojciech Markwski, for his opinion of Fuego XII, and the response was that: ¨the progression of this horse has been magnificent and it can be considered a horse called to be among the elite in the world of Dressage.¨ Being a very young horse for this level of Gran Priz, he performed some very good, technically very correct tests. His evolution in this last year is praiseworthy and, what is better, one can sense that he has still not reached his best, as there are exercises that he performs with greater quality and correction in the warm-up arena and in his daily training. Among the Spaniards, the second best placed was the PRE Fogonero IX, ridden by the rider-professor of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art José María Sánchez Cobos. Fogonero has a fantastic canter, very good flying changes and pirouettes and a passage and a piaffe that others can only hope for. Representing CAR ANCCE (ANCCE High-performance Center), and ridden by José Antonio García Mena, Solea XX, owned by Agrícola Peralta, also participated. This young, twelve-year-old PRE is an exceptionally beautiful horse with great class. With time and proper training, it will produce a greater connection through the back, which will make him win more points. There was also an Olympic rider on the back of a PRE in this Gran Prix test—Master Rafael Soto Andrade competed with Temático. He is a very young horse— only ten years old—with a Military Stud Farm brand. Included in Montenmedio CDI *** and taking place in the 2nd week, was the 2nd ANCCE Dressage Cup Competition. From the 4th to the 9th of March, there was once again an excellent group representing the PRE at an international competition for everyone to enjoy.

In the Prix St. Georges and Intermediare I tests, the Spanish representation with PRE horses was much better, and the results were somewhat different to those of the previous competition. In this 2nd ANCCE Dressage Cup Competition, the top placed PRE was Delfinium Larios, ridden by Manuel Alejandro Bernal and owned by Yeguada Larios. José Miguel Egea took second place of the Spanish horses, riding Engreido VI, owned by Dehesa la Granja and Antonio Blanco Prieto, with his horse, Señorio JEM, came third. In the big test, in the GRAN PRIX, there were 10 PREs participants. Once again, Fuego XII achieved the best score of the PREs and was therefore the winner of this competition with an average of 68.043%. With these scores and with his regularity Fuego XII is looking like a sure bet for the Spanish National Team. Gnidium-Azores was the second best scoring PRE, ridden by Rafael Ortiz Alcalá-Zamora, only to comment, that with the lack of objectivity that you might have with your own horse, this stallion, owned by Yeguada Azores, achieved an average of 66%. Once again, representing CAR ANCCE was Solea XX; owned by Agrícola Peralta and ridden by José Antonio García Mena. With a score of 61.792%, he was the third best PRE. It is more than common knowledge that one of the natural and most important markets when it comes to the commercialization of the PRE is that of Dressage. The ANCCE Dressage Cup was created only ten years ago, and the results obtained have been more satisfactory each year; the participation in the national and international competitions held in Spain increases day by day. With ten years of success behind us, it might be a good idea to start thinking about new initiatives that would promote an even greater participation by PRE horses, and the greater spread of the PRE in the world of dressage. One of these initiatives could be the creation of an ANCCE DRESSAGE TEAM, in an effort to encourage and facilitate PREs competing in the international circuit. No doubt, that is something that would translate into benefits for each and every member of the association. Another idea—which from my point of view could be interesting—would be to attract, within a compensation model, the PRE horses that, through a dressage ranking, are in top positions and making the semen from these horses available to the breeder members at an accessible price, with the guarantee that these horses have been proven in the competitive arena, which would help in the improvement of the PRE as a whole.

In the test for 5-year-old horses, the best placed PRE was, on this occasion, Rondador JF, owned by Yeguada Miño and ridden by Carlos Pinta Salguero, who with a magnificent canter, took sixth place overall. In the test for 6-year-old horses, the only PRE representative was Gorrión Peñetoro, ridden by Mario Gómez Morcuende.

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ROCIERO: 5th

IN THE U.S. RANKING

His participation in the Olympic Games is still possible Since the last time that he appeared in these pages, Rociero has continued to harvest successes throughout Europe; successes that have opened the doors to Beijing. Will we see another PRE in the Olympic arenas? We still do not know, but it is likely. If so, there will be two PRE horses participating in the same Olympiad, competing for different countries and, in addition, this particular horse, will be competing for a team in a dominating place in the world of Dressage, the USA. Will the day come when the number of participating and successful PREs equals that of other central European breeds?.... This question has no answer yet, but perhaps this is the beginning of a trip we must all take together, which is exciting in the any case. Kristina Harrison riding Rociero together with trainer Debbie MacDonald

We wanted to know how Rociero is, and we asked his owner, Margaret Carrera who is clearly absolutely delighted: Rociero is in GREAT form! He is very fit and is becoming more confirmed in all his movements. Klaus Balkenhol was just here providing training to potential team members and was very pleased with his progress. Which other competitions have you attended since Goteborg, and what were the results? Oldenburg, where he placed second in the Grand Prix, was our last competition. He is scheduled to compete later this month in a CDI at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank (California, USA). Do you have possibilities of qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing? Yes. (Rociero) He placed third in our National Championships at Gladstone, and is currently ranked number five for the Olympic Trials. What do people in the USA say when they see a PRE performing in dressage?

Rociero, as well as other PREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, is quite popular. Their beauty and rideability cannot be denied. Rociero has quite a following in the USA, and has been featured on several magazine covers with extensive articles. The audience loves to see him and based on the applause - is a favorite. However, I think that seeing a Spanish horse compete at this level is somewhat new for some of the judges. What opinion do your colleagues, the riders, and the equestrian press have of Rociero? We honestly feel that everyone is interested in him. People are talking about him, and we feel that he is having a positive influence on the acceptance of Spanish horses in the show ring. This is all good news for the future of PRE horses in the show ring and the marketplace. Many thanks to Margaret for her friendliness and congratulations for all the successes to date, for her qualification for Beijing, and, in addition, we wish her all the luck in the world that in the end Rociero will be chosen as a member of the USA team.

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Municipal Dressage School at the El Asturcón Equestrian Center

(OVIEDO)

by María Sáez de Propios PRE Horses are what the municipal dressage school of the El Asturcón Equestrian Center use when teaching of this discipline. Since the center was founded in 2000, the main goal has been “the training of male and female riders in its different variants (dressage, doma vaquera, high school), through rational and methodical training that leads to the acquisition of a solid base, a pure technique and a deep understanding of this discipline”, as David Presa, coordinator of the school explained. In an effort to achieve this goal, the school technical team has established a series of specific operative objectives and plans for carrying out this activity during the current year. These objectives and plans vary depending on the level and number of the students.

The students show their knowledge after the long learning process, both in Dressage and Doma Vaquera

“Our objective is the training of male and female riders in its different variants (dressage, doma vaquera, high school), through rational and methodical training that leads to the acquisition of a solid base, a pure technique and a deep understanding of this discipline

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Beginners facing their first contact with a competiton

PRE Horses are what the municipal dressage school of the El Asturcón Equestrian Center use when teaching of this discipline Novice level Beginners are at the novice level, where they study of the external anatomy of the horse, its movement, character and behavior, so as to have a solid knowledge base; they are taught the basic working equipment used when riding a horse, as well as its correct placement and adjustment, and the application of the various basic equipment for cleaning, hygiene and care. Also, they learn the various natural aids (legs, seat and hands) and artificial aids (whip and spurs) to communicate with the horse, and their coordination and correct application in the three natural paces of the horse (walk, trot and canter). They are also taught the regulation arenas for dressage, the sizes and the reference letters. But, in order to familiarize them with the competition environment, they must be aware of the rules and regulations and elementary protocol of a discipline such as dressage, so as to be able to participate in school and social competitions, in which they will be able to perform the basic working figures in the arena (circles, turns, diagonals, serpentines, etc.) at walk, trot and canter, and during transitions and ride with balance, ease and safely at the various paces. They acquire a correct position in the saddle, which enables them to give the aids appropriately, to maintain their balance on the horse and to ride with the greatest safety, effectiveness and ease possible.

Advanced level Once the basic knowledge has been acquired, the better versed students pass on to the advanced level, where they deepen their knowledge of the external and internal anatomy of the horse, as well as in the mechanics of its movement, its character and its behavior. They learn how to use the various equipment for the cleaning, hygiene and care of horses and the working equipment, as well as types of plaiting, clipping and thinning of manes and tails for the daily work and for competition. In addition, students are able to correctly use the equipment for protection and work,

the various types of auxiliary boots and bandages, and their correct placement and adjustment. They are aware of the structure of the session, in which the horse is worked, for training as well as for competition (warmup, intense work, stretching, etc.). All these topics are learned through group work, coordination exercises and performing carrousels with several riders. In the end, they are ready to perform advanced working figures in the arena, lateral movements at the walk, trot and canter and during transitions, and they ride with balance, ease and securely. To proceed into in the competition world—which is always the most exciting aspect—students study dressage rules and regulations and protocol to be able to participate in local and national competitions.

Other activities To achieve the established goals and levels of knowledge, a precise program of extraordinary activities has been developed, which “enables the students to demonstrate their work, to compare their level with those from other schools and to evaluate their advances.” “With all this, we look for a progressive advance and a constant evaluation of the level of our students’ knowledge.” Among these activities are the organization and participation in school competitions, participation of students and instructors in local and national championships held at the El Asturcón Equestrian Center, and others held in other communities, performing in equestrian exhibitions, participating in clinics and training seminars imparted by international riders and judges and the organization of educational excursions and trips for the students and their relatives to important dressage-related sites. In addition to these activities, the dressage school also runs guided treks in the area surrounding the El Asturcón Equestrian Center, exhibitions and equestrian shows, equestrian and intensive summer and dressage training courses, training and preparation for contests of young horses and horses owned by third parties.

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“by teaching competitive dressage, we seek to instill our students, in addition to technical knowledge and a training as riders, with a personal and humane training, promoting group spirit, discipline, responsibility and respect toward others, the instructors and the horses.” The school seek to not only teach dressage in strict competitive sense, but rather the dressage that will rebound positively on the students in their development as people, because “by teaching competitive dressage, we seek to instill our students, in addition to technical knowledge and a training as riders, with a

personal and humane training, promoting group spirit, discipline, responsibility and respect toward others, the instructors and the horses,” Presa stated. Thus, the adjective that best describes the PRE, nobility, will end up describing these students as well.

TECHNICAL DETAILS - LOCATION: Centro Ecuestre El Asturcón (Equestrian Center), Finca El Molinón, Villapérez, Oviedo, Principality of Asturias. - HORSES: 30 PRE (Purebred Spanish) Horses at various levels of training in Dressage, Doma Vaquera and High School. - FACILITIES: 30-3x3 meter stalls. Covered 60 x 20m school. 2 tackrooms, changing rooms. In addition to all the common facilities of the El Asturcón Equestrian Center (Indoor and outdoor arenas, cantering track, horse walkers, shop, cafeteria, etc.) - PERSONNEL: Highly qualified instructors, riders and stable grooms. - MAIN ACTIVITIES: - Classes from beginner to advance in Dressage (main activity), Doma Vaquera and High School. - Breaking and training of horses for dressage, doma vaquera and high school - Guided treks on horseback. - Dressage exhibitions. - Nº OF STUDENTS: - 90 young students (11 to 17 years) with grants from the Oviedo City Hall during the school year (October to June). - 20 / 30 adult and private students throughout the year. - 15 / 20 students for intensive summer courses (July to September)

FUEGO XII IS CLOSER TO BEIJING Juan Manuel Muñoz riding Fuego XII, owned by Miguel A. Cárdenas and bred by Joaquín Márquez González placed second in the Kür Gran Prix of the CDI at Ponte de Lima (Portugal) In addition to second place in the Kür, Fuego XII came third in the Gran Prix, with an average of 67.50%. It must be said that the winner of the two tests was also the Spanish rider, Beatriz Ferrer riding Faberge and Juan Matute came second in the Gran Prix and first in the Gran Prix Special with Wie Atlántico. These excellent results from our international athletes takes us a little closer to having a PRE representing Spain at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing; equestrian competitions will be held at the is Hong Kong. Until the competition at Saumur, we will not

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know whether we have earned the passport to China. Nevertheless, with this qualification, there are a maximum number of places for each country. Should things continue as they have by the 1st of May, the Technical Commission, under the leadership of the National Manager, Jean Bemelmans, Spain’s Royal Equestrian Federation (RFHE) will select three of the four horses and riders. If the current expectations are met, and the qualification achieved, the final decision will make just prior to leaving for Hong Kong.

