Revista el Caballo Español 2008 n.186 (English)

Letter from the President

THE P.R.E. AS AN INTERNATIONAL BREED Although the PRE is a minority breed at the international level, based on the total unmber of heads—about 125,000 horses—its geographical coverage and numbers increase daily. Currently, the PRE is bred in more than sixty countries with approximately 15% of the total production being born outside of Spain. Therefore, this internationalization is extremely important to ANCCE. One of our objectives must be to consolidate the breed at the world level and it must be the concern of each and every breeder dedicated to breeding the PRE, independent of the country where it is taking place. As a result of how the data from the PRE Stallion and Mare Stud Book was transferred, and the computer processing problems that we have faced, there have been delays in carrying out certain Stud Book services in several countries. The last major shipment of data for horses outside of Spain was sent by mid November, while most of DNA information of horses residing outside of Spain was sent in December 2007. Despite these factors, evaluations and TQBs were held abroad in a number of countries. In 2008, and by the end of February, work began on the registrations from the USA. Just three months after beginning the documentation, the first passports were issued; many of these passports were for horses which, for whatever reason or circumstances, were “overdue” or older than what was is generally desirable, thus creating an additional work load to finalize the service. This has not been limited to the US only. Currently, registrations are being processed for many different countries. By the end of June, a number of people—from as far away as New Zealand or

Ecuador, as well as many European nations—will have taken the course to learn how to use the computer application for the international section of the LG-PRE-ANCCE Stud Book. Today, we can say that we are in a position of provide services anywhere in the world and we will continue to work to reduce the response time as much as possible, as it is essential to have documentation available to be able to market and compete with our PREs. As the managers of ANCCE and in charge of the Stud Book, we maintain that we are all entitled to the same rights and obligations, independent of where we breed our horses. As breeders, we would like to offer the same level of service as we would like to receive. Javier Conde Cerrato President of ANCCE

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NEWS

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THE FORUM

ﾃ］gel Amores Josﾃｩ Antonio Fdez. Lineros ANCCE Radiological Consultant

SPORTS

ASK THE EXPERT

Miguel de Rojas Maestre Sebastiﾃ｡n Bastida

AMUSEMENT

ANCCE REPORTS

PRE HISTORY

THE START OF A MACRO-PROJECT: THE ROYAL STABLES OF CORDOBA Juan Carlos Altamirano

INTERNATIONAL

ANCCE

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SUMMARY

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FROM THE ARCHIVES HISTORIC SIRES

ALTA ESCUELA THE PASSAGE I Alfonso Cuesta

DAILY VETERINARY PRACTICE MYOSITIS, HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE DISEASE AND PREVENT IT Lara Armengou and Miguel Valdés

ASSOCIATIONS

STUD FARM (Publicity - Report) YEGUADA MIGUEL ÁNGEL CÀRDENAS

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COMPETITIONS CALENDAR

LIST OF ANCCE MEMBERS

Cover Page: Juan Manuel Muñoz riding Fuego XII Photo: Katharina Braren © Topiberian

El Caballo Español

Let ters to the editor I would like to use this letter to congratulate all the breeders who inspire and promote the competitive careers of their horses. Recently, in all the equestrian media, mention is made of how the Purebred Spanish Horse is reaping successes in the competition arena of the various equestrian disciplines. The fact that the PRE is competing at international level and obtaining stupendous results benefits the breed and the sector. For that reason to you all, congratulations! The current reality of the PRE horse is that there are many very good horses with the quality to reach the top in competition, but not all their ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even though they may wish toâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are able to invest in a competitive career for the best horse at their stud farm. As we know, the economic investment required is very high.

Gitanilla PM & Jerezana PM are from Yeguada Paco MartĂ

Personally, I would love to be able to offer my horses that same opportunity, as there are some that I am sure would go very far, but I would need a great deal of economic backing to proceed with such a project. I have tried to look for sponsors and solutions but it is not turning out to be at all easy. From here, I would like to call upon both associations and institutions to encourage them to help the medium-level breeders, so that they can promote the competitive careers of their horses. With this, many of us could fulfill our dreams and see that with perseverance, training and hard work, we would be able to make authentic champions of our winners.

Carmen Conde

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;El Caballo EspaĂąolâ&#x20AC;? trusts that this section, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letters to the Editorâ&#x20AC;?, 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: t 1PTUBM BEESFTT 3FWJTUB i&M $BCBMMP &TQBĂ&#x2014;PMw "/$$& $PSUJKP EF $VBSUP 7JFKP #FMMBWJTUB o 4FWJMMB 4QBJO &TQBĂ&#x2014;B

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Famoso, from the Andrés Dominguez Fernandez stud farm, is owned by Giulia Tucci

Hello, My name is Giulia Tucci, I am 12 years old. I am very happy because my parents have once again bought me a Purebred Spanish Horse, as the other, which I had before, died. But "Famoso", that’s his name, will also give me everything and more than the old one. He is bay, strong, young; he was four in April; he is noble; well, although he is not used to me yet. He’s a little lacking in confidence (he’s been with me since the end of March) I stroke him a lot and above all, I give him kisses, I think he gets bored of them, because I don’t just give him one, I give him loads. Last Friday I attended my first lesson, I was very nervous, because I didn’t know how he would react to me; but little by little, when the time passed, we both relaxed, I have to say that he behaved wonderfully and we did everything that we were told. I know that we are going to have great fun and what I most like: is that he is a PRE like my first horse

Giulia Tucci

El Caballo Español

Historia del PRE AIR CONDITIONED STABLES AND TRANSPORTATION FOR HORSES PARTICIPATING AT BEIJING 2008 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

Fuego XII is owned by Miguel A. Cárdenas and bred by Joaquín Márquez González

Columnist: Jaime Molina, Manuel González and Jacobo Rojo Secretaries: Ana Luque and Inmaculada Segura Publicity: Alejandro Sánchez +34 954 689 260 comercial@ancce.com Photos: Manuel Vasco, Rafael Lemos, Katharina Braren, Edyma, M. Gómez, Fernando Sánchez 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

© All rights reserved. No part of this magazine, 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.

Hong Kong will provide high-technology services and facilities for all the horses participating in the equestrian competitions during the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to the report by the organizers in Beijing. High technology and well-proven practical measures will be adopted to provide the best possible care for all the horses as weather conditions in Hong Kong, where the event will be held, in August, explained Lam Woon-kwong, chief of the Hong Kong equestrian company, at a press conference. Those measures will include stabling, the cooling of facilities, and veterinary services, to minimize the possible effects of the warm weather on the horses, reported Lin. In the stables, the horses will have air conditioning 24-hours a day, trans-

port with air conditioning, an indoor training area and tents at the venues. A team of 30 veterinarians and assistants, both from Hong Kong and abroad, will provide the necessary services for the horses, to guarantee they are in good condition before and after the competitions, added Lin. He commented that his company has recruited almost 2,500 volunteers for the events. Also, the training and competition schedules have been organized to take advantage the coolest periods in the day; for example, the competitions will only take place early in the morning, or in the evening. The equestrian competitions at the Beijing Olympic Games will take place from the 9th to 21st of August, while the competitions of the Paralympics will take place from the 7th to 11th of September.

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THE EXTREMADURA REGIONAL GOVERNMENT WILL DEDICATE MORE THAN 800,000 EUROS IN SUBSIDIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS EQUINE SECTOR IN 2008 The subsidies are published in the Official State Gazette focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, both agrarian and from the service sector, linked directly to horses

Mares belonging to Arroyo PRE

This year, the Extremadura Regional Government is to dedicate more than 800,000 euros in subsidies to the Extremadura equine sector to promote its development. This will be through subsidies both to the agrarian companies dedicated to the production, transformation and sale of horse meat, and to the companies from the service sector related to recreational, competition, cultural and rural tourism, whose activities require the use of horses. The regional government is â&#x20AC;&#x153;awareâ&#x20AC;? of the potential of equines as a generator of wealth, employment and support of the rural world in Extremadura, therefore, the annual meeting has approved subsidies that reach 817,394 euros, a budget that has increased by 44% over that of last year.

Differentiated subsidies The subsidies that are published in the Official State Gazette target small and medium-sized enterprises, both agrarian and from the service sector, linked directly to horses.

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With regards to the former, the subsidies cover investments made in equine companies dedicated to the production and breeding of horses, those that improve the transformation and sale of the horse meat. Likewise, there are plans for subsidies to the associations and groups of equine producers. On the other hand, the non agrarian companies promoting activities related to services to third parties, within the scope of recreational activities, competitions, culture or rural tourism, using horses are eligible to receive subsidies, as the Government has stated. Subsidies will be granted based on project bids and will be resolved within a maximum of six months from conclusion deadline for the presentation of applications. To conclude, the beneficiaries of these subsidies will have to present a declaration of the activities and investments they have carried out and that have been financed with the regional subsidy from the General Office of Agriculture Farms of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, up to the 30th of October, 2008.

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THE ROYAL ANDALUSIAN SCHOOL OF EQUESTRIAN ART PRESENTS A COMMEMORATIVE STAMP OF THE FOUNDATION The Foundation of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, dependent upon the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Sports, has, on the 23rd of April, presented a commemorative stamp dedicated to the institution, produced by the Philatelic service of the Post Office. On the illustration on the stamp, the first personalized one that has been produced in Jerez de la Frontera, is the image of a horse performing a Capriole. To this effect, the General Management of the Post and Telegraph Office granted a special post-mark, with a similar design to the stamp, as well as envelopes and illustrated post cards, which were used on the same Wednesday, in the temporary post office that the Post Office established at the Foundation offices.

CARRIAGE DRIVING CLINIC YEGUADA TRES COTOS From the 18th to 20th of April, the ASOCAMAN-PRE Association held one of the carriage driving courses that takes place annually within Castella-La Mancha, with almost 30 members attending. Once again the meticulous, intense and extensive work of the instructor, Mr. Juan Robles Marchena delighted all those present, leaving some of them exhausted from hours. Although the weather made the days harder, it also made everyone understand the necessity for working in every possible scenario. Instructor Juan Robles made it possible for some of the participants to understand the virtues and defects of their horses, showing them the pathway to correct them, and maximize their possibilities.

Likewise, Mr. Luis Rivero Merry was also on hand as an instructor. He is renowned in Spain for his knowledge of the different types of turnouts. No better a place can be found than the farm owned by Mr. Corsini who has a magnificent collection of turnouts. That was something Mr. Rivero took advantage of to help him to pass on his knowledge. On Sunday, following a farewell with country food and thanks to such a great host, everyone, breeders, drivers, grooms, and assistants agreed on the necessity of repeating this type of course on the stud farms that have suitable facilities and in the various provinces covered by the association, a commitment that the president, Mr. Ayala, took on with pleasure.

Juan Robles and Luis Rivero Merry with those participating in the Clinic

El Caballo Espa単ol

SPAIN WILL BE AT THE UPCOMING OLYMPIC GAMES Spain will finally be at the Olympic Games in China, in the discipline of Dressage. The Spanish participation will be able to compete both for the individual title as well as for teams. The International Equestrian Federation finally confirmed the Olympic ranking for Dressage for the next Games. In the 23 existent places, there are three Spanish horses and riders. This means that the Spanish Dressage Team will be in Hong Kong and dispute both the individual and the team medals, since three riders are the maximum that each country can enter. Once the qualifications, both for the individual and the team competition, had been confirmed, sources from of the RFHE announced that the national manager, Jean Bemelmans, will dedicate next few months to training with Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, Jordi Domingo, Juan Matute and Juan Manuel Muñoz. From these four riders will be selected the final list of three who will finally represent Spanish equestrianism at the Games.

DRESSAGE SEMINAR FOR JOURNALISTS Specialized sports journalists from the main media were able to resolve their queries about Dressage in a seminar organized by the Royal Equestrian Federation of Spain

A specialized Dressage seminar was held on the 24th of May for journalists from the main nation-wide media in Spain. It was organized by the Royal Equestrian Federation of Spain. The event, held at the Federations offices, was also attended by its president, Javier Revuelta, Juan Matute and Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, two of the members of the team pre-selected to attend the Beijing Olympic Games. The objective of the seminar was to make the discipline more accessible to the specialized sports journalists, and to give them the opportunity to receive first hand knowledge and experiences from not only the riders, but also from two of the members of the RFHE Technical Commission for dressage, Bobby Fernández de Bobadilla and Rosa María Fradera. After an introduction by President Revuelta, in which reviewed the current situation and he spoke about the future of dressage in Spain, to then continue with the training session. Throughout a little more than one hour, all the RFHE representatives present commented on the various training videos and

resolved any technical queries that arose from the reporters. Once the video session had finished, and all the technical doubts clarified, the seminar concluded with a discussion in which the riders, at the request of the journalists, spoke about the particularities of the discipline, about their Olympic aspirations, etc. Despite of being optimistic, both Juan Matute and double Olympic medalist, Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, hope to achieve “Olympic diploma,” but they recognized that the favorites are the Dutch and German representatives. With regards to the medium and long term work, Juan Matute stated that “the objectives are the 2010 Kentucky World Championships and the 2012 London Olympic Games.” The rider from Bilbao also recognized that “Spain is the country that has most evolved in recent years.” After the discussion, the riders attended the media in a more individual manner and several interviews were carried out at the request of the various audiovisual media covering the event.

The Spanish team will concentrate on Aachen (Germany) and toward the middle of July, the Technical Commission headed by Bemelmans, will produce the definitive list of three horses and riders who will travel to Hong Kong

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FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF EQUINE FOOT-CARE FOR FARRIERS AND VETERINARIANS

Two of the Speakers at the Congress: Marta Prades and Alan Nixon

The First International Congress of Equine Foot-care for Farriers and Veterinarians, which took place on the 24th, 25th and 26th of April, was a forum for discussion and exchange of knowledge about topics related to the specialty of equine foot-care. There were 320 participants, including professionals, veterinarians, farriers, students, sponsors and the best internationally prestigious presenters.

fessionals in situ. Alongside this meeting, in adjoining rooms, a technical and commercial exhibition was held, which included stands that—thanks to the collaboration of all the sponsors—enabled the attendees to consult and to see a multitude of the most up-todate products and services of the sector.

No doubt this was a top European level meeting and a vastly satisfactory experience. The practical sessions also provided a great opportunity to see the top pro-

SIMULATOR FOR HORSE RIDING

The simulator for horse riding consists of a conventional television screen, on which you can see the results of your movements, it works the same as a horse, responding to reins and legs; therefore, you can practice to perfect one’s technique. It serves to be able to learn to link the movements to the distinct paces of the horse: the walk, the trot, which is so difficult to learn its trick, and the canter. It also performs advance movements. To be exact, it can be used to improve your skills. These will be sold to “private” gymnasiums, and their price will be about €6,353

El Caballo Español

MINIATURE ART AT THE CARRIAGE MUSEUM Between May 29th and of June 6th, the Carriage Museum hosted an exhibition of scale models of emblematic horse-drawn carriages, such as the 19th century Royal Coaches from Lisbon and the Queen of England

The Sevilla Carriage Museum, managed by the Royal Carriage Driving Club of Andalusia, hosted the Exhibition of Miniature Horse-drawn Carriages, belonging to Arturo Serrano Casadevall, which consisted of twenty handmade scale models. Many of the carriages are exact replicas of emblematic horse-drawn carriages, such as the Royal Coaches owned by the Queen of England and from 19th century Lisbon. The author’s favorite is called “Queen of Hearts”, to which he dedicated between seven and eight hours daily for more than three years, and whose name comes from the more than 400 carved hearts that make up the scale model. The spokes of the rear wheels are on the form of Ss, in Gothic style.

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Arturo Serrano, jeweler by profession and a previous employee of Fasa Renault, began to produce miniatures after his retirement, first, of all type of ships and, later on, of diverse objects. Currently, his collection of carriages has reached a score, all made of oak wood and, in some cases, accompanied by metal. It has taken the artist many years to complete his collection, since he has invested between four months and two years on each scale model. They will all be for sale, at a price that will vary between 400 and 12,000 euros, because each one is of a different size and has been manufactured with different materials.

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THE ROYAL ANDALUSIAN SCHOOL OF EQUESTRIAN ART CELEBRATED A DAY OF OPEN HOUSE IN ITS MUSEUMS The Equestrian Art and Driving museums could be visited, to celebrate the International Museum Day On Saturday the 17th of May, to celebrate the International Museum Day, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (REAAE), a foundation dependent upon the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Sports, had open-house at the Museums of Equestrian Art and Carriage Driving. International Museum Day, held on the 18th of May, has taken place since 1997. It is an initiative of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). This year, this institution has chosen as a motto “Museums, agents for social change and development”, and has invited the exhibition areas from all over the world to commemorate it by carrying out diverse activities.

Palacio del Duque de Abrantes

El Caballo Español

ANCCE ATTENDS THE 6TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE PUREBRED SPANISH HORSE The current market situation of the PRE Horse and the LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book was one of the two subjects covered at this meeting that was organized by CESCALE. The president of ANCCE, Javier Conde, talked about the situation of the Stud Book and gave a brief summary, from a positive perspective, of everything that has happened since January 2007, the date on which ANCCE took charge of handling the Purebred Spanish Horse Stud Book.

genealogical code, because this is what will always identify a horse, as it is the only thing that cannot be altered. He also explained the importance of the ownership cards, since now, thanks to them, ANCCE has the details of the current owners of the horses.

Likewise, he explained the computer problems that have arisen with the company that previously had this job and he assured that “they have not provided the Stud Book “The LG is the with IT support.” base, the tool that With regards to will enable the the Registry book PRE to be impropromoted by the ved and it has to USA, he consideserve to improve red it a lack of the breed so that solidarity on the Pedro Rey, Javier Conde, President of ANCCE and Javier Hernández, President of CESCALE breeders have all part of the breethe information ders and as “an necessary to be able to breed,” explained the presi- aggressive act against the Purebred Spanish Horse.” dent of ANCCE. He was finally very critical and recognized that he is Javier Conde has thanked FESCAR, the previous agent, for the collaboration offered. Although he declared that “the lack of information about many adult stallions and mares has made the registration impossible of any foals born to these horses.” This is being resolved thanks to the collaboration agreement signed between ANCCE and FESCAR last February, by which a closer relation is made possible when problems that arise. Also, Conde emphasized the importance of the DNA testing and its

not happy with the evolution of the Stud Book because “everything can be improved.” The delays have been due to the lack of data which means that there are horses that are not yet processed due to the lack of the genetics of their progenitors. Pedro Rey, director of the PRE ANCCE Stud Book, explained that many breeders do not follow the steps correctly, which means that ANCCE does not have evidence of their requests and cannot perform the requested service.

THE SPANISH HIGH SCHOOL COMMISSION OF THE RFHE MEETS IN AGUILAR DE LA FRONTERA The president, Álvaro Domecq, met 30 guests from the area, who were received at Yeguada Veracruz. The event was introduced by Joaquín Fernández (Social Communication of the commission), who announced the presentation of the new RFHE regulations within next few days, once the conclusions of these meetings have been analyzed. The general coordinator of the commission, Mercedes González, alma mater of the new regulations, emphasized what hard work it has been drafting them, meaning that she has dug deep into Spanish terminology used centuries ago, to strengthen the importance in academic equitation for what “we will substitute, among others: the French wording of reprise for handling; the letters around the arena, of German origin, for symbols; etc. The airs above the ground that will be maintained, will be the Corvette and the capriole, as the Croupade and the Ballotade are exercises whose objectives are to teach this and in competition they could be used to justify the poor execution of the Capriole.” Also that “there must be a minimum of three components to hold, within the mounted, specific adjacent competitions such as those for side-saddle riders, airs above the ground, long reins, etc. As well as that the three accepted types of clothing

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will be the Andalusian, Goyesco or Rondeño suits and the 18th Century clothing, of these as well of the harness and equipment, the new regulation will have plenty of drawings.” Later on, in the practical section, Álvaro Domecq offered a masterful class in the arena. Álvaro Domecq, Mercedes González Cort and Joaquín Fernández Cepedello

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PRESENTATION OF THE PRIZES FOR THE 23RD CARRIAGE EXHIBITION AT THE SEVILLA FAIR The ceremony took place in the Poster Room of the Real Maestranza de Caballeria in Sevilla The presentation of trophies to the winners of the last Carriage Exhibition at the Sevilla Fair, which took place in the Real Maestranza in Sevilla, held on Thursday, the 15th of May, in the Poster Room of the of the Real Maestranza de Caballeria.

ando photo: fern

sÁnchez

The event was presided over by Rosamar Prieto Castro, Lieutenant Mayor and Councilwoman for Festivities from the Sevilla City Council, and also taking part were the General Director of Agricultural Production and Livestock of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Judit Anda; the Chief General of the Terrestrial Forces, Virgilio Sañudo; the President of the Royal Carriage Driving Club of Andalusia, Jesus Contreras Ramos and Santiago León, Attorney for the Real Maestranza of Caballeria in Sevilla.

