COORDINATED BY SONJA SMALDONE
Horse training is a tough profession for a man or a woman. But Sandro Pinha, one of top-class Arabian horse trainers from Brazil is undaunted. His love for horses is always overwhelming. He decided to spend 24 hours with the most elegant of animals in the world, the Arabian Horse. Sandro now lives in Arizona, he trains and looks after many horses belonging to various owners. Sandro, to set the scene for our readers, who are you? How did this passion you have for the Purebred Arabian horse begin? And to what extent has this love you have acquired for the Arabian horse affected your life? I guess the answer to this question depends on who you are asking it, but you are asking me. I am still the same little boy in love with horses that is still extremely excited to get up every morning and go to the barn. I was fortunate enough to grow up with Arabian horses at Haras Capim Fino in Brazil, one of the best breeders of Arabian horses in that country. Besides yourself, is there anyone else in your family that loves horses? Or are you the only ‘case of Arabitis ‘in this respect? Yes, my father used to train and show horses when I was growing up. I guess it runs in the family.
Have you got your own Training Centre? If so, how did it all start? What was your main thought behind it and what made you believe it was going to be a successful Training Centre? Yes, I have. My partner Gil Valdez and I own Arabians International in Scottsdale, AZ. When I first moved to America I had the pleasure of working for several years with a couple of great farms. Then I felt like it was time for me to start my own training centre and create my own identity and style. Who was your mentor in this project? I have several great people that supported me
from the beginning. What’s your daily routine at the Training Centre? I don’t have a daily routine. Every day is something different from lunging horses, schooling horses, cleaning and pulling weeds. We do everything together. My least favourite thing…office work. What do the words ‘training/handling’ mean to you? Training is the day to day basic work getting the horse ready for a competition. A handler can just be someone that merely catches the lead of the horse at shows.
Is there any particular symbiosis between a trainer/handler and his horses? Absolutely, no one knows his horse better than his trainer. Of all the horses you have been training, which is the one you had to bear a greater commitment with? All of them. Who/What got you into morphology competitions? Do you remember your first show? Is there any victory you feel particular close to? As I grew up I always admired a great halter horse. My dream was to become a trainer/handler. Do the most deserving horses in terms of today’s standards really win? Yes, I truly believe that most times the best horse wins. What differences can you spot
between today’s Arabian horses and those in the past? The quality of the horses bred around the world today has raised the bar and continues to do so. How important are the Fairs of Arabian horses? It is extremely important that we need to continue to educate our breeders and newcomers in the horse business. What advice would you give to those who want to become a handler of Arabian horses? The best advice I can give them is to never lose focus of your passion and respect for the horses. Winning a trophy is not everything. What are your future plans? Continue to live the dream. Will you please leave a final message for AHM readers? Let’s never forget the real reason we are all together…for the common love of the Arabian horse. Thank you very much Sandro. We look forward to watching your brilliant performances at major shows around the world.