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ask the expert DRESSAGE José A. Fdez. Lineros

Problems with changes I have a six-yearold horse that is competing in the level 4 tests; I truly believe that we perform the exercises pretty well. The only thing I am having problems with is the flying changes, as my horse appears not to like these and gets cross. He does change almost always when I ask, but first he changes in front and then behind. I would like to go up a level, because we are starting to do pirouettes pretty well, but I do not know how to solve the problem with the changes. Patricia Machado

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Rider, Trainer and Dressage Judge

Before finding the possible solutions to the problems, we need to know what causes them, and without seeing the horse and how you ride him, this is really difficult; however, this being a common problem, I will try to answer in general terms, which are based on my experience with other horses. The flying change is an exercise in which the horse needs to perfectly coordinate the movement of its hind- and forelegs on the same side, to move them at the same time, when his whole body is in the air, taking advantage of the period of suspension that the canter has between one stride and another. This is something that for some horses is really easy and is a natural part of the repertoire of movements they perform when loose (although it is true that with poor training it can be destroyed; it is not so difficult). However, for others, it is extraordinarily difficult, and they always change one of the legs before the other, (although it is true that with good training this can be fixed; this is something that is difficult). Obviously, the ease or difficulty with which the horse performs the exercise will have a decisive influence on the final result and on the entire process of attaining the desired goal, although it can always be achieved if you do not make mistakes. This is the “quid of the question.” If the training process is not well outlined and executed and/or at the time of the change you do not apply the correct aids in an appropriate manner..... coordination problems will appear. Having reached this point, my advice is always the same: “forget what you have learned, and start afresh.” In other words, forget everything and go back to box one.

From now on, your work (with regard to the changes) must be fundamentally centered on two points: Make it easy for the horse by endowing him with the necessary physical and mental support so that he can face the exercise with certain success. Your own training in the correct application of the aids. Let’s quickly analyze these two points: 1.- Make it easy for the horse. To do this, you must: Make him understand: The horse must clearly understand what you want of him. To achieve this, he must be trained in the canter strike-offs on both reins, until he performs them accurately and straight, without the least hesitation. Your requests must always be made in the same way, clearly and simply, and you will reduce the period of time between each request. Take care! Between the strike-off on one leg and the other, the horse must keep moving, fundamentally at walk, with a frank, calm walk and always with a minimum of three or four steps, which is known as a “simple change of leg.” Don’t make the mistake of stopping and immediately requesting canter on the other leg and repeating this over and over again. If you do this, what could happen and in fact, what does happen, is that the horse does not change in the air, but rather he will halt instantaneously, and strike-off again in canter on the other leg, and when they learn this..... unlearning it is really difficult. Improve the canter: If the change takes place when the horse is in the air, so that it is easier for him to change, it

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Armas Tarugo, 2007 Champion of Functionality at SICAB, owned by Cabeza Rubia and bred by Florencio Moreno Muñoz

will be necessary to improve his canter and to increase the period of suspension in those horses that lack this. The canter must be straighter, rounder, springier and more uphill. To explain how to achieve this, it would be necessary to write a treatise on equitation, something that is completely impossible at this time. So, if you do not know how to do this, the best thing to do is to seek the help of a good trainer. 2.- Our own training in the correct application of the aids. This second part is as important as the first, or even more so. If you do not do it well, the horse will never do it well. If your orders do not arrive on time and under good conditions, the horse will find it very difficult— even though he puts all his effort into it—to perform cleaning and brightly, something that he already finds

difficult. This section can also be divided into several parts: Opportunity: There is only one moment to request the change and it is “exactly” when the horse is about to have its four legs in the air. In other words, when the foreleg for which the corresponding canter is named is about to leave the ground. If your aids are not given at this precise instant, not one second earlier or one second later, the result will not be as expected and the horse will get ahead of itself and will probably change in front before behind. How can you achieve this “opportunity” with the aids? I know that there are many riders who do it “by ear” and they get results. However, there is a very simple method that is as old as equitation itself, which is “to count,” but that also needs practice. If you learn how to get the rhythm of the canter, counting mentally or out loud should it be

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necessary, with a little practice, you will always request the change at the correct time, all you need to do is to count to three and on the fourth.... ask, more or less like this:

chhh-aaann-gggeee

clack-clack-clack-suspension/ clack-clack-clack-suspension/ clack-clack-clack-suspension/ clack-clack-clack-suspension

If the word “change” is spread throughout the stride, we will manage to get our leg to move more slowly, adapting to the rhythm of the canter and thus avoiding the horse getting ahead of itself and offering an abrupt reaction. The preparation: Put the horse in an active, calm and rhythmic canter, if the horse is not calm, it is better not to do anything. Straighten Count and apply the aids The aids: The body: Still!! Do not do anything....absolutely nothing (“do not annoy” is the first thing that a rider must learn, and do not forget this at any time). Legs and reins: Coordinate perfectly the action of the inside rein (future outside rein) and the inside leg (future outside leg), the rein closes, leaving a small half-halt and the leg moves back with a movement similar to a windshield wiper, never giving a kick or a digging in the spurs, sometimes the rein action is not even needed, and the horse will respond to your request perfectly, only to the action of the leg. As a supplementary aid, you can activate the horse’s inside leg (future outside leg) with the whip, several strides before the change and at the same time in which you apply the leg, but take care, you must ¡ avoid the horse getting nervous at all cost; calmness is a vital condition for success.

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AMUSEMENT

Do you agree with the judges? This horse has been judged by two Qualified Conformation Judges, who commonly appear in competition. There was no communication between them and, therefore, neither of them knows what the other has written. If you want to compare your opinion with theirs, and then see the differences and similarities between the three, complete this Score Sheet and look at the answer on page 55 JUDGES: • Mr. Álvaro Cabrera • Mr. Javier Bayo

SCORE SHEET Back-lumbar region Note: Comments:

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Historia delREPORTS PRE ANCCE ANCCE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY Javier Conde Cerrato ratified as the President of ANCCE photos; EDYMA

The Extraordinary General Meeting of the National PRE Breeders’ Association (ANCCE) was held on Saturday, March 15th, at the NH Central Convenciones Hotel in the city of Sevilla. At total of 160 stud farms were on hand for the meeting while another 227 were represented with proxy representation. The following decisions were made: 1-. Disciplinary Procedure initiated against Mr. José Palma Moreno After Mr. Palma Moreno had spoken to formulate his allegations—as established by the Association by-laws—to defend himself against the accusations made by the Disciplinary Commission created for this reason, and during which he publicly apologized for any damage that could have been caused by his attitude, members proceeded to vote the sentence, with the following results: - The accusation of pressuring the Organizing Committee: o Breeders who consider this behavior not punishable: 21. o Breeders who consider this behavior punishable: 289.

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Two hundred thirty-six breeders considered this to have been a very serious offence, for which the sentence carried a 5-year temporary ban from participation in competitions and activities organized by ANCCE, with the support of 191 votes. - The accusation of coercing the SICAB Board Members and Organizing Committee : o Breeders who consider this behavior not punishable: 88. o Breeders who consider this behavior punishable: 277. Two hundred thirty-five breeders considered this to have been a very serious offence, for which the sentence a 5-year temporary ban from participation in competitions and activities organized by ANCCE, with the support of 200 votes.

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Presential table, from left to right: Jaime Molina, General Secretary; Augusto Romero, Treasurer; Pedro Maza, Vice President; Javier Conde, Presiden of ANCCE;, José Díaz Solís, Secretary, Manuel González, Executive Secretary and Fernando Huidobro, ANCCE Legal Consultant

- Disobeying the regulations laid out by the ANCCE Managing Board and seizing of the post of President:

- Non-compliance with the regulations of the Admission Judges:

o Breeders who consider this behavior not punishable: 114.

o 335 Breeders consider this worthy of punishment.

o Breeders who consider this behavior punishable: 243. Two hundred thirty-five breeders considered this to have been a very serious offence, for which the sentence imposed was definitive expulsion from the Association, with the support of 208 votes. As the offences charged were independent of each other, and their punishments cumulative, Mr. José Palma has been punished with a 10-year ban from participation in competitions and activities organized by ANCCE and his stud farm expelled permanently from ANCCE.

2-. Disciplinary Procedure initiated against Yeguada Torreluna

o 25 Breeders consider this behavior not punishable. In turn, 332 considered this a serious offence and, of those, 299 voted in favor of imposing a 3-year temporary ban for the stud farm and its representatives from participation in competitions and activities organized by ANCCE. - Attempting to enter the arena with horses that were not registered in their name: o 23 Breeders believe this behavior not punishable. o 336 Breeders think this behaviour should be punished. Three hundred thirty-four felt that this must be considered a serious offence, and of those, 296 voted in favor imposing the punishment of a 3-year temporary ban for the stud farm and its representatives from participation in competitions and activities organized by ANCCE. - Publicity statements that could have damaged the reputation of ANCCE:

The legal representative of the Yeguada spoke and apologized for any damage that either his statements or the statements of those he represents may inadvertently cause. Likewise, he reiterated, as he had in the allegations made previously and in a letter sent tot he ANCCE Board, dated March 14, and expressed his intention to publicly repair any damage caused.

Consequently, Yeguada Torreluna was given a warning for conduct that could have harmed the image of the Association.

After he had finished speaking, and following the inevitable debate among those present, the meeting proceeded to the vote, with the following results:

In consequence, and given that the punishments are cumulative, Yeguada Torreluna has been punished with a 6-years temporary ban from participation in

o 29 Breeders believe this behavior not punishable. o 329 opted that it is.

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competitions and activities organized by ANCCE.

3-. Ratification of Mr. Javier Conde Cerrato as President of the Association Following an intense debate in which the various views of the breeders present were stated, the meeting proceeded to vote, which ended in the following result: - 295 votes in favor of the ratification. - 71 votes against. - 13 abstentions. - 5 blank votes. - 2 null votes. As a consequence of this, Mr. Javier Conde Cerrato has been ratified as President of the Association.

Jaime Molina, General Secretary

4-. LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book Mr. Juan Pedro Domecq offered an extensive presentation of the present, past and future of the Stud Book as handled by ANCCE, stating the problems encountered by the Association and the various solutions taken. Mr. Conde stated that he was not satisfied with the results obtained, but that under no circumstance did this indicate that work has not been proceeding in the right direction since the situations that had negatively influenced the efficient handling had been clarified.

José Palma speaking

The problem created by the USA Foundation having separated from the LG of Spain and creating a private register was debated. It was accepted that there had been delays in the shipment of the documentation and that there had, in some cases, been printing errors and a commitment was made to return the cards after having been completed correctly.

Luis Castel

A commitment was also made to ship all documentation for the foals that were born in 2007 and before May of this year, as, now that the dynamics of the Stud Book have been standardized, the shipment of documentation will be automatic.

Jose Mª de Castro, owner of the stud farm known as “Masía Publill”, S.L

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ANCCE AWARDS THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE WITH A SCULPTURE AS HONORAY MEMBER

In 2007, the ANCCE Assembly unanimously approved the motion to consider the Ministry of Agriculture an Honorary Member as a result of its work in defending and promoting the PRE. The sculpture has traditionally been awarded to an individual or organization during SICAB; however, due to problems with her agenda, the Minister could not come to Sevilla and, therefore, the event was postponed until now and held at office of the Ministry of Agriculture. Javier Conde, President of ANCCE, went to the ceremony flanked by several former Presidents and members of the Board, including Carmen Martínez de Sola, Adolfo Sánchez de Movellán and Miguel de Rojas. Board members were accompanied by Pedro Maza and Augusto Romero, together with the General Secretary of ANCCE, Jaime Molina.