OBITUARY

As members of ANCCE, we would like to offer our sincere and heartfelt rem em b ra n ce to the memory of Antonio Benítez Moreno, breeder and member of this association, who passed away in May. In the name of the whole Association, we would like to send our most sincere condolences to all his family.

El Caballo Español

THE FORUM 1

The Forum

Ă ngel Amores

Hot- or cold-shoeing Cold shoeing or hot shoeing: these are two different farriery techniques, both of which have advantages and disadvantages, but which both seek the same objective.

First, I would like to remind you that a good job of shoeing must distribute the pressures evenly over a healthy and problem free hoof, in addition to favoring the correct alignment of the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limbs, preventing the appearance of locomotive problems. Nowadays, hot shoeing (by fire) is used throughout the entire world, with those who favor and those who oppose its use, including some who without even knowing the technique, reject it. Fire has been linked to farriery ever since its origins. Until the first mechanically manufactured

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horseshoes appeared, farriers made each horse shoe individually for each animal. For our grandparents, the image of a forge located not far from the horses was commonplace. As the profession developed, with farriers traveling to visit their customers, it was more and more difficult to travel with their coal forges. In Spain, the image of the farrier (the poorest relative within the horse family) with their bucket or basket of tools (sometimes very few), a handful of nails and some horseshoes (small, medium and large), is not something from the ancient past. Today, the farrier,

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with more training, has become a specialist technician, moving further and further away from the origins of the profession, with a new image and faultless equipment, fully equipped (all of which are necessary) that catch the eye of their owners and clients. They have good vehicles, with or without trailers that are fully equipped with drills, generators for electrical welding, belt-driven sanders, grinders, as well as an endless range of tools, hoof-picks, knives, etc., and, above all, the forges. Today, they are portable, and use propane instead of dirty coal, so that in a matter of minutes, they can heat a horseshoe until it is red hot, to then work them with accurate blows, to achieve precise shapes. This does not happen with cold shoeing, because even a tiny modification becomes troublesome and imprecise throughout a long day (unfortunately necessary in this profession), breaking even the strongest arm. This is my principal argument in defense of the hot-shoeing technique, to which you can add a better fit and the antiseptic action of the heat. Rolling, adjustments, and modifications in the shape of the horseshoes, as well as filling (to give thickness) lengthening, cutting, removing the clips, or opening new nail holes are all common practice in therapeutic farriery. Dominating the techniques of the forge becomes absolutely essential if you want to do it accurately. Cold farriers argue that heating a horseshoe is a waste of time, in addition to running the risk of producing burns on the foot, while others argue that the hoof becomes too dried out and loses its elasticity; still others cite weather reasons, arguing that in warm climates the hooves suffer more from the heating process, making them drier and more brittle.

In all my years as a farrier, I have seen so many dry and brittle hooves that had never been shod hot, that the problem could not be linked to the technique. You would think that the hooves should be cared for, if not pampered, by the owners. With regards to the climate, I must say that in countries with drier climates and temperatures similar to Spain, horses are shod hot, and nobody questions that their horses are being cared for. In practice, there are very few horses that do not tolerate hot shoeing, although it is necessary to study the hoof, because some soles are more delicate than others. Also, there are horses that are easily frightened, who must have very quick applications, or they will not be shod. What is important is that the professional knows the technique, knows how to use it and with whom to use it. If the owner is worried about the smoke, I advise him to talk about it with the farrier, and then they both decide whether to use it or not. What should concern us is not the technique but rather the result. The ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main concern should be to seek a professional who loves this art and who is continually learning. Perhaps, in the future, horseshoes that are currently alternatives, such as those made of aluminum, strange alloys, plastics, PVC, silicone, or glued-on horseshoes will possibly put an end to this dilemma of cold or hot shoeing. Let us forget the past, but without rejecting it and knowing that we still have a long way to go. Let us be istic! optimistic!

El Caballo EspaĂąol

photo lemos

The Forum

José A. Fdez Lineros

The PRE has a good canter and a good walk, but it is necessary to improve the trot; that is the opinion of the Spanish national dressage trainer, Jan Bemelman, as he states in this month’s issue of El Caballo Español. Should this make us think twice? For many years, PREs have only trotted, in-hand, around the arenas of conformation competitions; it never cantered and, although it walked a little, in most cases, due to the excitement of the moment or to a poor presentation. The quality or lack of quality of this pace went unnoticed. It would appear that the best paces are those that we have not selected. This triggers a series of queries that are left hanging in the air: Have we been mistaken in our approach? Should the PRE conformation judges and breeders have a better command of biomechanics? Is the functionality test, as it is outlined, good for anything? Is the Conformation Champion really the best horse or the best stallion or the best broodmare, depending on the case? Is a horse that has three excellent paces good for everything? I sometimes have the feeling that we dream of an allpurpose horse. We would like to believe that the same fantastic PRE horse is fantastic at everything. We want it to be the best dressage horse; to have no rivals at driving, while at the same time, it must be an excellent school horse, takes part in hippo-therapy; when it goes for a hack, it’s not frightened of anything; it always comes in first, it can be tied in any place for hours without bothering its owner and, of course, it wins all the conformation competitions. All the mares it covers are pregnant, and they, in turn, produce foals that are the same as their parents; we only forgive the poor horse if it is not an Olympic Show-jumper or a Doma vaquera champion, and I honestly don't know why. The family doctor does not perform heart surgery, nor does the ears-nose-throat doctor treat stomach ulcers. We live in an era of specialization (for a fact, superspecialization). If we want to stand out in something, we have to specialize in the subject and devote body, mind and soul to it. The all-purpose horse is also a specialty, the same as general medicine, but don’t expect to win everything. If we want to stand out in dressage competitions, we will have to select with dressage criteria, although in exchange,

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Brincador VIII, owned by Yeguada Manuel Salguero, with his rider, Jose Perez Luna

THE ALLPURPOSE HORSE we will not win a conformation competition. If we want the horse to be a specialist in competition carriage driving, we must make the most of the necessary qualities to achieve this, even though we will not be able to do hippo-therapy with the same horse. Undoubtedly, the PRE has the capacity to be a good horse at any discipline, but you must select for this and make it known as such in the appropriate environments. Today, there are sufficient numbers and diversity among breeders that by now, there could be specialized lines in different competitive disciplines within the PRE. When you look at the Passport (genealogy) of a competition horse, the comments are usually: “this horse has an excellent show-jumping or dressage line” or something similar. We know that the horse whose passport you are holding, even without seeing the horse itself, is a specialist in something. It already has its genes a load of probabilities to do something well, although later it may or may not be as good as we expected or hoped. Fret not! It is not, as has often been commented, that the PRE stops being a PRE to become something else. No, by no means is that the case. It is a matter of reinforcing the magnificent virtues that the PRE already has, but select those virtues that interest each breeder based on his or her own objectives, the market or any other reason. There

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are already breeders who focus their selection criteria on the color and nobody questions whether their horses are more or less PRE because their coats are always of the same color. Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there be others that dedicate their efforts on breeding showjumpers, without everybody thinking that this will lead to the destruction of the breed? Logically, over time, this horse will no longer have certain characteristics that are currently commonplace for almost all horses, but, on the other hand, the horse will have developed many others, which are also common, PRE characteristics and that will continue to be so, just as when somebody works to produce horses with the same color. During the process, they have left other aspects along the waysideâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I don't know if they are more or less important, but what I do know is that those characteristics are no longer there. There will be other breeders who are interested, precisely, in what these latter have not taken into account. In the end, the only characteristics that will finally be lost are those that are of no interest to anyone. The breed will always evolve in the direction that breeders want. Whether or not that evolution is positive will depend only and exclusively on breeders, as they are the only ones who, at the end of the day, decide which sire will cover each mare.

photo m. brasil

Oculto II, owned by Manuel Louro Cao

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The Forum

Document produced by the ANCCE radiological consultant and directed by Professor Manuel Novales Vasco at the University of Cordoba Veterinarian Hospital Clinic pv1nodum@uco.es

BASIC CONCEPTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT OSTEOCHONDROSIS Osteochondrosis is a disease that produces a failure in the normal ossification of joints in horses, which gives way to the accumulation of synovial fluid (causing esthetic defects), pain, and, in some cases, lameness. In general, this problem appears in the locomotive system of the horse, but it is especially located in the hocks, fetlocks and stifles. The disease may appear during the first months of life (in which case, there may be spontaneous recovery and stabilize after the first year. The symptoms can be detected either while the horse is young or after it has reached adulthood. INTRODUCTION Concept of the disease Osteochondrosis is a disease that produces a failure in the normal ossification of joints in horses, which gives way to the accumulation of synovial fluid (causing esthetic defects), pain, and, in some cases, lameness. In general, this problem appears in the locomotive system of the horse, but it is especially located in the hocks, fetlocks and stifles. The disease may appear during the first months of life (in which case, there may be spontaneous recovery and stabilize after the first year. The symptoms can be detected either while the horse is young or after it has reached adulthood. In Holland, a country that has traditionally studied this disease, it has been calculated that some 3,000 (or 25% of all foals born) foals are born annually with osteochondrosis. This represents an estimated ten million euros a year in economic costs.This disease is included within the group of growth diseases found in foals generically called Developmental Orthopedic Diseases. Other diseases included in this group are subchonral bone cysts, angular limb and flexing deformities, spyphysitis and the Wobbler syndrome (which affects cervical vertebras and causes a lack of coordinated movement in animals).

causes behind the disease), bio-mechanical traumas, mechanical stress due to inappropriate exercise, obesity, excessively fast growth and imbalanced or inappropriate nutrition. One or several of these factors combined can produce the disease. Both environmental factors and the way in which a horse is handled are determining factors for a foal to finally develop the disease.

Phases in controlling the disease in Spain In Spain, controlling the disease among PRE horses is divided into three phases: 1) 2003-2006. A number of radiological studies were performed without having defined where and how the disease was to be detected. Even after having studied 1,500 horses, the desired results were not attained. 2) 2007. An Interpretation Center was created in order to standardize the quality of the studies undertaken and the diagnostic criteria for the disease. In the 2007season, the following studies were performed utilizing a total of 335 horses, 50 of which had not been approved. The results by country were as follows:

The following are among the causes of osteochondrosis: genetic pre-disposition (thisaccounts for up to 25% of the

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The Interpretation Center declared that 14.2% of the horses studied had not been approved. 3)

2008. Having analyzed the results of the previous season, and following international recommendations, only those horses with serious signs of the disease evident in X-rays were eliminated. With this in mind, degrees of injuries were established, based upon gravity. Prior to beginning the season, all the horses eliminated during the 2007 season were reviewed, and breeders were informed whether their horses were considered acceptable in this system.

Moreover, instructions were given to the veterinarians who review the horses based on the new classification criteria. The horses that were not sent to the Interpretation Center in the 2007 season can now be sent, if the vets consider that these horses could be approved under the new classification criteria. The University of Cordoba Veterinary Hospital website (www.uco.es/ corporacion/hcv/) offers complete information about the diagnostic criteria for this disease and the work undertaken during the 2007 season.

Basic norms to control the disease at stud farms Once the disease has been detected at a stud farm, it is good to keep the following concepts in mind: It is a good idea to check all young horses, stallions, mares and their descendents. For this, vets usually perform a clinical inspection (seeking lameness or the accumulation of fluid in joints) and give advice about basic X-ray studies for the risk groups at each stud farm. This type of study can be performed on yearlings when the injury is stable, thus diagnosing the disease in its early stages. The study of a foalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancestors facilitates discovering the genetic causes of the disease on the affected stud farms. Stud farm nutrition must be checked, especially the amount of calories consumed by the colts/fillies, caloric sources and mineral imbalances, among others. One of the most common problems in young horses is the excess ive amount of substances ingested, which causes accelerated growth or fattens the horses subject to these practices. Both situations may contribute to the appearance of Developmental

Orthopedic Diseases. A four year study published in 1996 in the US by Dr. Joe Pagan (1996) evaluating the presence of OCD in fetlock, hock, stifle and back reached the following conclusions: 1. The horses that developed osteochondrosis in the hock and stifle tended to belarger foals at birth, and grew quickly between three and eight months of age. 2. Horses that develop OCD in the fetlocks have normal growth rate the first 110 days, but grow much master than the rest of the population later.

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2) Avoid foals growing too quickly. 3) Avoid sudden growth after a period of apparent lack of growth. 4) Avoid foals getting too fat. There are two very basic conclusions about nutrition and its effect on Developmental Orthopedic Diseases given by two major world experts in nutrition: 1.- Even though the mare and foal have been provided the appropriate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, there is no guarantee that adult horses will be healthy and able to compete; there is evidence that, in the medium and long-term, proper nutrition will help reduce the risk of suffering problems and diseases (Harris, 2005). 2.- Once a foal has developed osteochondrosis to such an extent that the clinical signs and symptoms can be identified, diet has a minimal effect on solving existent injuries. However, it is recommended to reduce caloric intake and avoid excessive body weight while maintaining an adequate amount of proteins and minerals (Pagan, 2003). One last factor to keep in mind is controlling exercise during the first year. As a general rule, it could be said that the level of exercise in foals is logically important in maintaining the quality of its cartilage, joints and bones (McIlwraith, 2005). To date, there is contradictory data about the level of exercise that can be performed. Studies in Holland (Van Weeren & Bravenveld, 1999) conclude that while exercise does not influence the number of injuries that appear, there is a tendency for these injuries to be more serious in colts/fillies that rest in stalls. The exact amount of exercise that PRE colts and fillies need to protect them against the appearance of osteochondrosis is still unknown, but it is certain that if colts and fillies spend a limited amount of time in stables during their first year, and if they are free to exercise at will, this will contribute to preventing the disease. BIBLIOGRAPHY Harris PA. Hints on nutrition for optimal growth. In: Harris PA, Hill SJ and Abeyasekere LA editors. Proceedings of the 1st Waltham International Breeding Symposium.

From this, it can be deduced that excessive body weight and fast growth were themain factors to be taken into consideration in controlling the disease. Not only must the amount of calories be controlled, but also the relationship among the various minerals; care must be given not to give excessive phosphorus. Another study indicates that the importance of the relationship between copper and zinc, especially in the case of pregnant mares and while the foal is growing, as imbalances in these two minerals could pre-dispose the horse toward these diseases (Harris, 2005). Dr. Pat Harris (2005), a world-renowned specialist in equine nutrition, provided the following recommendations for reducing the incidence of Developmental Orthopedic Diseases, including osteochondrosis, in stud farms: 1) Try to get foals to increase their size and body weight slowly.

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Newmarket (England). June 2005. p. 41-50. McIlwraith CW. What are the major problems associated with growth and how important are they really? In: Harris PA, Hill SJ, Abeyasekere LA, editors. Proceedings of the 1st Waltham International Breeding Symposium. Newmarket (England). June 2005. p. 25-31. Pagan JD, Jackson SG. The incidence of developmental orthopedic disease on a Kentucky Thoroughbred farm. World Equine Vet. Rev. 1996; 1: p. 20-26. Van Weeren PR, Barneveld A. The effect of exercise on the distribution and manifestation of osteochondrotic lesion in the Warmblood foal. Equine Vet. J. Suppl. 1999; p. 19.

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sports

Beijing by José A. Fdez. Lineros

Fuego XII, first horse officially selected for Beijing 2008

was the 23rd of June 2008 when I wrote these lines. The magazine had gone to print just a few days before, but I called the printers to ask them to put everything on hold, as some changes had to be made. A few moments before, I had received a call from Boby Fernández de Bobadilla, the Dressage Director at the Royal Equestrian Federation of Spain, who gave me the news: “Fuego XII has been the first horse of those selected, chosen by Jan Bemelmans to represent Spain at Beijing 2008; this happened yesterday, Sunday, following the competition held in Rotterdam. The splendid performance by Fuego XII has resolved all doubts, in addition, I believe that with the right criteria, the trainer believes that the presence of a PRE in the arena is fundamental for the image of Spain. THE PUREBRED SPANISH HORSE REPRESENTS ITS MOTHERLAND. In principle, it had been planned that we would not know who would represent Spain, until mid July, immediately following the competition at Aachen, but events have precipitated the decision and we now know who will be at least one of the representatives. Now the other two must be chosen, and I suppose that as had been planned, this will be done after Aachen. Four years have gone by—although it does not seem that long ago when Spanish riders came home from Athens with the Silver Medal. For most everyone, or almost everyone, that appeared to be the brilliant end of an era in which Spanish dressage had gone from zero to one hundred in a relatively short time, but very intense. Equally, we all wondered what would happen next; the national panorama was quite gray in terms of Spain’s national competitions. I believe that during the two following seasons, nobody believed that Spain would be able to repeat its success, let along classify for the next Olympic Games, those of Beijing. However, here we are, with four qualified riders, and a PRE, already part of the Olympic Team.

Miguel Ángel Cárdenas, PRE breeder and owner of Fuego XII How did you feel when you heard the news? It was the confirmation of 6 years of hopes and dreams. Have your dreams been fulfilled? Of course, although I would say that they are being fulfilled. Have you spoken with Juan Manuel Muñoz? What did you tell him? I called him as soon as they announced that Fuego XII was now officially qualified. Juan Manuel was not greatly surprised, he told me that he knew that they would qualify, but really, the fact that the news is official has brought great happiness. Thank you, congratulations and we wish you a lot of luck.

Our congratulations to you all, and we most sincerely hope that you all achieve good results, but especially Juan Manuel Muñoz and his horse Fuego XII.

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Jan Bemelmans Spanish National Trainer

To compete at this level, in addition to knowing what to do, I imagine that both horse and rider must have some special characteristics, is this correct?

60 % the horse, 40% the rider

about the results obtained in international competitions, but of, in general, the quantity and quality of the riders and horses that are currently competing in Spain.

And the trainer?

Between 5 and 6.

With this percentage, there is not much left for the trainer ….. joking apart, I would like to say that the success is down to the team, you need a good horse, rider, farrier, stables, handling, competitions, etc. If all of these are not good, there is no possibility for success.

To select the three horses and riders that photo: katharina braren will finally go to © topiberian Beijing, what will you take into consideration: only the competition results, your personal impression, the experience of the riders or of the horses...?

They must be really skilled at concentrating on their work, a lot of willingness to work, physical aptitudes and be very fit. When it comes to the success or failure of a horse and rider in dressage, what percentage can be blamed on the rider, and what on the horse?

Do you think we will see the day when the Spanish team has four PRE horses? For the time being, no. What improvements does the breed need if we are thinking of a competition horse for dressage? I would try to improve the trot; most have a good canter and walk, but their weakest point is their trot, yes, I would try to improve the trot. Do you train PRE differently, or do you follow the same system as the Central-Europeans? That is to say, do you have to work differently with them? No, I work them in the same way. On the international scene, do the judges have a positive vision when it comes to PREs, or are they still not viewed well? They fail to accept them 100% Everyone has his or her own way of doing things, or so they say. What is your secret? Work every day, believe in what you’re doing and be proud of it. There is a German saying, which goes “the success of talent is in work” What fills you most, riding or training? It depends on what point in my life; until I was 45, it was riding; from then on, training. What difference is there between the dressage of today and dressage thirty years ago? Technically speaking, what has improved?

