Special Edition 2015/16 The P.R.E. Horse

an eye to the future focus on the artist i & ii dreams can come true santa cruz island horses the cobra spain with the foundation henneke body scoring system viva la fiesta stallion service auction celebrating horses in show the award winners are more...

THE FOUNDATION FOR THE PURE SPANISH HORSE VOLUME XIII - 2015 ANNUAL ISSUE

THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION { 3

Publisher: The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse | 115 Elm St., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 | Phone: (505) 294-0800 | Email: info@prehorse.org Creative Consultant: Coty

The Foundation Staff Executive Director: Barbara Clark (505) 294-0800 | barb.clark@prehorse.org Accounting Services: Joanne Gayer (505) 294-0800 | joanne@prehorse.org Membership Services: Ana Escobar (505) 294-0800 | ana@prehorse.org Treasurer: Al Rotter | andalusianrsdp@msn.com

Contributing Authors: Elizabeth Babits, DVM; Coty; Barb Clark; Richard Lust; Dr. Celia Stenfors Dacre; Cameron English; Laurie Monroe.

Regional Directors

Editor/Graphic Design: Laurie Monroe | (352) 445-1235 | editor@prehorse.org

The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse International Resource Center: 115 Elm St., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Phone: (505) 294-0800 | Email: info@prehorse.org

The Foundation Board of Directors Chair: President: International VP: Secretary:

Barbara Currie Cameron English Maria O’Brien Steve Henry Dr. Celia Stenfors Dacre

barbara.currie@prehorse.org cenglish@englishsales.com mariaob@ca.rr.com stevehenryesq@aol.com cdacre@wyoming.com

Directors Emeritus (Life Trustees) Mary Adams mpadams@outlook.com Lee Burton leerburton@comcast.net Santiago Chuck sechuck@usmedicus.com Michael Connelly csconnelly3@gmail.com Marie Dooley radhaone@aol.com Lanys Kaye-Eddie lanysgf@gmail.com Jennings Lambeth jclambeth@gmail.com Mary McDonough mcdonough@bresnan.net Gavin Mackenzie gavin@ranchodoscentavos.com Richard Nickerson dick@nicopumps.com Barbara Rotter andalusianrsdp@msn.com Teri Young hrsn360@verizon.net Advisory Board Members Alan Dacre cdacre@wyoming.com Ami MacHugh ami@jackassmtranch.com Caren Cooper equsny@gmail.com Cynthia Roberts robertsca@ureach.com Deb Erickson deb@highlandsstable.ca Debbie Woodland orandas@att.net Ellen Birrell terriawall@yahoo.com Erick Pflucker erickpflucker@aol.com Holly Hansen hhclasical@sbcglobal.net Howard Peet howard_peet@yahoo.com Jackie Kennard Luna-azul@comcast.net Jane Evans waverley12@bigpond.com Janita Smith momfanega@hotmail.com Kip Mistral newhorsearts@hotmail.com Kristi Wysocki sk.wysocki@att.net Leslie Harrison hkprints@aol.com Linda Nickerson mail@snowypeaksranch.com Lisa Alley Zarkades lalley@ethorn.com Lisa Ann Nero ruayneroandaluz@msn.com Manuel Trigo info@equisa.biz Marc Ulanowski ulanowskikohl@cs.com Maria O’Brian maricoffee@hotmail.com Mary Beth Klock Perez mbklock@aol.com Pam Hines silhouettecutter@yahoo.com Patrice Quinlan patrice@designdynamics.com Raul Minondo rminondo@pahtaleon.com Ronnie Marroquin ronnie@andalusiansoftexas.com Sally Handley heritageandalusians@cablelan.net Sandy Wagner swagner424@aol.com Sarah Hollis tintagel@comcast.net Scott Young slpro@verison,net Shannon Pedlar sgp588@hotmail.com Sharon Hittner sghittner@earthlink.net Sharon Lee sleenator@gmail.com Tashina Heiser basiliorhf@gmail.com Terri Wall deependr@mac.com Tom Reed lostart108@aol.com Tony Bealessio toni@lightspeed.net Tony Manzo ajmanzoart@gmail.com Victor Vargas miravistaranch@earthlink.net 4 } THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION

Region

Region

Region

Region

Region

Region

Region

Region

Region

1:

Accepting Nominations for position District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia 2: Andrea Michna - andrea1104@aol.com Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia,Wisconsin 3: Johnny Jimenez - jrjimenez@univision.net Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee 4: Linda Frey - LFreyNP@gmail.com Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota 5: Steven Kiipper - thehorsespecialist@hotmail.com Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming 6: Linda DeWilde-Petersen - lilaclinda@gmail.com Toni Mueller - emerald.ridge@comcast.net Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington 7: Mike Mendoza - ranchomendoza@aol.com Sarah Shechner - sarah@originPRE.com California, Hawaii, Nevada 8: Paige Strait - greymanefarm@hotmail.com Connecticut, Maine, Massachusettes, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont 9: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas

Mission Statement

The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse is a non-profit public benefit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. The primary purpose of this not-for-profit corporation is to develop, perpetuate and foster an appreciation and understanding of the Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E.) throughout the United States and any other country where interest in the P.R.E. has been expressed or the help of The Foundation requested.

The Foundation was established To assist in the protection of the breed, including sharing of breeding stock and breeding information throughout the world.

To maintain a strong and cordial working relationship with the parent Stud Book and the entities which administer its rules and regulations.

To educate owners and the public about the P.R.E., its history and traits.

To establish and maintain a program for introducing youth and students to the P.R.E. including training them to care for and show the horse.

To provide protection for P.R.E. horses in endangered circumstances by rescue and/or relocation.

To sponsor shows and other programs that introduce the P.R.E. to the public.

To work with any sister organization or organizations which also have the mandate to protect and promote the P.R.E.

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

PREA Administrators Phone (505) 323-4413 • Fax (505) 294-0812 Margarita Smith w margarita.smith@prehorse.org Esther Conway (Enrolled Agent) w estherconway@sbcglobal.net Jolisa Anderson (Enrolled Agent) w chapelcreekranch@medievaltimes.com

2015/16 Special Print Edition

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{ Features }

The Award Winners Are

The Cobra Revised

16 42

Artist Spotlight ~ Anna Lukasik-Fisch

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Dreams Can Come True

Henneke Body Scoring System

Viva La Fiesta

30 51

Saving The Heritage Herd

35 46

Artist Spotlight ~ Azahara Perez

4 Masthead & Mission 5 Contents & Advertiser Index 8 President’s Letter 14 USDF Awards 26 Join the FPSH in Spain 38 2015 IALHA Nationals Recap 49 Celebrating Horses in Show Front Cover Photo of Dominante XXIX and Cassie Benson by Susan J Stickle Photography, “SusanJStickle.com” All Rights Reserved.

Printed by www.SpectraPrint.com

The P.R.E. Horse magazine is published quarterly by The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse, a section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit tax-exempt corporation.

Gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. The contribution for tax purposes is limited to the amount which exceeds the value of any goods and services of benefit to the donor. The entire content of the P.R.E. Horse magazine is copyrighted by the P.R.E. Horse Magazine 2012 and may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part without written permission. All rights are reserved. The P.R.E. Horse magazine is not responsible for advertiser’s claims, and while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publisher takes no responsibility for the accuracy of statements or content, and can accept no liability for errors, omissions or any inconvenience arising therefrom.

THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION { 5

PRESIDENT’S LETTER AN EYE TO THE FUTURE - THE P.R.E. HORSE PURA RAZA ESPANOL

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cannot remember a time in the world when there has been such a strong feeling of fear, uncertainty, and doubt surrounding current events. We are faced with a world of terrorism, economic hardship, and refugee migration at an unparalleled level. The U.S. pending Presidential election has provided endless entertainment and disconcerting debates.

The spillover of this turmoil affects the equine world as well.

We see world wide equine rescue challenges continuing with all breeds of horses.

In this midst of this “FUD” (fear-uncertainty and doubt) factor, I seem to value more and more the serenity that comes from personal time I spend with my horses. Time spent with my horses is always a time of escape and reprieve.

I think that the P.R.E. horse especially has a propensity to be generous with affection and attention to their human partners. Just last weekend, while showing the mares in the pasture to a prospective trainer, one of my mares walked over and gently laid her muzzle over my shoulder. I had to laugh, because it was such a genuine display of affection. She was not looking for a treat, or a scratch (well maybe a scratch).

