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From Ocala to Segovia: Santiago HGF Podiums in Final Qualifier for ANCCE PRE Team
With the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden firmly in sight (04-09 August), the final CDIYH qualifying event for the ANCCE PRE Team selection took place from June 16-18 at the Centro Ecuestre de Castilla y León (CECYL) in Segovia, Spain. The competition represented the last opportunity for owners, breeders and riders to secure the scores required for selection to the Spanish PRE Team heading to Verden this August. FROM OCALA TO SEGOVIA Following a successful spring campaign in the United States, including strong performances at the CDI Ocala and CDI TerraNova, Santiago HGF made the journey from Florida to Spain for this mandatory selection event. The five-year-old stallion, bred by Hampton Green Farm and ridden by Antonio Crespín, faced a highly competitive field of 12 horses, the largest and most competitive age group of the show. Judged by an international panel consisting of Juan Carlos Campos, Knut Danzberg, and Hans Voser, two of whom will officiate at the World Championships in Verden next month, Santiago HGF delivered another solid performance. The son of Grandioso III x Joyero XXIV finished third in the preliminary test with a score of 77.200% and fifth place in the final with 73.800%. CECYL( Centro Ecuestre de Castilla y León) in Segovia holds a special place in Hampton Green Farm’s history. In 2018, José Daniel Martín Dockx competed there with Mejorano HGF, another son of Grandioso III, obtaining the qualifying scores required for the FEI World Championships in the seven-year-old division. A year later, the pair returned to compete at Intermedia A/B level. The farm also has fond memories of Campanero HGF, who contested the selection process for the five-year-old division at the same venue in 2019. ROAD TO VERDEN The 2026 season has been demanding for young dressage horses, with an intensive calendar and a highly competitive selection process requiring consistency throughout the year. The qualification pathway in Spain included CDI in Jerez de la Frontera, Vejer de la Frontera, Murcia, Medina Sidonia, Madrid, and finally Segovia, where participation was mandatory for horses seeking selection to the ANCCE Team. With the final qualifier now complete, all eyes turn to ANCCE, which is expected to announce its team selection in the coming days.
José Daniel Martin Dockx Will continue as the PRE Team Dressage Coach
ANCCE is pleased to announce that Daniel Martin Dockx will continue as the PRE Young Horse Dressage Team coach throughout the 2026 season. This fact reiterates our commitment to continue growing together and moving forward towards the highest possible international level. Since 2020, José Daniel Martín Dockx has been responsible for the coordination and training of riders within ANCCE’s Annual Dressage Sport Plan, working with both adult horses and young prospects to optimize their competitive performance. In addition, since 2021, he has served as Head Coach of the PRE Team for the World Championships for Young Horses, a role that has been instrumental in the growth of its international prestige. With the pathway that we have built together, we confirm that Martin Dockx will continue with us in 2026. The circumstance offers continuity for this solid and coherent project based on long-term efforts. Our sights on the Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, in Verden from the 4th to the 9th of August this year. This venue summons the world's best young horses competing in the 5, 6, and 7-year-old Dressage categories. The event has become key to showcase the projection of international Dressage talents. We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to breeder Kimberly Van Kampen for her steadfast commitment, constant support for PREs, and her trust in this joint project. Her involvement has been vital in enabling us to continue moving forward with enthusiasm and ambition in this line of work. Likewise, this announcement is also an invitation for breeders and riders to start preparing their 5 to 7-year-old horses as we continue to see future PRE Horses excel on the international stage once again this year. In due course, the specific regulations and key dates for the PRE Dressage Team clinics will be announced. These regulations will provide detailed information regarding how the program works and the steps to follow for this new season. Source ANCCE/USPRE LINK : https://www.usprea.com/en/news/daniel-martin-dockx-will-continue-as-the-2026-pre-team-dressage-coach Link: https://www.ancce.es/en/ver-noticia12/3163/daniel-martin-dockx-continua-como-seleccionador-del-equipo-pre-de-doma-clasica-2026/ Link : https://www.eurodressage.com/2026/01/16/jose-daniel-martin-dockx-continues-2026-pre-team-dressage-coach
TEAM PRE Guidelines for Verden Announced