In the first place I have to see the quality of the horse, then I look at the quality of the rider. If the horse offers no quality, it has no chance. There might be riders who do not have so much talent, but it is important that they want to work and learn and that they have a good head for riding. There are many riders with talent who are incapable of changing and improving their riding, and the way they feel before leaving. As riders, what qualities stand out in each of the four possible members of the Spanish team? They want to be successful and are ready to confront this. They work very seriously and are doing everything necessary to get there. And of their horses? The horses are young, with a great deal of energy; they all have quite enough energy to successfully confront the weather conditions in Hong Kong. How do you sincerely believe we will do in Beijing? I hope that we will win an Olympic diploma; anything better than that would be the icing on the cake, especially when you think about how hard we have worked in these last months. Thank you and good luck!

Breeding has improved; the quality of the horses has improved a great deal You know all the horses and riders that are currently competing at national level; on a scale of 1 to 10, at what level are the Spaniards right now, considering the most advanced country is a ten? I’m not talking

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Mª Dolores Fernández de Bobadilla Manager of Dressage of the Spanish Royal Equestrian Federation photo: katharina braren © topiberian

To the right, Boby Fernandez de bobadilla, with the chosen Spaniards, Rosa Maria Fraderas and Jan Bemelmans

What exactly does you job entail? Basically, I am in charge of:

Have the objectives been achieved?

• Budgetary follow-up

I have just said that we have achieved it, we have qualified for the Beijing Olympic Games, and we have a team of four completely new horses and riders available to take to the Olympics.

• Technical follow-up of the various teams at their international and national competitions, elaboration of reports for the national trainer and technical commission for decision making linked to the make-up of the various teams.

The (Spanish) team qualified for the Beijing Olympics at the last minute, thanks to the withdrawal of the Swiss team. Did you expect so many problems, or on the contrary, should we consider that qualifying is a success in itself?

• Coordinating the international and national sections of the RFHE (Spanish Royal Equestrian Federation).

We did not qualify thanks to the withdrawal of the Swiss team; the riders qualified in their own right. Even if the Swiss team had attended the Olympic Games, Spain would also have been going, although the Swiss team appears on the official FEI list of those who have qualified for the Olympic Games. The (Spanish) team achieved their qualification through the individual ranking, from which twenty riders qualify as follows:

• Elaborating economic and competition (sports) plans for activities related to top level competition of the senior, young rider and junior teams.

• Coordinating with the National board for Sports and the RFHE Dressage Division. • The senior team as the chief. • Coordinating and organizing the RFHE Dressage Commissions and writing up the minutes. • Coordinating and organizing trips and the participation of the Spanish teams in Championships and/or Olympic Games. • Supervising the advancements of the programs of the 3* and 2* CDN (National Dressage Competitions). After Athens, what approach did the RFHE take with regards to Dressage for the next four years? When it came to planning, at the start of the Olympic period, objectives were established for the next tour years. These objectives were revised with each annual plan, adjusting them to what was actually happening. Following Athens, the objective was to seek horses and riders that would enable us to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. Each year since Athens has brought ups and downs, but the final objective for this Olympic period has been achieved.

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One rider from the organizing country One rider from the following regional groups: Group A – Northeast Europe: a Finnish rider qualified Group B – Southeast Europe: a French rider qualified Group C – Central Europe and Central Asia: a Russian rider qualified Group D – North America: a rider qualified from Antigua Group E – South and Central America: a Mexican rider qualified Group F – Africa and the Middle East: a South African rider qualified Group G – Southeast Asia, Oceania: a Korean rider qualified The remaining twelve riders come from the ranking list for the Olympic Games. On this list, Spanish riders are situated as follows: third place, Beatriz Ferrer-Salat; sixth

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place, Juan Matute; and tenth place, Jordi Domingo. After that, the FEI can add more riders who can attend the Olympic Games, adding, for example, the three places that, in this case, were available due to the Swiss withdrawal. Do you believe that the medals won at Jerez and Athens have done all they should to stimulate participation in this discipline? If not, why? To comment on this as objectively as possible, I have complied these details about competition in the two years following the Athens Olympics, the difference between them shows a 7% increase in people entering the competition arena, which, in my opinion, is a very positive. Entries in the arena 2005

2006

CDN2*

720 entries

649 entries

CDN3*

361 entries

CDN3*

446 entries

CDN Juniors

260 entries

CDN Juniors

299 entries

CDI

120 entries

CDI

168 entries

Total

1.461 entries

Total

1.562 entries

What is wrong with the mass media, newspapers, radio, television...? Why do they not, even minimally, bear this discipline in mind, despite the medals? Is the RFHE doing anything to change this situation as much as possible? Since Athens and the appointment of Javier Revuelta as President, the RFHE has contracted a communications agency, which has made an enormous effort to increase the appearance of all and any information related to equestrianism and specifically to dressage. It is extremely difficult publish articles about minority sports; articles and information appears when the mass media considers it to be “news.” To be precise, since we have qualified, there has been an increase in the news coverage. But the reality is that when it is not football, Formula 1 or tennis, it is tremendously difficult to get them to pay attention once the media frenzy of the awards ceremony has faded. Nevertheless, if you look at the media, after we qualified for the Olympics, we have enjoyed greater coverage, clearly not as much as we would have liked, but it has grown. The RFHE and its communication agency have even taken a new initiative, with the organization of a basic training seminar for journalists, about dressage. More than ten journalists are expected. We are aware of the need to grow and work with them. What is the RFHE—or even the Territorial Federations if it is in their task—doing to promote competition from the bottom up, from where the elite riders must subsequently come from? Are there specific plans for this area? The Territorial Federations are responsible for the grass roots competitions. Each one has different proposals depending of the particular circumstances of the area where they are located. Given that the RFHE is responsible for top-level competition only, there is no

specific planning for the grass roots competitions, but we are open and collaborate regularly with the Territorial Federations. Is the RFHE interested in promoting native breeds for this discipline? If so, what is it doing? There is some interest in this because one of the pillars of equestrian competition is national breeding, but it is not within the scope of the RFHE to promote specific breeds, as we are a competition federation. That particular task corresponds to the breeders’ associations and the Ministry of Agriculture. The RFHE can only collaborate as much as possible with these institutions, which is a priority for us, and we always try to do so when we can. What budget does dressage have in the RFHE and how is this spent? In 2008, the initially planned budget is almost 700,000 euros, and this will be reinforced by an additional 100,000 euros from the ADO (Association for Olympic Sports) Program, now that we have qualified for the Olympics. It is fundamentally distributed in covering the planning costs of the Spanish Teams (both adults and juniors) and the technical support needed (trainers, veterinarians, farriers, etc.), leaving small quantities for the national competition sections and material. Imagine that I have a horse that is achieving very good places, up to what point do I have to continue paying all the costs, and when do I start to be paid and how much? In other words, what does the RFHE pay for, and at what point? Aid is for those senior riders who are pre-selected to form a part of the national team within the annual objective, which could be the European or World Championships or the Olympic Games. The number of riders varies each year, but on average, this group is made up of six riders. Therefore, the RFHE helps the best horses at Gran Prix level. In the case of the Young Riders and Juniors, they receive help with pre-competition preparation and their participation in the European Championships. In addition to this, the RFHE helps the riders indirectly, with the participation in clinics with both the senior and junior trainers. We are now going to Beijing, but truly, what role could we play? Our objective is an Olympic diploma. What lies ahead for Spanish Dressage on the international scene? It is a very lively future, under the spotlights. Right now, we have a group of excellent horses and riders, boasting excellent quality, which we are sure will bring us a great deal of success.

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Juan Manuel Muñoz Spanish Dressage Team Rider for Beijing 2008

Fuego XII from M. Ángel Cárdenas

photo katharina braren

Going to the Olympics, is it the dream of any athlete, in this case, of any rider?

What influence has Jan Bemelmans had on your way of riding? He helps you to keep your mind cool at the competition and the power to gain points, to control of your horse at all times.

Above all doubts; it is a dream that began twenty years ago and now it seems that it could be fulfilled. The Olympics are the most important competition in the life of a rider.

Has he been a decisive figure for you achieving success? In other words, without him, would it have been possible?

Last year at Turín, you didn't think the day would come, but now, it is a reality. How you feel?

The trainer is important; he is a key piece to the success of the whole team.

Very happy and very excited. It has been and it is a long road, which involves of a lot of hard work. It is now when we have to pull out all the stops.

We know that success always depends on a full team of people who work around the horse. In your case, what part of this success is due to Fuego’s owner, Miguel Ángel Cárdenas?

When you began riding Fuego, did you believe that he would ever reach this level? From a youngster, both Miguel Ángel and I, have had it in mind, we knew that he could get there. This horse has been winning and proving it at all levels, since he was a four-year-old. I think that his competitive career has been impressive. I know that you have ridden many PRE horses. What differentiates Fuego from the others? The elasticity of his movement, his good balance and his class. Where is the horse strongest? Where does he earn most points?

Miguel Ángel has promoted this project, making all the necessary means available and he has always shown a lot of excitement. All the success in the world goes down to him. He is an example to follow when it comes to focusing the competitive career of a PRE. In front of the judges, do you believe that the fact that you are riding a PRE is a disadvantage when compared to the other competitors? No, not at all. Sometimes I am at an advantage; it all depends on the horses that your rivals have at that competition.

It depends on the day, but usually in the trot, flying changes, piaffe and passage.

No doubt, all those going will do their absolute best, both horses and riders, but, being realistic, what do you hope to achieve in Beijing?

And where does he lose them?

An Olympic Diploma.

Usually in his concentration, he has a lively character and is very much a stallion.

Thank you and good luck!

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Thank you.

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Riding School at the Almeria Riding Club and Sports Center

Riding is a sport for everyone by María Sáez de Propios

Thanks to the fact that riding is no longer a sport for the “elite,” the number of students at riding schools has increased. The promotion of riding and equestrian sports is precisely the objective of the Almeria Riding School, as explained by Ramon G. Callejón, director of the school. History

Teaching Methods

Initially, the horses were owned by members of the Country Club, who loaned them unconditionally so that the various students could count on horses.

The Riding School in Almeria uses a teaching method based on the system given by the Equestrian Federation of Spain, which allows students to be grouped by levels, although the students are also divided by ages so that children between the ages of six and eleven go to the pony school. Once they turn eleven, the children move on from ponies to horses.

In 1995, Eugenio Díaz took over the management of the school. At that time, club member horses were used, as well as those of Juan José Díaz, owner of Yeguada Dimoba, who loaned them to the school Eleven years later, the Almeria Riding Club began a new phase with the creation of the Pony Club. The world of ponies is “in” thanks to the demand for classes by younger and younger children, federation rules and regulations and specific competitions for ponies. Once again, the cooperation of Juan José Díaz Molina, who loaned his ponies, has made this initiative possible. The Municipal Riding School really stated business in October of 2006, thanks to an agreement signed between the Club and the Municipal Sports Office in Almeria.

Moreover, today, the school offers three riding levels: initiation, improvement and competition. It is important to note that for the most part, students are young people between the ages of six and eighteen years of age, although there are a good number of adults who are signed up to classes. Ramón G. Callejón, director of the school, explained that “the number of students increases annually, to make riding a sport that is accessible to everyone. The introduction of ponies has been a good choice.” “Currently, the Club has a number of riders who are competition at the national level in such disciplines as

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dressage, vaquera dressage and show jumping. The Club also organizes national show jumping and dressage c o m p et i t i o n s throughout the year, and has a municipal and provincial league in these same disciplines.” Likewise, Callejón stated that “students, instructors, promoters of the school, as well as the

Technical Data Location Ctra de Viator- el Alquian km. 4,2 04120 – La Cañada, Almería Facilities - Six hectares with various sports facilities (riding, tennis, paddle tennis, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, etc.) - 80 stalls, 2 outdoor arenas, 2 lounging arenas, 1 indoor school, walker, 8 showers, veterinarian facilities, warehouse for feed, silo, school tack room, individual tack room (each club member has his/her own area), parking for trucks and vans, classrooms, dressing rooms, shop, etc… Number of horses and breeds Some 70 horses, covering various breeds; there are 15 Purebred Spanish Horses. Staff - Four professional, certified instructors

Concurso de salto en la Escuela Municipal de Equitación de Almería

institutions backing us are extremely satisfied with the success of the school.”

Activities The Riding and Sports Club of Almería, as its name indicates, is place where you are not limited to equestrian sports. There are six hectares (14 acres) there are a number of other sports available, such as paddle tennis, with seven courts, as well as tennis, and other sports such as soccer, with a FIFA authorized synthetic grass seven-a-side football pitch, open

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- Three grooms

pool where in summer, swimming courses are given to children, basketball court, or playground. Undoubtedly, the most popular activity is riding, as the Club offers “some of the best facilities found in Andalusia. We have a 60 x 80 meter competition arena with a Toubin & Clement floor, a 46 x 60 training arena, with the same ground cover, a 60 x 30 covered school, two oval arenas and a circular arena for lounging.”

- Gardener and maintenance staff - Manager Type of teaching Basic, improvement and competition riding Therapeutic horseback riding is in project Courses for instructors and sports technicians

Fees and admission

Number of students

The school is open afternoons from Monday to Thursday. The fee is € 60 per month, of which the student pays € 45 and the Municipal Sports Office covers the other €15.

90 students (55 at the pony school and 35 at the horse school)

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BAILAOR XXXIII

A PRE FOR BEATRIZ FERRER-SALAT

Beatriz Ferrer-Salat It is unusual to see you riding a PRE, what are your reasons for accepting BAILAOR XXXIII into your stables and working with him? I saw him on a video and I was impressed with how he moved. He is a horse with very good paces, and when I went to try him, I liked his character as well, and the feelings he gave me.

Pedro Conesa from the Yeguada Maipe When someone trusts one of their horses to a rider such as Beatriz Ferrer Salat, it is because they intend or hope that it will reach the Top Competition level. What is the goal for BAILAOR XXXIII?

How long has he been with you?

Any breeder, who, like us, supports the importance of the PRE in the field of dressage, is prepared to reach the very top. Naturally we are, although we are also conscious of how difficult this is. The goal is to reach as far as the horse is capable of reaching. We will not cut corners in terms of effort, and Beatriz having appeared in this process has been the best thing that could have happened.

Since the end of November 2007.

Who selected BAILAOR XXXIII, you or Beatriz?

What are the most outstanding qualities you see in BAILAOR XXXIII?

I, as a breeder and someone who knows a bit about dressage due to the many years that we have been doing this could not miss him, but Beatriz when she saw him, and tried him, did not give me time to think about it, and she took him immediately.

Good movement, good head and a lot of spark, which is the sort of horse that I like. Is the training of BAILAOR XXXIII any different from your other horses due to the fact that he is a PRE? I give him the same sort of training as my German horses, although initially, I had to do a lot of work on his rhythm, so that he would always go in one single cadence. Thank you and we hope in the future to see you in the competition arenas with BAILAOR XXXIII.

Is BAILAOR XXXIII the fruit of an intentional selection, that is to say, does Yeguada Maipe breed PRE horses for competition? Of course he is fruit of our permanent selection, we understand that the horse must be, above all else, useful for any discipline, although later, nature is responsible for granting each horse specific gifts. We are achieving a good percentage of very high quality horses. What do you most like about BAILAOR XXXIII? In addition to his excellent paces, I believe that the best thing about him is his head, that is, his capacity for learning, although it is Beatriz who must say this when the time for truth comes, at the moment, it is only a project. Thank you, and the best of luck with the project.

Bailaor XXXIII owned by Yeguada Maipe, ridden by Beatriz Ferrer-Salat

XII International Carriage Driving Competition in Cuts (France)

Four-in-hand, owned by Hacienda María and driven by Isidro Sánchez

THE SPANISH DRIVING TEAM, A MAJOR TRIUMPH IN FRANCE Yeguada Hacienda María, Absolute Winner of the Competition in Cuts

The team from the Royal Andalusian Carriage Driving Club has proven its excellence in the world of the competition carriage driving by winning the main awards at the 12th International Carriage Driving Competition held within the Castle of Langlade, in Cuts (France), located some 100 kilometers from Paris. The Club representatives had to compete with carriage drivers from 12 countries, including Germany, Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Great Britain, Sweden, the United States and France. The absolute winner of the event was the turnout belonging to Yeguada Hacienda María, from Huelva. Driven by Isidro Sánchez, it ran away with the victory at the top of a total of 59 participants. It also finished in first place in the class for four-in-hands. The turnout belonging to Yeguada Francisco Olivera from Sevilla, and driven by Manuel Ramírez, was top according to popular opinion in the fourin-hand class. Both are members of the

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Royal Andalusian Carriage Driving Club, the same as Jacinto Planas, from Gerona, who came fourth in the pairs class, ahead of the other 22 participants. The International Competition at Cuts is one of the most important of its category in Europe. Each year, it receives more than 60 entries and is attended by more than 12,000 spectators, thanks to the magic of the event that combines tradition, beauty and elegance. It also offers the opportunity to contemplate a real “Living Museum of the carriage.” Thanks to the diversity of horse breeds, attire and carriages, the event contributes in an essential way to safeguarding the important heritage that this discipline generates. The competition consists of three tests that each participant in the different classes must perform: a presentation at halt, a 15-kilometers route with five obligatory walks and a cones test. The contestant achieving the most points at the end of the three phases becomes the unquestionable winner of the day. Among the most common types of carriage present at the competition, the ones standing out were Phaetons, Berlins, Hunting Breaks, Coaches, Park Drags and Carretelas. Some of these were several centuries old, although they are perfectly preserved by their owners. This is the reason why this event is so unique. Lastly, the hospitality enjoyed by the participants thanks to the competition organizers was most outstanding. They must be congratulated on the flawless running of the competition.

José Varo, Champion of the 12th International Carriage Driving Competition in Cuts (France) by popular opinion What has the success of coming first, thanks to popular demand, in the four-inhand class at the competition in Cuts, one of the most important in Europe, meant to you? It is great deal of satisfaction, since this the second year that we have earned the award; and it is payment for an entire lifetime dedicated to carriage driving. What has it meant that the main prizes were won by Spaniards? Is the PRE at its peak moment in the world of carriage driving? We are very proud of this. Yes, as it is one of the most beautiful, docile and elegant horses, there are more enthusiasts who opt for it every day. What would you highlight about Manuel Ramírez, as one of the drivers from your stud farm? His ability, his good hand with the horses, but above all, I would highlight his great human quality There were people from 12 countries, including Germany, Belgium, Italy, etc. but approximately how many Spanish Horses could be seen in the arena? Around 20 horses. What line of horses do you use for driving? Those from our stud farm. Stallions and light, strong mares José Varo, thank you once again for collaborating with ANCCE, and with the Magazine El Caballo Español. Congratulations and thank you

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Juan Andrés Quifes, Absolute Winner of the Competition in Cuts (France)

What the success of becoming absolute winner of the competition in Cuts, one of the most important in Europe, meant to you? For the entire Hacienda María team, and for me in particular, it has been the recognition of work style, the confirmation that we have done our homework, that our carriages are restored correctly, that our harness is appropriate and of course, that our PREs horses are at the level of any other European breed. During the First International Carriage Driving Show (SIAT), we started to mull over the idea of going to the 12th International Carriage Driving Competition in Cuts—with extensive tradition and highly important within Europe—to confirm out own level in comparison with other European countries, and having been successful, we were the absolute winner of the competition. We have not only passed with flying colors, but we have greatly exceeded our own expectations. For those who do not know about this type of traditional carriages competition, I must say that it is made up of three different tests: the first is Presentation. Points are given based to how appropriate the carriage is for the test that is performing. We chose a Grand Break from our carriage shed, built by Mulbacher, and a Hermes English traveling harness. In the section for general impression, we obtained the top score of the competition. The second is a field test, a route of approximately 15 Km, with a series of obligatory stages that must be completed within a limited time. Lastly, and all in the same day, it is the cones test, which, in this particular competition, consisted of 16 gates. Well, in each test, the carriage presented by Hacienda María obtained the highest score of all the participants. What has the fact that the main prizes were won by Spaniards meant? Is the PRE at its peak moment in the world of carriage driving? As I said before, it is an enormous satisfaction that our PRE is a leader at this type of competition. In total there were about 60 carriages and only two four-in-hands were PREs, but these completed both the field test and the cones in the best times. To the second question, I have to answer that, as you know, Hacienda María is immersed in a project at the hand of double world champion, Félix Brasseur, to put our Purebred Horses where they have never been in the world of the Competition Carriage Driving. Therefore, the PRE is at its peak and will soon be at the top of the ladder in equestrian competitions.