It just seemed like it was something she wanted to do at the time.

What and how does any of this matter to the future of the P.R.E.? I am confident that when any one of us gets involved with the Spanish horse there is a personal return on our investment. When we take the time to stop and think about why we are so passionate about this breed, we recognize that there is something about the nobility, gentleness, and generosity of the Spanish horse. Our interaction with the Spanish horse triggers deep felt sentiment. I was wondering about my own investment in my horses. The time and money spent made me ask myself why I put so much of my personal resources into this interest in the P.R.E. Horse. The clear answer is that my horses keep me grounded and connected to something solid in this chaotic and uncertain reality the new world order represents.

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he Spanish horse has an amazing positive affect on people. I see it at Spanish horse shows. I see it when visitors come to the ranch. I see it when people experience the wonderful talents of the P.R.E. Many years ago, I

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had an exhibition mare named Violatera. This mare had exceptional expression and was highly educated. Tempis, Piaffe, Passage, Spanish Walk and a beautiful canter Pirouette were all part of her reportior. Riders would come to visit, and we would invite them to go for a demo ride on Violatera. There were numerous times the rider would be moving down the centerline while the mare performed her tempi changes, and the laughter and the smiles would come from the rider as the purest joyful expression you could imagine.

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know one thing to be true about horses and the people that love them. Horses bring out a connection to something precious and deeply rooted in our soul. In a world where we are bombarded by internet, facebook, social media, we are increasingly faced with the risk of getting stuck in a dizzying dance of media. Somehow, our interactions with our horses elevate our life experience. Someone once said about modern society, “we are stuck in the shallow end of our life experience”. I sense that people are becoming more and more drawn to what is real and meaningful in their journey. And as far as horses go, the P.R.E. has the effect on people of feeling special and connected. More so than any other breed I have been around.

This reminder; why we invest so much of ourselves, is sometimes important to revisit. It is the basis of what keeps us focused.

Which brings me to the practical and tactical aspect going forward into 2016, regarding our efforts at the FPSH. What is happening within the Foundation in regards to the future development of the breed? What are our plans for 2016?

Allow me to highlight some of the exciting projects we are working on to continue to promote the P.R.E.: 1. IALHA and the FPSH have concluded an agreement to collaborate on several high level joint projects.

• Co-developing “Iberian Horse in the Americas” magazine production.

• Working together to promote the IALHA National Show in Utah.

• Your President was invited on to the IALHA National Show Committee!

2. Carta Mundial Re-Engineering • Working to bring Carta Mundial “On Line” so that the process is automated.

• Developing an Internet accessible registration format to greatly simplify the application process.

• Developing a Database of P.R.E. Horses that will allow for user uploaded photos, information.

3. Rescue of the P.R.E. Horses • We have received generous grants from major supporters of the Spanish horse to apply to rescue operations.

• With the support of key individuals, our rescue efforts are more successful than ever.

4. Fabulous “Tour of Spain” • Maria O’Brien has assembled the most wonderful 2 week tour of Spain.

• Including some of the finest ranches and site visits.

• Including the Royal School of Equestrian Art –Jerez, Spain.

5. Youth Scholarship Program • A program to host a group of Young Rider/Trainers (ages 12-24) to tour P.R.E. Horse ranches.

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hope you can sense the optimism that all of us at the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse are feeling as we enter into this new year. The activities planned, the unprecedented level of collaboration between the FPSH and IALHA, is going make for a very exciting new chapter in our breed. I am more confident now than ever that the P.R.E. Horse will begin to receive the recognition it deserves in the equestrian world. Come and join me in our mission to Promote, Preserve, and Protect the Pure Spanish horse! Call the FPSH office today and ask how you can get involved.

All of these new initiatives and Projects have created a demand for talent across multiple disciplines. We need Software and Database experts. As well as HTML designers and people familiar with graphic arts. We need support at many of the clinics we have planned. We could use as much help with our numerous Social Media campaigns as we can find. Do you have skills in any area of administration? Photography, Internet and website commerce...please call us and let us find a role for you in this exciting new phase of the growth of the P.R.E. horse.

Finally, we expect to see a level of collaboration and partnership in the world of the P.R.E. horse never before experienced. Come and be a part of our future!

Advertising Index Yeguada Cárdenas Horses............................................................ IFC

• Youth riders hosted at Clinics oriented toward the P.R.E. horse.

C.F. Farms...........................................................................................3

• Nominate a youth rider today for this exciting Tour/ Workshop experience!

Oak Hill....................................................................... 6-7; 10; 15; 45

6. Stallion Service Auction • Hope you had the opportunity to bid on the beautiful stallions made available by our wonderful supporters!

7. Stallion Service Depot • This is a new program dedicated to the development of the tradition established in Spain, where mare owners could acquire top quality Stallion semen for their mares.

• Soon to be launched and introduced, inventorying the best quality Stallions available in the world of the P.R.E. today! Will be available soon.

Snowy Peak Ranch..........................................................................24 GrafX by Laurie...............................................................................25 Jackass Mountain Ranch................................................................28 Rancho Madrigal.............................................................................29 Viva Iberica.......................................................................................34 EQ9 Exclusives.................................................................................37 El Samaritano Equestrian Center.................................................41 Walnut Creek Ranch.......................................................................41 Stallion Service Auction THANK YOU................................... BC

THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION { 9

Welcome to Yassine El Ouahhaby Internationally recognized trainer, presenter, and rider

Congratulations on the successes you have brought to Oak Hill

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THE WINNERS ARE:

Let ’s Celebrate our Award Winners

by Teri Young

2015 FUEGO DE CARDENAS & NORTE LOVERA CUP WINNERS ARE...

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hese two Annual Dressage Awards celebrate the stellar accomplishments made by the P.R.E. Horses, FUEGO DE CARDENAS and NORTE LOVERA, at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Miguel Angel de Cárdenas Osuna owner of Fuego de Cardenas,and rider Juan Manuel Muñoz Diaz along with Norte’s owner, Miguel and Enrique Lovera, and rider by José Antonio García, and The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse are pleased to offer these two awards to those qualifying P.R.E. horses and riders who have achieved the highest median scores nationally competing in United States dressage competitions.

The 2015 FUEGO DE CARDENAS Cup Champion is FESTIVO RS, by Gaucho III x Llamadora I (by Estepeno VI); owned and ridden by Emily Copeland, and bred by Juan Rodriquez.

Reserve Champion is JUNIOR, by Gaucho III x La Nina 1985 (by Brioso VI); owned and ridden by Janne Rumbough, and bred by Gremlan Farms.

The NORTE LOVERA Cup Champion is NEXUS GF,

by Gaucho III x Ninfa GS (by Indiano XVIII); owed by Teri & Scott Young. Ridden by Kim Elsner, and bred by Gremlan Farms.

FESTIVO RS, Fuego de Cardenas Cup Champion, with Emily Copeland. Photo courtesy Shaana Risley (ShaanaRisley@gmail.com).

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THE WINNERS ARE (con’t)...

This is the second year in a row that Nexus GF has won the cup, and the first time in Norte history that this has been accomplished.

Reserve champion is PEPA DE, by Dominante XXIX x Cortesana RS (by Gaucho III) owned & bred by Ellen Birrell. Ridden by Kim Elsner.

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his is a remarkable year for these awards. This is a year of firsts. It is the first year that a horse and rider pair has won the Norte Cup two years in a row. The first year that the Fuego cup has been won by their owners riding and the most remarkable is that each of these champions and reserve Champions are the great Stallion Gaucho III progeny. That is a remarkable achievement. Gaucho III was owned, loved and ridden to many championships by Janne Rumbough.

jUNIOR, Fuego de Cardenas Cup Reserve Champion, with janne Rumbough.

Photo courtesy Shaana Risley (ShaanaRisley@gmail.com).

“Festivo inspired me to follow my passion of dressage training”, says Emily Copeland, Festivo’s owner and rider.

NEXUS GF, Norte Lovera Cup Champion, with Kim Elsner and owners Scott and Teri Young.

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”We began our journey in the ‘real world’ of the horse industry as a working student with Olympian Tina Konyot in 2011. We learned and struggled, fell and grew, and came out the other side more educated, confident and ready to step into the dressage scene of Wellington FL. Seeing my passion for the Iberian horses, Tina helped find me a job with the late Nan Sexton. I rode and showed her Lusitano stallions. My two-years with Nan really helped confirm the niche I wanted to take in the dressage training industry, riding, training and selling P.R.E. and P.S.L. horses. Following Nan’s passing, I started my own business, Landmark P.R.E., where I offer dressage training, sale horses and breeding from my two P.R.E. stallions.