ANCCE and USPRE released the qualification guidelines for riders aiming to compete at the WBFSH World Championships for Young Horses in Verden 2026. American riders with PRE horses have two possible pathways: joining the Spanish ANCCE team through international CDI results and the Segovia selection event, or qualifying through the U.S. system via USEF ranking lists and qualifying competitions. A. Spanish ANCCE Team Qualification (via RFHE) Horses must first obtain the RFHE required minimum FEI scores of 75% for 5 and 6 year olds, and 70% for 7 years old, at TWO international CDIs in their home countries. Horses must then compete at the CDI in Segovia in June with all other prospects, where the final team selection will take place. From that point, horse and rider are considered part of the Spanish team and are required to follow all schedules and regulations as the other representatives of Spain. Full requirements posted here: https://www.ancce.es/concursos/doma-clasica/caballos-jovenes B. US ANCCE Team Qualification (via USEF) Athlete/Horse combinations must obtain the minimum requirements as outlined in the Selection Procedures posted on the USEF website (see link below) for consideration to be selected to represent the U.S. For U.S. qualifications, 5- and 6-year-old combinations must earn a minimum overall average of 8.2 on their respective USEF FEI World Breeding Championship ranking list. In addition, the Athlete/ Horse combinations must compete in the Preliminary and Final tests in combination at a minimum of two CDIYH or USEF Qualifying Competitions in USEF Qualifying Classes. Seven-Year-Old combinations must earn a minimum overall average of 77.500% on the USEF FEI World Breeding Championship Seven-Year-old ranking list. In addition, the Athlete/Horse combinations must compete in the Preliminary and Final tests in combination at a minimum of two CDI-YH or USEF Qualifying Competitions in USEF Qualifying Classes. Athlete/Horse combinations must apply to USEF for consideration to be selected to represent the U.S. The quota distribution for each age category for the U.S. is two (2) per division. U.S. bred horses (defined as a horse foaled in the United States) will take priority if MERs are met. Applicants are subject to the requirements set forth in the complete USEF Selection Procedures which are posted on the USEF website here: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/jdcLB5pi8NY/2025-fei-world-breeding-championships Source USPRE/ANCCE LINK : https://usprea.com/en/news/qualifications-for-participation-in-the-wbfsh-world-championship-of-young-horses-for-american-riders-of-pre-horses
HGF Celebrates Success at Fiesta Ocala / IBERICON 2025
In only its second year participating, Hampton Green Farm delivered an extraordinary performance at IBERICON 2025 / Fiesta Ocala, confirming the strength and consistency of our breeding program. The event, which brings together breeders, riders, and enthusiasts of Iberian horses from across the country and abroad, became a true showcase for the quality of horses bred and developed at HGF. In the morphology competition at Fiesta Ocala, Hampton Green Farm presented a group of young horses aged two to five years old, all bred at the farm. Under the presentation of spanish handler Diego González, HGF horses consistently placed at the top of their sections in both conformation and movement classes. Among the standouts were Don Destas HGF, crowned Young Horse Movement Champion of the Show, and Santiago HGF, who earned the titles of Adult Stallion Conformation Champion and Functionality Champion. The highlight of the week came when Hampton Green Farm was awarded “Best Breeder of the Show” by ANCCE, marking a historic achievement and a recognition of the farm’s growing influence in PRE breeding in the United States. With numerous section victories—Brígida HGF, Ferro HGF, Santiago HGF, and Borbón HGF among them and multiple special awards at Fiesta Ocala Success extended beyond the morphology ring. In the Iberian Cup dressage competition, Kerrigan Gluch riding Cartujano FSR captured the Small Tour title, delivering two strong performances with scores above 73%. Meanwhile, Olympic rider and new HGF Head Trainer José Daniel Martín Dockx contributed to the educational side of the event, offering a two-day clinic for riders and presenting a masterclass on the training system of the PRE horse, from young horse development to the Grand Prix level, featuring several HGF horses and riders.
Thank you, Encanto XI
Encanto XI , bred by Hampton Green Farm by Evento out of Cantora XVI (Golondrino XIV). It’s never easy to report when a “Unicorn” leaves this world, but in their place we live with the memories, experiences and photos of having known such a magical creature…. Encanto XI, the gorgeous grey stallion owned by Dr. Jane E. Bistline, is now galloping in the skies , having been humanely euthanized last week due to metastatic cancer. Born in Spain in 2002 and bred by the prestigious American breeder Hampton Green Farms, this son of Evento was first known in the dressage arena under the guidance of Jose Daniel Martin Dockx. Always designated for a sport horse, Encanto took part in Young Horse classes in ANCCE events and ultimately competed successfully in the Small and Big Tours from 2009 to 2013. His international career included the Sunshine Tour and Saumur (FRA), under the training of then team trainer Jan Bemelmans. In 2013, Encanto made the jump again to the American continent where his new owner, Dr. Bistline, gave him the best home possible. Since then, his majestic beauty and noble character not only delighted all who surrounded him, but also many thousands of Wellington spectators in the hands of the unmatched horse handler Tom Reed, who oversaw all equine training for many years for Medieval Times. Encanto’s beauty was the subject of many paintings, and the grace of his movement amazed his public. His beautiful head, sweet eyes, expressive and serene, and his extravagant movement made him a model of the modern Spanish sport horse. Although unforgettable, we are grateful to have in our memories countless moments stamped in pictures and videos of a purely enchanting animal (worth the redundancy), ENCANTO XI.