We currently have twelve of our horses in Belgium, from which will be produced the future team that will compete, if everything goes as planned, for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. What would you highlight about the drivers that you have at the stud farm? And especially about Mr. Isidro Sánchez, who was awarded the top scores in the three tests? With regards to Isidro, I would highlight his training method and preparing the horse for driving, his perseverance and his insistence. A competition horse needs to work every day, so that in a test of this type, performed 2000 kilometers away from its stable, it does not suffer the effects of a long journey. Remember that it takes four days to reach Cuts. I don't want to forget to thank the Hacienda María team. For everything to turnout as it has, there is a large team of personnel who work hard to improve, and I would like to thank them publicly, Manuel Domínguez and Antonio Cortés who were in France, Macarena Yánez who transported everything perfectly in our truck, and of course, the people who stayed home in Huelva, Pepe Ramírez and Manuel and Francisco Garrocho. There were people from 12 countries, including Germany, Belgium, Italy, etc. but approximately how many Spanish Horses could be seen in the arena? As I have already commented, there were only two four-in-hands with PRE horses, while all the rest were other breeds, but every time that we took out our horses a circle formed around them, both of public and of participants, and until we entered the arena, no-one moved from our side. Also, when entered the arena, we were the most acclaimed by the public What line of horses do you use for driving? The line that we use for our turnouts is not even defined, since all the horses are good with our method of training, but we always follow the breed prototype of the PRE. Juan Andrés, thank you for collaborating with the magazine El Caballo Español. Congratulations and Thank you

El Caballo Español

GOOD PROGNOSTICS FOR THE SPANIARDS FOLLOWING THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION CARRIAGE DRIVING EVENT IN SAUMUR The CAI-A of Saumur took place on the 6th, 7th and 8th of June. This is the most prestigious International Carriage Driving Competition in France and one of the most difficult of Europe. A total of eight Spaniards participated, in the classes for four-in-hands, pairs and singles. Among our representatives, Juan Robles and José Barranco stood out in the four-in-hands: the former finished third over all and the latter was the best in the dressage. In pairs, Daniel Gutiérrez’s performance in the marathon was outstanding—a test in which he finished third. As for singles, the performance by Carlos San Juan Fandos must be highlighted. José Manuel Gayán member of the Royal Equestrian Federation of Spain, has referred to him as a ”young driver who is beginning to blossom at international competitions and is sure to bring us happiness in the future.” The most important international carriage driving event of the year will take place from the 3rd to 7th of September, in the Dutch town of Beesd. All the members of the team representing Spain in the World Championship (Barranco, Redondo, Robles and Carrillo) took part in the CAI-A in Saumur and will also take part in the up-coming preparatory events for this: the international competitions of Beekbergen (Holland), Riesenbeck (Germany) and Haras du Pin (France) in the next few months.

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ask the expert DRIVING

IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO RIDE HORSES BEFORE HOOKING THEM UP TO A CARRIAGE? I breed PRE horses and normally my horses go for driving. I often compete in this discipline and I would like to know if it is a good idea to ride the horses before starting to drive them, and if so, whether throughout their training, it is a good idea to alternate driven work with riding them in dressage. Please, I would be delighted if you would explain what benefits we would obtain by doing this and what are the drawbacks of not doing so. Thank you.

Miguel de Rojas Maestre PRE breeder and head of the Spanish Competition Carriage Driving Team

Your question is very important It is advisable to ride horse before hitching it up for the first time. A youngster usually accepts the saddle and bridle more easily than the blinders and the harness. Equally it is usually easier for them to go forwards with the rider, in this case with a lady rider, than with long reins.

A horse that works at the three paces under saddle and which has an acceptably made mouth, will find that starting to drive is much easier. With regards to competition carriage driving horses, ridden work is never harmful and it can be very positive if the rider knows what they are doing. You comment in your letter that you ride them methodically, doing

photo: marÍa gÓmez

Marta Contreras

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dressage. I can only tell you that your horses will definitely improve. There is some work that can be done very well in a single carriage, and I recommend you that you do these regularly, such as working in walk, making the horse lower its head and neck, in order to get it to takes the bit gently and pleasantly. In this position and shortening and lengthening the pace, you can get the hindquarters to engage and the back to curve, like that of a cat. It is also good to carry this work out under saddle, but it is not enough, as when horses are drawing a carriage, they change their balance. However, there is one mounted exercise that is very useful, if carried out correctly, as it greatly helps to get them to flex their backs; I am referring to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;shoulder-inâ&#x20AC;?.

In my opinion, working a horse in shoulder-in, in walk and trot, combining the two paces, both on a circle as well as going large around the arena, will help you to correct problems of rigidity in the mouth and back, which are much more difficult to cure in the carriage. In summary, I would advise you to continue riding your horses with good methodology and, if possible, with a good teacher, not only because it is good for the horse but because the better that you ride, the better you will understand the problems that your horses could present in the carriage. I hope that this has been of some help and thank you for writing to me.

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CONFORMATION SebastiĂĄn Bastida

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PRESENT HORSES? I am a small-time breeder of PRE horses, and I have sometimes participated in conformation competitions with my horses. Between ourselves, the fans, we often ask ourselves about what is the best way to present our horses, but we really are not too clear on this, or rather, we do not know how the judges like us to present them. I would be dilighted if a judge could give me some guidelines with which to improve the presentation of my horses and that these follow the lines of what they want to see in the arena. Faustino Cordero

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Rider, Handler, Conformation and Dressage Judge

What do the judges like? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a million-dollar question! Above all, we like to see work well done, clean, orderly, which denotes a good job by the horse presented in the arena and by the handler that directs him. The nobility in the presentation will be borne in mind and this could rebound on all the scores in general. A very important breed characteristic is the nobility of the Purebred Spanish Horse. The competition begins with the entrance into the arena, the handler must be attentive to their horse from the moment that they step onto the sand, first, for safety; and second, because you must show-off your horse to the judges from the first moment and under optimum conditions. Everything could influence and the difference in the score between the first placed and the rest of the participants could be minimum. The placing in the arena is what marks the official beginning of the judging for the section. The horses are located in numerical order, which will usually be preceded by the number of the section. For example, number 712 belong to the position 12 of the section 7, fouryear-old mares. Once in order, the arena steward will start the wheel, in which the horses walk in number order around the judges. It is here that the judges will have their first visual contact and they will also have the opportunity to compare all the horses with one another, to begin to have a first visual impression of the level of the section. The handler must show-off his horse in an expressive and orderly way. Contrary to what most believe, the walk will not be the most important factor of the judging at this time, but the general expression of the horse, so try to positively influence the judge and thus be able to mark the difference from other competitors. Once the wheel has concluded, which is not eliminatory, as happened before, the individual judging of each hor-

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se begins. The judge or judges begin to complete the record. The presenter must present their horse in walk across the center of the arena, showing a cadenced and long-striding walk (extended walk) with the neck extended and low, to get a longer stride; on reaching the end of the arena, section 5 upwards (three-year-old fillies) must perform approximately four circuits at the canter. Here the presenter must move in large circles, so as to achieve a greater length of stride and cadence, so as to be able to achieve a more bouncy canter, which will score better. Tension must be avoided in this pace, especially when starting the canter, as in this way a rushed canter with the hind legs moving together, or even leading with the wrong fore- or hind-leg (disunited canter or on the wrong leg). Once the canter has finished, using the tension of the rope, bring the horse back to trot, and perform, if it is possible, one single circuit at trot to calm the horse, and then a length and a half at trot. In this pace, the presenter must look for the quality of the trot and must try to get the maximum expression and tension from their horse, including some spectacular movement, should the horse allow it. Once the trot has concluded, the horse will remain at halt in the center of the arena, so that the judges, once they have scored the movement, can score the conformation. The horse must be presented still, alert, square and with the neck to medium height and extended; the hindquarters under the body. Depending on the individual conformation of each horse and on the experience and knowledge of the presenter, they will be able to modify the placement of their horse to benefit of the scoring. The judges will evaluate the horse with regards to the breed prototype, scoring the areas of the body, using 7 as a reference, which indicates a pass.

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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 72

JUDGES : • D. Sebastián Bastida • Florencio Moreno SCORE SHEET Body Area shoulder–wither-forearm Note: Comments:

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ANCCE REPORTS 36th ANCCE ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY The 36th ANCCE General Assembly was held at the Barceló Renacimiento Hotel, located on the Isla de la Cartuja of Sevilla, with the following agenda: 1. Reading of the previous minutes 2. Summary of the activities undertaken during 2007 3. Approval of the treasury report and Budget 4. President’s report 5. Ratification of decisions made by the Board of Directors 6. Reports from the various task forces and commissions (office, selection scheme, stud book, conformation competitions, communication and sport) 7. Election of the 2008 ANCCE Honorary Member

Javier Conde Cerrato speaking to the members

The main agreements reached were as follows: - Approval of the annual accounts, which were audited by an independent consultant, in accordance with the mandate of the previous year’s assembly, this is the third consecutive year in which the accounts have been audited with no problems whatsoever, as stated by the treasurer, Mr. Augusto Romero. - Approval of the annual budget, which comes to 5,533,000 euros, with almost 800,000 euros being set aside for the international promotion of the PRE.

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- Approval of a package of measures to be presented to the Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, with regards to the PRE selection scheme and improvement plan. - SICAB will next take place from the 25th to 30th of November and the guest country will be Mexico. - It has been decided to make Mr. José Antonio Leiva the Honorary Member of ANCCE in memoriam.

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Jaime Molina, José Díaz, Javier Conde, Pedro Maza, Augusto Romero and Manuel González

The President of ANCCE, Mr. Javier Conde Cerrato highlighted that the PRE Stud Book is starting to take shape and increase in content, despite the fact that during its first year of life, data collection has been a problem. He also underlined that all of the 2007 foals complying with the conditions of reliability and parentage maintained by the LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book have received their documentation, and efforts are being made to resolve those cases that are still pending, whether this be by requesting blood formulas from the previous Stud Book managing authority, or by the extraction of blood from those progenitors, in those cases in which the said blood formulas are missing. The President of ANCCE also suggested adapting the by-laws to declare ANCCE a General Interest Foundation. This measure would improve the Association’s evaluation when requesting grants and aid, and would provide considerable fiscal savings in terms of corporate tax. A video was then presented, of the new, 4000 square meter Association offices, located at the Dehesa de Valme Technological Park in Dos Hermanas—a four million euro project. Work is due to start in the second semester of 2008, and be finished in 2011. To conclude, Mr. Javier Conde Cerrato wanted to highlight the increase in the number of Breeder members in 2007; an increase from 763 to 835. This represents a 20% increase, thus demonstrating the growth of this business sector.

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Antonio Blázquez, Francisco Acedo, Rosa Gª Mouriño, Mariano Santos and Eduardo Portillo

Mariano Megías And His Wife., Millán Herce, Ignacio González, Antonio Martín and his Wife

Pablo Martín, Ignacio Zalvide, Juan Soltero, Jaime Molina and Ignacio Candau

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José Luis de la Escalera alongside his wife and children, Rafael López Méndez and Francisco Montaño

José Luis Garrocho, Domingo Chinchilla and his wife, and José Ramón Fernández

José María Rojas, Mª Fernanda de la Escalera, Jaime Guardiola, Mª Luisa Villamarín, Mª Teresa Villar, Alberto Rojas and Lola Serra

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José Varo, Manuel Aranda, Andrés Montiel and Antonio Diosdado with his son

Clara Rodrígo, Pedro Maza, Augusto Romero, José Díaz, Javier Conde, Paloma García Miranda and Pedro Pons

Feliciano Reyes and his wife, alongside José María Saiz, his wife and children

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Part of the ANCCE team, with Arancha Rodríguez from the LG-PRE-ANCCE Stud Book

Manuel Novales, Juan Soltero and Pablo Martín

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ANCCE PARTICIPATES IN EQUISUR 2008

A group of breeders at the ANCCE stand

Once again, ANCCE had an information stand at Equisur, the Jerez Horse Show.

communication taskforce and Antonio Diosdado, president of the Cadiz Breeders’ Association.

ANCCE attended to a crowd of breeders, owners, and enthusiasts who visited the event, which was held from May 1-4. Both the ANCCE staff and Francisco Almirón, the LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book veterinarian from Cadiz, were on hand to solve doubts and questions that arose during the event.

More than seventy people attended the traditional Friday breeders’ cocktail. The 32-square meter stand was overflowing with representatives from a number of regions such as Andalusia, Valencia, Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura among others.

The President of ANCCE attended the competitions accompanied by the Treasurer, Augusto Romero, Francisco Angelet, president of the promotion and

This year, ANCCE was also on hand at Torrepacheco and Fiecval and will travel to other venues on the calendar to inform breeders about the various aspects that interest them.

ANCCE BEGINS A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH EUROPEAN ASSOCIATIONS The ANCCE International Relations Task Force has undertaken a series of meetings with PRE breeder associations in Italy, Sweden, Germany and Holland. These various meetings were held in the different countries between May 16th and 21st. Interviews were held with leaders of the respective associations to discuss the following aspects: -Achieving unison in those countries where there is more than one association, a fact which causes difficulties in promoting and developing the PRE as a breed. On the one hand, it avoids having confusing and discrepant messages being sent to breeders and local enthusiasts. On the other, the differences between the associations cause unrest among aficionados, who are far from interested in “political” questions. -Being available to the associations to work jointly on the promotional plan. We have exchanged opinions on the best way to promote the PRE in each of the aforementioned countries and have shared knowledge regarding the potential needs of customers, breeders and local enthusiasts, as they are on the playing field.

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-Appointing a collaborating association to work with the PRE Stud Book. The meeting was held in Verona with AIPRE and AICE; in Stockholm (the PRE Breeders’ Association of Sweden and ANCPRE) and in Düsseldorf, with a double session in the morning with the German Associations (AACCPRE and Verein der Freunde PRE) and in the afternoon with Dutch representatives and Friends of the PRE Association. Both the AIPRE and the Dutch association are collaborating with the LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book, and the collaborating association in Sweden was appointed. A joint proposal was offered in Germany by both associations that is currently being studied and the decision will be made shortly to appoint the collaborating association. All of the representatives demonstrated their willingness to work on the promotion and development of the PRE. We hope to specify the actions for each of the countries visited in the upcoming months. Likewise, an encounter is foreseen with the Belgian National Federation for the PRE this next week in Brussels.

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ANCCE

FIESTA

MIDWEST

OHIO

(USA)

Recently, an ANCCE delegation attended Fiesta Midwest from the 5th to 8th of June. They met up with Alexander Zilo, breeder and ANCCE delegate in the USA, in Wilmington, Ohio (USA).

Javier Conde, President of ANCCE, with Kim Boyer, President of USPRE ANCCE Stand

The reasons for this visit were to learn about the concentration of P.R.E. horses in the area, and what better occasion than during a conformation competition, organized by the Mid West Association. Moreover, during this visit more than 80 horses were evaluated and registered.

and other controls were favorable.

It was proven “on site” that board members and members of the Foundation for the PRE in the USA are continuing to request these services from the LG-PREANCCE Stud Book.

They were also informed of the training course for the various national staff working with the LG-PREANCCE Stud Book office to better attend local breeders. Representatives from fifteen countries will attend this course, which will take place in Sevilla at the end of June.

A local veterinarian was also trained in the registration process (taking blood samples, writing up descriptions, microchipping and pre-registration document). Another reason for this visit was the delivery of the first passports to the USA to Kim Boyer, president of the USPRE. These passports corresponded to the registration and evaluation visit to California in mid February. The documentation reached LG-PRE-ANCCE Stud Book office by mid March, so the entire process has concluded in less than 3 months. Taking advantage of the many people on hand for the event, breeders were told of the multitude of service procedures being processed for the USA. However, the LG-PRE-ANCCE Stud Book has no capacity to concludes these proceedings due to the fact that there is no DNA samples of the progenitors. Both the breeders and association representatives present were asked to send all possible information in an effort to speed up the issuing of passports, provided that the paternity testing

Also, ANCCE announced that it would open an office in the USA to attend PRE breeders and owners there when it comes to attending their Stud Book needs. The objective is that this office will open in July, in San Diego.

Meetings with associations and cocktail for breeders Bilateral meetings were held with the presidents and board members of the Mid West Breeders Association, as well as those from IALHA and USPRE. A cocktail party was organized to inform all the breeders about the points listed below. More than 40 breeders and a number of horse owners were there to combine work and pleasure. The objective was multiple: - To explain LG-PRE-ANCCE Stud Book procedures and the current situation. - To request all the available DNA information. - To report on the office that will be opened in the USA - To resolve any questions that arose.

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IJAVIER VELÁZQUEZ SUSPENDED AS CONFORMATIONAL COMPETITION JUDGE A few days ago, this Association has proof that Mr. Javier Velázquez Ribera, conformational competition judge and retired Colonel of FESCCR, has been offering his services for the registration of horses with the so-called “PRE Mundial” an invention—implanted by group of breeders in the United States and promoted by the Foundation—that is seeking to supplant the LG-PRE-ANCCE Stud Book.

ANCCE would like to clarify the following points for the understanding of all breeders:

linked to the PRE, in any aspect, including that of judge.

- The PRE Stud Book is heritage of the Kingdom of Spain; it is owned by the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain, which has appointed ANCCE as a mere agent.

- The said judge has been informed of this measure as well as breeders and competition organizing committees.

- The creation of any other “would-be” stud book is an attack against national heritage, and ANCCE, as the Stud Book agent, thus the appropriate measures must be taken to preserve the uniqueness of the Stud Book. - The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse in the US formally requested authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain to be the stud book agent in America; the Ministry denied their request. - The immediate reaction of the Foundation was to create its own register, moving away from all legality. To justify this decision, the Foundation—the only association in the world that had already signed a collaboration agreement with ANCCE to be the Stud Book representative in the USA—claimed there was a lack of services on behalf of ANCCE management.

- On the other hand, it is important to point out that in a letter sent to ANCCE by the Association of PRE Judges and signed by its current President, the following was written: “… To express our support for your Association (ANCCE), as the only organization officially chosen by the former Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA), to be granted the right to handle the Stud Book for Purebred Spanish Horses.” Javier Velázquez Ribera was the Vice-president of this Association; to date, we fail to know whether or not he currently holds that post.

- This claim is clearly false. Since ANCCE has handled the Stud Book, it has travelled to the USA on five occasions to evaluate, register and hold two TQBs, to carry out more than 1,500 processes. Another important point is that for years, there have been delays in the issuing of documentation, and precisely while that same Foundation was collaborating with FESCCR in handling the stud book in the United States. - The judge who has been suspended has collaborated with the above-mentioned Foundation, performing registrations and evaluations for a stud book that has not recognized by the Kingdom of Spain. This translates as unfair competition towards the interests of the PRE horse and its breeders throughout the world, deliberately working to create greater confusion among potential clients. - ANCCE, in view of these facts, has considered that anyone who is a necessary collaborator of a register that is illegal and contrary to the PRE, must be immediately suspended from carrying out any task

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PARTICIPATED

HANSE

PFERD

Hamburg: April 18 – 20 Statistics 55,000 visitors 87,000 m2 exhibition area 518 exhibitors from 20 countries ANCCE participated in this event—held every other year—to promote the PRE on one of the world markets, as is the case of Germany. This trade fair is one of the most important in Germany. Thanks to the cooperation of EXTENDA, ANCCE was able to attend the event this year, as well as in 1998 and in 2000.

This year, we have enjoyed the backing of both ICEX (Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade) and EXTENDA (Andalusian Promotional Board, who we must thank for their aid in promoting the PRE throughout the world. Being that the trade fair is held in Hamburg, in northern Germany, on even years, it is the ideal sister event for Equitana—which ANCCE also attends—in Essen. With our participation in the Hamburg event, contacts were made throughout northern Germany as well as many from Denmark.