Currently I am based out of the beautiful Casa Lusitana FL facility, which I run with my partner and dressage trainer, Patrick Tigchelaar. I also work with the facilities owner, Jorge Gabriel, training and selling some of his high-quality and talented young stock from Brazil. Festivo made his small-tour CDI debut in 2015 at the Global Dressage Festival. He consistently placed in the top half of a field of 50+ open competitors, earning the scores to proceed to both the I-1 and the I-1 freestyle. Festivo is now schooling all the Grand Prix movements, and we look forward to his open Grand Prix debut in 2016. We will move him to CDI Grand Prix as soon as he is ready. Festivo and I had two big highlights in 2015--One of course was receiving the Fuego Cup, and the other was the invitation to the USEF Festival of Champions in Wellington, FL,

where Festivo will be the only P.R.E. competing against the nations best CDI small-tour and Grand Prix athletes. I am very thankful for both of these honors, and I am so grateful to share in them with my wonderful P.R.E. Festivo, who is truly a piece of my heart”.

Kim Elsner talks about Nexus GF, Pepa DE, and what it’s like having both champion and reserve in her barn...

It’s been a fun journey with Nexus. She is a talented and sensitive horse that has taken more time and patience than the average horse. I’ve really had to work on building her trust in me and gradually the strength. I can’t over face her otherwise her confidence drops quickly. Now that I have her trust and she knows I won’t put her in a situation she can’t overcome, she really gives me a lot and tries hard. She loves her work and the harder it gets, the more she enjoys the challenges. We are really starting to move up the levels and It’s really fun to feel her confidence grow.

I’m really excited for the future with her. Also having the Norte Cup Champion and Reserve Champion in my barn is a huge honor. Both of the horses are hot and sensitive mares so it’s taken a lot of patience getting them to this point, but it is also very rewarding. Pepa DE has proven to be one of the smartest and hottest horses I’ve worked with.

I knew she would take time but it’s really paying off now.

She is a remarkable horse. Excited for the futures with both of these girls! Kim Elsner trains out of Castle Rock farms in Moorpark CA.

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t is one of The Foundation missions to promote the P.R.E., and we feel that participation in equine disciplines at which this breed excels is an excellent way to present the breed to the equine public. The FUEGO DE CARDENAS Cup is awarded for the highest median score at the International levels. (Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I, Intermediare II, and Grand Prix). The NORTE LOVERA Cup is awarded for highest median score at the National levels (Training, First, Second,Third and Fourth Levels).

For more information on this award and how you can qualify, please visit our website at prehorse.org.

PEPA DE, Norte Lovera Cup Reserve Champion, with Kim Elsner.

“The way to heaven is on horseback. ”~ Author Unknown THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION { 13

USDF ALL BREED AWARDS 2015 First Level Open Champion: PEPA DE, owned by Ellen Birrell.

Second Level Open Champion: NEXUS GF, owned by Scott and Teri Young.

Third Level Open and Musical Freestyle Champion: DANTE NIC, owned by Dick and Linda Nickerson.

Intermediate I Open, ADULT AMATEUR, MUSICAL FREESTYLE and vintage cup champion: ENEBRO XIV, owned by Lee Burton.

Grand Prix Open and Intermediate II Open CHAMPION: Dominante XXIX, owned by Dick & Linda Nickerson.

Grand Prix Open and Intermediate II Open CHAMPION - Dominante XXIX, owned by Dick & Linda Nickerson; ridden by Cassie Benson.

Intermediate I Open, ADULT AMATEUR, MUSICAL FREESTYLE and vintage cup champion - ENEBRO XIV, owned and ridden by Lee Burton.

FIRST LEVEL OPEN CHAMPION - PEPA DE, owned by Ellen Birrell; ridden by Kim Elsner.

THIRD LEVEL Open and Musical Freestyle CHAMPION - DANTE NIC, owned by Dick & Linda Nickerson; ridden by Cassie Benson.

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SECOND LEVEL OPEN CHAMPION - NEXUS GF, owned by Teri & Scott Young; ridden

by Kim Elsner.

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artist spotlight i:

A “Wow” Artist - New to the Breed

by Laurie Monroe

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hat can I say about Anna? Anna LukasikFisch was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1973. She graduated the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw in 1997. She currently lives in Germany and is a freelance artist.

For 16 years Anna has focused on commercial human and horse portraitry, vector outline designs for logos and embroidery projects, book illustration, etching, vectorbased designs for industrial metal laserbeam cutters, and media print design. From what I have seen of her work since meeting her online in 2014... wow, she is good at what she does!

Anna’s personal interests, aside from art, include archery, riding, equitation, and ironic theme illustration.

CHARCOAL DRAWING EXAMPLEs

IRONIC THEME ILLUSTRATION EXAMPLE

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W

hen Anna got her first Andalusian, not a very long time ago, her first thought was “Wow!!! Finally I may draw one of them…”

Then she wondered why she had never done it before and came to the conclusion that the very beauty she coveted of the P. R. E. horse was exactly the reason she had never tried to draw one.

Certainly there are many people drawing Andalusians and Friesians for that matter, perhaps with a belief that a picture of a beautiful model would be enough, and spare them the effort of worming the qualities out of a more average looking horse...that a picture of an impressive white horse with some colorful ribbons would guarantee them the attention of customers and fame as a good horse artist.

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nna doesn’t often take the easy way. She used to be a field-and-forest (trail) rider herself. There were no noble or long pedigreed horses in her string, but she admired them all and looked deeply into these simple horses to find those special qualities that set the horse apart. Anna told me that she has drawn and loved horses all her life, but it was actually a wild coincidence that made her a professional horse artist.

Anna said, “Since I received my first horse art commission I’ve looked at the horse with the loving eye of its owner. I feel it is important to recognize the beauty of an animal from the second and third sight, and to never stop learning about my subject. Dressage, jumping, pace, p.r.e. gelding, “reflejo de amando” THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION { 17

ARTIST SpoTlIgHT (con’t): race, eye, neck, typical stature; everything necessary to create a convincing piece of art. I have had the distinct pleasure of working with 30 year-old ponies from a person’s childhood to millions of euro’s worth of dressage and jumper performance champions.”

In Anna’s opinion it’s not as big an achievement to seek and reproduce a beautiful subject in and of itself. “The true art is to see beauty in every living being you draw. To find its spirit, its individuality, and its internal beauty. It has been my constant intellectual attitude in the past 16 years of work as a professional horse artist and designer.”

Along, then, came

...the P.R.E.

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ince Anna’s first contact with the breed in 2014, she has been bumping into more and more of them - funny how that works out!

First as an artist, then as a designer, and most recently as a rider. The more contact Anna has with the breed, the more she notices those quirks, personality traits, and special qualities of each individual P.R.E. Anna feels she is finally able to tackle a horse of such beauty, ancient lineage, and personality with a new and certain level of maturity.

“I feel I might deserve to paint and draw horses exuding this level of grace, power, and history now, and I will always try to reveal those special attributes of every single animal.

“Per aspera ad astra”. A Latin phrase meaning: “Through hardships to the stars”...perhaps it is my time to finally reach and touch those stars!”

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Find out more about our Master of Arts, Anna E. Lukasik-Fisch at www.equiluk.com or www.lukasik-fisch.de. Visit her on FB at https://www.facebook.com/anna.lukasikfisch

artist spotlight: anna lukasik-fisch p.r.e. stallion, “garabato iv” THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION { 19

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

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Dreams Can Come True

by Barb Clark

here are many young riders at dressage barns that live in small towns in remote states and dream of making it to the “Big Time” If these riders don’t live in the dressage centers of the country the odds are against them fulfilling their dreams. Cassie Benson is someone who would not let geography or anything else stop her. Her childhood dream of riding in the prestigious Brentina Cup Championships was realized this past summer on the P.R.E. stallion, Dominante XXIX.

Margo Gogan, the owner of Hill Top Dressage in Heber City, UT, is Cassie’s aunt and lifelong dressage coach.

Margo remembers “Since Cassie was old enough to ride her tricycle she would ride it to the barn every day. She worked every day to help out, dragging the arena, feeding horses hay, or anything else that was asked of her.