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2008 LIABILITY INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR HORSES/CARRIAGES FOR PRIVATE USE This is to inform you about a matter that is no doubt of major stud farms in Spain; it is the subject of liability insurance, that provide insurance coverage when attending such events as fairs, pilgrimages, etc. or even when a horse is on private property. This type of insurance would cover unexpected incidents, such at a horse escaping onto a highway or kicking a visitor to the farm. Remember, these apparent small incidents could cause serious economic hardship, since damage assessments are very high. Likewise, as stated in previous memos, the European Union establishes that breeders must remove the remains of animals that die on their property following the established legal forms, and never on their own accord, or bury them on the farm. For this reason, the Ministry of Agriculture has made available insurance for the removal of dead animals, including horses, cows, sheep, rabbits, chickens, etc. This is why ANCCE wants to remind you that this insurance is available for equines and the other animals in such regions as Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, Valencia, Castilla-la Mancha, and Andalusia. All other regions have coverage for all animals except horses. ANCCE is available to provide quotations. For more information, please call the ANCCE office and ask for Ana Luque, or contact us by e-mail: (ancce@ancce.com). Please find attached a table of prices from liability insurance.

1. HORSES ONLY: Capital insured per accident and year: -150,000.00 euros……………………………… 63.78 euros General exemption: 100 euros 2. CARRIAGES: The Premium for the carriage is obtained by adding the corresponding premium for the horses drawing the carriage to the following amounts: Capital insured per accident and year: - 60,000.00 euros……………………………… 70.14 euros -150,000.00 euros……………………………… 93.51 euros -300,506.05 euros……………………………. 124.68 euros General exemption: 100 euros 3. If you only want liability insurance to cover the horses while drawing the carriage being insured, the prices for the insurance are: 3.1 For carriages drawn by 1 or 2 horses. Capital insured per accident and year: - 60,000.00 euros……………………………… 108.38 euros -150,000.00 euros……………………………… 144.50 euros -300,506.05 euros……………………………. 180.62 euros General exemption: 100 euros 3.1 For carriages drawn by up to 3 or 4 horses. Capital insured per accident and year: - 60,000.00 euros……………………………… 133.07 euros -150,000.00 euros……………………………… 177.43 euros -300,506.05 euros……………………………. 222.54 euros General exemption: 100 euros Madrid, March 25, 2008

Cobra owned by Teodoro Herce

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Historia bydel PROFILES PRERodrĂguez Inmaculada

PRE Horses

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used for Policing & Security

Chuchi bendice al caballo que más satisfacciones le ha dado, Dédalo XXXVI

“On the job, thanks to the honesty and the heart of the PRE, you almost forget you are riding a horse” It is interesting that when we come across a mounted policeman, this produces a significant affect on crowds. The Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (National Police) in Spain has, among its Special Units, the Cavalry, whose origins stem from the

Royal Order of the 1st of September, 1825, which created a Cavalry Regiment called “Celadores Reales” (Royal Guard), whose task was to police the country, as their tasks were to avoid thefts and violence and were accountable to public authority.

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Origin The Cavalry is one of the oldest units within the National Police, although throughout its history and specifically during the 19th and 20th centuries, it has undergone various changes and reorganizations. At the start of 1940, the Agrupación de Escuadrones de Caballería del Cuerpo de Policía Armada y de Tráfico (Group of Cavalry Squadrons of the Armed Police and Traffic) was created. It was a military organization which in 1978 changed its name to Agrupación de Escuadrones de Caballería del Cuerpo de Policía Nacional (Group of National Police Cavalry Squadrons). Following the reorganization of police departments in 1986, this Unit remained within the National Police Force with its current structure; in other words, in the field of public security. It is accountable to the Comisaría General de Seguridad Ciudadana y a las Jefaturas Superiores (General Police Department for Public Security and

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the Main Headquarters) of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla and Zaragoza.

Today

The PRE was not a requirement imposed by any administrative decision, but rather, was a free choice thanks to the honesty and heart of these horses, leading us to choose them as favorites.

The Spanish National Police Force currently has four cavalry units, with two located in Madrid, one in Sevilla and the other in Valencia, which account for a total of 202 horses, the majority being PREs. Francisco Medel Pedrajas, Temporary Chief Inspector of the Cavalry Unit at the Main Police Headquarters in Sevilla, explained that “the decision or the preference for the PRE, was not a requirement imposed by any administrative decision, but rather, was a free choice thanks to the honesty and heart of these horses, leading us to choose them as favorites”. The National Police Force tends to have PRE horses for three basic reasons; the first, “is the great honesty and the heart of these horses”. Francisco Medel, so that we can understand this first reason,

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You can depend on the fact that with a PRE, when you face a serious problem of public order, you will have the absolute guarantee of free movement, to serve the rider

he offers an example, but first describes an typical daily reality: “let us imagine that we are in the middle of a “monumental row,” in which all types of objects are being thrown around. You have to pass alongside cars or burning items and slippery steps, where, you also have to pay attention to your communication equipment to give or receive valuable instructions and information, with a helmet on and a shield in your hand”. Really, just thinking about it is stressful, and as Medel confirmed: “if to this you add flags, noise, puddles, firecrackers, a herd bound horse, or one that is crafty and avoids its work at all cost, the result is that our work tool turns into an extra task.” For these reasons, “we need the horses in our squadrons to be honest, and to have the heart to anticipate what we want. Due to this, you can depend on the fact that with a PRE, when you face a serious problem of public order, you will have the absolute guarantee of free movement, to serve the rider. You almost forget that you are mounted on horseback.” “With such tasks, the best horses are those that go out onto the streets, those with the biggest hearts, those

that seldom refuse to do what is asked, those that push on, and in the end these are the PREs”, explained Medel. The second reason for choosing this breed is “for the little tuning they need. In other words, you can achieve maximum effectiveness in a very short space of time”. In addition, when the rider and horse interrupt their daily training for various reasons, and the horse and rider then are once again together after some time, Medel assures us that “the occasion generally goes very sweetly, almost as if they have not seen each other only for a few days”. The third characteristic for which the Spanish National Police decide to choose a PRE is for its “medium size”, something that makes it very accessible for the transportation that is available and for the existent installations. “A large horse is extremely inconvenient for every day work, and one that is small has a negative effect on the power of persuasion which is extremely important.”

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With such tasks, the best horses are those that go out onto the streets, those with the biggest hearts, those that seldom refuse to do what is asked, those that push on, and in the end these are the PREs Acquisition and training Throughout history the methods of acquisition of young horses has varied, since a relatively short time ago, the Cavalry has obtained these horses by means of an agreement established between the Ministry of the Interior and that of Defense. “Once these horses reach each Cavalry Unit, which they generally do at 3 or 4 years old, they fall under the charge of a team of young horse trainers, with sufficient knowledge to teach the horse the first phase of training, which includes the learning of meekness, manger training, acquisition of confidence, acceptance of the equipment, supports the weight of the rider, working at all three paces, etc. From then on, each rider that has successfully passed the course that trains them for this specialty, gives them a specific training for the purely police work. The instruction and learning to which the horses are subjected is guided towards the familiarization with the many problems that will be encountered in real life”. Medel, states that this is the philosophy of the instruction. “Our daily ‘prayer’ is to observe, and from this, deduce the needs to later repeat the exercises over and over again, day by day, season after season”. The tasks performed daily vary; they range “from common exercises in groups, which are also useful for correcting the way they are ridden, to going up and down steps, passing by flags, obstacles, passages with all types of noise, shots, fireworks… so that when one of these extremely delicates situations arises, the horse knows how to put all its strength and the greatest

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intensity possible in these stimuli, and can guarantee a job well done, correctly and successfully performed”. Medel concludes, specifying that “in addition to working on the instruction, have other responsibilities such caring for and looking after the horse, in the broadest sense of the word. For this, it is good that the police see the horse as their own, as this establishes an emotional link as well as a professional one.”

Tasks of the Cavalry Unit Participation in security plans with large crowds, such as political, social, and cultural and sports events, etc. Prevention, maintenance and, reestablishment of public peace.

where

relevant,

Dynamic and static protection of people and goods Surveillance and control of outlaying and difficult access areas. Participate in protocol Humanitarian services (tracking, searches, natural catastrophes, etc). Participation in equestrian events such as SICAB Certainly, in this specialized Cavalry, which is naturally vocational and involves a great deal of sacrifice, there are highly gratifying moments, fruit of the daily relationship with PRE horses. A major nexus of professional and emotional union grow daily by which a horse and rider are turned into an effective work tool, to perform the tasks commissioned by the National Police Force.

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Juan Carlos Atamirano PRE Historia history del byPRE PRIOR TO THE BIRTH OF A MYTH, THE PUREBRED SPANISH HORSE (VII)

La Brida style Dressage:

Spanish High School If tournaments had an impact on the resurgence of what today is known as classical equitation, what promoted the expansion of this modality even more was its disappearance. When its use was more limited as a sport, as the means to maintain health and leisure, the study and the practice of what today is known as Spanish High School, the essence of equitation, began.

Spanish horse, lithography by Vernet at the onset of the 19th century (extracted from “ Doce Estampas del Caballo Español” by Alfonso del Castillo Caracuel, page 135) 52

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previous articles, I have explained that during the medieval period two disputed riding styles were used. These were later considered modalities of dressage: the “Jineta”, whose development has already been explained, and the “Brida”, which was used by the Christian army, and whose principal characteristic, as has been explained, was to ride with long, heavy and wide stirrups, and for rider and horse to be covered in armor. It is known that this was introduced to Spain during the wars between the Aragons and the Sicilians, although a more sophisticated type was later imported from France and Germany. Not only did it differ from the “Jineta” in the length of the stirrups, but by other utensils and decorations on the saddles and harness, equipment that became modified with time, according to the exercises to be carried out and according to the prevailing fashions at the time. With the “Brida” style, the use of a saddle known as “bardela”, whose trees and stirrups were not covered metal was allowed, as was the “contrera”, which lacked a breast plate and crupper and was used when training young horses. The "caramaña"—which had a high pommel at the front and a very small cantle, or even no cantle, the “picar” saddle, with a rounded seat, low and with high pommel and cantle were also allowed. The same was true for the “turquesca”, with the full seat, the pommel and the cantle, covered with leather and golden-colored, the rear being much longer and adjusted to the leg. It was recommended that the riders or “bridones”, as those who rode “a la brida” were known, when mounting their horse, should fall into the saddle straight, loose, with the legs hanging, standing on the flat stirrups, with the calf of the leg gently but securely touching the horse. By the mid 16th century, the harness was simplified, being reduced to four types known as: “corbata” (tie), “turca” (Turk), “romana” (Roman) and “francesa” (French).

largest empires in history was being created. One of its territories was the Kingdom of Naples (Italy), where Federico Grisón, student of Count Fiaschi, cultivated this incipient dressage, with the support of the thinking of Xenophon and other classic Greeks. The Spanish crown, then represented by the Habsburgs, reaped its rewards, converting the newly born academic dressage, “based” on the “Brida”, into entertainment of the European royalty and nobility. Its popularity among the nobility facilitated the recognition and expansion of this millennial, but in turn incipient, art. The nobles spent their time competing in tournaments, equestrian games and street parades in which they showed off their rich clothing, saddles and horses. These exhibitions led to riders dressing with evermore ornaments, leading to both “dressage” systems—“Jineta” and “Brida”—differed from that point onwards for the somberness of the harness used for the former, when compared to the magnificence of the latter. These demonstrations acquired such relevance that there were tax exemptions on gold and silver if these metals were employed “in decorations of swords, lances, stirrups and equipment for horses.” However, so much exaltation of wealth collided headon with the supposed austerity of the Church. Due to this, the archbishop of Granada, Pedro Guerrero, decided that clergymen should be an example of humility, since they ought to “guide Christians to God our Lord, and this cannot be done with religion and interior honesty alone,” but rather it was necessary to exteriorize it. Thus, his recommendation was: “Mules shall not wear (carry) silk harness, nor curb bits, nor cups, nor stirrups, nor golden or silver spurs, nor any type of worldly vestment, nor ride on horses,” insisting in turn, as was usual, that women were not carried on the croup.”