Institutional Stand ANCCE had a 40 m2 stand with 2 stalls to house the 2007 ANCCE High School Cup Champion—Caprihoso and Intermediate dressage winner Señorío JEM. The first of these two horses was ridden by Carlos González, while Señorío JEM was ridden by Antonio Blanco.

Exhibition of horses The horses were in the main exhibition arena several times to show their art and enjoy the ovation of the audience. They performed several free styles test with music as they usually perform.

People visiting the stand During the exhibition, a text was read explaining the qualities of the Purebred Spanish Horse. There were a good number of visitors at the stand, which increased greatly after the exhibition performances. The main questions asked referred to evaluations and registrations with the LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book in Germany, but many asked about purchasing a horse and finding documents and contact information about the breeder of their horses.

The stand was decorated with pictures of PREs performing in a number of disciplines, thus showing their versatility and the qualities of the breed.

The ANCCE stand

Caprichoso, ridden by owner Jose Carlos Gonzalez and bred by Juan Manuel Vargas

El Caballo Español

INFORMATION FOR BREEDERS WITH REGARDS TO THE TQB REGULATIONS AND CALENDARS FOR 2008 The Regulations for Tribunals for Qualified Breeding Stock for 2008, approved by the ANCCE Board of Directors and ratified by the General Assembly, implies the following changes from previous years: 1. SCORING: -The record that is presented to the breeders for each horse will only state whether or not their horse has been declared “Approved” or “Not Approved”, with a written explanation of the reasons that have led to the evaluation. -The judges may not talk to one another, producing their scores independently and autonomously. -They will also judge the horses by means of the Lineal Evaluation, although these scores will have no effect whatsoever on the final result. The data so obtained will be sent to the Department of Genetics of the Faculty of Veterinary Science of Cordoba for processing and a corresponding technicalscientific study. -The judges of the conformation section will be completely independent of those who evaluate the ridden test.

2. MOUNTED TEST: -A novelty for this year is the mounted test, which is obligatory for stallions and voluntary for mares. -Only those stallions that have passed the conformation evaluation must perform the mounted test, or those whose evaluation has been left pending said test. -The horses must complete a free-style test in which they perform the obligatory movements indicated on the score sheet, in no particular order. -A horse that has passed the conformation test could be declared “Not Approved” if it has attained a score of “Insufficient” in the mounted test.

3. JUDGES: -The designated judges for this year are: o Conformation: . Fernando Caballos Rufino. . Rafael Ortiz Alcalá Zamora. . Vicente Jodar Fernández. . Manuel Naz Rubio. o Mounted test: . Juan Carlos Campos Escribano. . Jorge Conde Lázaro.

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. Enrique Guerrero Meyer. . David Mérida Martín. -Two judges for conformation, plus a substitute, and one judge for the ridden test, will act at each Tribunal.

4. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: - OCD: o Alter having held several meetings with international specialists on the subject, a reduction in the level of requirements for a TQB with regards to excluding Osteochondrosis characteristics has been approved by the ANCCE Advisory Committee. This measure has been taken retroactively, so breeders may consult their X-Ray veterinarians about whether the plates taken in 2007 will allow the presentation of their horses at a TQB. If this reply is positive, their studies may be sent to the Reading Commission that has been created for that reason. o The X-Ray studies must be made with digital radiology and may be carried out by any veterinarian with this technology. The criteria for performing this study are published on the web-site of the faculty of Cordoba; you may contact Mr. Novales directly to discuss them. o X-Ray studies carried out on horses who are over 12 months of age will be valid for their subsequent study, and will not go out of date. o The studies must be sent by the veterinarians to the Reading Center at least 15 days before the date of the Tribunal at which it has been decided to present the horse in question. o Random OCD controls will take place during the TQB, this study being performed on-site by a specialized radiologist who is a member of the Tribunal. o Before the X-ray is read, the breeder must pay into the ANCCE bank account a sum of €90 which will be returned in full or in part when the entry of the horse for a TQB has been formalized, according to the following criteria: . ANCCE members: The sum will be returned entirely through a deduction for the entry fee of the horse for the TQB. . Associate member or member of an

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association that is a member of ANCCE: €60 will be deducted. . Non-members: €30 will be deducted from the entry fee.

-The owner must vouch that the horse is their property and complete the entry form that is attached to this letter.

. Individuals who do not present their horse at a TQB will have no discount of any kind.

-Stallions must be at least four years of age in the year in which they are presented, as must those mares that opt for the mounted test. Other mares can be presented in the year in which they turn three.

This measure is so that, as of now, any breeder may request studies with regards to OCD and reports from the faculty without the need to present their horses at the TQBs. As ANCCE has financed those studies carried out in 2007, it appears logical that this measure should most benefit those members who help to finance the structural costs of ANCCE. o The breeder must present the certificate from the Reading Commission at the time of presenting their horse at a TQB. - Reproductive Organs: o In the case of stallions, a Veterinary Certificate, on an official form, stating that a Semen analysis has been performed in the last six months must be provided in accordance with the parameters established in the regulations for TQBs. o In the case of mares, an official certificate stating that her reproductive system is in perfect condition must be provided; in addition, the mare must have previously foaled or be in foal at the time of the TQB.

5. ENTRIES: -Entries close for participation in a TQB seven days before the date on which said TQB is to be held. At that time, the entry form must have been sent to ANCCE and the fees for entry and for reading the X-rays must have been paid. - The entry fees are as follows:

-Any horses that for any reason are entered and have paid their fees, but do not appear at the TQB, will be penalized 50% of the entry fee, as the calculation of costs is carried out depending on the number of horses whose participation has been determined in advance.

6. EXTRAORDINARY TRIBUNAL FOR QUALIFIED BREEDING STOCK: -Starting this year, an Extraordinary Tribunal for Qualified Breeding Stock will be held that may be attended by all those horses that have previously been failed on the two occasions as laid out in the regulations. - The conditions for participation are: o The entry fee will be identical to the other TQBs, €235. o If they were failed in 2007, they do not need to have new X-ray studies performed, and the report produced by the Reading Commission of the Hospital Veterinarian Clinic of the University of Cordoba will be sufficient. o Should they have been failed previous to this, the X-ray study must be performed under the conditions laid out in these Regulations. o Should the horses involved be stallions, they must perform the mounted test.

o €235. o €90 for reading the X-ray study for OCD. o ANCCE offers discounts to those owners that have paid the reading fee in the manner and quantities laid out in the above section.

- Breeders attending these are guaranteed that their horses will be judged by judges who have never before evaluated their horses, thus ensuring that their evaluation will be completely fair.

2008 TQB Calendar Region

City

Date

1 Extremadura

Mérida

June 18

2 Catalonia

Barcelona / Figueras

June 26 / 27

3 Castilla-La Mancha

Talavera

September 9

4 Galicia

Lugo

September 11

5 Andalusia

Dos Hermanas

September 20

6 Andalusia

Estepona

September 29 / 30

7 Balearic Islands

Mallorca

October 10

8 Murcia

Lorca

October 24

El Caballo Español

PRE Historia history del PRE by Juan Carlos Atamirano

the start of a macro-project: the royal stables of cordoba In

all truth, the Purebred Spanish Horse is the result of a project that Felipe II began on the 28th of November, 1567, with which he sought to create the perfect horse (a horse that had been idealized by the classic Greeks). He wanted to carry out the project in Aranjuez (Madrid) but an epidemic of scabies put an end to that. Thus, the King finally decided to carry out his project in Cordoba. To stable the colts that were being born, the king ordered the construction of the Royal Stables of Cordoba, which in 1929, were declared a National Heritage Site, and is included on the same level of importance as the Arab Baths, the Jewish quarter, the Mosque and the Alcazar (Fortress) of the Christian Kings in the city of Cordoba, which have all been designated as World Heritage sites. When the construction work was almost completed, on the 24th of January 1572, the King ordered a series of Rules and Regulation to be drafted by which the Stables would be governed.

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El Caballo Espa単ol

In the previous articles published in “Moments prior to the birth of a myth: the Purebred Spanish Horse” the origin of horses in general has been explored, as well as their evolution and migrations; first in freedom and centuries later, at the hand of man. This series of articles began with one about the horse in the Neolithic period and ends with this, which is the launching of the project that created the Spanish Horse. This was a process that began with the order of Felipe II, in 1567, in which he wanted to create the perfect breed. The details are explored in my books on the History and Origin of the Spanish Horse and The Spanish Horse under the Bourbon Kings. We have seen how the equines came from the American continent to later migrate to Eurasia through the Bering Straits. The evolutionary process gave way to different types of horses that extended in two different geographical directions, to both concluded in the Iberian Peninsula from which, in 1492, they returned, at the hand of humankind, to the habitat of their origins, the so-called New World. With this initial migration, one of the routes traveled continued through northern Europe until they crossed the Pyrenees with the Celts— Indo-Europeans, who extended through Spain prior to the arrival of the Romans (1200-1100 B.C.). The second migration crossed the Arab countries to northern Africa from where, in 550 B.C., the Carthaginians came with an army of 2,000 horsemen. Previously, to these were the Iberians, Phoenicians, and Greeks; later (in 237 B.C.), Libyan horses arrived with Almicar, who is attributed with the entrance of 20,000 horses during his command, and another twelve thousand entered with Hannibal when he was preparing his second Punic war. When Rome began its expansion, it did not have a cavalry, but it counted on a number of barbaric (mercenary) tribes, such as the Scythians, Sarmatians and Goths, who fought on the Iberian Peninsula. The Vandals, Byzantines, Visigoths, Muslims and others reached Andalusia with whom they traded, which leads us to think of the impossibility of maintaining, as some authors maintain, that the “Spanish Horse”, which still did not exist, has remained pure since Neolithic times and with the same characteristics that it manifests today. In all truth, the Purebred Spanish Horse is the result of a project that Felipe II began on the 28th of November, 1567, with which he sought to create the perfect horse (a horse that had been idealized by the classic Greeks). He wanted to carry out the project in Aranjuez (Madrid) but an epidemic of scabies put an end to that. Thus, the King finally decided to carry out his project in Cordoba. To stable the colts that were being born, the king ordered the construction of the Royal Stables of Cordoba, which in 1929, were declared a National Heritage Site, and is included on the same level of importance as the Arab Baths, the Jewish quarter, the Mosque and the Alcazar (Fortress) of the Christian Kings in the city of Cordoba, which have all been designated as World Heritage sites. When the construction work was almost completed, on the 24th of January 1572, the King ordered a series of Rules and Regulation to be drafted by which the Stables would be governed. Royal Instructions were sent from the Court to Diego López de Haro, his head stable manager in Cordoba, who would carry out a fruitful task of producing the Spanish Horse and setting down the fundamental organizational bases that would be maintained throughout centuries based on the following:

The King The Ministry of Works and Woodlands The Royal Court Stables The Royal Stables of Cordoba The Stable Lieutenant Accountant

Brakeman

Trainers Riders

Grooms

ANCCE

Drawer

Mare Caretaker

Paymaster

Farrier

Loriner

Supplier

Guards

Grooms

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Instruction in Regard to the Stables of Cordoba and Mares belonging to His Majesty

The King Whereas we understand that this is how we fulfill our service for the good of our Kingdoms, and so that the breeding and quality of the horses increases so that our policemen and warriors may ride better horses, and so that their prices, which have increased, be controlled, and due to other fair considerations, we have decided to breed and keep numerous brood mares with their youngstock and foals and stallions in the cities of Cordoba, JaĂŠn, Jerez, and in other parts and places of Andalusia. Firstly, it is our will that our chief stable manager, who at the present has and henceforth will have the main responsibility and care of everything that is to do with said breeding, breed and type, and everything concerning all the above, because we would like for him to be under our governance and administration, and that he provide and order, with our counsel, what is suitable for the conservation, increase, good order and protection of all the above. To which effect, we have named Mr. Diego de Haro. Also, we order that Mr Diego de Haro and those individuals who will henceforth hold this position ordinarily reside in the city of Cordoba and continually watch over the stallions, foals and mares that are within the reach of this city, so that they see how these be and are treated as the official mare-handlers and other stable hands carry out their work, taking special care that the feed for the livestock be bought when it is at a low price, and keep an eye on this, because it is the largest proportion of the expenses of the stable, and take control of the officials that are necessary for those things that

must carried out in the stables, and that these be well-known and responsible individuals in their positions. And, we want that, in the cities of Jerez and JaĂŠn, there to be another two well-known and trustworthy individuals who will be responsible to and care for the mares, foals and stallions that will be there for use as sires and all the rest, and that these comply with the orders given by Mr. Diego de Haro, or the individual responsible for this position, to whom will be sent, each year, by the day of San Juan, a list signed with the names of the mares, sire stallions, colts and fillies that there are, and those that have been branded that year, specifically declaring the age, color, individual markings, quality and nature of each one, and if any horse dies while being branded, send the skin of those that die and the state in which everything is, keeping copies thereof. There must be a book in the city of Cordoba in which is written down those things that are under the responsibility of the accountant, who will supply the originals to Mr. Diego of Haro or the individual who henceforth holds this position. In addition, with regards to the distribution of these stallions and colts produced by the mares and of which they give birth to, we would like our chief stable manager to consult us in regard to which stallions and colts are available. And because we would like to achieve the objective and intention that we have for this, we are agreed and determined to have and to sustain in the aforementioned areas up to the number of one thousand two hundred brood

mares with their youngstock and foals, of which six hundred will be in the city of Cordoba and her lands, four hundred in Jerez, and the remaining two hundred in JaĂŠn, and likewise, the sire stallions that are necessary to cover them in-hand, and the mares that are lacking, so as to comply with this one thousand two hundred about which I am currently dictating, be bought by the order that will be given by our chief stable manager. With regards to the nobility and quality of the sire stallions which will be used on the mares, and in the order and way that they will have to cover them, which principally consists of the good type and breed that the colts and stallions must have, we command that Mr. Diego de Haro pay very particular care of this, so that the sire stallions are very good, healthy and are well fed and treated, ensuring, when covering the mares and in everything else covered by this order, that which is suitable, due to its importance. In addition to what has been stated, we have ordered a stable built in the city of Cordoba of the size and capacity that is necessary, the objective of which is not only to house the stallions

and colts necessary in this city and its surroundings, but also for those that must be brought and stabled from the cities of Jerez and Jaén, for which reason, we would like that those individuals in charge of the stallions and mares of these cities send to this stable in Cordoba, each year in May, all the colts which have reached the age of two years, so that, from there, they may be trained and disciplined in such a way as is considered suitable by the officials who must be there for this reason. We order that, in the cities of Cordoba, Jerez and Jaén, the individuals who hold the aforementioned positions bring, in May of each year, all the colts that there are to be stabled in the Dehesa de Alameda, which is nearby the city of Cordoba, so that from there may be chosen those that appear to be the best, up to the number ordered by us. In the city of Cordoba, we would like for there to be a mare-handler who is in charge of all the mares in the city and province, as there has been up to now, and that he have the wage of sixty-eight thousand maravedies* in money, one hundred and fourteen fanegas** of wheat, and twenty fanegas of barley per year, which will be paid in thirds of four parts in four months, and who will be obliged to guard the mares, for which he will have, paid by him, six useful male grooms who will guard well, without any absence or leaving the mares alone, and these grooms will have six very good and well-kept dogs and, in addition, said handler will pay for all ropes necessary for hobbles, halters and all else necessary without being given anything more, and he must search for those individuals necessary for branding without having to be given more than the firewood with which to heat the branding irons and, likewise, it will also be his responsibility to put the colts in the stables and halter them once they are weaned, and be responsible for the damages and defects caused through his negligence and errors, and, if the number of mares increases over those that

ANCCE

there are at present, he is ordered to have more grooms and dogs for servicing and guarding them, for which, for each extra groom, he will be given twenty ducats and one cahiz*** of wheat per year, and for each dog, twelve fanegas of barley, and in this respect he will be discounted those which he lacks. Also, a groom who must take great care in the cleaning and good treatment of the horses, to ordinarily attend at the stable, and to serve and carry out anything else that will be ordered and is necessary, and is responsible for that of the groom of our stable with another twenty-five thousand maravedies in wages per year. Also, two trainers for the colts to each of whom will be given the sum of sixty ducats per year, which comes to a sum of forty-five thousand maravedies for both. Also, two walkers to discipline the colts and stallions, and each of them to be paid one hundred and twenty ducats in wages per year, which comes to a sum of ninety thousand maravedies for both. Also, there must be a farrier to shoe the horses, treat and give medicine to those that are not well, and do everything else pertaining to his job and that he is ordered, who must have a salary of twenty-five thousand five hundred and fifty maravedies and thirty fanegas of barley a year. And, as I would like that we have the wish and intent to provide and consign all the money necessary for the training and sustenance of the stallions, mares, colts and fillies, and for the payment of the salaries of the officials and other staff that are there for their service, as well as the increasing expenses, we have ordered the liberation of five thousand ducats, which comes to one million eight hundred and seventy-five thousand maravedies, from the taxes on our salt flats off the coast of the sea of Andalusia, and that they be paid each year by thirds of four parts in four months to our payer in the stables, who will be ordered to bring them to the city of Cordoba, and that they be

received on these terms, declaring the day, month and year that they receive it. And so that in all the aforementioned there are good accounts and all the relevant details, we would like there to be an accountant, whom we shall name and whom shall keep accounts and details in a book of all the stallions and mares in the cities of Cordoba, Jerez and Jaén, along with their colors, descriptions, names and ages, in which must also be noted the lists sent by those individuals from Jerez and Jaén, and likewise the colts and fillies born, and of those that are sold, and to whom, and for what price, the payer, taking charge in another book, of the money that comes from this and which comes into their power, and of the five thousand ducats consigned to the stables, and of everything else involved in their maintenance and the pursuit of the works and buildings and things concerning this, and in any other way pays out and receives, indicating the day, month and year, so that he takes account and has the details of everything. And because, as we have stated, we have ordered to be built in the city of Cordoba a stable whose work is very advanced but is still not completed, and for its continuation, we have ordered to be liberated, and will be liberated, until it is finished, all the money necessary, which will be paid, as has been ordered, to our payer of the stables, and as we would like that the order that there has until now been in their distribution be saved, and that they spend from money signed out by our magistrate, who is or was from the previously mentioned city of Cordoba, and by Mr. de Haro, or by the individual who may in the future hold this position, and not in any other way, in order to buy the necessary materials and in paying the salaries of our officials who work on the construction, without them being able to convert or spend this on any other thing except by our expressed order. All that which I have said is that which we would like and order,

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that they guard, carry out and cause to guard, comply with and carry out, as is contained in this instruction, without any excuses or any difficulty, nor go nor come, nor to exceed in anything from this for the time that it is our will, and in the meantime, that we do not order anything further, and that the translation of this be put down *

in the book which must be kept by our chief stable manager, and in that of our accountant at the stable in Cordoba, and that you give to each one of the individuals in whose charge are the mares, colts and stallions that there must be in the cities of Jerez and JaĂŠn, copies of those that are relevant, so that they know what they must do and

to what they are obliged and that, likewise, our chief accountants of accounts pay attention to this, dated in Madrid on the 23rd of January of one thousand five hundred seventy and two years. I the King. Countersigned by Martin de Gaztelu, signed by Doctor Velasco.

Maravedies: 11th to 14th century Spanish gold and silver coin.

** Fanega: a dry measure which is equal to 55.5 liters *** Cahiz: a dry measure equal to 12 fanegas or 666 liters

Outside the Royal Stables

PRE breeding began here

El Caballo EspaĂąol

International First visit by the LG PRE ANCCE to Australia

In May 2008, the LG PRE ANCCE organized the first valoration visit for Australian based horses.

grow so we can finally see the unification of breeders and friends of the PRE horse here in Australia.

We are proud to announce that for the very first time, the valoration visit was organized in collaboration by the two existing associations: the PREAA (PRE Association of Australia) and ACPRE Australia Inc. (Asociaci贸n de Caballos de Pura Raza Espa帽ola Australia Inc.).