She used to practice riding in the arena on her own two feet. She would ride anything that she had a chance to ride. When she was about 10 she showed my mother’s old trail horse and scored higher than many professionals at a show. When she was 14 I took her up to River Grove when I was training with Debbie McDonald. She came as my mini groom. She could have spent the time with her friends but chose to come with me. Debbie McDonald looked in to her eyes and said ‘Cassie, dreams do come true’. This had a profound effect on Cassie and she did everything she could to make her own dreams of success come true. In 2011 she was Jr. Rider Intermediaire-1 Champion for the entire US.

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ot too far from Heber City is the town of Oakley, UT where Linda and Richard Nickerson have their beautiful P.R.E. breeding operation called Snowy Peaks Ranch. Looking for a nearby dressage trainer, Richard and Linda brought three horses to Hill Top for training, their main breeding stallion Dominante XXIX, a young stallion by Dom, Aranjuez VSES and a young gelding, also a Dom son, Dante NIC. Margo said, “Cassie was riding Aranjuez and Danté and I was riding Dominante XXIX or “Dom”. In January 2015 I had the idea that maybe we should change things and put Cassie on Dominante to try and go for the Brentina Cup in 2015. It was the last year Cassie could try and compete in the Brentina Cup because of her age. This was a fairly risky move because usually it takes longer for a horse and rider team

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Cassie Benson and Dominante XXIX (aka Dom)

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he Brentina Cup is named after the popular Olympic Bronze medal winning dressage mare ridden by Debbie McDonald and owned by E. Parry Thomas.

The Cup was developed to assist and encourage U.S. young riders in making the transition to senior Grand Prix competitors. Riders between the ages of 16 and 25 are eligible to compete. Cassie and Dominante did qualify for the Brentina Cup Finals, which was held at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL during the 2015 USEF UNITED STATES DRESSAGE Festival of Champions in August. It is quite an accomplishment to make it to the finals since only 12 horses qualify!

to be successful. Richard and Linda liked the gamble, have always supported youth riders, and wanted to give Cassie the opportunity to realize a childhood dream.

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om was a solid Intermediaire-1 competitor when he came to Hill Top. Margo worked with him for about a year to bring him up to Grand Prix when she had the idea to have Cassie ride him. You have to do both the1-2 and the Under 25 Grand Prix test to qualify for the Brentina Cup Finals at the Festival of Champions.

The only difference between the U25 Grand Prix test and the FEI Grand Prix test is the order of the movements in the choreography.

Margo indicated “This was Cassie’s first experience in the national limelight. The more we showed the more encouragement we received to keep going. There are only a few shows that counted to qualify for the Brentina Cup Championships so Richard and Linda put over 10,000 miles on their truck just driving to shows to qualify. One opportunity lead to another because we were not afraid to take a risk.”

Dominante also gave his whole heart and soul to Cassie.

Although Margo remained her coach through the entire year, she was also schooled by Jeremy Steinberg. Cassie and Dom also received support and training from Olympian Debbie McDonald, both at River Grove Farm in Idaho and at the finals at Lamplight. Debbie is a USEF High Performance Developing Coach, which is comparable to being a Baseball Scout.

Cassie described her experience at the finals by saying, “Riding in the big arena with our names on the scoreboard was huge. I usually don’t get bothered by showing, but I have dreamed of being in the Brentina Cup for years, so I was a little nervous and during the first test we made some mistakes. The second day’s score was much better, we felt more solid together, and had more confidence going in to the ring. We had a much more positive outcome. I was very happy with the test and Dom gave me his all once again. There was a huge difference between the first and the second tests.”

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he nice thing about Lamplight is that their rings are close together so there are eyes everywhere. The whole USEF coaching committee is there and they can watch the warm-ups and the tests. The pair must have impressed those in the know that saw their efforts and performances as they were invited to participate in the prestigious Dressage Youth High Intensity Training at Epona Farm Elite Training Center, Thousand Oaks, CA, in September 2015. The group of riders experienced intense training sessions for three days both under saddle and in the classroom. USEF Dressage Youth Coach George Williams and Assistant Youth Coach Charlotte BredahlBaker along with Stefan Peters, Axil Steiner and others coached the groups on how to become successful international dressage stars.

Cassie reflects “I still don’t know how or who invited me to the High Intensity Training. The rest of the girls there were girls who were on the Region 7 Young Rider and Jr. Rider Teams. I was the only one from out of the State of CA and the only one on a P.R.E. All the other riders had warmbloods.”

The fact that Dom was the only pure Spanish horse who was invited to attend was a further validation of his Quali-

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MEMBER SpoTlIgHT: DREAMS cAN coME TRuE (con’t)... fied Status that he achieved from the Cría Caballar. He is also the only P.R.E. stallion to achieve such a high level of success in Dressage and in breeding shows where he won National Stallion Championships more than once. Dominante has proven that you can have a horse that does it all.

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hen asked about her relationship with Dom Cassie says “Our relationship had a few nerves in it going into our first qualifier. When we went to the second qualifier it was our first CDI and it was very, very cold in May in Estes Park, CO. I had the flu and was trying to show four horses. We were the last ones to go into the ring for Dom’s ride and there was a horrible downpour.

He went into the wind and rain and gave me his all. The rain was freezing and there was thunder and lightning that would have distracted other horses but he gave me everything!”

Most youth riders do not ride stallions. Cassie does not find it a problem that Dom is a stallion and says, “He is

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“I still don ’t know how or who invited me to the High Intensity Training. The rest of the girls there were girls who were on the Region 7 Young Rider and Jr. Rider Teams. I was the only one from out of the State of CA and the only one on a P.R.E. All the other riders had warmbloods. ”

turned out next to mares and geldings but is always such a good boy. You can put anyone next to him in the cross ties and he does nothing. He was bred several times this year during his training and it didn’t affect him at all. I feel like he is ready to ride after breeding and you could tell he was happy and ready to work.”

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ll horses have quirks and Dom is no exception.

Cassie explained, “He loves to make sounds. If he is in the crossties he is always playing with the chain with his lips to make sounds. He likes to entertain himself. He has a window where he can stick his head outside and he loves to watch all the other horses from the window.”

When asked about the future Cassie says “The first P.R.E.’s I ever rode was three years ago…Aranjuez VSEF, and Dante NIC. I showed them that first year in Training Level. It was fun taking them to their first shows and see them develop. Dante completely captured my heart! I showed

Dante from Training Level to Third Level this year. I took him everywhere I took Dom. I feel like Dante has a special future in Dressage, he is very talented and athletic. I also took Dante to Lamplight for the experience of going to a larger show and he did very well. Where do we go from here is the big question? This year Dom will be showing and perfecting his skills at Grand Prix. Dante will be ready for the Prix St. George and we will just see where we are after the first few shows. Margo will continue to ride and show Aranjuez this year.

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y goal for so long was making it to the Brentina Cup finals and now I want to go as far as the sport can take me. I plan on being in dressage for the rest of my life. I love the sport since there is no age limit on the rider or horse. The horses have a long career too. They can compete at older ages than other equestrian sports.”

Cassie is living proof that Dreams Can Come True!

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dominante XXiX

dominante XXiX 2015 Brentina Cup UNited StateS

DRESSAGE Festival of Champions

Breed to a Champion book for 2016 Now

Snowy PeakS Ranch would like to thank:

caSSie BenSon Dom’s Rider/Trainer MaRgo gogan head Trainer/Coach deBBie Mcdonald USEF High Performance Developing Coach

SnoWY peaKS ranCh 801.694.1106 • snowypeaksranch.com • mail@snowypeaksranch.com 24 } THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION

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TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY:

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Spain Anyone?

he History and Culture of our breed is a huge part of its charm and you can only fully appreciate where our breed came from if you have visited Spain. Our countries are connected by a rich history that helps cement the attraction we have for our horses. The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse (FPSH) has always worked to educate about the horse and we have developed an exciting dream experience that is only available to members of either The Foundation or IALHA. Our trip called “The History and Roots of the P.R.E. horse, a visit to Spain with the FPSH” is specifically designed for you! Why not spend your vacation in Spain and learn more about our breed in fourteen exciting days?

Don’t speak Spanish? Don’t worry! This adventure will be hosted by a bilingual guide who will make sure that you do not miss a thing and understand all that is happening.

The trip will start on April 26th where everyone will meet in Madrid at the Atocha Railway Station at 12:00 noon.

The group will then board a bus and the fun will begin!