Equestrian exercises were promoted, based on medical recommendations: they became a means to With regards to the bits used and recommended in the maintain the health of those who had carried them out “brida,” it would be necessary to dedicate a specific during the medieval period, the noblemen. Thus, the article to cover their enormous variety. It need only be warring activities of medieval nobles became healthy pointed out that the successive fashions and inventions exercises for the Renaissance nobles. Among others, related to these instruments appear in drawings and the recommended exercises were: to use a bow and engravings of the historical literature on hipology. arrow, go up and down steps, practice fencing, and the Upon studying these drawings, you can deduce that most important, to ride a horse, as this was considered rather than aiding in dominating the horse, it made the the exercise of noblemen. It was from this that the process more difficult. So many devices were invented great love for equestrian art among nobles arose; their and used—some of them of shocking designs—that main objective was to perform the spectacular Spanish High School airs, such as “caprioles,” more than one horse could have died “piaffe,”, “passage,” “curvets,” and or become useless in the attempt to train it with such cruel bits. Among the Federico Grisón, student “levades” at equestrian academies and exhibited in the royal arenas. combat weapons of the “brida” style, of Count Fiaschi, which also distinguished both forms of Although it is common knowledge “dressage”, are: a lance, a small battle cultivated this incipient that the Spanish High School training lance, a large shield, a sword, an axe, dressage, based on the exercises were designed to be used a hammer, a dagger and a mace. in war, the reality is that they were

In the early 16th century, following the reunification of the various Spanish Kingdoms, once the Reconquest had ended and the American continent had been discovered, one of the

thinking of Xenophon and other classic Greeks.

achieved and practiced in times of peace. Thus, although it has been written that the purpose of the “capriole” was to disperse the enemies during the battle, that the

El Caballo Español

photo: Manuel Vasco

These demonstrations acquired such relevance that there were tax exemptions on gold and silver if these metals were employed “in decorations of swords, lances, stirrups and equipment for horses.” and important social indicator, because it demonstrated that the person had exclusive knowledge of the sublime art of equitation.

PRE horse doing airs above the ground

“pesade”, as some authors claim, served to protect the horse and rider by placing the neck of the horse on the enemy’s lance, and that the “levade” was used as an escape mechanism at a complicated moment of the battle, these are really no more than simple idealizations coming from recent centuries. Such naïve statements are comparable to modern day claims that the “Spanish walk” was used to remove the swords from the hands of the enemies. The reality is that the characteristic Spanish High School airs had nothing to do with the exercises of war, although logically, its domination made the battle easier and safer thanks to greater control of the horse. In fact, these airs, except for “Spanish Walk” are the movements that all equines perform naturally when roaming free. As all we know, the objective of academic dressage was to get the horse to perform these exercises with the greatest naturalness and smoothness as the rider required. Being able to carry out these exercises became a clear

ANCCE

The 16th – 18th century Equitation Masters were based on the thoughts of Xenophon and, thanks to this, their work became the fundamental pillars of the birth of equestrian art. As the classic Greeks had before, the masters of the modern world spoke of philosophical concepts in dressage, of collection, of center of gravity, of beauty in the airs and the most important of all, they identified the essence of the dressage: impulsion. As of the 17th century, equestrian art was dominated, in its maximum manifestation, by the teachings of the academies of Broue, Pluvinel and Newcastle, who ceded the scepter to Versailles, which was reestablished following the Restoration, with Abzac leading the way. His best pupil was the Count Aure and the Marquis of Bigne, who recommended dominating the horse by means of a passive obedience, while at the same time leaving a certain degree of freedom, so that the horse could express itself. He eliminated all abruptness from his system when defending rational dressage. De la Guèriniére revolutionized equitation by adopting a natural position based on balance, and Bourgelat introduced a mathematical system of equitation giving rise to the Abzac school, which eliminated the airs above the ground, and gave freedom to the horse to lengthen its paces. Nevertheless, who truly deserves to stand out is Baucher; he achieved a consistent lightness in all his horses, a clear sign of a perfect balance. With the French Revolution, in the last third of the 18th century, this knowledge transmitted among the nobility was relegated with the disappearance of this social group from the governing power in France, killing part of the existent equestrian knowledge in the country. Even with the return of many from Great Britain and America, after 1814, France did not recover the equestrian prevalence it had held prior to the revolution. European nobility of the old régime, who had, for centuries, been the creator, innovator and preserver of this art, underwent moments of uncertainty

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The archbishop of Granada, Pedro Guerrero, decided that clergymen should be an example of humilit, thus “Mules shall not wear (carry) silk harness, nor curb bits, nor cups, nor stirrups, nor golden or silver spurs, nor any type of worldly vestment, nor ride on horses,” insisting in turn, as was usual, that women were not carried on the croup.” until the mid 19th century, when they lost the privilege of being the only social group to retain the techniques of equestrian art. In the French court, knowing the techniques of this art life prevailed as a symbol of the most excellent social status was suddenly a thing of the past. An art that, as I explain in my book, Historia y origen del caballo español (History and origins of the Spanish Horse), shined in Europe, thanks to the extraordinary achievement of the Royal Stables in

AMUSEMENT

Cordoba: the Spanish Horse. But the birth of this horse not only served to perfect and demonstrate the most beautiful aspect of equitation, but rather, for centuries it served, and continues to be used today, as a bridge by which the world has been able to learn about the culture and idiosyncrasy of Andalusia.

Do you agree with the judges?

SOLUTION JUDGES: • Mr. Álvaro Cabrera • Mr. Javier Bayo

. The back and especially the loin is too long, also the insertion of the loin into the croup is somewhat discontinuous, it would be better if it were smoother, the conformation of the whole backlumbar region is scarcely or poorly muscled and has an appearance of weakness, especially the lumbar area, due to this, the score for this region should be below the approved or acceptable, which has been established as 7. Comments: Note: 6,5 Judge: D. Álvaro Cabrera Back-lumbar region SCORE SHEET El Caballo Español

In my view, that is to say, in order to have a more positive basis of the horse in the photo, and to reach a more exact conclusion, it would be a good idea to see its height and the length of the scapula-ischium to configure its conformationtype. Long, poorly muscled back, sharp, lacking solidity and a convex lumbar region (roach back), long loin, which is not well developed. Comments: Note: 5,75 Judge: D. Javier Bayo Back-lumbar region SCORE SHEET

International FICCE ASSEMBLY ANDRÉ GARNIER FROM COSTA RICA ELECTED AS NEW PRESIDENT The General FICCE Assembly was held in San José, Costa Rica, on the 29th of February, and was attended by representatives from Spain, Costa Rica, the United States, and Nicaragua.

implementation of other registers that far from helping will only further confuse PRE breeders throughout the world.” The following reached:

During the assembly, André Garnier was unanimously elected as president for the next two years, the presidency of Barbara Currie having come to an end.

agreements

were

• Grant the FICCE executive secretariat to ANCCE, under the supervision of the president

Mr. Garnier stated his unreserved support for the Spanish PRE Stud Book as the only instrument to handle the bred internationally. His words were: “It is my personal conviction, and the position of the Costa Rica association, that there must only be one Stud Book to handle the genealogical registration of the PRE, and that this stud book is owned by the Spanish State, who in turn has delegated the handling of the Stud Book to ANCCE. Due to this conviction, we have decided to unconditionally support ANCCE, so that the current situation is overcome, and we can get all the pending documents relating to the PRE throughout the world up-to-date. In addition, we oppose the

• Initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Foundation of the PRE in the USA, for its failure to comply with FICCE foundational By-laws, naming Jaime Molina as examiner and the representatives from Costa Rica and Spain as supervisors • That the FICCE executive secretariat be carried out from the ANCCE offices under the supervision of the new President • Admission of USAPRE, represented by Alex Zilo as a new member • To allow a f 3 or 4 month period to reconsider FICCE objectives

Twelfth PRE Equestrian Fair in Ecuador The Ecuadorian PRE Breeders’ Association—AECCPRE—an institution created 16 years ago, has organized the 12th PRE Equestrian Fair in Ecuador. The event took place on the 4th, 5th and 6th of April at the Quito Tennis and Golf Club “El Condado”, in the city of Quito. This event is known in America and throughout the world for its excellent organization and the growing quality of the participating horses. This year AECCPRE received a visit from a commission from ANCCE, led by its president, Mr. Javier Conde, to consolidate the relationship between both associations.

March - April 2008 / El Caballo Español

VICTOR ÁLVAREZ SEMINAR IN THE UNITED STATES On the 11th February, rider and teacher, Victor Álvarez, offered a seminar on the Principles of Dressage, in the city of Wellington, in the state of Florida (United States). Although Álvarez explained his knowledge of dressage with regards to all breeds, the founder and director of CAVA (Victor Alvarez Training Center) placed special emphasis on the PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse).

ANCCE

The seminar was sponsored by USPRE (US PRE Association), an organization founded last year to promote the use of the PRE both in competition, and for other fields, and which offers various services and programs to owners, riders and breeders.

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El Caballo Espa単ol

Change in the Board of Director at the Belgian National PRE Horse Federation The new Board of Directors includes the following offices and representatives: President: Marc Lejune (veterinairelejeune@hotmail.com) Vice-President: Annick Meurant Member: Jean-Philippe Brouta Member: Eric Delay Member: Alain Mahieu Member: Anthony Wolf Member: Marc Wunderlin Treasurer continues to be Micheline Haesen Secretary has yet to be appointed.

President Marc Lejeune

New Board of Directors at the Mexican PRE Association (AMCCE) AMCCE (Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders’ Association of Mexico) hel a General Assembly this past March 4, and unanimously approved the Board of Directors for the 2008-2010 session. President: Mr. Víctor González de Pablos Vice-President: Mr. Abelardo Morales Purón Secretary: Mr. Félix Cantú Ayala Treasurer: Mr. Pablo Suárez Gerard Members: Mr. Antonio Ariza Alducín Mr. Antonio Casio Ariño Mr. Carlos Mouriño Terrazo Mr. Federico Jiménez Sainz Mr. Guillermo González Nova Mr. José Antonio Fernández Carvajal Mr. Max Michelle González Mr. Miguel Alemán Mr. René Jiménez Arenas Mr. Sergio Mena Palacios

ANCCE

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS The goal of this section is to provide a space for associations throughout the world, whether or not they are linked to ANCCE, whose objective is to defend and promote the PRE.

The Costa Rica PRE Breeders’ Association The Costa Rica PRE Breeders’ Association was constituted on the 23rd of September 1975. Its founders were a group of people who loved equitation, who, with this association, proposed to maintain the numbers of horses of the breed in particular and to collaborate in its dissemination. This is supported in the minutes of the constitution, which indicate…

Currently, the Board of Directores is made up of:

“We who have formed this Association, would like to contribute, even though this be modestly, to the improvement of the horses of Costa Rica, but more than anything else, we are looking to offer and reach our young people, an open field for work and healthy relaxation, something like returning to the natural values; valuing the best ally that man has had in his fights throughout the centuries: THE HORSE”.