The visiting ANCCE veterinarian was Maria Rocio Lopez Rodriguez. Rocio arrived in Australia from New Zealand on 19 May, and spent the next 8 days travelling around Australia. Rocio was an absolute pleasure to deal with, worked tirelessly, and we hope she enjoyed her short time here in Australia.

(ACPRE Australia had been the collaborating association with the previous administration, but when in 2007 ANCCE took over the management of the stud book, they gave PREAA and their breeders the opportunity to also work with them.) Due to past conflict we were initially apprehensive in working together, however, it became very obvious that this is the most beneficial way forward for the PRE breed as a whole. The insistence of the LG PRE ANCCE in working with both associations, especially in the organization of this valoration visit has been a very successful experience and has started a process of building trust which we sincerely hope will continue to

The valoration visited 8 locations. Two venues in Queensland: one near Brisbane and the other in Far North Queensland at Cairns. Two venues in New South Wales: one at Sydney, and the other at Blayney in the west. Two venues in Victoria: one west of Melbourne the other south east of Melbourne at Koo Wee Rup. Only one horse/venue in South Australia, and the final viewing was in Perth, Western Australia. We have many inscriptions awaiting processing at LG PRE ANCCE which means the next trip will see more horses viewed. As a point of interest, Australia is almost 12 times the size of Spain!

Serio 1

ANCCE

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COLOMBIAN PRE ASSOCIATION The Colombian association held elections for the Board of Directors, which will be made up of the following Breeders:

PRE ASSOCIATION OF ECUADOR

Second Vice-president: Mr. William Freydell Manzi

The Ordinary General Assembly was held on Monday, the 12th of May, during which the elections for the New Directors of the Ecuador Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders Association took place. They will hold these posts for the period of May 2008 to May 2010.

Principal 1: Mr. William Jones Camargo

PRESIDENT:

GONZALO CHIRIBOGA CH.

Principal 2: Mr. Hernán Vélez

VICE PRESIDENT:

ÁLVARO LUGO N.

Principal 3: Mr. Jaime Jaramillo Estrada

PRINCIPAL MEMBERS: FRANCISCO ROLDÁN C.

President: Johnny Londoño First Vice-president: Mr. Mauricio Posada

Reserve 1: Mr. Álvaro Mora Soto Reserve 2: Mr. Juan Carlos Páez Calderón Reserve 3: Mr. Fernando Piedrahita

FERNANDO HIDROBO E. OSWALDO CHIRIBOGA V. ALTERATIVE MEMBERS: WILSON GRANJA A. ÁLVARO PONCE A. RENATO TERÁN T.

News from the Danish P.R.E. Breeding Association Summer has come and through out June, July and August there will be several horse fairs/cattle shows of which the P.R.E. will be represented. The most important is the Cattle Show in Roskilde (the largest cattle show in Northern Europe). Through out the weekend 6th – 8th of June will more than 200 horses from almost all breeds, 100 cows, sheep, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits and of cause all kinds of farming mashines, clothing etc. attendig the cattle show. The horses’ fair at Roskilde Cattle Show have always been the most important and popular animals. The horses are jugded by very skilled jugdes and there are prizes to the best stallion overall, the best mare overall, the best foal overall and the best young stock overall. Moreover there will be contests in movements, driving and dressage. And last but not least, there is a show every day where the various horse breeds show their horses.

Our association has a stand at the fair every year and many people are always coming by to talk about the P.R.E. horses. The interest of the P.R.E. horse in Denmark is still huge, and this year we will have 10 P.R.E. horses for judging. And also this year, our association has 15th anniversary and we have been offered a special house in the middle of the horse stables in which we will have a large exhibition about the P.R.E. breed. We hope that a lot of people will attend our exhibition. The next large event will be basic approval and DAMOCHA (Danish Morphological Championships) the 12th – 14th of September. We are really looking forward to this event as it has been 4 years since we last had a basic approval and 5 years since we last held DAMOCHA.

El Caballo Español

photos: paolo biroldi

PRE IN ITALY In Italy, the support of the PRE horse in competition is increasing among equestrian enthusiasts who have finally realized that, in addition to the beauty, they can have a horse that will serve them for various disciplines, especially Dressage. In the dressage competitions of the Italian Federation (FISE), Spanish Horses always participate in increasing numbers to impress both technicians and enthusiasts. In recent years, here in Italy, the breeding of this noble animal has been increasing, and AIPRE (the collaborator in the handling of the LG-PRE-ANCCE Stud Book in Italy) has been advising and encouraging breeders to present their horses in the (regrettably few) conformation competitions held during the year and, above all, to pay great attention to the improvement of their horses.

The Aipre President, Francesco Ferroni and the Breeders Cecilia Buonocore and Silver Massarenti

A TASTE OF SPAIN AT THE MALPENSACAVALLI FAIR In Pavilion 1 of AIPREâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;celebrating their 10th anniversaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ANCCE organized the 40 m2 stand, together with the LG-PRE-ANCCE Stud Book office to attend breeder. There were some stands for the participating stud farms, a restaurant/bar with drinks and typical Spanish dishes and a flamenco show with three beautiful Spanish dancers performing daily at the fair. Their art was greatly appreciated by the numerous public that attended the event. The stand, restaurant/bar and the carpet on the floor boasted the red and gold colors of the Spanish flag and the small wine glasses of sweet and dry sherry gave a Spanish touch to what turned out to be a real success. Long live Spain! During the fair, there was a Conformation-functional Competition, a Dressage competition and a Doma Vaquera competition. There were 150 PRE horses present at the fair grounds, which exceeded the numbers of every other breed at the fair.

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Horses and dances AIPRE Stand

El Caballo Espa単ol

FIRST QUALIFIED PRE STALLION FOR NEW ZEALAND Last year, the first qualified stallion arrived in New Zealand. Jaleador de JC III (Ultimado V y Jaleadora II), an 8 year old grey stallion was purchased from the stud farm Tres Cotos of Jacobo Corsini in Toledo. The stallion is now the property of Philip Barrett and Sabina Holle of Hanna Stud, which was recently relocated from Auckland in the North Island to Rangiora close to Christchurch in the South Island. Jaleador de JC III has now been in NZ for almost one year and has adjusted to life in the antipodeans very well. The purchase of this extraordinary horse was made possible with the help of Dr Luis Rodriguez Gomez, equine veterinarian and PRE judge from Toledo and several studs in NZ supporting the choice made by Hanna Stud. Jaleador has finished a very successful first breeding season in New Zealand, serving PRE mares but also

ANCCE

Thoroughbred mares by AI using fresh, chilled and frozen semen. He spent several months at specialist equine reproduction installations where his semen was collected, assessed and prepared for freezing. Jaleadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s semen qualities are very high, both with fresh and frozen semen, the latter at times reaching 70% post-thaw motilities and very good fertility inside the mare. His frozen semen is available for worldwide shipment, with the necessary quarantine requirement in place. We are now eagerly awaiting the birth of his first foals during the next Spring and Summer in New Zealand. The arrival of Jaleador de JC III in New Zealand has not gone without attention by the wider equestrian community in this country. One of the first people to inspect him after his arrival was a prominent long time horse breeder and trainer at international level and

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one of the few local qualified assessors for the NZ and Australian Hanoverian societies.His opinion about the quality of Jaleador was most encouraging “if I still would be breeding horses, I would send my mare to this stallion”, were his comments. In preparation for the next breeding season, Jaleador will be exhibited at the prestigious annual NZ Stallion Exhibition, during which Sport Horse sires of all breeds are shown to the public in Christchurch and Auckland in September. His owners are confident that he will attract much attention as an example of the quality, beauty and functionality of the PRE horse and a suitable ambassador for the breed in NZ and Australia.

Revisión

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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.

ACCESO Why, how and when was the Association constituted? ACCESO was founded in June 2006 and arose from the desire of the breeders in Jalisco to offer better services that would be closer to the breeders in Western Mexico, with breeders who we were already members of an association in the federal district, and who felt that it was the region of the country where the most horses were bought and with the least number of events or training.

held the first TQB in Mexico at that time. Furthermore, some 63 horses participated, divided into two places within the country, and it was organized within a period of less than two months. It must be mentioned that in ACCESO, there is unity and cooperation in the work that has been carried out up to now, and this is where the results spring from.

How many members does it have at present?

What are the predominant breeds in the country?

Forty five in ten different states of the Republic, with approximately one thousand five hundred horses.

Jumpers, Quarter Horse, Aztec and PRE

What are your main activities? Two competitions were organized last year, one in the state of Aguascalientes at the National Fair of San Marcos, which was attended by 53 horses and an audience of more than 2000 people per day for the three days of the competition. The other was in October, at the facilities of Hacienda de Oro, which was attended by twenty stud farms belonging to the three associations found in Mexico; with 100 horses competing and a total of 140 horses stabled. In addition, a course was organized, led by a handler, who also passed on his knowledge as a rider. The first TQB within Mexico was also organized; it was an event that was organized in only two months. What are your main needs as an Association? To disseminate all the ANCCE activities, to offer breeders training to improve their production, as well as to train PRE horse owners in their care, in their presentation, as well as in the various disciplines for which the PRE horse is suitable. Also, to hold more competitions, to provide breeders with quick and timely services, in return for their contributions in the form of dues, and, to take into account, as collaborating Association, the decisions for which our view is requested. What are the weaknesses and strong points? Infrastructure, principally in equipment, but with the prompt participation of our members, this situation will soon be resolved. Our strong points are the union we shown during the short time that we have been formed, this is seen in the two conformational competitions that were organized last year. We are the first association in Mexico that has been able to carry out registration, and the correctly completed documents were sent to the main LG PRE ANCCE office within one week. Also, we simultaneously,

ANCCE

The PRE: Is it quite well-known? It is very well-known and the most attractive to the general public, although they are not very well versed in the world of the PRE. Is it well appreciated by the people? Among the experts, it is very well appreciated thanks to its versatility and, by the general public for its behavior and beauty; it is very attractive. What do people use it for: competition, hacking, etc? It is generally devoted to dance and high school, but it must be mentioned, that with the dissemination that the PRE is experiencing in Mexico, the number of PRE horses devoted to High School increases every day. Is the breed going in numbers and quality? Of course, within this Association you can find the largest number in horses from one region of the country; the quality increases daily. This is thanks to the interest of the breeders in this aspect. This can be seen at the competitions, where the best of each stud farm are on show. In what area of the country is the largest concentration of horse found? In western Mexico, the largest concentration is in the state of Jalisco. What is the market like? Do prices appear to be high or low? They appear to be fair, thanks to the quality of the horses being produced in this region of the country. What type of buyers seeks PRE horses? They are upper class people.

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photo: lemos El Caballo Espa単ol 69

photo: lemos

AMCCE Why, how and when was the Association founded? The Purebred Spanish Breeders’ Association of Mexico, AMCCE, was founded in 1977 civil association. It is the only Association recognized by the government of the United States of Mexico and its most direct regulator, the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), thus being its delegate. AMCCE is responsible for the control of breed purity and the handling of the Mexican Stud Book before SAGARPA. Therefore, it is the only authorized organization allowed to issue breed purity registers. It arose from the concerns of several enthusiastic breeders interested in promoting the breed in Mexico; people with a true love of the Purebred Spanish horse. How many members do you have right now? At the moment, we have 32 breeder members, who account for almost 40% of the PRE livestock in Mexico. What are your main activities? Currently, AMCCE’s principal task is to ensure breed purity within the country, and also its promotion in all the states that it represents. As an Association, what are your main needs?

ANCCE

In such a dynamic and ever and more global world, the needs are in keeping with that same rhythm, therefore, the speed of response, activation and veracity when carrying out processes for its members, are essential. What are its weaknesses and strong points? There is a lot of work to be done in terms of promoting the breed in this country and searching for the appropriate channels—to the extend that is possible—to attend the great demand for Purebred Spanish horses in Mexico and to be able to respond to all the concerns of all those who are somehow linked to the sector. AMCCE is committed to its members, the truth of the information provided the speed of response and to maintaining the breed purity within this country. What are the predominant breeds in Mexico and how do you see the PRE when compared to them? Mexico is greatly influenced in cultural, social and economic terms by its neighbor to the north. Horses have not escaped this influence either. The national sport, Charrería mainly uses Quarter Horses. Then we have the Thoroughbred, the Aztec breed and, in smaller numbers Central European Warmbloods, Arabs, Friesians and Lusitanos. In that order, these are the ones that can be found in greater numbers throughout

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photo: lemos

Ranchero, Rancho La Esperanza in México

the country. Certainly, the Purebred Spanish Horse is a favorite among Mexicans. The PRE: - Is it quite well-known? The PRE is a well-rooted breed in Mexico. You only have to remember that its presence in Mexico dates back almost 500 years, when in the company of the conquerors, they made the creation of the New Spain possible. Is it well appreciated by the people? The PRE is a well-rooted breed in Mexico. Just remember that its presence in Mexico dates back almost 500 years, when the conquerors made the creation of the New Spain possible What is the PRE used for: competition, hacking, etc? Horse-lovers in Mexico hold it in great esteem, due to its beauty and spectacular paces. This is a country of mixtures with strong bonds to the mother land; language, religion, customs, and our love for Purebred Spanish horses is not far from these. The Purebred Spanish Horse is mainly a saddle horse, which little by little is gathering strength in the top-level competitive arena, as well as in the new recreational culture. You

must take into account that big cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are home to millions of people, who are insistently seeking areas that enable them to return to the essentials, such as the contact with nature and animals. In certain parts of the country, the PRE is highly sought-after as a horse for parades and “dancing” with this latter being highly ingrained in western Mexico. Is it growing in numbers and quality? The numbers and quality of the horses is clearly rising throughout the Republic. Very often in Spain, when thinking of markets with certain economic presence, you turn to the United States, but you must not forget that these days, the American country that imports the largest number of horses is Mexico. What is the market like for the PRE in Mexico? Do the prices appear to be high or low? What type of buyers want PRE horses and what are the tendencies of the sales? Undoubtedly, the currency exchange rate is a point that has influenced the market in terms of horse imports from Spain, which has, to a certain degree, been restrictive.

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The PRE is accepted by a large sector of the market, from competition through to hacking, with the main tendency being the demand for trained and ridden horses. What recommendations would you give to intensify or improve the promotion of the PRE in Mexico? ANCCE is an organization that, to be exact, requires more promotion and presence in Mexico. The fact that MAPA granted ANCCE the PRE Stud book includes being committed to a large number of obligations, in time and manner, to respond to the needs of the breeders and to project the future of the breed for the sake of its improvement and positioning in the world. The presence of ANCCE at fairs and competitions in Mexico is of utmost importance, and should increase

AMUSEMENT

and consolidate, because this will raise awareness among managers and members about the principal concerns of the breeders and, in general, Purebred Spanish Horse enthusiasts in Mexico, its idiosyncrasies, its likes and above all, its needs. It is also important that they deepen into the questions regarding what happens to the breed in Mexico, to study the situation and also know that there is an opening for the opinions of all those who are part of the world of the Purebred Spanish Horses in Mexico. AMCCE is sure that institutionalization is a basic point, which is of elemental importance in the regulations that make the regulation of the sector possible; therefore by underwriting these, it will surely lead to a sustained and sustainable growth in the breeding and marketing of the Purebred Spanish Horse in Mexico.

Do you agree with the judges?

SOLUTION JUDGES: : • D. Sebastián Bastida • D. Florencio Moreno

The score would be 8 The point of shoulder is too far forward and the point of elbow is too high, this could perhaps be because the left foreleg is trailing a little. The shoulder would be evaluated for its slope and for its size which, in this case, looks correct, between 45º and 50º. Comments: Note: 8 Judge: D. Sebastián Bastida Body Area shoulder–wither-forearm SCORE SHEET

The angle of the shoulder is correct, although it is not very well muscled-up, its length is acceptable, based on this, the score would be 7.5. Comments: Note: 7,5 Judge: D. Florencio Moreno Body Area shoulder–wither-forearm SCORE SHEET ANCCE

The withers would be better viewed from the other side, where there is no mane, but, in this case the withers are prominent, I would say they could even be too prominent.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

ANCCE

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The Spanish Legacy in the Criollo Horse By Mr. Fernando Romero Garranza Our esteemed friend, Mr. Isidoro J. Ruiz Moreno from Buenos Aires (Argentina), has sent us several copies of the magazine “La Raza Criolla” (The Criollo breed) from the Argentinean Criollo Horse Breeders’ Association. As well as thanking Mr. Ruiz Moreno for his thoughtfulness, we are able to publish a first installment of the interesting work “The Spanish Legacy in the Criollo Horse,” whose author is Dr. Fernando Romero Carranza, winner of the Scientific Literary Competition, instituted by Mrs. Renata de McManus. It goes without saying that we will continue to publish the various parts of this highly interesting work in successive issues until the conclusion of the text. 1. Introduction: origin of the domestic horse The history of the horse we breed today in Argentina, known as the “Criollo Horse”, which we consider a stable and defined equine “breed”, originated, if traced back to its most distant sources, from the primitive horse during the geological time in which successive species, types and varieties were appearing and disappearing, until “equus” appeared, from which the current horse descends. This has been and continues to be the traditional outline, and is also considered the most scientific, for the study of the history of the horse, as well as that which has permitted the establishment of countless valuable and complex theories with which to explain the evolution and consolidation of the current conformation of the horse species, its geographic distribution, the nexus between the various varieties and the causes of its extinction in areas which had originally been well populated with equines. All these theories have been primarily based on geology and paleontology, as what appears to be said by many of these kinds of studies on the topic is that the evolution of the horse is perhaps best illustrated by nature itself. What is interesting to highlight in this focus on the study of the horse, which has been so very well-documented by nature in the geological strata, is that it generally halts or disappears when humans appear during the final stages of the Quaternary Period. It was during this period that humans began to document their relationship with animals in graphic form, representing them in their caves and on their working tools. This means that it was, both for humans and for the horse, which ended up being so essential for human existence, during the end of their nebulous geographic past and the beginning of the now somewhat less certain scenario of prehistory, where we can see how both began to relate to one another and live together. What is interesting to highlight is that, precisely when the evolution of the primitive horse concluded and it began to appear in history, its extinction as a natural species started to such a degree that more than one study on the subject has determined that what humans did with domestication delayed the total disappearance of the species by a few centuries. And this comment is not over-stated if we remember that today there are no populations of undomesticated horses living alongside domestic ones; those that one finds running free, including the rare individuals known as “Equus Presewalski”, are not descendants of wild horses, but the remains of herds of tartar horses raised in historic times. The Tarpan, the (previously) only remaining example of the wild Asiatic horse, is now completely extinct. We cannot study the natural horse today alive and in its own “habitat” in order to compare it with the domesticated horse; we must content ourselves with studying a horse that humans rescued from extinction hundreds of thousands of years after having been dedicated to its

extermination and having pursuing it as game to feed on its meat, use its skin for clothing and its bones and entrails as everyday utensils. But what stands out most about this rescue performed by humans is that, when the period of development mysteriously began to be called “culture”, the species had not been preserved as had cattle or reindeer, in order to perpetuate an ancestral means of food. Instead, humans preserved them because they learned that the horse could be converted into an aid for hunting and warfare, another typical symptom of the other human aptitude to confuse history with what is still known by the name “civilization”. Due to this, when either equine species as a whole or a specific breed is studied today, we cannot make comparisons with those from which they originated, but must instead analyze a large or small group of horses on whom humans have left their imprint through domestication, or one or several characteristics specific to a country or specific area for one or several specific objectives, which determine, with the passing of time, the consolidation of an individual type or “breed”, more or less common to all the individuals in the group. This work by humans is what we call “selective breeding.” It is that which should always aim for perfection, but which can, and in many cases was, actually only a “whim” that could mean a step back when the work was based on fashion, unilateral principals or arbitrary impositions. It was aimed, since prehistory until well into the medieval period, that is to say, for one hundred and ten centuries, towards obtaining a horse adapted to warfare with knives, not forgetting that the use of horses for agricultural tasks and for drawing artillery, a relatively modern weapon which has existed for a very short time if its eight centuries of existence is compared with the one hundred and ten centuries of the evolution of the horse for light carriage work or for use under saddle. We have returned to using horses during 20th century, not now for war, but for working with livestock or merely for sport. As a consequence of all that I have just stated, when studying the Criollo horse, we forget about its geological predecessors and focus historically. This tends to determine with greater exactness, where, when and why this type of domesticated horse, which later, after having been transported to America, freed on the plains of the southern continent and becoming our “Criollo Breed”, was consolidated. I have already stated above that one must take well into account that the consolidation of the so-called “breeds” of horses in all cases obeys the process of selective breeding, adaptation to the environment, feeding, training and cavalry requirements of a group of horses whose origins were always domestic and with characteristics that were not generally uniform due to the existence of having cross-bred diverse types. In addition, these breeds are also the result of migrations and invasions by the people who moved from place to place at distinct times, taking with them their horses and thus influencing those native to the regions or countries through which they passed or invaded. What happened was that, once the horse was initially domesticated, the few that were truly undomesticated went extinct and completely disappeared, without humanity having been able to preserve the

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chance for refreshing the blood of its breeding stock, and having had to rely upon cross-breeding domesticated horses with those in a wild state.