The group adventure ends in Jerez or Sevilla on the 9th of May. This is an ideal tour with just enough free time to enjoy some personal exploration and just enough group travel to maximize the experience.

The Itinerary follows, but please note that some of the details may change due to unforeseen circumstances: Tuesday, April 26, 2016: Meet at Atocha Station at 12:00 for trip to Segovia.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2016: Early morning visit Yeguada Centurion. Afternoon. Travel from Segovia to Aranjuez.

Tour of the city. Hotel in Aranjuez.

Thursday, April 28, 2016: Visit Yeguada Ovelar, Coveca.

Exhibition and guest reception by the owners. Return to spend night in Aranjuez.

Friday, April 29, 2016: Travel Puertollano - Ciudad Real.

Visit Yeguada Valdevinas. Guest reception by the owners.

Saturday, April 30, 2016: From Puerto Llano to Lorca (Hotel Parador de Lorca) free night to visit Lorca.

Sunday, May 1, 2016: Visit Yeguada Pena de Bejar en Pto. Lumbreras Murcia. See the exhibition of horses they have. Guest reception by owners. Night at Lorca.

Monday, May 2, 2016: From Lorca to Cordoba. Visit Caballerizas Reales de Cordoba and visit breedres around Cardoba, Night in Cordoba.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016: From Cordoba to Sevilla. Free afternoon and night for tourism and shopping. Hotel San Gil. Wednesday, May 4, 2016: Travel to Villa Nueva del Rio y Minas. Visit Yeguada Aqulino Fraile. Guest Reception by Owner. Night in Sevilla Hotel San Gill.

Thursday, May 5, 2016: Visit to Ecija, Ganadería de Miguel Angel de Cárdenas. Free Night in Sevilla, Hotel San Gill.

Friday, May 6, 2016: Visit to Feria de Jerez. Visit the sherry warehouses. Night in Jerez.

Saturday, May 7, 2016: Visit Feria de Jerez. Visit the Fundacion Real Escuela del Arte Ecuestre. See the exhibition. And experience a special behind the sceens tour to the installations to talk to the Olympic riders. Night in Jerez.

Sunday, May 8, 2016: Visit Feria de Jerez and the Yeguada de la Cartuja. Night in Jerez.

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To join The FPSH visit www.prehorse.org and click on the button to the left of the homepage or call 505.294.0800.

ecause of the strong dollar it is a perfect time to visit Spain and take advantage of the great rates. At this writing the Euro is 1.1365 instead of 1.35-1.40, which it has been for several years. The cost of the trip will also very depending upon your situation. Transportation to and from Madrid is not included.

The charge for all the transportation from Atocha throughout Spain and the tickets to enter all the historical places and the Royal School Performance are only $800 euros. Hotel reservations will be made according to occupancy and everyone will pay for their own hotel rooms at the hotels. Rates will vary but hotels will usually cost around 120-130 euros for double occupancy.

Hotels will provide most breakfasts and dinners will be paid by individuals.

The trip is purposely fixable on both ends so that people can arrive earlier to fulfill their own agenda in central or northern Spain and leave from Jerez or Sevillla by air or train back to Madrid. Of course the most fun would be to stay in Southern Spain another week to do more things like take riding lessons or visit the wonderful beaches.

Please reserve your place for this amazing Spanish Adventure as soon as possible since space is so limited.

To make a reservation simply contact The Foundation at 505.294.0800 or email info@prehorse.org. Don’t forget to check the date on your passport and renew it if it is within six months of expiring! See you in Spain!

Monday, May 9, 2016: Return from Jerez to Sevilla by train. And to Madrid by train.

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his fabulous trip is limited to only 18-20 people to ensure that it is an unparelled personal experience. If you are not a member of either The FPSH or the IALHA and would like to go on this amazing trip you must join one or the other. To join the IALHA visit www.ialha.org/join-ialha-now/ or call 205.995.8900.

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Spanish Descendants from Santa Cruz Island! by coty

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SAVINg THE HERITAgE HERD:

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elly and Lou Gonda have big hearts, as ample as their 160 acre spread in Hidden Valley, a select group of ranches located in Thousand Oaks, California. A recent trip out to Windy Hill Ranch provided me with an opportunity to write about and photograph horses that are directly related to the wild horses that had previously been left to roam free on Santa Cruz Island, that is until the federal government bought the island in the 1990’s and made the decision to remove the prized horseflesh from their natural habitat. Amid much protest over the rights of the horses to remain, the three thousand pound gorilla, (the Feds) won the battle.

Santa Cruz Island is located in the Santa Barbara Channel and it is the largest of a cluster of Islands coined the Channel Islands. It is approximately twenty-four miles across, six miles in width, seventy-seven miles of beautiful shoreline, with 62,000 ample acres. According to legend, Santa Cruz Island was named for a priest’s staff accidentally left on the island during the Portola expedition of 1769. A Chumash Indian found the cross-tipped stave and returned it to the priest. The Spaniards were so impressed that they called this island of friendly people “La Isla de Santa Cruz,” the Island of the Sacred Cross.

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panish horses had been brought over to Santa Cruz Island in the early 1800’s and they were known as the “Heritage Herd.” These spectacular horses were used by the families that also lived there to pull their wagons, and plows, and the horses were also used for herding cattle. In the early 1900’s the horses were also used for stunts when a silent movie company came out to the Island to make westerns. For a time after all of the people had left the Island, the horse were allowed to roam and breed undisturbed. They are able to reproduce all year round and they have special attributes that are uniquely their own.

For example, their foot bones are far more durable than other Spanish horses and therefore they do not deal with lameness that can sometimes plague others.

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hristina Nooner rescued a large part of the herd and they came under her protective wing at Sunshine Sanctuary in California. She nurtured both the herd and also youth at risk, combining the horses and their needs with saving troubled kids, who needed a little extra attention. Those efforts have paid off and provided her with a winning combination, and also a door to Kelly

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saVING THE HERITAGE HERD (con’t)... and Lou’s ranch. Kelly and Lou acquired the herd from Christina and currently, Christina has 13 of the herd’s offspring. Once these horses are gone, this unique horse breed will cease to exist. Some people want to mix breed the horses with others, but there are concerns about that too. Christina said to me over the telephone with genuine affection for these special horses, “We are trying to save God’s horses, not change them.”

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rior to Christina’s efforts, the horses found some partial refuge until part of the herd finally found their way to both Christina and later Kelly and Lou. At one previous location fierce mountain lions attacked the defenseless babies that mares had given birth to, and devoured them under the darkness of night. It was a puzzle at first what was happening to the foals until finally the tragic mystery was solved. On the Island the horses had no predators and so they had not developed the necessary skills to protect themselves.

Now safe at the ranch, the Gondas’s two-year old grandson, Sawyer, named a precious foal after the character Ariel from the Disney movie, The Little Mermaid. This

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darling filly Ariel decked out in her wholly winter coat, came gently walking over to me, I extended my arm and hand so she could greet me at her own comfort level. I lightly touched her velvet nose, which she crinkled up as though it tickled her. The mare viewed me as no threat and allowed this minor exchange between us.

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any of the Island horses clearly wanted as much touching and attention as a person was willing to give. The Gonda’s have two stallions, four mares, three geldings, two fillies and one colt. All are the offspring of the SCI horses. An observation of mine with other Spanish horses is that they are so friendly they think they are “lapdogs” and immediately want to “cuddle” with me. They weigh in at over 1,000 pounds and I am scant 100 pounds, so they can knock me over just trying to say hello.

I went into the corral with the three mares and one wasted no time in hurrying over so I could pet her. The other two weren’t as eager but did not mind at all the visitor in their home. The Gonda’s are generous with the space all of the horses have and they are grouped in separate, huge,

corrals, with plenty of room to roam, but they also have shelter from the elements. The SCI horses have their own groom and he proudly shows off “his horses” running alongside of them enticing them to make action shots for me. However, I can find quiet beauty in a horse even when they are standing perfectly still. I have a tendency to photograph each horse as they “communicate” with me and I allow their own personality to come shining through.

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he three geldings all huddled right up at the fence in a tight group hanging their heads over so they could have first rights to any and all forms of attention. I wisely stood outside and snapped photos, so that I didn’t later have hoof-prints on my body parts!

The two stallions shoved and pushed at each other vying for the best position they could muster and the groom was the “sandwich spread” in between them. He clearly knew his horses and he took it all in good fun.