Member II: Mr. Mario Urpí Rodríguez

President: Mr. Ronald Xirinachs Jiménez Vice President: Mr. André Garnier Kruse Secretary: Mr.Ricardo Valverde Carrillo Treasurer: Mr. Mauricio Arce Lara Member I: Mr. Tomás Batalla Esquivel Member III: Mr. Carlos Echandi Sobrado Member IV: Mr. Asdrúbal Villalobos Ávila Member V: Mr. José Manuel Agüero Quirós Member VI: Mr. Roberto Federspiel Pinto

El Caballo Español

A group of friends that started with only fifteen members, currently has more than fifty, a family that continues to grow day by day. The principal activities carried out by the Association are; in the first place, to be the collaborating entity for the handling of the Stud Book, with complete compliance with the rules and regulations that have been established for the identification, registration, documentation, qualification of breeding stock, etc., performing the controls that are within its reach to preserve the purity of the breed. In addition to the above, resources are invested in the promotion of the breeding and spread of knowledge and support for the PRE horse within the country, for which we are in constant contact with the authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, for the good development of the breeding of the PRE horse, and the good development of the Association. Of course, the organizations of conformational-functional competitions as well as the collaboration in any other event in which horses are exhibited. As any breedersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association, updating important matter relevant for our members is a constant requirement. To do this, we take advantage of each occasion that arises for the work team as well as the official veterinarians to be continuously trained. Despite having a budget suited to the functional needs, we have managed to have a structure that is fully organized and strong, which has been capable of being effectively updated in response to the changes that we have undergone throughout our history. This strength has served to establish out leadership in the area and in the world of the PRE horse. Costa Rica is a country that loves the equine culture; proof of this is the not-to-be-missed exhibition of horses at each public fair, and the annual parade that takes place every 26th of December, the National Rider day, which is attended by more than 4,500 enthusiasts exhibiting their best animals through the streets of the capital city, before a crowd of incalculable proportions. In Cost Rica, there are, commercially speaking, three more predominant breeds, although there are owners with an un-ending number of breeds, but whose numbers are insignificant when compared to these other three. The PRE Horse, the Costa Rican Paso Horse and the hybrid of the two, known as the IberoAmerican Horse. Of these three, the PRE is undoubtedly

ANCCE

the top breed for the experts and enthusiasts, who are increasingly appreciating its qualities. Most of these are used for work on farms, and then there are those horses that are used for breeding, those that are simply owned for their exhibition and lastly those for competition. The PRE is mainly used for breeding and marketing, with their biggest concentration located in the Greater Metropolitan Area (which includes the capitals of three provinces that are very close to one another, San JosĂŠ, Alajuela and Heredia). The Association is based on the principal of the constant improvement of the breed with some breeder members having more than thirty years of experience in breeding PREs. Others are learning from the initial breeders about the fact that the selection of the breed must be the main objective for each stud farm. The Association is extremely proud of being part of this process, which has brought the result that the quality in Costa Rica is known by all and envied by many. Concerning the marketing of the horses raised in the country, their price is established by the demand. We are talking about horses, as I said before, which boast extremely high quality, and the demand is constant, to such an extent that the production is, almost in its entirety, sold and the majority are exported. This satisfies a market that is becoming more and more expert and in search of quality. The final market is unknown by the majority of us, as most of the commercial transactions are carried out through brokers. In conclusion, the recommendation this Association would make, with the intention of intensifying or improving the promotion of the PRE in our Costa Rica, can be divided into two areas: 1. An more open exhibition on the world market, including ours, of what an excellent horse should be, according to breed parameters, so that those new buyers motivated by the search for a quality animal will understand how and where to locate these animals. 2. A greater exhibition of PRE horses in competitive disciplines, so that the non-professional rider can appreciate the functionality of the PRE horse in the various competitive disciplines and will take this into consideration the next time he/she has to buy a horse that will lead them to the winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; podium.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Historia del PRE

Presence of the Spanish Horse in Latin America In the exports of Purebred Spanish Horses, which have taken place from the beginning of the year until the beginning of October, you can observe the preference for Spain’s native breed by our American sister countries. In fact, of the total of horses exported, the destination of more than 75% has been to these countries, with Costa Rica standing out in first place with 39%, followed by Mexico with 17%, Guatemala with 14%, followed with a lower proportion by Venezuela and Columbia. It must be noted that the exportation to the United States has accounted for 11%. Horses have also been exported to European countries, such as Great Britain, Germany, France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Spanish horses being exported to Latin American countries should fill us with satisfaction. In addition to the acquisition of horses, there is an enthusiastic interest in understanding the conditions of perfect breeding and the regulations for good training. An example of this interest in the PRE is displayed on the last page; the story was published in a newspaper in Argentine--La Prensa— and dedicated to the performance by the Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, with the Show, “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”, in the city of Buenos Aires, at the beginning of this month.

ANCCE

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Designation of the Pastures

Surveying and marking out of the lands designated for Pasture land

9. Whenever the pasture land and stubble assigned for the mares is not be sufficient or it does not meet up to standard it was designated, the Courts of Justice will proceed with the help of the Deputies, and the consent of the majority of the Breeders, to identify in their respective lands by means of intelligent and impartial Experts, the unused and common use lands; And in those that due to their abundance of Grasses, Watering holes, Shelter, Ground, and extension will for this purpose, be designate to supply the Pasture land, without any cost, for all the Mares and Stallions, according to their numbers. Should these lands not exist, our Own lands will be recognise as such. And if neither one or the other exist, then those of private ownership, paying the latter, for the corresponding rent proportionately among all the Breeders, according to the number of heads each has; and the Council will bear in mind with the original proceedings, and inform the corresponding Courts of Justices, for them to make the require approval, or whatever will be convenient. 10. All the earmarked lands, and which are designated as Pasture, must be reserved, marked, establishing the limits, and fenced in the normal manner, and they may not be change, broken, sown, or taken destroyed, without express order of the Council, who must give, should the case be necessary, with justification to the respective Justices, Breeders, or Deputies; but with an agreement with the above, one third of the land may be alternatively clean and prepare for the benefit and production of Grasses.

We continue the reproduction of the 1775 “ROYAL ORDINANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE OF PUREBRED HORSES.”

Separation of Mares and Youngstock

11. The Pasture land designated for the Mares and Youngstock, which must be separated one month before covering, after these have reached the age of two years, up until four years, when they must be caught. And fifty ducats will be required per head of those of any other species that are mixed in and should not be. But the Breeders who have their own Pasture lands for their Mares, and Youngstock, and who want to keep them there, are permitted to do so with the stated qualities, and separation, contributing proportionately, and according to the number of head, or they may make an adjustment with the other Breeders, to satisfy the cost of Pasture land and Guards.

El Caballo Español

Naming of the Guards for the custody of the Pastures of the Livestock, and their review before Justicess

Master Book in the charge of the Ts

General Register of Mares

12. All the Breeders of an Area or district will have the right to meet, or to name by a majority vote, the guards necessary for the custody of the Farm, and lands destined for Pasture for the Mares, with the agreed salary, presenting those chosen to the respective Justices, so that they may be swore in, register them and complete the corresponding Book, with whose requirements they will enjoy the accorded Privileges, and will truly testify in the causes for the Complaint for the exaction of the penalties that will be imposed on the offenders, and they will not be able to be removed without legitimate cause. 13. The Justices oach Town will have a Master Book, in the charge of the Town Clark, who will note down the Deputies, Guards, Breeders, Servants, and Brands of the Breeders, Farms and lands for Pasture for Mares and Stallions, with notes of those that are engendered or die, under the punishment of one hundred ducats, that is jointly required of said Justices and Town Clerk for any omission or lack in this detail. 14. These Justices of each Town, assisted by the Deputies, and Breeders in their district and at the time, and method that is least inconvenient for the Breeders, and the livestock, will carry out each year a General Register of all the Stallions, Mares, Colts, Fillies, Male and Female Yearlings, with the descriptions, age, brand of each owner, and number of the Farm or land designated for Pastures, taking the total number of Mares living in the mountainous areas.

Regulation of Mares for each Stallion

Qualities of the Sire Stallion, his approval, and the Breeder who must own him

ANCCE

Audit of Registers, formation and sending of the Status for the Towns of the number of Head Office for the Township

Formation of the Status at the Head Office of the Township, and forwarding to the Supervisor

15. Once the registers have been concluded, and verified with those of the previous year, so as to confirm the increase or decrease of livestock, an up-to-date Status will be indicated on these Documents (the originals of which must be kept) by the Town Clark of each Town, which must be signed by the Deputies, and the Justices, and sent to the Head Justice of the Township in the month of October, in accordance with the Form that is inserted at the end of this Document. 16. Once the corresponding Status for all the Towns of the district have been received at the Capital or Head Office of the Township, the Town Clark will put together a General Register, in the same way, with the difference of omitting the names of the owners, in their place putting the Towns with the total of each type, and adding the notes contained by these, with regards to deficiencies of consequence or poor state of livestock and their Pastures, and it should be signed by the Assistant Judge, Deputies, and Town Clerk, it will then be sent to the Supervisor with the corresponding list of products, and the status of Complaints, in such a way that by January of the following year, these Documents will be in the hands of the Accounting office of the Supervisor.

17. With the presence of the number of Brood Mares that the Justices verify for the Registers, care will have to be taken that in Township or Jurisdiction there is a sufficient number of Sire Stallions for covering, at the correct time; each Sire Stallion should have 16 to 20 Mares at most. 18. Any Breeder who owns twoenty Mares must also keep a Sire Stallion, approved by the Justices, inspected by an impartial and loyal Equine-veterinarian, or Expert, and the characteristics of complete width, perfection and health; that measures at least seven quarters (hands) (1 quarter or â&#x20AC;&#x153;cuartaâ&#x20AC;? = 21 cm. = 8.26 in.), that is not less than six years old, and that does not exceed fourteen.

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That any Breeders or resident may have a Sire Stallion, approved to cover Mares

19. For the covering of the remaining Mares, any Breeder or resident will be permitted to have one or more Sire Stallions with the stated Qualities, with special approval, and receive the price agreed with the owners of the Mares for each covering.

Cases in which the Sire Stallions must be bought with funds from the Town Treasury or from other authority.

20. Should there be no Sire Stallions owned by Breeders or individuals, Justices will provide in agreement with the Breeders and Deputies, that they are bought at the expense of each one member of the Council, the Stallions necessary for the covering; and should they not have sufficient cash for this, arbitrate the most suitable means, even if this is by means of contribution from the Breeders, and other residents who wish to take part. And failing all else make suitable representation to the Council so that it provides that which is necessary, so that there not be a lack of Sire Stallions for the covering season, ensuring that these have the Grooms, Stables and Shelters for their custody and protection, and that only their owners themselves may ride them.

That Sire Stallions shall be sought everywhere, and can be taken out of those that serve in the troops

The maintenance of Sire Stallions, bought by the Councils

That the Mares be covered by approved Sire Stallion

21. If among the Stallions of each Town none have the necessary attributes to be Sires, they must be sought by the Town Halls or Herdsmen from anywhere else, including from those serving in the Regiments of the Army, from which they can be taken, and having been chosen, pay, at a maximum, for each one three thousand reales de vellon.* 22. The maintenance of the Sire Stallions bought by the Councils, must be paid for from (town) income, and in the charge of the Deputies, applying the income from the coverings that must be paid by the owners of the Mares, according to the established practice, or the applicable regulation, with approval of my Council, to where the bill will be sent. 23. It will be arbitrary that the Breeders cover their Mares with any of the Sire Stallions, approved by the Justices of the Town; but if they cover with another that is not, there will be a fine of one hundred ducats per head.

El Caballo Espa単ol

Mares shall not be removed without license from the Council

That no Mare or Stallion of any species be removed to Foreign Kingdoms, without the consent of the King

24. No Mares may be removed from the Kingdoms of Andalusia, Murcia and the Province of Extremadura, without the express license produced by my War Council, which shall be granted only for the Towns of the Peninsula, with the requirements, and preventions agreed, the presence of the Registers, and the remainder that is necessary, so that no fraud will occur, nor will damage be caused to the breeding of Purebreds, the punishment for the removal of Livestock will be one hundred ducats per head to the Owners, and six years in prison for the dealers. 25. Nor may Stallions, Mares or Youngstock no matter the species, or quality they are, be removed without my express Royal License (which the Accountancy of the War Office which must have a reason), from my Dominions to the Foreign Kingdoms under the penalty of the Commission, of a fine of one hundred pesos** per head from the Owners, and eight years in Prison for the Dealers, the observance of this Article continuing in the charge of my General Captains, and the Military Governors of the Frontiers, and the understanding of the Causes that are formed on it, whose Sentences will be consulted with my War Office

That the assigned Pastures are for Mares, with the exclusion of any other.