The most ancient reproductions of man mounted on horseback show figures shooting arrows and pursuing reindeer, bison or wild asses - never hunting free horses.

We can therefore be sure that there are not today, nor were there at the time of the start of the history of humanity, any significant population of undomesticated horses, nor have any of these been mentioned in the tales of civilized man.

Due to this, when we study the contemporary horse, we must not fall into the error of delving into prehistory and coming to conclusions that are not valid with regards to images that were reproductions of individuals that existed in eras when the horse had not been domesticated, but was instead mercilessly pursued.

The only references to undomesticated horses before writing was known can be found in pictorial representations; however, when humans appeared mounted on horseback, it would seem that undomesticated horses had forever disappeared for those who painted and reproduced for enjoyment, those masters from eras in which humans had been dedicated to their methodical extermination. The opinion of many authors is that humans, who initiated the domestication of horses, completed the extinction of the types that were more voluminous, bigger, heavier and performed better. He began by having used, for either pulling weapons for war or riding, those that were structurally poorer or smaller. True “ponies” had been saved from extermination by either their lack in aptitude and poor performance “en el gancho”, or their ability to hide themselves off the plains in mountainous or marshy areas, something which also caused the reduction in their size or skeletal development. The types that were extinguished had also been the more gregarious, an aptitude which led to their extermination, as the system of hunting had been to chase great herds towards cliffs and cause them to leap over the edge, later finishing them off at the bottom of the ravine. The famous “Wall of Solutre” in France tells of this system used through the enormous accumulation of horse bones, left there by primitive humans. Studies of the evolution of the horse have come to uniform conclusions about the conformation of the species that subsisted during the prehistoric predatory period, and which formed the basis for the current domestic breeds, whether pure or crossed with each other. They are classified into four types, two known as “ponies” and two which are worth calling “horses”. The graphic representation of these four types can be seen here, and will be referred to later in this work.

An example is the claim that there had always been horses with a straight or convex profile in Spain. This is true if one studies the drawings in caves, but that claim losses its value when we apply it to the domestic horse. There is no evidence that both profiles were found in domesticated horses. But this is a point that we will analyze later on, leaving the conclusion to this introduction as that which is stated in the title of the chapter, the undisputed domestic origin of the contemporary horse and it consolidation have occurred by means of a strictly functional selection which was guided by the hunting or war needs of the people who adopted them. 2. The Hispanic origin of the Criollo Horse These days, the Spanish genetic base of the current Criollo horse is undeniable. In a very recent era, this was passionately discussed and an attempt was made to find a basis for the theory of the existence of native wild horses in the south of the Republic of Argentina which, after having subsequently crossed with those introduced by the Spanish conquistadors in the 17th century, would have formed the basis of the enormous herds that were later commented on and chronicled by those who crossed the pampas during the colonial period, and which gave rise to the origin of the Argentinean Criollo. This theory was based on the principle of irrefutable “ab initio”, as is the American genetic basis of the horse, but the existence of American horses that had been saved from extinction, lived alongside and cross-bred with those introduced by the Spaniards, was not definitively proven through well-founded facts or concrete evidence. The fact that this theory was completely based on supposition, ambiguous tales and presumed statistics leads one to conclude the impossibility of reaching the innumerable horse population that had grazed on the plains at the end of the 16th century, if one takes as a starting point only those horses introduced directly from Spain and, in particular, the few abandoned at the first foundation of Buenos Aires. On the other hand, it has been scientifically proven that the equine species was extinct throughout the whole of America for reasons still unknown (sickness, natural enemies or fatal epizootic elements) with the exception of only a contingent that traveled towards Asia via the north, across what is now the Bering Strait, and which was the basis of the nucleus of the Euro-Asian horses from which all currently known horse breeds subsequently sprang (or the theory of the unity of origin of the current “Equus caballus”.). The motive of this work is not to return in order to re-open the debate that has previously been stirred up about this subject, nor to offer further data or arguments in favor of the principle of the Hispanic origin of the Criollo Horse, which can still not be denied and which has in its favor all the most characteristically scientific and historical opinion on this matter. We must accept, then, the evidence that the American horse of colonial times was introduced to a continent that completely lacked living examples of the species, and which was unknown by the native population.

The four types of primitive horses (according to Ebhart). Type I and II coexisted on the Iberian Peninsula; Type IV is an ancestor of the modern Arabian; Type III never entered the Peninsula, but was subsequently transformation into “experts” or carriage horse in the 18th century.

ANCCE

The Spanish conquistadors, as is stated in many studies, thus closed the circle that had begun many millenniums before, when the last American horses left the continent and, having returned to their country of origin, were saved from total extinction.

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HISTORIC SIRES by Jesús Sixto "Gallito"

Lot of horses owned by Hermanos Baones. III Fair-Exhibition of Select Livestock in Sevilla. 1946. Revista Ganadería (Stud Farm Magazine). Nº 37

To have superior livestock, there must be breeders. And not just any old breeders

is certain that our much admired Purebred Spanish Horse would not be what it is today without the singular contribution of groups of individuals who definitively marked the breed.

These groups notably demonstrated their condition as sire stallions, improving the country’s livestock, because, although it could appear to be a cliché, it must be clarified that when they do not serve to improve the species, but only perpetuate it, they can only be called reproducers, but non sire stallions. They are, on many occasions, horses that leave their crucial contribution without making a song and dance about it, tiptoeing through history, far from the great equestrian competitions of their times. Thanks to their genetics and delightful action, always backed up by good breeding management, with the passing of time, a subsequent string of horses standout most, inevitably indicate the origins of the most excellent stock and lines, to show where the come from. Always behind the scenes is the vital functional selection. Strength, resistance, speed and capacity

ANCCE

for delivery work to separate the wheat from the chaff, to then crown the task. With similar ingredients the breeder, manager and author of the final result, will have a base with which to work. Then “all that is needed” is to apply a careful upbringing, titanic perseverance, tremendous love, an indefatigable purse and… a great deal of luck, master! Well, very often in equestrian-breeding questions happen just like fighting bulls, which means that you have to try the real thing under the right circumstances to get the most out of it, to appreciate the shades and essence of what it has inside. However, few pardoned bulls are seen in the bull ring for their excellent condition, in spite of their brief and brave leap to fame to become awe-inspiring sires for their efforts! The enormous difficulty lie ere, and the genetic mystery asks: Where does it come from? What is it? Where does the stud farm go from here? It is far beyond that of sire and dam and oats, as the English proclaim, so Cartesian, and of course, also from the finishing line at Epsom, of Mr. Tesio.

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Examining in the Fertile and Splendid Countryside of Jerez, a Colt Being Trained, "Burgues Iii", Son of "Señorito X"

With all of this, to have superior quality livestock, there must be breeders. And not just any old breeders. And what I would now like to concentrate on, after the above tiresome speech, is the romance, which by fortune was plentiful there for the first third of the 20th century, in lower Andalusia. We will speak on this occasion, if space will allow, of Bilbaíno II, of his dam Cantinera, and of the astral alignment in the breeding galaxy, to produce several of our parents of the PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse). Amen.

This stud farm is one of those about which pages of honor within the history of the PRE have been written and of those that commendably have lasted to the present day, thanks to hard work and these magnificent practical breeders and their descendants. The contribution of the Baones brothers to the PRE is colossal. From their sources have emblematic stud farms arisen, and there are certainly very few outstanding horses that have not got some Baones in their origins. Well, thanks to them, they had major sire stallions that they sold to the State, for the use and enjoyment of their own colleagues as well as strangers.

We were in 1927, in Almonaster la Real. Two brothers who were enormously fond of and knowledgeable about the horse, just as their father and founder of the stud farm, Mr. An eight year-old grey Fernando Baones Martin, saw the stallion, solid and well birth of the first daughter of Alito, Cantinera II, a new filly for the set, who came from close cause. This was Cantinera IV. A to Sevilla, he had yet to still small being, who would end cover a mare, but he up playing an essential role in the history of the PRE. was to leave his mark on Mr. Fernando and Mr. Misael Baones Bolaños, were in charge of creating the brand that is currently known as “Hermanos Baones”, and of taking their stud farm to the top.

those belonging to the Baones. His name was Bilbaíno

Lebrero, Bilbaíno II, Botinero, Regalo II, later Brincador II, and so many others, spread their seed “ubi et orbi” (everywhere): Guardiola, Manuel Bohórquez Ruiz, Jerónimo García Perea, Salvador Martel, Moreno de la Cova, Florencio Cáceres, Pérez Tabernero, Lovera, Vara, and many more; please may all those not mentioned forgive me. For years, they won everything that it was possible to win at the competitions of the time; sometimes disputing the award side by side

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"Picazo I" 1908 Cavalry Memorial

"Mirlito III" 1929 Cavalry Memorial

This was Cantinera IV. A still small being, who would end up playing an essential role in the history of the PRE

with such wonderful livestock as that of Mr. Roberto Osborne, with his Novato on show. Others, inspiring horses such as Mirlito III, selected in his day as the prototype of the breed by the veterinarian Faculty of Cordoba. Half brother of the mother of our Cantinera IV, father of Regalo II and Botinero, ancestor of Brincador II, and that is reproduced here thanks to a Memorial of the time. But let us return to our brown filly foal, still suckling, and to 1927. Spain, the nation from which the PRE takes its name, was once again going through critical times. Mr. Miguel Primo de Rivera, Captain General of Catalonia, had, four years ago, established a Dictatorship under the understanding gaze of Alphonso XIII, who in another four years, would end up being exiled to the city of Césares, before the invasion of the convulse Republic. Cantinera IV was born, fruit of a successful crossing of one of their own mares with a sire stallion belonging to an illustrious family, far from the Huelva property. The stallion used by the Baones, with a monarchist name and born in Jerez, was called Rey VII and he belonged to the Marquis of Casa Domecq. Born in 1917, the wine grey horse only left twelve offspring, in 1927, 1928 and 1930, and all to the Baones. Of this stallion, there remains graphic testimony of a brother, Señorito X, also sold to the State, and of the father of both, Picazo I, a purebred born in March 1900, as can be seen at the foot of the photo, “Cartujano Romanita.”

ANCCE

This name, which today could appear to be picturesque, came from the name of the Cortijo Romanitos, “… owned by Mr. Antonio Abad Romero, this stud farm, tributary of that of the Carthusian Monastery of Jerez, having passed in 1860, by purchase, to Mr. Juan Pedro Domecq y Lembeye, grat-uncle of the then Marquis, whose father acquired this farm later.” The quote was given to us by Mr. Rafael Janini, no less. Agricultural engineer of the Real Casa y Patrimonio (Royal House and Heritage), and one of the most credited voices of Spanish agriculture of the time, presents us with diverse notes of interest in his article: “Los caballos españoles con cuernos” (The Spanish Horses with horns), published in the Memorial de Caballería (Cavalry Brief) of 1919. Aside from the beliefs about these theories of Carthusian horses with horns, into which we will not delve, what must be pointed out now is the impressive figure of Mr. Pedro Domecq Rivero, Marquis of Domecq, as “country man.” Scholarly breeder, master of breeding and with enormous talent and intellectual liveliness, Mr. Pedro knew how to win the hearts of the authority, the recognition and respect of his contemporary rural colleagues, in addition to directing with a businessman's brilliance, his company, which was a leader in the important spirits sector. Little could Mr. Fernando VII suspect, that that venturesome family who managed in a so excellent a way the Jerez wine factory that was visited by him in

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Señorito x" revista ganadería(stud farm magazine) nº 118

1823, would end up being the heir to a good part of that which was his fighting bull stud farm of Vvazqueño origin!

Manuel Guerrero, Eduardo Ibarra, Murube, Faustino and Santiago Udaeta, Enrile, Julio Lafitte, Vicente Romero, Basilio del Camino, Rioboo..

Domecq. A surname with Bearnés echo, which, however, always evokes the essences of the deepest Spanishness, of the deep icons of Andalusia: the horse, the bull, the serene rural gentleman and the wines of the Jerez land.

Nine years later in 1916, now in Jerez, he also collected a special prize, for the best Purebred Spanish mare: Preciosa: and so on and so on…

This is how it was at the start of the ‘20s, and so it continues in a well deserved manner up to today, almost one hundred years later, thanks to the contribution of each one of the Domecqs, who have not been able to resist to their secular love for breeding. But let us return to the origin. The equine livestock cultivated by the Marquis, as was the use and fashion of the time, was of a differentiated nature of the breed. And, the same as the Guerrero Siblings, also from Jerez, about whom we have spoken of the Irishman, Mr. Domecq’s livestock stood out for its quality in whatever breed section it was presented. We could see him at the 1907 Livestock Madrid Competition, picking up the first prize and the exclusive Silver Cup from their Royal Highnesses Prince Fernando and Princess María Teresa, along with the prize of 1,000 pesetas, for their Hispano-Anglo-Arab, Carcelero III, and at the same competition, obtained from a single stake, the gold medal in the section of foreign livestock with their four year old Thoroughbred, Royal Gitt.

So this is where Cantinera IV came from. But look how the years are passing, it is now 1930, and the time has come for our little bay mare to find a boyfriend. The alchemists of Almonaster, studied the three yearold filly and they tried a blood line crossing with a half brother, which did not produce the hoped-for result. They once again pressed the key, selecting another good choice for their mare. An eight year-old grey stallion, solid and well set, who came from close to Sevilla, he had yet to cover a mare, but he was to leave his mark on those belonging to the Baones. His name was Bilbaíno. His household, also a well deserved living legend. Well I am speaking about Mr. Antonio and Mr. José Miura; or rather, we will speak, when it comes up. I can already hear the message from the President, in the form of a third warning, and it would be better to save my strength for the next one, which is a Miura.

This, ahead of a body of legendary breeders: The Duke of Veragua, the Marquis of Tamarón, Casaus Brothers,

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ALTA ESCUELA by Alfonso Cuesta

THE PASSAGE I

Bruno Camilo riding Dedalo in passage is owned by Yeguada Dehesa Monteandres photo: lemos

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Before teaching the passage, for the most part, it is advisable that your horse already knows at least the “basic mechanics” of the piaffe. When you see a well executed piaffe, you tend to think that you will be able to achieve a magnificent piaffe by shortening the passage little by little, but this procedure rarely produces good results. I think that it is much better to teach these two exercises in well-differentiated units: on one hand, teach piaffe first. Then, teach passage as a second exercise so that the horse clearly understands that these are two completely different, unrelated exercises. Afterwards, the time will be come to connect both exercises with flawless transitions. To achieve these, it is preferable to start from the “basic mechanics” of the piaffe to the passage, and vice versa, but the transitions deserve a separate chapter.

If the foundation has not been well established, any breeze will pull up by the roots that equitation that is lacking in orthodoxy, which is pretentious and full of ostentatious boasts most like. I consider that this method is the one that sustains less risks of irregularities and asymmetries.

Upon seeing a horse performing a good passage and piaffe, with good transitions between both, you tend to believe—upon seeing the naturalness of the performance— that these exercises are something that happen spontaneously. This is, in fact, one of the benchmarks by which these are deemed quality exercises. Don’t be deceived! To achieve this, a great deal of work has to be invested, and over an extended long period of time with methodical, meticulous work, which programs the priorities of the exercise, bearing in mind the physical and psychological particularities of each horse. As is usual, I have to note that there are several academic methods by which to teach passage and, as is usual, I will only write about the one that I

In any case, to obtain the most from the positive peculiarities of a horse, it is not difficult for a rider to improve those aspects in which your horse is less gifted. You must have an expert and reflexive rider, who knows all the ins and outs of equitation.

Rafael Soto riding Invasor

photo: m. vasco

Among less expert riders, it is not unusual to take advantage of everything a horse generously offer, and overlook those improvements that must be achieved to correct deficiencies. When you proceed in this manner with a PRE, it performs a magnificent passage with its forehand, dropping its back and not using it at all: the same happens with the hindquarters,

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José Antonio Fernández Lineros riding Magaño at passage

A good rider will always concentrate on the action of the hindquarters

which are “dead” and towed along by the rest of the horse, when it ought to the opposite. With this in mind, I must give two pieces of advice:

to extend when the action of impulsion prevails in the hindquarters, or they rise energetically when the carrier action prevails in the hindquarters.

1. Do not blame the horse: horses, if they are taught well, know how to do it well.

It is a mater of asking the horse to propel more than carry itself, or carry itself more than it propels, depending on what we want at the time This is the only way to ensure that in the future you will have good transitions from passage to extended trot and from passage to piaffe.

2. These riders went to the school for “invisible riders.” A good rider performs “invisible training.” I call it this, because, for the amateur spectator. it may appear that the horse does not progress in its training. I call this stage “buried training.” At this stage, the rider does not seek to achieve a passage. what he or she achieves is a good action through the back, teaching the horse to carry itself and to link this, as it should be, with its impulsion. In a good passage, the hindquarters push forward and upwards: they propel and carry. The back remains flexible but with the appropriate degree of tension so that it does not collapse, and the forehand is ready

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It is necessary to prepare the horse’s back very well before asking for passage, so that it does not fall into serious faults, such as those horses which perform passage with their forelegs, while their hind legs are just trotting; this is not high school, but only with showingoff. However, regrettably, this type of passage can be seen more often than is desirable. In order to achieve a good passage, it is necessary that the horse knows how to trot correctly, calm, with impulsion, straight, elastic, lightly etc., etc., in all

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Horses that perform passage with their forelegs, while their hind legs are just trotting, has nothing to do with High School

the types of trot, with all the correct transitions and in every possible combination; but, in addition, the horse must know how to do this with its head/neck in the various positions as well, so that it is able to perform a collected trot with the poll at its highest point, and collected, or with the poll very low and with no collection. Thus, the rider is always in a position to recover the appropriate degree of tension in the back, should it remain inactive. By working in trot with a low and extended neck during the periods of relaxation, and collected for the more intense trot work. With this, you ensure, to a great degree, that there is both the flexibility and the appropriate tension in the back. The horse must be worked in this way in the various trot types and their transitions, always being very attentive to the fact that the back is not inactive and that the hindquarters are pushing energetically. This procedure also ensures that the forelegs do not rise in excess, since the

weight of the head and the neck is borne, almost completely, by the forehand; for this same reason, the hindquarters are freer to perform their functions of propulsion and weight-bearing. A good rider will always concentrate on the action of the hindquarters and on the function of the back, and with this work, you have â&#x20AC;&#x153;buried trainingâ&#x20AC;? all the time necessary, with the guarantee that in equitation, and maybe also in life, the deeper and more invisible that it is, the more exuberant and longer lasting the flowering will be. On the other hand, if the foundations are not sufficiently deep, any breeze will pull up the roots that equitation that is lacking in orthodoxy, which is pretentious and full of ostentatious boasts.