The two mares and their babies have their own special story and that is why I saved them for last. One of the

original Island mares kept losing her babies and no one could figure out why. After the horses came to the Gonda’s ranch, a special vet was able to diagnose the problem.

The mare had a tear in her uterus and that is why she kept losing her foals. This time, after the mare became pregnant, they transferred the embryo to another mare. They did that twice, with the same stallion and same Island mare, they just used two different surrogate mares to keep the babies safe inside the womb. The primary mare did not live much longer, but she left behind a legacy with her two babies. When this colt and filly stand side-by-side, it’s almost as though they are twins. They are quite calm and not at all interested in my camera. One of the grooms holds their lead-rope and points at me, “Look over there” he pleads, but these special babies are just quite bored with the whole routine. You have to admire that quality of personality. “I know you think we are special, but really we are just a couple of foals hanging out in the corral, with our family!”

Learn more about the Colonial Spanish Santa Cruz Island Horse at www.santacruzislandhorse.com, or email: santacruzislandhorse@elcampeonfarms.com.

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SHOW RECAP:

2015 IALHA Nationals Recap

by Julie Alonzo

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nexpectedly mild weather combined with festive camaraderie and a great turn-out worked together to make the 2015 IALHA National Show one of the most successful in recent memory. In all, the event celebrated 627 entries, with 107 unique horses entered in the National Championship classes and 71 entries in the open-breed dressage show.

The show, which was held in the eastern part of the United States at the Lexington Virginia Horse Park for the first time since the merger that created the IALHA, welcomed both veteran National-level competitors and those making their Nationals debut.

With 18 entries, the National Championship Andalusian/Lusitano English Pleasure Hunt Seat Open class was the largest at the show, up from the prior five years’ average of 12 horses. The winner, Icaro XXIV, ridden by Hannah Lisec for owner Martha Ann Lott, narrowly beat out Reserve Champion RA Dulcineya, ridden and owned by Kimberly David and Top Five finisher Xenophon, ridden by Shelley Van den Neste for owner Sandra L. Werner to take home the Champion trophy.

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close second in terms of number of entries, this year’s National Championship Andalusian/Lusitano Dressage Hack Open, with 16, far exceeded the previous five year average of 7 entries and thrilled spectators with the incredible presence of the horses competing. Zerbino Interagro, ridden by John Zopatti for owner Johnny Robb took home the National Champion trophy, while Aragon GAF was the Reserve, with Felicitas Von Neumann Cosel riding for owners Cynthia and Craig Roberts of Glen Aryn Farm.

The National Championship Andalusian/Lusitano Best Movement class, with 15 entries, was once again one of the largest classes at the show. Hielo MOR, handled by John Rock for owner Lisa McDowell, took home the

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Champion title, while Mary Anne and Derrick Peake’s stallion Vino Real WF, handled by Zach Dukes, won Reserve.

Four National Championship classes had 13 entries each: Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Stallions 4 & Over, Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Mares 4 & Over, and Andalusian/Lusitano Senior Stallions 5 & Over, and Andalusian/ Lusitano Mares All Ages, Amateur to Handle. In the DSHB classes, Brendan Curtis led both the stallion Dallas Do Castanheiro, owned by Susan Bailey Schramm, and the mare Luchadora ESF, owned by Jennifer Eckel, to their National Champion titles, followed in each case by John Rock handling the stallion Hielo MOR and the mare Camomila MCD, for owner Lisa McDowell.

Deco, owned by Manuela Reynolds Klecz, won top honors in both the in-hand and functionality sections of the National Grand Champion Andalusian/Lusitano Senior Stallion class to take home one of the most-coveted titles of the show, while Kimberly David led her lovely mare RA Dulcineya to the National Champion Andalusian/Lusitano Mares All Ages, Amateur to Handle title, clinching her earlier crown as the 2015 National Grand Champion Senior Mare, with Howard Peet on the line.

Howard Peet and CDC Luna

GoliotJim

Judy and Barb manning the booth!

Cones Class: Jennifer Johnson and Abacus

John Rock, Rothrock Andalusians

Karen Rock, Rothrock Andalusians

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show recap (con’t)...

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hose who enjoy the classic tradition of driving horses were not disappointed. Jennifer Coyle Johnson and Cheryl Painter drove Cheryl’s half-Andalusian gelding Abacus Xanthus in a lovely four-wheeled carriage during the competition, and showed off their agility with the marathon cart in the exciting Cones driving class on Saturday evening. Howard Peet brought three driving horses, and he and amateur drivers Janita Smith and Jennifer Stewart graced the ring in a variety -of Carriage Pleasure Working, Country Pleasure Driving, Pleasure Driving, and Show Pleasure Driving classes. He and Goliat Jim, a three-year-old pure Spanish stallion joined in the fun of the cones class, with their fancy two-wheeled carriage, complete with tux.

The versatility of the breed was highlighted by entries such as CDC Luna and Lucero G. CDC Luna took home National and Reserve National Champion titles with junior rider Katie Berger in Working Equitation, Hunt Seat, and Country English Pleasure; Howard Peet in Country Pleasure Driving Open and Junior Horse, Janita Smith in Country Pleasure Driving Amateur, and Erica Peet in the Spanish/Portuguese Mares halter class. Lucero G, ridden

by Samantha Brok, competed in Hunter Hack, Fantasy Costume, Dressage Hack, English Show Hack, and Hunt Seat, Spanish Stallions, taking home numerous Top Five finishes, as well as two Reserve Champion trophies.

Complete results can be found on the USEF.org website, with unofficial results and additional photos available on the IALHA’s facebook page, in the photo album for the show.

This year, the Foundation provided awards for top-scoring Mundial-registered horses in halter, performance, and Working Equitation.

The winners of these special awards were:

MORPHOLOGY AWARDS High Point P.R.E. Mundial Gelding SM Serafin owned by Janita Smith High Point P.R.E. Mundial Mare CDC Memoria owned by Julie Alonzo High Point SHHR Stallion Durarte GAF owned by Cynthia Roberts

PERFORMANCE AWARDS High Point Working Equitation Level 1 P.R.E. Mundial CDC Memoria owned and ridden by Julie Alonzo High Point P.R.E. Mundial Performance CDC Memoria owned by Julie Alonzo In addition, the Foundation was instrumental in bringing Mercedes Gonzales Cort from Spain, to officiate over the Spanish Specialty classes (24 entries in all), provide a seminar on the morphology of the Spanish Horse, and conduct Revisions at the event. In between all of her Foundation duties, Barb was gracious enough to handle sales of the official IALHA National Show t-shirt at her booth throughout the week.

Foundation Booth

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he Foundation once again had a booth, where Executive Director Barb Clarke not only had the opportunity to introduce numerous people to the Pure Spanish Horse, but also helped promote the awards sponsored by the FPSH for horses registered in P.R.E.-Mundial.

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High Point P.R.E. Mundial Mare and High Point P.R.E. Mundial Performance ~ CDC Memoria owned by Julie Alonzo

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SAVE A HORSE:

Henneke Body Scoring System The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated ~ Mahatma Gandhi

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he Henneke horse body condition scoring system is a numerical scale used to evaluate the amount of fat on a horse’s body. It was developed by Henneke et al. (1983) at Texas A&M University with the goal of creating a universal scale to assess horses’ bodyweight. It is a standardized system that is used across all breeds. Condition is assessed visually and by palpation (feel). Scores range from 1 to 9 with one being poor (emaciated) and nine being extremely fat (obese).

The ideal range for most horses is from 4 to 6. The system is based on both visual appraisal and palpable fat cover of the six major points of the horse. The system is often used by

law enforcement agencies as an objective method of scoring a horse’s body condition in horse cruelty cases.

The six areas are: A - along the neck, B - withers, C - crease down back, D - tailhead, E - ribs, and F - behind the shoulder. It is important to note that a long hair coat or a winter coat may hide skeletal protrusions or fat deposits. Thus, it is best to evaluate the animal from several different angles and palpate (feel) the appropriate areas of the body to determine the proper body condition score.

This chart showing where and in what order fat deposits generally accumulate. Horse in image is about a 5 on the scale, Spine and ribs cannot be seen however ribs can be felt; tail head is spongy; withers, shoulders, and neck are rounded and smooth.

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score between 5 and 7 is considered ideal for healthy horses. Horses scoring in the 1 and 2 category should be evaluated further for causes such as medical conditions, dental problems, or the lack of proper nutrition. Individual body condition scores (1-9) are as follows:

4— Moderately Thin. Slight ridge along back; faint outline of ribs discernible; tail head may or may not be visible depending on the breed and conformation. Some fat can be felt around tail head; hip joints not discernible; withers, shoulders, and neck not obviously thin.