From Michigan to the World Stage: HGF Horses in FEI Championships Summer 2018
Two Michigan-bred PRE horses from Hampton Green Farm will represent the USA and Spain this summer in FEI Championship shows. Mejorano HGF, a son of two-time Olympian Grandioso III, has been selected to represent Spain in the World Championships of Young Horses in the 7 Year Old Division. A rigourous qualifying agenda beginning in January of this year was established by ANCCE, the national PRE breed association which represents Spain in the Championships. Among the best horses from the best stud farms in Spain, American-bred Mejorano HGF, ridden by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx, topped the 7 Year Old ranking and was subsequently selected by team trainer Jurgen Koschel for his spot in the 2 horse quota for the division. On the other end of the spectrum, long-time schoolmaster Idolo Americano (Idilio x Escapada) has found a new career in the hands of Sophia Schults of Saint Joseph, Michigan. In two years, 17 year old Sophia has taken Idolo from FEI Junior to FEI Young Riders and has now qualified for the FEI North American Youth Championships for Region 3. Both Championships will be held the first week of August, in Ermelo, Netherlands and North Salem, New York respectively. HGF is a breeder of PRE horses for dressage and has consistently produced internationally relevant competitors. Our accomplishments include: 2 Olympics--London and Rio 1 World Equestrian Games--Normandy 7 Nations Cups in Aachen and Wellington, for both US teams and Spain 3 National Champions or Reserve (Spain and US) 3 FEI North American Championships, with Individual Medals 1 World Championships for Young Horses HGF has an exceptional line-up of young sale horses in training with international potential. For more information, contact Maria Lithander at hamptongreenfarm@aol.com.
Hampton Green to Compete Two Horses in Copa ANCCE Finals at SICAB
Daniel Martin Dockx will compete two HGF horses in the Copa ANCCE Finals at SICAB next week in Sevilla, Spain. SICAB is the annual PRE horse fair that brings out the morphology and sport champion PREs from around the country for a final competition. Qualification for SICAB is always very competitive, and for the Copa ANCCE Dressage Finals pairs compete throughout the year at open competitions to obtain a position in the top ten. The show is attended by more than 200,000 spectators throughout the week and also features championship morphology classes, jumping, Doma Vaquera and Doma Clasica, youth divisions, as well as seminars, clinics, classes, receptions and more. After so many years at the Grand Prix, Dani and HGF are back in the young horse classes with 2 stallions, in the 6 year old and 7 year old divisions. Six year old Mejorano HGF is a gray son of Grandioso, out of Ibiza, born in Michigan and trained by Dani for the last two years in Mijas. Mejorano was competed last year in both international and national classes. Ataturc DUC was purchased in April 2016 from Yeguada Ducal in Germany, and began his competition career in September of this year at the 7 year old level. Having done only two shows in his life, SICAB, with all its commotion and traffic, will certainly be a learning experience for him. The last time HGF competed at SICAB was in 2013 with Vaquero HGF, who finished third overall in the 6 year old division. SICAB classes are all livestreamed at www.sicab.tv and ride times are posted on the SICAB official website.
New Generation of HGF Young Horses Debut in Sotogrande
Daniel Martin Dockx brought three of his new horses to the CDN*** in Dos Lunas in September--Ataturc DUC, Mejorano HGF and Campanero HGF--to compete in the young horse classes among a large group of competitors from around the Andalucia region who are hoping to qualify for the finals of the Copa ANCCE at SICAB in November. It was the first time in the show ring for both 7 year old Ataturc and 4 year old Campanero, Mejorano having shown several times this year in the 6 year old division. The results were confirming of Daniel's young horse training program. Ata and Campanero won their respective classes both days, while Mejorano finished the weekend second in his division. Ataturc was purchased last year from Yeguada Ducal, a PRE breeder in Germany, and has quickly adapted from breeding stallion to his new role of dressage horse. Not knowing how he would do in a show setting, Dani was very pleased with the chestnut's focus and consistency. They were awarded stand-out scores of 72.21 and 73.68, topping a very small 7 year old class. Campanero HGF was born in Michigan, Camaron IX x Quintera XII. At just four years old, the young stallion showed expression and quality, earning scores of 78.4 and 77.8, coming first in a large class of excellent horses, juried by a panel that included a judge from Ermelo 2017. Mejorano HGF (Grandioso x Ibiza) rode two consistent 6 year old tests, but was received quite differently by the two panels, receiving 69.7 in the Preliminary and 75.4 in the Final. Mejorano is a son of Grandioso, and is capable of even greater expression and scope than his father, but is developing consistency as he grows and gets stronger. Mejorano is qualified for SICAB, and we hope to qualify Ata as well in October. The decision was made not to push Campanero for SICAB qualification, given his young age. Our thanks as always to Lily Forado, who traveled from Barcelona to Sotogrande to provide these beautiful photos for us. Press coverage from the show can be seen at: www.lilyforado.com http://www.ecuestre.es/deporte/doma/articulo/garcia-mena-y-martin-dockx-protagonistas-del-cdn3-de-dos-lunas-rienda-suelta
Daniel Martin Dockx and Oxido Place Fourth in the Spanish Young Horse Championships
At the end of September in Toledo, Spain, HGF's Oxido and Daniel Martin Dockx competed in the Spanish National Young Horse Championships in the 7-9 Years Category, what is known in the US as the Developing Horse Prix St. George. The pair placed Third in the First Qualifier, Fourth in the PSG, and Third again in the Kur, with a final placing of Fourth overall. Additionally, they were Copa ANCCE Champions, highest placed PRE in the 7-9 years category where there were 22 horses, the top 3 positions filled by warmbloods. Oxido is a new horse for Hampton Green Farm, purchased in March 2014. The 2006 gray stallion is by Iberis (Camacho Benitez) and was bred by the Hermanos Mojarro Zamora studfarm. Oxido is designated Young Recommended Breeding Stock for Dressage Performance by the parent studbook, ANCCE, and with former rider Antonio Blanco Prieto was selected for the 2013 ANCCE Team, after obtaining the highest marks for a 6 Year Old in the PSJC series in 2012.