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DAILY VETERINARY PRACTICE by Lara Armengou

and Miguel Valdés

MYOSITIS,

HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE DISEASE AND PREVENT IT Myositis after exercise or transport is a common disorder in horses that can entail complications that limit the use of the horse or which can even mean its death. Commonly known as “tying up,” but most of the time, it is due to the lack of training and preparation of the horse. Therefore, the root of the problem is mainly in a human failure rather than in the horse. By deﬁnition, myositis is the inﬂammation and death of muscle cells of the locomotive apparatus. In this article we will be concentrating on the myositis that appears after effort, its clinical signs, treatment and possible complications. Finally, and most importantly, we will emphasize how to prevent its appearance.

Figure 1: Palpation of the back and croup so as to detect pain and hardness of the muscles

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Box 1: Signs of the horse with myositis

The steps it takes, usually with the hind legs, are shorter

When it walks, it objects, it walks somewhat stiffly

Its respiration is fast and shallow

In serious cases, it sweats and often stops eating

In severe cases, the urine is very dark or black

When you palpate its croup and back, it objects and these are somewhat hard

Factors causing the onset of myositis • Intense or incorrect exercise: horses that are put under exercise after a time without training, or exercise until exhaustion. Typical examples are pilgrimages, endurance/long distance or eventing, in which horses are subjected to intense endurance tests, with dehydration and losses of mineral salts. Long transportation, without pause, in which the horses remain in the same position for hours are also similar to an intense exercise and can cause myositis. • Electrolyte deficiencies: horses can have losses of electrolytes (salts) for reasons not associated to exercise as such; lactating mares, animals with excessive perspiration, etc. These deficiencies negatively influence muscle function because the contraction of the muscle depends on the presence of these electrolytes. • Muscular-skeletal diseases: horses with pain in limbs, back, cervical, etc. can load other non-painful zones during exercise and thus suffer myositis due to overload. • Genetic alterations: certain genetic muscle diseases predispose to myositis. They are rare. In these cases, and unless a global plan of prevention is made, the horses will have repeated episodes of myositis after work (without it being excessive). Some of the most common examples are the polysaccharide storage myopathy of the draught horses and American breeds like the Quarter Horse and the recurrent rhabdomyolysis of Thoroughbreds.

How do you recognize it? It usually appears the day after exertion. During the work the animal undergoes inflammation and breakage of muscular fibers, but as the musculature is warmed up during the exercise the symptoms are not usually seen at the time. For this reason, it is also known as “Monday morning disease”, since in the riding schools the horses exercise at the weekend and it is Monday when they do not work and the symptoms are seen.

The horse will display more or less signs and in variable intensity based on the muscular damage suffered. In mild cases, horses will be slightly depressed, with less appetite and they will walk rather rigidly, with possible muscular tremors (picture 1 and figure 1). It is fundamental to see the horse walk; when you can see that it tries to walk with short strides, feel the muscles of the group and the back or loin. On palpation, a hardness of these muscles and pain or resistance when tightening the fingers will be noticed. In the most severe cases, the horses will appear anxious and sweaty, with the respiratory frequency increased and a total refusal to move. The horses of a strong or nervous temperament usually undergo more intense symptoms because the stress and anxiety they suffer aggravate the muscular tension. They can adopt alleviating positions that resemble laminitis (feet extended forwards) or even refuse to rise. In some cases the signs can resemble a colic (abdominal pain), but it can also be that the horse displays a colic caused by a shutdown of intestinal transit. When muscle cells are destroyed, they release a pigment called myoglobin in large amounts into the blood stream. These pigments reach the kidneys diluted in the blood, which is filtered to produce urine and as consequence the urine is a red to dark brown color (figure 2). In serious cases, some of this pigment is accumulated in the filtration zone of the kidneys (glomeruli), which obstructs the filtration and the kidney may stop producing urine causing serious renal failure that can cause death. It is important to emphasize that the lack of urine is not due to its retention, but to the kidney not producing it because of dehydration and the effect of these pigments. Therefore, the use of diuretics (Seguril®) without veterinary supervision and a fluid therapy is completely contraindicated.

What exactly should be analyzed in blood? Horses with myositis display increased concentrations of enzymes of muscular origin in the blood. Although there are several enzymes of muscular origin, those that are truly informative in the horse are creatinine kinase

The factors causing Myositis are intense and incorrect exercise, lack of electrolytes, muscular-skeletal diseases and genetic alterations

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Figure 2: The difference between the color of normal urine (left) and with myoglobin pigments (right)

(CK or CPK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT). The first increases after any muscular activity in a few hours, peaking at 24 hours and then begins to descend. The second takes up to 48 hours to increase and its decrease starts slowly; increased values can be seen up to 10 days after the episode. Horses with myositis are going to present very noticeable increases of these enzymes. Other parameters that will be altered are the electrolytes. As has been mentioned, deficiencies of electrolytes like potassium and calcium are directly involved in the appearance of the myositis. But the circumstance also occurs where the destruction of the muscle causes electrolytic changes. Muscle death produces an increase of potassium in the blood (that leaves the myocytes or muscle cells) and a decrease of sodium and chlorine. It is also good to monitor the urinary parameters. It is advisable to see the values of creatinine and urea in the blood, which are two markers of kidney function, and to take several urine samples to evaluate its density (if it is more or less concentrated) and the presence of more or less pigment. The horses usually display dehydration, be it due to exercise or the picture of myositis, which is why it is advisable to monitor the hematocrit percentage and plasma proteins.

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Treatment Any case of mild myositis must be taken care of in a more or less intensive way by an equine veterinarian. During the treatment, not only must the optimal medication for the degree of myositis and clinical signs that the horse presents be offered, but also that the most frequent complications of renal insufficiency, colic and laminitis (picture 2) are taken into account. In the mild cases it will be sufficient to treat the horse with oral non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like phenylbutazone (EQ-Zona速, Equipalazone速 among others) or suxibuzone (Danilon速), to give rest with some calm walking and apply heat and anti-inflammatory ointment on the muscles for some days. The use of anti-inflammatory ointments that generates heat or the use of electric blankets or hot water bottles in the affected zone several times a day helps to reduce the recovery time. In those more severe cases where the horse presents difficulty in moving, with dyed urine and more or less anxiety, the treatment will be more complex and it will even be reasonable to transfer the animal to a clinic or hospital where they can receive the best attention. In these cases intravenous drips and electrolytic supplements must be used, and in addition to the anti-inflammatory medication and local cures, it is necessary to give tranquillizers to relax muscles and allow the alleviation of the pain and to break the vicious circle of pain-contraction-pain. The more affected cases and with more pain, especially those accompanied with laminitis, usually appear on

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Box 2: What not to do when a myositis is detected?

Do not call the veterinarian

Do not take a blood sample, so as to control the state of the kidneys

Give an anti-inflammatory before plenty of urine is produced using a drip

Give a diuretic (Seguril®) to force the production of urine

Shut the horse in a stable for days on end, without letting it out

Work the horse normally before it has recuperated

the ground for hours. It is imperative to alleviate the inflammation and the pain as rapidly as possible and to try to keep the horse standing up several hours a day, even with the aid of a belt or harness if possible. It is a fact that the downed animal loads its muscles still further and thus perpetuates the muscle destruction. Any animal that remains down for more than 24 hours continuously will have a bad prognosis for life. Other more advanced or severe cases from the beginning can have complications like laminitis, kidney failure or colic. These cases should be admitted to clinical centers; they are more difficult to manage clinically, because they will require more attention and will of course have a worse prognosis. Many of them will need additional medications such as diuretics, therapy against the pain, laxatives and control of the laminitis with plaster, local cures and special shoeing. As additional therapy, it is advisable to administer very good quality diets to these horses. Of interest are green forages, fresh or conserved in the form of hay or silage. Avoid feed or grains with high carbohydrate content in starch form, but nevertheless offer easily assimilated energy sources, such as vegetable oils (corn, sunflower), the lipid based or extruded feeds, in which the carbohydrates (sugars) have passed through a cooking process which facilitates its digestion and prevents the appearance of gastrointestinal problems, laminitis, etc.

How do you prevent it? Since it is most frequent that the horse has had an exercise for which it was not prepared, the prevention is simple enough. In fact it depends very much on the knowledge that the rider or trainer has of the physical and athletic state of their mount. Sporadic work and intense, repeated and disturbed exercise are equally detrimental. Horses, like any

working animal, are like athletes and require regular and constant training adapted to their preparation, their physical conditions, age, etc. We cannot emphasize enough the previously described feeding and access to abundant water, particularly in extreme climatic conditions. Pilgrimages are characteristic celebrations in Spain. Unfortunately, daily occupations mean that the owners of the horses often do not have the time necessary to keep the animal trained throughout the year. This means that the horse is started to work only days before the pilgrimage and in addition the diet is increased sometimes inadequately. This, along with the wear and tear that the pilgrimage causes the animal, causes myositis to appear among many other problems. In order to prevent this situation it is advisable to initiate the training of the horse ahead of time and gradually, to give an easily digestible diet rich in energy (add oil and “smooth” grains, and avoid abusing beans, maize or barley). Frequent rests are advisable during the pilgrimage with even the possibility of giving water with electrolytic supplements to the horses. It is good that they eat grass or feed in frequent small amounts. Allow them to rest, avoid traveling in the hottest part of the day and also avoid abrupt work like races between companions. The numbers of losses of horses in each pilgrimage to Rocío must call on our consciences. The intense competitions like raid, carriage driving and eventing are also high risk. The preventive measures also consist of suitable training, intensity of competition in accordance with the physical condition of the horse and supplements of electrolytes and other energetic supplements designed for the competition. If the horse makes a long journey for the competition, it is advisable to travel days before and with breaks during the journey. Thus, the horse has time to become accustomed to the climate in which it is going to

Prevention is in the training, which should be smooth and increasing, feeding without an excessive increase in grains, abundant water and rest, with gentle exercise following a competition

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Figure 3: It is very important to check the color of the urine. This mare’s is dark in color due to myositis

Figure 4: The horse must have urgent treatment, even at the site where the effort was made or at the competition, with an intravenous drip into the two jugular veins, like in this case. He was subsequently sent to La Equina (Manilva) until his kidneys returned to normal.

compete and recovers from the stresses of the journey before the competition. When returning home after the venue (pilgrimage or competition), it is also good to allow the horse to ‘rest’ for several days in the stable. Although it is advisable not to work it in excess, also certain movement is recommendable. Leave it in an enclosure, riding school or better in a meadow so that it is exercised freely and without stress. If that possibility does not exist, strolls several times a day at hand or with a smooth ride, or the use of a walker in an easy-going program are other good options.

In summary, easy-going and increasing training, feeding without excessive increase of grain without treatment by extrusion or cooking, access to abundant water and rest with light exercise after the competition or hard exercise are best safeguard for the muscle of the horse, our athlete.

Lara Armengou, Internal Medicine Service Miguel Valdés, Surgery Service Equine Reference Hospital, Manilva, Malaga

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ASSOCIATIONS ESPACAN members benefit from Cantabrian Government aid

The Regional PRE Horse Breeders’ Association of Cantabria (ESPACAN) was founded in 1993 by a group of hopeful breeders who wanted to defend and promote the world of the PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse) in their region. Among the main aims of the association is “to promote the celebration of select livestock competitions as a stimulus for their members” and “to contribute to obtaining aids for members and applying for those incentives that are necessary to attend association objectives.” Once again, Espacan breeders have benefited from the aid granted by the Government of Cantabria, through the Regional Ministry of Animal Husbandry, photo: lemos

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Agriculture and Fisheries, for those PRE breeders who raise mares born in 2007 (€ 300,00 per horse). A technician from the Regional Ministry of Animal Husbandry attended a meeting organized by the Association to inform breeders about the options available when applying for aid for their breeding operations (stalls, fences,….).

Conformation-Functional Competition, Fecab 2007

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photo: lemos

Conformation-Functional Competition, Fecab 2007

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stud farm

Yeguada Miguel Ángel de Cárdenas: Name: Yeguada Miguel Ángel de Cárdenas S.L.

“With the qualification of Fuego XII for the Olympics, I am fulfilling a dream”

Location of the stud farm: Autovía A-4, Km. 459, Écija (Sevilla) Nº of mares, stallions and youngsters: 60 mares, 17 stallions and 102 youngsters Finca: Antiguo Lagar San Pablo Facilities: 22 boxes, 2 outdoor arenas, 1 covered arena, a horse walker, foaling stalls, etc. Personnel: 1 stud manager, 3 riders, 3 grooms, a guard, a veterinarian, a nutritionist, administrative personnel, etc. Mode of breeding: Extensive and in semifreedom. 94 ANCCE

Fuego XII, winner of the Odense CDI, Denmark, November 2007 www.ancce.com

VALIDO, head and neck of Valido in which you can see the breed of this horse

- How did you get into the PRE world?

What adjectives define your stud farm?

Since I was small, I have always lived in the horse world and, above all, in the world of the Spanish horse, which was what my parents always had at home and I have continued this.

It is one of the best.

Every stud farm has its peculiarities and a line that characterizes it. What are those of the Yeguada Miguel Ángel Cárdenas?

A champion - is it born or made?

I believe that it is characterized for its beauty, nobleness, great height, and for being very typical of the breed.

What are your priorities when breeding? To produce horses that are more functional, while always remaining faithful to the breed. Both What is the key to breeding a champion? To produce a great champion, you must have good mares and at least one good stallion. CLÁSICO MAC twice Champion of Spain, From the foals that ridden by Diandra Douglas are born, choose the best, and try them. What makes a breeder promote the competitive career of his horses? To improve the stud farm and to help improve the breed.

Mr. Miguel A. Cardenas Llavanera

Currently, we have a large number of dressage competitions in Spain. Do you

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believe it is a good idea to attend them?

national tainer, Mr. Bemelmans, does, too. Nevertheless, we cannot expect to achieve top success, we will be content to earn a diploma.

Of course. If you want to have a functional horse, it is vital that he competes.

In the future, his participation will have greater possibilities.

W h a t advantages do competitions have for a stud farm? Ungido IV, a magniﬁcent horse from the Cardenas bloodline

You mustn’t fall in love with your own without comparing them to those of others.

Of all his characteristics, what has he passed on to his offspring? His good paces and his vitality. Will or have the genetic lines of your stud farm changed following Fuego? I am planning to continue with my old line, and I will also continue with the line of Utrerano VII and Fuego XII. When a horse wins so many prizes, do you leave out any trophy? Which ones are in your showcase? Well, I only display the main ones. Have you thought about his future after the Olympics? What expectations do you have of him? Once the Olympics are over, then we’ll see.

FUEGO XII

Do you see the breed, in general, with a future in this discipline?

To learn a little more about “Fuego XII”, let’s start by describing his genealogy.

Yes I do, of course by, choosing the horses that are most suitable.

Fuego XII is a happy mixture of Bocado and Military Stud Farm lines.

What does it mean to a breeder when one of his/her horses reaches the highest peak in competition?

Who bred him and what is his history?

The fulfillment of a dream.

His breeder was Mr. Joaquín Márquez, whose ranch is on the Costa del Sol. Nevertheless, Fuego XII was bought on behalf of the Yeguada Indalo, with Cristóbal Porras,

If you would like to include anything else about your stud farm thathas not appeared in the interview, please feel free:

The following year, I bought his father, Utrerano VII.

In regards to my stud farm, and to keep it short, I would like to say that it has won the Stallion Breed Champion of Spain nine times, the Mare Breed Champion five times, and the Champion of Champions at Jerez, four times.

What did you see in him to convince you to buy him? I have not seen a Spanish horse with better paces than his, above all, his canter. Which of his qualities stand out? After having worked intensively with him for six years, he has demonstrated an exceptional character coupled with a great desire to work, and he is also exceptionally healthy. His vitality is proverbial. In all these years, he has not had the slightest illness, nor a single injury.

Lastly, I would like to say that I would love to be considered as someone who follows in the footsteps of such outstanding people in the world of horses as Alvaro Domecq y Díez, Alvaro Domecq y Romero, and riders Rafael Soto and Ignacio Rambla, among others photo: katharina braren © topiberian

What are his strong points? As I said before, his paces and his vitality. Fuego XII has qualified for the Olympic Games; do you believe the horse is in good shape? Not only do I believe this, but the exceptional

Fuego XII ridden by the Selector, Jean Bemelmans

Cobra

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COMPETITION CALENDAR CONFORMATION COMPETITION

DATE

COMPETITION

LOCATION

3 - 6 July

FECAB 2008

TORRELAVEGA ( CANTABRIA)

SPAIN

5 - 6 July

CAMPEONATO DE PRE DE HOLLAND 2008

DEURNE

HOLLAND

10 - 13 July

ECU ALJARAFE DE SEVILLA

BOLLULLO DE LA MITACIÓN (SEVILLA)

SPAIN

10 - 13 July

I CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO "CIUDAD DE LA LÍNEA 2008"

LA LÍNEA (CÁDIZ) SPAIN

17 - 20 July

EQUUS SOTOGRANDE 2008

SAN ROQUE (CÁDIZ)

SPAIN

18 - 20 July

V CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO FUNCIONAL DE PRE DE SEGOVIA

SEGOVIA

SPAIN

24 - 27 July

EQUIBENALUP 2088

BENALUP (CÁDIZ) SPAIN

24 - 27 July

ANDECAB 2008

PUEBLA DE GUZMÁN (HUELVA)

SPAIN

31 July - 3 August XVII CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO DE DOLORES

DOLORES (ALICANTE)

31 July - 3 August I CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO "CIUDAD DE HUELVA"

HUELVA

2 - 3 August

BAPSH LTD. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BREED SHOW

GLOUCESTERSHIRE UNITED

7 - 10 August

XXI CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO FUNCIONAL DE PIEDRAHITA

PIEDRAHITA (ÁVILA)

SPAIN

8 - 10 August

EQUUS GUADARRAMA

GUADARRAMA

SPAIN

21 - 24 August

VII CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO DE CABALLOS DE PRE "CIUDAD DE ÁVILA"

ÁVILA

SPAIN

21 - 31 August

II CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO DE CABALLOS DE PRE UTRERA 2008

UNTERA (SEVILLA) SPAIN

23 - 24 August

CONCURSO FLEMALLE (LIEGE) BELGIUM MORFOLÓGIC FUNCIONAL DE BELGIUM

28 - 31 August

VIII CONCURSO MORFOLÓGICO FUNCIONAL DE VILLARCAYO DE MERINDAD DE CASTILLA LA VIEJA

VILLARCAYO DE MERINDAD DECASTILLA (BURGOS)

SPAIN

28 - 31 August

XII CAMPEONATO DE CABALLOS DE PRE DE ANDALUCÍA ORIENTAL "CIUDAD DE BAZA"

BAZA (GRANADA)

SPAIN

28 - 31 August

VII P.R.E.M.O. 2008

MOGUER (HUELVA)

SPAIN

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July

COUNTRY

August L

SPAIN

KINGDOM

For more information about the Conformation Calendar for the ANCCE Cup and the Young Horse Circuit to be held in 2008, consult the ANCCE web at: www.ancce.com

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July

INTERNATIONAL FAIRS & SHOWS DATE

FAIR/SHOW

LOCATION

COUNTRY

3 - 6 July

Royal Show

Stoneleigh Park - Coventry

United Kingdom

5 - 7 July

Campeonato de PRE 2008

Deurne

Holland

10 - 13 July

CSI Twente

Geesteren (Overijssel)

Holland

11 - 14 July

Conformation Competition of France

Beaucaire

Francia

12 - 15 July

EQUIMUNDO

Karlsruhe

Germany

23 - 27 July

EUROCHEVAL

Offenburg

Germany

25 - 27 July

Int. Concours Valkenswaard

Valkenswaard

Holland

31 July - 3 August

Int. Concours Valkenswaard

Valkenswaard

Holland

2 - 3 August

National PRE Competition

Gloucestershire

United Kingdom

6 - 10 August

Dublin Horse Show

Dublin

United Kingdom

15 - 17 August

Verdiana

Verden

Germany

15 - 25 August

EQUIROS 2008

Moscow

Russia

23 - 24 August

Conformation Competition

Bruselas

Belgium

August L

For more information, contact: ines.parias@ancce.com

DRESSAGE COMPETITION DATE