1— Poor. Horse extremely emaciated; spine, ribs, tailhead, hip joints, and lower pelvic bones protruding prominently; bone structure of withers, shoulders and back easily noticeable; no fatty tissue felt.

5— Moderate. Back is flat (no crease or ridge); ribs not able to be seen but easily felt; fat around tail head is spongy; withers, shoulders and neck are rounded and smooth.

2— Very Thin. Horse emaciated; slight fat cover over bones; vertebrae, ribs, tail head, hip joints, and bones of withers, shoulder and neck are visible.

6— Moderately Fleshy. Slight crease down back (spine); fat over ribs spongy; fat around tailhead soft; fat deposits along the side of withers, behind shoulders and along sides of neck.

3— Thin. Slight fat over body; individual vertebrae and ribs no longer visibly discernable; withers, shoulders, and neck do not appear overly thin.

(continued)...

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SAVE A HoRSE (con’t)...

7— Fleshy. Crease down spine; individual ribs can be felt, but noticeable fat filling between ribs; fat around tailhead soft; fat deposits along withers and neck, and behind shoulders.

8— Fat. Apparent crease down spine; difficult to feel ribs; soft fat surrounds tail head; area along withers and behind shoulder filled with fat; noticeable thickening of neck; fat deposits on inner thighs.

and the P.R.E. community in general for their support of the rescue programs the FPSH and volunteers deliver.

As a breed the P.R.E. in general terms is not naturally predisposed to being skinny. In fact, a majority of P.R.E.’s manage very well with access to good quality hay and clean drinking water. Certainly in my 40 years experience with horses, grain feeding, beyond the supplement level for a P.R.E., and most certainly if fed at the levels our equine grain manufacturer’s would propose, leads rather quickly to the opposite problem, obesity and the very real problem of laminitis.

While researching the subject of the Henneke Body Scoring System, I came across several articles that talked about the Andalusian and the potential predisposition to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) phenotype because they are prone to exhibiting regional, generalised adiposity (excess body fat) and tendency to laminitis. Upon further reading it appears that studies of that nature have (over a large cross section of Andalusians), actually concluded that in Andalusians, increased adiposity was not clearly associated to insulin dysregulation and, similar to human beings, may in-fact coexist as a metabolically healthy but obese phenotype.

WHAT You CAN Do To HELP! • If you do not want your healthy Spanish horse please contact The Foundation at 505.294.0800. We have many loving adoptive homes waiting for a horse. The horse donation form is located: http://www.prehorse. org/assets/programs/horse_donation.pdf.

9— Extremely Fat. Obvious crease down spine; patchy fat on ribs; bulging fat around tailhead, along withers, behind shoulders and on neck; fat fills in flank and heavy on inner thighs.

• If you know of any displaced Spanish Horses please contact The Foundation.

• If you can provide a loving home for a Spanish Horse, or one of its relatives please fill out and send in the adoption application that is located at: http://www. prehorse.org/assets/programs/adoption.pdf.

• Donate money to The Foundation’s rescue fund or if you can’t do that you can help by holding fundraisers for the Rescue Fund.

• Get a Foundation Visa Card.

EDIToRS NoTE: Horse starvation and neglect is a very real problem in the United States and all over the world, particulalry in leaner times. We appreciate all of our members 44 } THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION

• Use Amazon Smile selecting The Foundation as your charity.

• Use IGive.com when purchasing from the Internet with The Foundation as your charity.

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A WONDERFUL EVENT:

Viva La Fiesta!

Article and photos by Coty

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anta Barbara has a long standing tradition of Old Spanish Days Fiesta complete with the very colorful and entertaining Parade. Friday, August 7th, 2015 captured 91 years of celebration and there were Spanish Horses everywhere!

I attended as a writer and photographer for the P.R.E. Horse Magazine, where the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse seeks to showcase their commitment to this amazing breed. Their pledge is wide-spread and includes in-part: rescue work, education, participation in horse shows, clinics, etc. Their goal is to protect and preserve the purity of the Pure Spanish Horse and to inform others of the need to do so as well. Barb Clark and others work long hard hours both in the office and

out, honing their skills to keep this operation running smoothly and bringing others aboard.

This was my first behind the scenes look at the equestrian entries and within 2 ½ hours, I took about 900 photos. Owners come from a variety of different places pulling their trailers and steeds behind them. Parking lots become temporary stables and you could hear countless whinnies as the over 600 horses of various breeds were being prepared for the parade were talking back and forth!

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he Spanish horses were spectacular. Some of the huge stallions looked like they were carved from stone. Their massive bodies glistened in the

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VIVA lA fIESTA (con’t): morning sunlight and their fairy-tale manes and forelocks were long and gorgeous. I stood with ease among them and looked into their gentle eyes and melted away in my love of these prestigious horses.

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After getting ready in the parking lots, they headed down to the small park with grass under their feet instead of cement, where they awaited their turn to start marching down the parade route. Many of the horses had specialty tricks and bowed, reared, and danced back and forth on their back legs upon command. They were all well-behaved and acted like this was a typical outing for them and they appreciated the attention and the chance to pose for the camera.

I asked one female rider about her background and she said it was Barbara Currie who first introduced her to Spanish horses and influenced her decision to buy one! She lives close to the Currie Ranch and has two P.R.E. horses. She was dressed in a spectacular colorful black and pink Spanish dress and rode like a Princess atop her treasured white equine with matching flowers in the mane!

ne rider was 80 years-old and sat squarely on his mount with the same dignity as the others. Plenty of the women riders wore brilliant colored Spanish outfits and some even rode sidesaddle, which is a great balancing trick that not everyone can perform!

An amazing horse was a stallion named “Danny” whose big black striking physique made him standout like a granite statue. His male rider, dressed in Spanish attire, said he was gentle and that I could approach him without concern, which I did. I love these gentle horses that beckon others to pet their necks and noses and look at you with eyes of gratitude and interest. I took lots of photos of him and could have easily taken him home with me!

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took so many photographs of all the many horses that I can’t imagine using all of them, but these horse are like eye-candy and I was a child having my sugar senses filled to the brim. I wondered how majestic they would look turned loose in a pasture, running free, unencumbered of reins, saddles and people. Pure Spanish Horses are such a majestic breed of horse and they almost stand at attention and radiate royal dignity. I am in awe of their beauty.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I would like to thank Coty for her enthusiasm for the magazine, enthusiasm for the P.R.E., and all of the hard work and dedication she has exhibited in her capacity as creative consultant, photographer, and writer for the magazine in the past years. Photo (above) is another example of Coty’s work. This photo taken at an open Working Equitation event in Santa Barbara in 2015. Rider: Miguel Undabarrena on his dark brown P.R.E. stallion.

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When it’s the Spanish horses turn to start moving down the street, a marching Mariachi band accompanies them and the horses start to prance, hop, jiggle, boogie, and wiggle on down the road, not startled in the least by the loud music, but rather energized by it and becoming a dancing ensemble.

It makes me want to dance along with them and then hop on their backs and become a part of the party too.

It was a special time for me that I will always cherish and draws me even more towards the dream of having my own Spanish horse. Viva La Fiesta and Viva La Spanish Horse!

cElEBRATE:

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Celebrating Horses in Show!

l Samaritano Equestrian Center isn’t just any equine boarding facility. It is an Equestrian Center with a mission statement of, “Creating your horse’s full potential right up to Grand Prix”. Clients enjoy the luxury of riding at a facility fully equipped with indoor and outdoor arenas, mister systems and swamp coolers in the barns, which help ward off the heat of the summer, a sound and light system in the main barn and indoor arena, mare motel stalls, ample turnouts, and roomy in barn box stalls, all to keep the equine at its best.

“El Samaritano Equestrian Center” and “Bar A Ranch” began as an inspirational dream for Mr Phil Merrill, and are now home to some of the most respected and talented trainers in the valley with boarding up to 100 horses.

“Celebrating Horses in Show” was an open house put on for the public on May 2, 2015, inviting the public to view the facility and enjoy some fun. The celebration started at 6 PM and was kicked off by Julia Chacon of “Inspiration Flamenca”. A beautiful performance by the flamenco dancers and flamenco guitarist wowed the crowd as they danced with rapid foot movements and castanet precision all with the emotions of the Spanish Flamenco.