Mares are to be contained within their Pastures, without getting into others

* 1 real de vellon = 26 centimos = 0.26 pesetas = €0.001566; 3000 reales de vellon = €4.6987951€ = $7.4952002). ** peso, in English also known as piece of eight. Translator’s Note: The text is written in “old Spanish,” although for clarity, it has been translated into modern language equivalent; therefore, it should not be used as reference as a historical text. © Debora Avery

ANCCE

For each thousand head of Sheep that make the transhumance, their Pastures can carry seven mares

26. The Farms, and lands assigned for Pasture for Mares and Stallions, must be private to this species, with the exclusion of the Mares living in the mountainous areas, Youngstock of Dealers, and any other Livestock of other species; and should any be apprehended, their respective Owners will be penalized with ten reales de vellon* per head of large Livestock, and one real per head of small. 27. The Mares, and Stallions of each Town, must live precisely on the Farms, or lands of their district, and allocation, without getting into the Pastures assigned for the Livestock of another species, nor they in theirs, subject to other Jurisdiction, under the penalty of ten reales de vellon* per head reported. 23. The Transhumance Shepards of the of the Honorable Council of the Mesta, for every one thousand head of Sheep, they may take seven Mares or Mules with them for transport, including their foals, or suckling, under the condition that there is not a Stallion, or entire Colt exceeding two years old of age, […]

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ALTA ESCUELA

by Alfonso Cuesta

Piaffe between posts. REAAE

PIAFFE II 70

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f the horse does not have a good walk, if it has the tendency to break, or if it is not well defined, in an effort to not make this pace any poorer, the teaching of the piaffe should be approached from the trot. The first thing that must be achieved is a good working trot and starting from here, achieve a medium and an extended trot and, at the other extreme, a collected trot. Each type of trot must be consolidated and perfected, as well as all the possible combinations between them, also inserting halt and rein-back.

Depending on the temperament of the horse, use should be made of one type of trot or another, and of the transitions trot - halt - rein-back - trot; and even though the explanation is complicated, I will try to make it very clear and concise. Start with an energetic working trot and when it is well in the hand, make a transition to collected trot. Having achieved this, go back to working trot; if in this transition you feel that the horse is not really going forward, make a transition to medium trot (if it is necessary, an elevated trot): If the horse continues to be somewhat “lazy”, ask for extended trot, and even, should it be necessary, go into canter; that is to say, the horse must be going decidedly forward, and in the hand, not being allowed to lose its impulsion. If impulsion is lost, recover it at all cost with an energetic forwardgoing pace, preferably trot. Once impulsion has been reestablished and with the horse once again in the hand, reduce the trot by degrees, until you once again achieve a collected trot. I will explain: from extended to medium, from medium to working and from working to collected; you must remain in each type of trot long enough to ensure that it is of the required quality. This is not a systematic stepped descent; what I mean by that is, if, for example, you are in working trot and the lack of desire to go forward is again detected, then do not go on to collected trot but rather return to medium or extended. At all times, you must be aware of the degree to which the horse is between the hands and the legs, because, to achieve a piaffe, it must be very well in the hand and very well in front of the legs, attentive, receptive and collaborating with the most minimum indication from the hands and legs. Let us now look at the opposite case than to the one described above. When in medium trot, a very willful horse has an enormous tendency towards medium and extended trot; therefore you encounter problems maintaining the calm at working trot. The horse must be worked at working trot in circles on both reins, in an elevated trot, asking the horse to drop its neck, until it calms down. Then ask the horse to continue in the same working trot around the arena, so as to then ask for collected trot, making frequent transitions to halt and rein-back, asked for calmly so as to moderate the disorderly wish to go forwards. In the most serious cases, it will be necessary to desensitize the horse to the forward-going aids (this will be covered on another occasion). In summary: push on, if the horse is not going sufficiently forwards and restrain, if it is going

forwards too much; it should respond instantly to all the aids, both forward-going and restraining, combining the different types of trot this way will lead to the horse ending up correctly between the hands and the legs, calm and ready, well balanced and willing to transfer its weight onto its hind quarters. With this attitude and carrying out all the possible combinations of the various types of trot, halt and rein-back, one day, without being asked for it, the horse, while performing the transitions of collected trot - halt - collected trot, will surprise the rider with a stride of “basic mechanics” of piaffe, and the rider who remains consistent and deeply concentrated on their work, will feel this and reward the horse immediately and profusely, allowing it to relax on long reins at walk. After this small rest, it should once again be requested, in the same place where it was performed before, and when the horse repeats it, the rider will quickly but gently stop the horse, patting it a lot, and will dismount at once, to allow the horse to relax and recover. The most difficult part has now been achieved and, starting from here, you must continue working methodically, without forgetting any of the basic aspects, not one. Remember: calm, impulsion etc, and little by little, the horse will produce more and better quality strides, always going forwards, eventually everything will be correct and consolidated, a good expression will be acquired, and later on, a piaffe on the spot. I know that stated like that, it appears to be all very easy, and then when you try it, it is not (so easy). Problems appear which unfortunately I cannot explain, as they could end up filling at least one book. I will only say that, due to the risk, above all for the rider, during this process of improving the trot in its various types, with every possible transition and using all the combinations, the horse will frequently, instead of performing strides of basic mechanics of the piaffe, perform basic mechanics of passage, or even a good passage; should this occur, riders will often allow themselves to be carried away with enthusiasm and not only allow

It must not be forgotten that the priority objective must be to help in the improvement of a living being, to make it stronger, more elastic, relaxed, attentive…

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Eventually everything will be correct and consolidated, a good expression will be acquired

Hechizo XIV owned by Ignacio Bravo, bred by Miguel Surribas and ridden by Eva Navarro

this, but rather also, consolidate it. I have already advised of the problems that this generally causes, in chapter 1. With regards to the problems that could arise, I suggest that their origin be sought out in the basis of the training. Once discovered and resolved—not before—you will be able to continue with the exercise in question, as you already know: “Do not leave the main road, to take shortcuts.” It does not usually end well. There are other procedures by which to obtain piaffe, academic and effective, but this it is the one I like best, because I consider that it is the one that entails fewer risks. This is my opinion only and I do not want this to be interpreted that I consider it better than the others, as the best procedure is one that teaches the horse the exercise in the least possible traumatic way, with regards to its physical and mental well being. It must not be forgotten that the priority objective must be to help in the improvement of a living being, to make it stronger, more elastic, relaxed, attentive…, if the work is carried out with that spirit, you are already

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fulfilling one of the fundamental requirements of the school of the invisible riders. Now, if you are alone, in silence or listening to your horse eating, read, close your eyes and imagine—I need not do so, as I had the enormous fortune of witnessing it many, many years ago—at dawn, an accomplished master, who knew the secrets of invisibility, riding “within” a superb Spanish Horse, one thin and sallow, the other opulent and white. At first sight, it might appear to be an unhappy combination, but nothing was further from the apparent reality, because they had their deepest roots in Andalusia and the same fire ran in their veins, the same essence absorbed from the immensity of the Andalusian countryside that passes from extreme drought to exceptionally fertile exuberance; Andalusian horses and riders, bodies and souls that distill through all their pores, drop by drop, the serenity of the calm earth. Gentle and light, leisurely and energetic like the dry land, countryside that sleeps in summer, arises from the fog at dawn with its master within. They seemed to come from another dimension, perhaps they did, because they arrived with a trot so high, flowing and

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With regards to the problems that could arise, I suggest that their origin be sought out in the basis of the training

extended that it surprised me. An instant later, the croup dropped and the hind legs reached forwards, almost to the girth, and without knowing how, the horse began to piaffe in a perfect combination of vertical strength and elasticity, with an impeccable rhythm, fore and hind legs ascending lightly, without apparent effort and then lowered delicately, caressing the earth that had seen them born without wanting to step on it. With each stride he wanted to take flight and the skin of the nostrils vibrated like the wings of a dragonfly, and through them, with each lift, the fog entered and clouds of intermittent shapes left every time he appeared to touch the earth. The sensation of a lack of gravity was such that you could swear that they levitated above the earth, wrapped in the translucent blanket. Anonymous Spanish Horse, you carry Andalusia inside you, to spread it throughout the world; renowned master, Mr. Rafael Jurado, solid and stationary, in

whose breast is stored all the knowledge and the correct way of doing, of the old Spanish High School. Time passed, I do not know how much, because this was before the time when everything is run by a clock. What I do know is that the sweat was raining off the horse, drop by drop, accompanied by the delicate crunching of the metals and the bells of the chaps, which jingled in an Oriental manner, and I realized that he could be tired, and I looked in his eyes, and in them I saw that he was not there. His look told me that he was very far outside his own body. I looked into the eyes of the master, and they had the same expression. They were one together, but somewhere else. I was also with them, the volatile plasticity of the dancing of the horse and the monolithic stillness of the rider drove me, I do not know where I was, but the potent neigh of that superb Andalusian stallion brought me back, just in time to discover how their bodies disappeared, pushed by a majestic passage, bathed in the copper and gold of the first morning light.

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DAILY VETERINARY PRACTICE by Esther GutiĂŠrrez

EQUINE INFLUENZA: A RISK FOR YOUR HORSES? Equine influenza or flu appears in the form of frequent and severe epidemics, which can be found in most of the countries of the world. Australia was one of the few countries, along with New Zealand and Iceland, which was free of this disease. These countries have rigorously tried to avoid the introduction of this disease. However, an epidemic was confirmed in Australia on the 20th of August 2007.

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A sick horse can infect other horses up to 8 kilometers around a nucleus of equine flu.

Equine Flu is an extremely contagious viral disease, which only affects equines (horses, donkeys, ponies and mules). There are two different types of flu virus, types 1 and 2. While type 1 is no longer the origin of the epidemics occurred in the last twenty years, type 2 is. As with most flu viruses that can infect humans and domestic animals, equine flu virus has its origin in certain species of aquatic birds, which assure its perpetuity and evolution. Antigenic mutations (“drift antigenic”) take place in the virus of Equine Influenza, which provoke changes within the same subtype. This means that vaccines, to effective, must be up-dated regularly. Therefore, when the time comes to vaccinate, it is necessary to choose the vaccines that contain the most recent strains, because not all laboratories have the same ones. Flu virus infections are propagated by air. A sick horse can infect its fellow herd mates within a radius of 35 meters, and infection by the wind can take place up to 8 kilometers around a nucleus of equine flu. Inanimate objects (trailers, headcollars, saddles, troughs) as well as personnel, play a major role in the transmission of the virus. During the summer, flies can also constitute a passive source of infection. After inhalation, the flu virus multiplies within the cells of the respiratory system. There, this is followed by a massive local excretion, with the consequent destruction of the infected cells. This cellular damage reduces the local defenses and numerous bacteria are able to multiply and to aggravate the situation. The complete recovery of the respiratory cells takes 5 to 6 weeks. Affected horses shed the virus externally for several days, being able to infect other horses, even after the disappearance of clinical signs.

What symptoms can be observed in horses? After infection, the incubation is of short duration (1 to 3 days). The first clinical signs appear very quickly: high fever (39 to 41.5ºC/102º to 106ºF), dry cough, serous nasal fluid, lack of appetite and, above all, very rapid infection of other horses. This speed of infection serves us to differentiate it, for example, from the respiratory form of Rhinopneumonitis. The fever lasts for 1 to 5 days, while the cough can persist for several weeks. The development of the symptoms can vary depending on the immune status and on the eventual complications of bacterial infections. If the horse is not vaccinated, there is often a second period during which the temperature is raised, 2 or 3 days after the first one, with a higher temperature (40º to 41.5ºC/104 to 106ºF) and which lasts longer. This second period of fever is accompanied by a thick discharge from the nose, a cough and a worsening of the horse’s general state. More dangerous complications can occur, such as bronchitis, pharyngitis, myocarditis, pneumonia, etc. These complications are mainly observed in youngsters or in horses of advanced age, in training during, or just after, an episode of equine flu. Contrary to popular belief, donkeys are particularly sensitive to infection by the flu virus and in these cases they display much more severe clinical signs that horses. Let us not forget them.

