The international PRE community gathers in Wellington for USPRE WEEK
Every year, during the third week of Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, USPRE holds its
special week. For four days, the PRE horse is the sole protagonist. International breeders, elite riders, well
known personalities from the equestrian community and general enthusiasts gather to celebrate the PRE
horse of Spain. USPRE Week 2023 took place during January 24 to 28 and once again, all the activities
were specially dedicated to this outstanding horse, which is the main purpose of the USPRE Association:
to promote this breed in the United States.
The week kicked off with the first part of the clinic of Olympic rider Juan Manuel Muñoz. Jaime Amian with
Hechicero CLX, Lori Bruno with Holzagan, Micah Deligdish, with Especial, Barb Shannahan along with
Aero, Carly Costello with Ebanisto KR, Sandra Luebbe with Fetiche and Raquel Rizutto with Quinto MG
received priceless tips and advice. Spectators were able to observe and learn about different methods of
training: from a young horse up to a Grand Prix level.
Later that evening a welcome cocktail for USPRE members was held poolside at the International Polo
Club. Among those present were Milton Valle, Yvonne Losos de Muñiz, Phil and Sandi Merril, Carmen
Franco, Karina Pau, Marco Bernal, Juan Manuel Muñoz, Javier Ruiz, Dr. Jane Bistline, Tom Reed, Kathy
Priest, Marc Ulanowski, Dr. Michael Kohl, among others.
Four activities were held on Wednesday morning. Javier Ruiz opened the morning and explained the
ingredients of his magical recipe advocating the Classical warm-up of the trained PRE horse. He insisted
on several points, but most of all to have control on your horse’s body.
After the two riding sessions, USPRE members had the opportunity to attend two
educational Seminars, at the beautiful premises of Dr. Jane Bistline’s Horses and Hounds farm. Dr.
Robert P. Boswell DMV, PA shared his knowledge and experience regarding the prevention, treatment,
and risks of Laminitis specific to the PRE. Next, Dr. Mary Beth Gordon (Purina Senior Director, Equine
Technical Innovation) explained the most common equine nutrition myths and offered different steps to
organize the nutrition of the baroque-conformation horse:
1. Control cool season pasture
2. Avoid high-calorie hay and grain intake
3. Balance Diet with Low sugar/starch feed
On Thursday, Juan Manuel Muñoz continued with the second part of the clinic, where he gave invaluable
insights and many training tools particularly benefiting the PRE horse. Around noon, all dressage
enthusiast gathered around to watch the CDI4* GP sponsored by USPRE at the premises of Adequan
Global Dressage Festival. German rider, Frederic Wandres riding Bluetooth OLD earned the blue ribbon
with a score of 74.326%. Several PREs and their riders competed at the international levels that weekend
for both the US and Spain, finishing in the ribbons in all their classes to the special delight of the USPRE
week attendants.
Later on Thursday, USPRE members got together for an elegant dinner at the Wellington International
Club (WEF). The dinner brought more than 50 loyal members. Dr. Jane Bistline, president of USPRE,
gave a brief speech highlighting the great year of USPRE. Once the dinner was over, special prizes were
awarded and presented to its deserving members. The winners were:
- Mare of the Year: Bruma SA - Yeguada Salvador Arriaga
- Stallion of the Year: Kimal del Encanto - Rancho El Encanto
- Functionality Champion: Hacendado GD - Rancho El Afortunado
- Breeder of the Year: Rancho El Encanto
- Equestrian of the Year: Bacilio Mejia
- Horse and Rider of the Year: Sophia Schults and Conocido HGF
- Member of the Year: Francisco Gramajo
- Special Recognition: Founding Board Member Janne Rumbough
On Friday, USPRE members had a little rest after three days of nonstop activities. Nevertheless, when the
sun came down, the PRE horse took the spotlight Under the lights at the 4* Freestyle. From the
beginning, USPRE has been one of the founding sponsors of Adequan Global Dressage Festival. During
the break on Friday night, two PRE exhibitions were dedicated to the audience.
The up-tempo baroque music of “Heart of Courage” from Two Steps from Hell was the soundtrack for
Javier Ruiz Garrido and Zagal B (Bred by Yeguada Bassols and owned by Dr. Jane Bistline). The Spanish
rider from the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre de Jerez took ownership of the International arena
at Global, where he executed beautiful high school and dressage movements. The spectacular dance with
an intricate series of exercises mesmerized the audience. Spanish rider, Juan Francisco Fernández
Muñoz together with Ulises JV II (bred by Yeguada Juan Vazquez and owned by Precisions Andalusians)
executed a superb entrance in passage at the rhythm of pop beats. His movements flowed perfectly with
the music. Juan chained one movement after another one with great precision, and the combination with
the music resulted in a marvelous performance.
Last but not least, the activity that concluded the week was a round table discussion featuring prominent
professionals in the PRE world. Hosted by Kimberly Van Kampen, international Breeders from Guatemala
and Costa Rica, Christian Moll and Jose Chavarria respectively, Olympic Riders; Yvonne Losos de Muñiz,
Juan Manuel Muñoz and FEI5* Judge, Janet Foy participated in the panel. The debate revolved around
two central themes: the new tendencies for breeding for sport and the continuously improving role of the
PRE in world-class competitive dressage. The attendees gave their various perspectives but all concluded
by emphasizing the importance of focusing on the training of the young horses.
The PRE has been attached to art and history throughout the centuries for its beauty; for its delicate and
elegant movements, that compliment so well his gorgeous natural looks; and more and more is being
recognized for its performances in the dressage and sport scene. In this edition of USPRE WEEK a large
number of fans and lovers of the breed gathered around this fascinating animal. A “one of a kind” week
where once more the PRE horses have been the epicenter of the equestrian capital by excellence.