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pecial guest attending was Colonel Leon Sanchez Zorrilla, who traveled from Spain and stopped to attend the event with Cameron English of the FPSH, during his USA P.R.E. revision tour. Colonel Zorrilla gave a presentation of the morphology of the P.R.E. using Samaritano IX, a grand prix stallion recently imported from Spain. The presentation was met with a focused crowd as they learned about the Pure Spanish Horse.

El Samaritano and Bar A Ranch riders and clients donated their time to perform at the event. The spectators moved into the viewing section of the indoor arena approximately 7 PM where the horse show began, opening with a stunning Arabian costume ride by Amy Schecterson and her horse Immani Bey. The ride ended with Amy throwing her arm up in the air yelling “ Yes!” as she dropped her arm towards her horse’s head in honor of his marvelous performance.

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ext rode Sandra Luebbe inspired by the music of Neil Diamond “ Coming to America” wearing a long elegant Victorian skirt which draped over the croup of her horse, a bolero jacket, and a top hat, on her P.R.E. horse imported from Spain named Gabito. She had a smile on her face showing so much enjoyment and her finishing touch of the ride was graced with the Spanish walk to woo the crowd as she and Gabito nodded in harmony at the end of the performance.

Kathleen Downie enjoyed her ride on top of her black P.R.E. Poblano, to the well known music of ACDC “ Back in Black” as the crowd shifted to the rock and roll of her performance.

Tami George followed with her chestnut warmblood, Brendon Braveheart, who competes at PSG level. They performed with ease, canter lead changes and an extended trot across the arena like the two were floating on air.

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he change of pace of the horse show came when Betsy Tismeer entered the arena dressed in an elegant red velvet jacket and black gaucho skirt, with her P.R.E. named Pantero. The music of “Once upon a time there was a hushpuppy” moved the emotions while she long reined her stallion to the beauty of the beat. Pantero perfomed elegantly

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SANDRA LUEBBE & GABITO

issy Gilliland entered the arena next with a long tail jacket and golden sash with a look of professionalism second to none, riding Hermione NSF to the music from non other than Harry Potter.

The two rode a beautiful and fun freestyle of PSG. The audience was captured when Missy stopped her horse and began clapping her hands then the ride continued with the enthusiastic clapping of each spectator.

COLONEL LEON SANCHEZ ZORRILLA AMY SCHECTERSON & IMMANI BEY

the piaffe, elevated trot, passage and finally bowing to the crowd as if to say thank you ladies and gentlemen for coming. Betsy’s outstanding performance was met with roof shattering applause.

Taking the crowd back to Spain, Cindy Lippon presented a rarely seen performance of the garrocha upon her chestnut appendix named Max. The two rode to a Spanish beat and the romance of the garrocha art was captured first hand by all the viewers.

The finale was performed by Paula Paglia riding Samaritano IX, a recently imported Grand Prix show horse from Spain owned by Mr Phil Merrill. The music was chosen to suit the horse’s gaits and movements as Paula demonstrated her professionalism at showing him in many of his highest movements with ease including canter pirouettes, passage, and skipping tempis across the arena. The result was outstanding applause and the smiles of all the spectators realizing what “Celebrating Horses in Show” is all about. It is the beauty of all the horses and all their talents.

PAULA PAGLIA & SAMARITANO IX BETSY TISMEER & PANTERO

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he event was sponsored by The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse, KATHLEEN DOWNIE & POBLANO Cave Creek Equine, and El Samaritano Equestrian Center. Tapas were served during the event and enjoyed by all.

Organizing and casting of the event was done by Phil’s wife Sandra Luebbe.

Attendance was so successful it prompted El Samaritano Equestrian Center and Bar A Ranch to offer the show twice a year! Check their calendar for 2016!

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PAULA & SAMARITANO

MISSY GILLILAND & HERMIONE NSF

artist spotlight II: Azahara Perez THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION { 51

ARTIST SpoTlIgHT II:

Azahara Photography!

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can’t remember when the P.R.E. entered my life, because I have always felt part of it. I wouldn’t be who I am without the Spanish horse.

When I was a little girl, the first drawing I made was of a horse. I always thought in reprise when I heard music, and thanks to the horse I began taking my first pictures with my old camera. Everyone told me to study art because of my artistic tendencies; however, they didn’t know that the horse was my inspiration and what made me become an artist. My parents and I fought over the TV remote when a competition was broadcasting, and I was always ready to record with my VHS tape the competition to watch the recording again and again.

Even when my family gave me money to buy sweets, I saved it to buy equestrians magazines. I’ve always known I wanted to pursue the equestrian world, but I didn’t know how.

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started riding a little late and, despite having a few falls, I wasn’t discouraged. I studied equestrian tourism and my practices were at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Always loaded with my camera, because I had the need to remember the best of each horse that crossed my path. My photos did not go unnoticed at the Royal School and everyone, including the riders, motivated me to dedicate myself to equestrian photography. This support led me to seek new ways to capture moments and find the best shot for each movement; the desire to improve led me to study photography. Studies enriched me a lot, improving my technique and expanding my vision. While my photography skills improved, my knowledge of the equestrian world did as well because the more I knew about horses, the more I was passionate about this world.

There were not many photographic companies that devote to the horse, so I decided to start my own way. My first official

event, the fair in Jerez. Where through my accreditation, I could feel the footsteps of the horse a few meters from me.

It was an enriching experience that convinced me that this was the right way to go. Jerez Fair is an exhibition of feelings, music mixes the sound of hoofs with flamenco heels sound from the early hours of the morning in addition to the visual appeal of the color of the costumes and lanterns. Anyone can enjoy a good wine accompanied by some dishes of Spanish cuisine, as all the “casetas” (bar/ restaurants) are public. You can see many breeds of horses and harnesses of many styles, but emphasize the fringes fly moving from ear to ear so characteristic of dressage and the Spanish Baroque high school.

In the carriages much choice from single horse to quarters, traditionally with harnesses “the calesera” or English style, but the most traditional form are five horses with typical Spanish harness and bells (they have more than 300 bells!) And tassels “The calesera” that bring more color and music to the show.

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y next step, Sicab. Where I discovered the splendor of the Spanish horse in all its forms, and how the P.R.E. can do anything he wants. Since wear a carriage, to participate in a jumping contest, through the art of the Alta Escuela, the tradition of Dressage and amaze everyone with its beauty in the morphological contest.

Another experience that marked me, it was my first year in

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ARTIST SpoTlIgHT II (con’t): the exhibition of carriages of Ronda. Held every year in one of the oldest bullring in Spain, where only the best carriages of the season can participate. All original pieces with great details, where you can see each of the ways of guiding a carriage. It can be seen from a carriage pulled by a horse-drawn until some five to all possible conformations. A real museum in motion.

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have much to thank the Association of High School in Italy (AAEE ITALY); as they have trusted me since the beginning, and I am requested every time they visit my country. Our work and collaboration together opened international doors for me. I have also worked for media in Colombia, Germany, Mexico and Sweden, besides Italy.

Through that, thanks to the horse, I have known many places, traditions, and cultures in the world of horses.

But thanks to the P.R.E. I am who I am, the Spanish horse was who accompanied me since my childhood, he taught me to see the world with different eyes. It’s his horse for his nobility is made for anyone who deigns to appreciate, whatever your previous experience on the riding. It is a horse that is

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willing to push it to the limits, which makes it suitable for all disciplines, from dressage, gathered for its air and high, jumping up by force. His courage and his mettle in Dressage, beauty and expressiveness in carriages and pride for the Alta Escuela. It is a big-hearted horse that will give you everything you get. The horse made for the princes, kings and portraits or illuminated with their helmets to the poet, as would Trajan Tennent said. For me, the P.R.E. always will be my inspiration because my photography would not exist without the art of the Spanish horse.

“That horse gave me

something I could never explain. More than his tremendous strength and speed and beauty or movement.

It made me dream. ” ~ Walt Morey.

THE P.R.E. HORSE ~ 2015/16 SPECIAL EDITION { 3

ARAGON GAF

BUENO V

CHRISTOSO WC

CICLON IX

DOMINANTE XXIX

FARRUCO LXXXIII

FLAMENCO CCXXV

GARROCHISTA DE FRAILE

LADINO GF

MAESTRO MHF

NOBLE XLIII

PERSILES YET

REVOLTOSO LXXVIII

VINAS PICONERO

NEXO GF

ORINOCO GF

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