Treatment - Prevention The extreme contagious nature of equine flu means that all horses with respiratory problems must be quarantined for a period of at least 15 days to prevent the spread of the virus to other horses or stud farms. Foals and yearlings must be kept as far as possible from infected horses. Quarantining (for 15 days) of

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LThe vaccination avoids the worsening of the clinical signs, allowing a much quicker return to the activities of training or competition. In the case of pregnant mares, it is recommended that they be vaccinated during the 10th month of gestation

recently arrived horses should be a routine procedure to prevent the introduction of flu as well as other contagious diseases. Rest in stalls is an essential element of the treatment. It must last in number of weeks, the same as the number of days with a fever (5-day fever = 5 weeks of rest) due to the long period necessary for the recovery of all the respiratory mucosa. Returning quickly to training or competition can result in mediocre results, but also in other infectious complications. The animals must be kept in a stable that is well ventilated and dust-free. Your veterinarian will know when antibiotics are to be administered. In horses, the vaccination against equine flu does not always offer complete protection. Vaccinated horses are protected from the major signs and complications, but they can have very short periods of fever and can also shed the virus. The vaccination avoids, however, the long periods of convalescence that are obligatory for infected horses that have not been vaccinated, as well as the worsening of the clinical signs, allowing a much quicker return to the activities of training or competition. The prevention and control of infectious diseases in horses (such as influenza, equine Rhinopneumonitis, etc.) are based on vaccination and the application of health care measures aimed at reducing the dangers of receptive horses becoming infected by the virus shed by sub-clinical infected animals. Classic equine influenza vaccines contain inactive virus (whole or their superficial antigens). The immune response to this type of inactive vaccine is qualitatively different from that produced by a natural infection. The local production of antibodies in nasal secretions is only observed after infection; although there is no evidence that this is enough to protect the animal from a possible outbreak. These vaccines do not significantly stimulate the cellular response of the cytotoxic-T lymphocyte cells. The duration of the immune level induced by the classic inactive vaccines is short - from 3 to 6 months -, although the use of new accessory agents has improved this effectiveness. Despite controlling the clinical symptoms, they do not inhibit the shedding of the virus. In 2003 Merial launched a vaccine (ProteqFluTe), which is based on a new concept in equine vaccination. Using the latest technology in molecular biology, the vaccine is composed of a viral vector that cannot replicate, which carries the information of the last equine flu virus. The peculiarity of this vaccine is that it is presented to the immune system of the horse in a similar way to a natural infection, and it induces a strong immune response to produce antibodies that neutralize the circulating Equine

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Influenza virus to destroy the infected cells of the horse. The protection conferred is more complete, but, above all, longer lasting. The antibodies reach a considerable level of protection just two weeks after the first injection. In addition, it inhibits the shedding of the virus, which contributes to limiting the spread of the disease. Moreover, this vaccine allows the differentiation between those horses that have been vaccinated and those that have been infected naturally, by means of a blood analysis. The effectiveness of this vaccine has been proven up to twelve months following the vaccination. These characteristics have ensured that the ProteqfluTe vaccine has been chosen as the only vaccine for the control in the latest outbreaks of equine flu in South Africa and Australia The veterinarian must be consulted with regards to the vaccination schedule. This is because it can vary according to the age, type of activity and situation of the animal. The general protocol consists of a first vaccination (two injections at an interval of 4/6 weeks) followed by a first booster six months later and subsequently annual boosters. In the case of pregnant mares, it is recommended that they be vaccinated during the 10th month of gestation, that is to say one month before foaling. This ensures a high level of antibodies against equine flu in the colostrum. If the mare is not vaccinated, the foal will not be able to acquire immunity until it has reached the age of five or six months, since its immune system is not mature until that time. Horses cannot participate in a competition during the 10 days following the booster injections. Should the time period for the booster have over-run, the entire vaccination program must be repeated, starting with the two injections of the first vaccination. Remember that it is necessary to be rigorous with the date of the boosters, so that the horse is always protected and does not have to repeat the vaccine schedule. The International Equestrian Organization send out an annual report with the recommended strains for the vaccines. It is currently being recommended that vaccines should include strains of the European type flu virus, but also of the American type, as there are increasingly outbreaks of Equine Flu detected in Europe, which are caused by strains originating in American. Another fundamental point is the technology for the manufacture of the vaccines. The new recombined Equine Flu vaccines for horses guarantee a minimum protection of 1 year. Your veterinarian will advise you appropriately.

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ASSOCIATIONS 1st advanced course in PRE conformation and presentation in Ávila

by María Sáez de Propios

What use is it for many breeders to breed good horses, if later they neglect their preparation and presentation in conformation competitions? How many names of PRE Horses can you think of, who did not reach the top place on the podium due to an incorrect presentation? The good breeding of the PRE must always be accompanied by a good presentation. And presenting a stallion, mare or young horses, both in a PRE Conformation competition or to a possible purchaser, is not an easy task. For this reason, the Avila Association of PRE Horse Breeders (AACCPRE), presented the “1st advanced Course of presentation, conformation and functionality,” held on the 15th, 16th and 17th of February that included 20 teaching hours. According to a survey carried out by the Avila Association, the students were very satisfied

with the course, and therefore are planning to organize another course during the year. Sebastian Bastida, international PRE judge and national dressage judge and Mario Palomina, professional groom, were in charge of teaching the course to 24 students at the Escuela de Capacitación Agraria (Agricultural School) of Ávila, at La Colilla. This Association is now experienced in the organization of this type of event, as they have already offered five courses on the presentation of PRE horses, thanks to the efforts of local members. The course, being advanced, was oriented towards professionals who wish to expand their knowledge of the Spanish Horse and its preparation for conformationalfunctional competitions.

Students performing what they like the best, the presentation

Foto: Manuel Vasco

To try to hide any possible defects of the horse and to capitalize on and underline their virtues is the function of the groom, but “to know enough about conformation and to try to see their defects in the time before the judges” is the key to a good presentation, as Bastida and Palomino stated. Conformation and static presentation The groom has become a conclusive factor since “the score and the final result of the competition can be determined at any given moment”. In fact, “you see normal quality horses that when well presented, improve their score; and, in the opposite case, very good horses that, with a bad presentation, lose points.”

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For this reason, their explanations began by means of a theoretical class on conformation. Using power point presentations, they explained and showed students the anatomy of the PRE, both the male and the female, its breed prototypes, and the virtues and defects in their conformation. The theory of the square certainly did not go over the heads of any of the students; this theory states that all PRE should be contained within this shape. But, from the theory on the screen, students then went to the arena, where they received a practical, hands-on

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conformation class. This can vary depending on how the groom performs the halt, the static presentation, the moment at which the judges examine the horse and score its various body areas. The instructors took advantage of the conformation practical to begin with the static presentation, in which they gave the keys to carrying out it correctly. To immobilize a horse appears to be a simple exercise, but it may perhaps be the most complicated moment in the presentation, because it is necessary to make a correct halt and perfectly know the conformation of the horse as this the most important aspect in the final score. For the instructors, where the most problems occur during the presentation is in the static presentation, where they must “correct the limb alignment, the part in which the PRE fails most, and get expression from the horse.”

Moving presentation In addition, they pointed out the virtues and defects that, due to the horse’s anatomy, have a positive or negative influence on its natural paces and which make it suitable or not for certain disciplines, and various aspects that lead to confusion, such as a canter that is disunited or on the wrong leg. The students showed to be very keen on participating in the practical session involving presentation of the movement and, later, they went on to explain the functionality test, while one of them performed this in the arena. They differentiated it from a dressage test. We must know that in functionality, as it is included in a conformational competition, “it is the horse’s movement that prevails over the execution of the figure;” in other words, the judges judge the quality of the pace (walk, trot and canter, in their different variants) and they do not give as much importance to the execution of the test as would occur in a dressage test.

Aesthetic presentation But the aesthetic presentation is also crucial. For this reason, instructores explained how the clipping should be carried out, depending on the age and sex of the horse. The correct clipping of the mane, always very short, is so important that, on many occasions, it can hide possible defects of the neck and its insertion at the withers. The same thing occurs with the clipping of the tail, which can help to improve the horse. In the conformation presentation everything is a variable that conditions others, even the equipment used. For this reason, the instructors clearly differentiated between the use of the chain and the serretón (Spanish cavesson with a metal, teethed nosepiece) and when each should be used. In the same way, they explained all the types of working equipment such as martingales, and even how to put on bandages, boots and over-reach boots. In the case of the bandages, their placement is very delicate and, due to this, it is really important to bandage correctly. Also, they must protect to the tendons so as to avoid possible tendonitis.

Placing of the exercise bandages, always very carefully, so that they fulfill their correct function

What use is it for many breeders to breed good horses, if later they neglect their preparation and presentation in conformation competitions?

Selection, preparation and proposals A constant debate for the breeders is the selection of the animals that they breed, so as to continue improving their stud farm and the choice of those that will participate in the various competitions. This is done depending on different criteria “first in the selection of the mares, the stallions, the follow-up of the youngster and when they are a year or two old, the selection depends on what is wanted. But to go at a competition with good horses, selection begins from the very beginning, even from the parents”, explained Bastida and Palomino. Once selected, the preparation begins two or three months before the competition, not only with training, but also with an appropriate feeding, always stronger, as the horse suffers more weight loss during the competition season.

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Sebastian Bastida and Mario Palomino, as professionals in this field, indicated that a negative aspect that they would eliminate from the current competition rules and regulations is sections 1 and 2 corresponding to yearling colts and fillies, because they are very young to be subjected to training. In an effort to improve these competitions, they would add a functionality test for mares, starting with four year-olds, so that “more selection would be achieved.”.

Final exam To conclude the course and to check the knowledge that had been learned, the students, as if they were judges of a conformation competition, scored a horse and completed the conformation score sheet with the scores. Here they also learned that, if all the preparation needed by a horse is difficult, the work of the person who has to judge them is also very complicated, because, as the instructors called them, they are “judges without laws.” More and more, underneath the Spanish equestrian attire, there is not only a professional, but also many horse-lovers who, for a few days, change their jobs. But what we must all bear in mind is, after all, to be a good groom in a presentation, in addition to all the abovementioned it is necessary to feel to be able to transmit that feeling.

Last touch-ups of mane trimming.

To immobilize a horse appears to be a simple exercise, but it may perhaps be the most complicated moment in the presentation, because it is necessary to make a correct halt and perfectly know the conformation of the horse as this the most important aspect in the final score.

To perform a good presentation, it is necessary to feel to be able to transmit that feeling The students in the theory class about PRE anatomy, breed prototype and virtues and defects of its conformation

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Changes in the Catalonian PRE Horse Breeders’ Union Board of Directors President: Juan José Fuertes Camacho Vice president: Arcadio de Senillosa Rosales Treasurer: Rodrigo Nieto Gámez Secretary: Juan José Rodríguez Sánchez Members: Magin Mateu Almenara Balbina Puch Más Germán Bonilla Sánchez

Photo: JO JARRETT – JARETA Stud Farm, UK

Mares at the Jareta Stud Farm in the United Kingdom, from left to right: Beata XII bred by Yerguada Dehesa el Herrero, Iberidela, bred by Yeguada Militar andy Danes Historia, bred by The DanesStud Farm in the United Kingdom

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stud farm

YEGUADA OVELAR:

ALL STAKES ARE ON DRESSAGE

“

I believe that for a breeder, the best part, at least in my case, is to put into practice what you believe, and to be excited while waiting for the results”

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“Our objectives are very clear. We unmistakably and definitively have laid our stakes on the P.R.E. that is useful for dressage. This is a very difficult bet, long in time and expensive in economic terms.”

hen asking Jesus Ovelar about his beginnings in the world of the horse, he explained how he became involved by pure chance.

I do not come from a family of breeders; everything has been by chance and I suppose that fate has played its part. Why PREs and not another breed? It was love at first sight! What is the horse you want to achieve or have achieved? First and foremost, that it is the as close as possible to the breed prototype. Second that it is noble and has a good character. Third, that it is functional and has aptitudes for competition, specifically, for dressage. Fourth that it has a good height, but without going over the top. Seen this way on paper it seems easy, but I can assure you that it is not. Up to now, we have advanced a lot, but we still have a long way to go. It does not matter, if God keeps giving us health, we will achieve it and I believe that this will be sooner rather than later. What objectives define your stud farm? Clearly defined toward a P.R.E that is suited for dressage.

With regards to the origins of the mares and stallions, Jesus Ovelar tells us of his career over the past 20 years, with more than 300 heads, up to not long ago, you could say that there was bit of everything in terms of origins. Two years ago, we decided to select those horses that proved to be more functional. In the end, the majority of those selected come from the Bohórquez Ruiz line. Logically, all this time, many of his horses have stood out in the competition arena and as fundamental animals in the creation of his stud farm, but it is necessary to highlight Talaverana (strength and character), Atrevida XVIII (movement), Ligera II, Perdigona VI, Piconera X, and Jareña II (beauty and functionality), all those selected come from these mares. When it comes to stallions, Lotero II stands out above the rest, and in a very special way. As for awards we have achieved many; we have a cupboard that measures 4 meters long and is 2.5 meters high that is full of trophies, both from Conformation and Dressage competitions. Of all them, above all doubt the one that means the most to us was the award won by Piconero IV, as Dressage Champion of Spain for young horses of 7 and 8 years old, last year. What is the key to breeding a Champion? If I knew the formula, I would only breed champions. In genetics two plus two does not make four. It is necessary to play at being an equestrian alchemist. I believe that for a breeder, the best part, at least in my case, is to put into practice

what you believe, and to be excited while waiting for the results—sometimes mistaken and other times successful. Fortunately the satisfactions offer more than the disappointments. Whatever the case, I believe that with good mares, well selected stallions, with qualified technical staff with the appropriate feeding and care and with a good dose of faith, perseverance and patience, plus the necessary economic investment, at the end you achieve the desired objectives. Everyone knows that your horses have been in the dressage arenas for many years, but what is it that really causes a breeder to be interested in promoting their horses competitively? Firstly, it is the love of the discipline. Second is to believe and demonstrate that your horses have aptitudes for competition. Third is not to be disappointed if you reckon that the horse went well in the arena, no matter what score the judges give you, and fourth to admit to your mistakes and to make changes if you consider it necessary. The handling of the livestock at the stud farm of Jesus Ovelar is a mixture between tradition and the modernity... The coverings take place in a natural, but controlled environment, never loose. Sometimes we inseminate with fresh or frozen semen. Before covering the mares, they are scanned, and they only go to the stallion or to be inseminated if they are about to ovulate; I believe that this is fundamental. The feeding is based on concentrates, varying the composition depending on the type of animal, a mare with foal at foot or pregnant, foals, etc. With the males it also differs; if they are younger colts or competition horses, stallions that are covering or only for maintenance. The concentrate is supplemented with alfalfa, forage, hay and straw. The adult mares and the young mares and stallions always have this forage ad lib and in abundance. The stabled stallions have specific rations. Also given daily and in the hard feed is about 50 gr per animal of a vitamin and mineral supplement. We usually brand the horses when they are 3 years old. What are your short and medium term goals and objectives? Our objectives are very clear. We unmistakably and definitively have laid our stakes on the P.R.E. that is useful for dressage. This is a very difficult bet, long in time and expensive in economic terms. To achieve these objectives we have taken the measures that we believe will bring us good results in the future. Among the actions taken, the most outstanding include the following:

Piconero IV, Youngstock Colt Champion of Spain

First, we have hired J. Antonio Jiménez Cobos as the technical director; he is a person who is well-known and has achieved sufficient merits El Caballo Español

throughout his extensive career. The most important, without a doubt, is to have won the silver medal for teams at the Athens Olympic Games. In addition to being the Director, Juan Antonio rides and competes with several horses and is permanently at the stud farm overseeing the team. Second: We have selected about 30 mares with aptitudes for dressage in addition to their correct conformation and height. Third, we use only very select stallions. At this time we are covering most of our mares with Impaciente II. When we finish this cycle, there will be a minimum of 50 of his offspring at the stud farm. I think that from that point onwards, we have the basis to achieve good things in the future. Another important goal is that when a horse with our brand enters the arena, in addition to being a PRE, it has to look like a PRE. This is fundamental for us. Reflection. We have a great horse; there is no doubt of that. We breed quite well and possibly are doing it better as we go along. Everything is very beautiful, romantic and exciting, but there is a serious problem; the great majority of breeders are not selling their stock. The reason for this is obvious; they lack promotion at international level. It would be impossible to saturate the PRE market if we promote it correctly and let the whole world know about it. The PRE is one of the best, if not THE BEST, for the average rider. There are dozens or maybe hundreds of thousands of horse-lovers in the world that would be willing to buy one if they knew about it. Of course this work cannot be taken on by breeders as individuals; it must be done by the national or regional associations, with the help of everyone so that it can be done. I hope that this message is heard and that measures be taken. In any case, I think that if those responsible do not do it, then breeders should move, and take actions. I am open to any initiative. I have always thought that you do not achieve what you do not attempt, and I often say NOTHING THAT IS POSSIBLE IS IMPOSSIBLE.

PICONERO IV, 2007 YOUNG HORSE CHAMPION OF SPAIN (6 YEAR-OLDS) Piconero IV is the son of Piconera X and Lotero II. The mare is exceptional and she has excellent offspring at the stud farm. It has to be said that Lotero II is my baby. Well, I will say that more than half of the selected mares are his daughters and therefore, sisters of Piconero IV. Which of his qualities would you highlight? What is his strongest point? He appears to be good at almost everything. His best things are his changes, pirouettes and the rest of the collected paces, as well as the canter.

Isleño XXXVII is 5-years old

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This year Piconero IV will make his debut in Gran Prix. Do you think the horse has the aptitude to play a major role in the higher leverls? He is making his debut in Gran Prix, but only for the experience. He is too young to demand major efforts from him. José Antonio and I totally agree on this. When a horse wins a Spanish Championship, he has already won a few other trophies... he has won many trophies for dressage besides being judged as exceptional by MAPA. From now on, as Young Horse Champion of Spain, his future will have been planned. What are your projects for him? His future depends on him and on his development. We will do our part, and there will be no limits on him. In the summer, he will go with Juan Antonio Jiménez Cobo for 2 months, to train and to compete in Germany. Do you see the breed, in general, with a future in this sport? I have absolute faith in the P.R.E. as a Dressage horse Will Piconero IV be one of the stallions this year? Initially no, and for several reasons. Firstly, because he is the brother of almost all the selected mares. Secondly, because he has to demonstrate that he is definitely very good. Thirdly, because we do not want any hitches. His principal mission at the moment is to train, to consolidate and to try to win.

TECHNICAL FILE LOCATION: Finca el Quinto, located in the municipality (Toledo). Nº OF HEADS: 54 mares, 60 stallions and 66 males and females under 3 years. FACILITIES: 200 Stalls for stallions and a similar number for mares. There are twenty 6 x 3 meter foaling stalls. A Veterinarian Clinic, four circular arenas measuring 15 meters in diameter and two mechanical horse walkers, two outdoor dressage arenas and one indoor (60x20). More than 12 large paddocks, all with drinking and feeding troughs for forage and hard feed. EXTENSION: Finca el Quinto is a 240-hectare (593 acre) farm, of which 80 hectares (197 acre) are irrigated, 86 hectares (212 acres) are non-irrigated fields and 74 hectares (182 acres) are covered with low bushes. STAFF: eight riders and two grooms for the dressage horses. In total, between caretakers and maintenance workers there are more than 20 employees. TYPE OF STUD FARM: This could be considered as intensive, in semi-freedom.

The staff at Yeguada Ovelar

Cantor VIII is 5-years olds

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Álvaro Domecq, Director Técnico del C.A.R.

Centro de Alto Rendimiento ANCCE Instalaciones Hípicas de Chapín, Jerez Teléfono : +34 954 689 260 www.ancce.com ancce@ancce.com

COMPETITION CALENDAR May

CONFORMATIONAL CONPETITIONS DATE

COMPETITION

LOCATION

COUNTRY

1 - 4 May

EQUI TRAVAGLIATO

Travagliato

Italy

1 - 4 May

"XIII CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO DE PRE ""CIUDAD DE CÓRDOBA"""

Córdoba

Spain

1 - 4 May

EQUISUR 2008

Jerez de la Frontera

Spain

1 - 4 May

EQUIVIR - "VILLA DE ROTA" - 2008

Rota

Spain

1 - 4 May

IV CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO "VILLA DE LAVIANA"

Pola de Laviana

Spain

8 - 11 May

XII CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO FUNCIONAL DE CAMPONARAYA

Camponaraya

Spain

8 - 11 May

EQUIGAZUL 2008

Alcalá de los Gazules

Spain

8 - 11 May

EQUJIMENA 2008

Jimena dela Frontera

Spain

15 - 18 May

IV CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO "CIUDAD DE ARACENA"

Aracena

Spain

15 - 18 May

ALCAB 2008

Almería

Spain

15 - 18 May

IX FIRA DEL CAVALL DEL PARC CENTRAL DEL VALLÉS

"SabadellBarbera del Vallés"

Spain

16 - 18 May

I SALÓN DEL CABALLO DE LOS MOLINOS

Los Molinos

Spain

20 - 25 May

SANLUCAB 2008

Sanlucar de Barrameda

Spain

22 - 25 May

EXPOVICAMAN 2008

Albacete

Spain

22 - 25 May

"VII CAMPEONATO DE MALLORCA DE CABALLOS DE PURA RAZA"

Alcudia

Spain

23 - 25 May

V CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO FUNCIONAL DE PRE DE SEGOVIA

Segovia

Spain

23 - 25 May

SIERRA NORTE "CIUDAD DE CONSTANTINA"

Constantina

Spain

23 - 25 May

CIUDAD DE RONDA 2008

Ronda

Spain

24 - 25 May

FERIA DEL CABALLO DE LALÍN

Lalín

Spain

29 May - 1 June

I CONCURSO DE PRE - SAN ADRIÁN DEL BESOS

San Adrián del Besos

Spain

29 May - 1 June

"IV FERIA DEL CABALLO Y XIX CONCURSO NACIONAL DE GANADOS DE TRUJILLO"

Trujillo

Spain

ANCCE

www.ancce.com

June

30 May - 1 June

I CAMPEONATO DE PRE "CIUDAD DE ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA"

Arcos de la Frontera

Spain

30 May - 1 June

CONCURSO MORFOFUNCIONAL DE PRE DE ANTEQUERA

Antequera

Spain

4 - 8 June

EQUISIDONIA 2008

Medina Sidonia

Spain

5 - 8 June

FIESTA MIDWEST TEAM

Wilmington

USA

5 - 8 June

FERIA DEL CABALLO DE CAMBRILS 2008

Cambrils

Spain

5 - 8 June

ECUCARTAYA 2008

Cartaya

Spain

6 - 8 June

EQUIMA 2008

Jaén

Spain

11 - 15 June

COSTA BLANCA EQUINA

Alicante

Spain

12 - 15 June

VII SALÓN DEL CABALLO DE SALAMANCA

Salamanca

Spain

12 - 15 June

EQUIMAR 2008

Chiclana de la Frontera

Spain

19 - 22 June

I CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO "CIUDAD DE ALGECIRAS"

Algeciras

Spain

20 - 22 June

CIUDAD DE CHUCENA 2008

Chucena

Spain

26 - 29 June

FERIA DEL CABALLO "CIUDAD DE MOTRIL"

Motril

Spain

26 - 29 June

ECU CARMONA 2008

Carmona

Spain

26 - 29 June

I CONCURSO "CIUDAD DEL CABALLO"

Figueras

Spain

26 - 29 June

II CONCURSO MORFOLÓG ICO "VILLA DE ALCOLÉA DEL RÍO"

Alcolea del Río

Spain

27 - 29 June

V CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO FERIA DE SAN PEDRO

Zamora

Spain

FAIR

S 1

May M

INTERNATIONAL FAIRS DATE

LOCATION

COUNTRY

1 - 4 May

PFERD International

Munich

Germany

1 - 4 May

EQUI TRVAGLIATO

Travagliato (BS)

Italy

1 - 4 May

Badminton Horse Trials

Gloucester

United Kingdom

1 - 4 May

Fiesta de los Caballos Españoles

Burbank - California

United States

8 - 11 May

Royal Windsor Horse Show

London

United Kingdom

30 May - 1 June

Feria Andaluza 2007

Amberes

Belgium

5 - 8 June

Fiesta Midwest

Wilmington - OH

United States

Rotterdam

Holland

18 - 22 June

CHIO Rotterdam

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June M

S 1

El Caballo Español

DRESSAGE COMPETITION DATE

May