Vaquero HGF: First American-Bred Horse to Medal at SICAB
Vaquero HGF: First American-Bred Horse to Medal at SICAB Throughout the year, the PREs of Spain compete in rated dressage shows for qualification in the year-end Copa ANCCE (Breeders Cup) Finals. The top 12 ranked horses of each division are invited to compete against each other for two days at SICAB—the highly visible (un-rated) Dressage Finals held in conjunction with the annual Breed Finals for PRE horses, sponsored by the National Association of PRE Breeders in Spain. Vaquero HGF went into the competition in solid first place in the rankings—having earned his qualifying scores at CDIs at Sunshine Tour, Toledo and other shows. A panel of national judges working at SICAB put him 7th on Day One and 2nd on Day Two, for a finish with the national title of Bronze for the Copa ANCCE 2013 in the 6 Year Old Dressage Division. This is the first time that a PRE horse bred on American soil has achieved such an honor at the annual national celebration of PRE breeders in Spain. Vaquero is a 2007 PRE stallion by Cuatrero IV out of Encina HGF, born at HGF in Fruitport, Michigan. He was sent to Spain in 2010 to begin his training with Daniel Martin Dockx. Together the pair has finished as the top PRE in the official Young Horse Championships of Spain in 2012 and 2013. They are ranked 6th overall (out of 80) at year-end in the RFHE 6 Year Old rankings for Spain, and first among PREs. Daniel and Vaquero are preparing for the Small Tour next year. Photo Credit: TopIberian.com
Vaquero HGF Tops the 6 Year Old PREs at the Spanish Young Horse Championships
Last weekend in Segovia, Spain, Hampton Green’s homebred Vaquero (Cuatrero IV x Idilio II) finished the weekend as the top-ranked PRE in the Six Year Old Division, and 7th overall in a class noted for its exceptional quality of horses of both Iberian and Northern European breeding. Three consistent rides over three days produced scores of 75.8, 70.4, and 73.6, for a total accumulated score of 328,600 for rider Daniel Martin Dockx and Vaquero, whom Daniel has trained since the horse had three years. Three other top-quality PREs followed close behind Vaquero in the rankings: ANCCE Luna CCL, bred by Yeguada Vistabella; Vetusto JV I, bred by Caballeria Esteve-Agrapur; and ANCCE Isleno FS, product of the Yeguada Arroyomonte. The Six Year Old Division was won by Jordi Domingo on Mango Statesman, a Sandro Hit son of the Hannoverian registry. Full results may be seen at http://www.secretariasecuestres.com/archivos/web/contenidos/pdf/1310_DCTOEspCJ_Acumulados_1.pdf Vaquero was also first in the Copa ANCCE for the weekend, tied with ANCCE Luna. The Copa ANCCE is the High Point Series sponsored by the breed association ANCCE for PRE horses competing at dressage in Spain. For this competition, only from days 2 and 3 were applied to the Copa ANCCE ranking. To date, Vaquero HGF maintains a solid first place ranking with ANCCE in the run-up to SICAB in December. In 2012, Vaquero and Daniel were also the top finishing PRE in the National Five Year Old Division at the Young Horse Championships in Zaragoza. See Vaquero's test from Day 1 in the Video Menu above.
Where Are They Now: Carmen HGF
Hampton Green Farm distinguishes itself as a breeder of PRE horses for sport, as opposed to a breeder of morphology horses. Nevertheless, our breeding stallions have morphology distinctions and awards, even championships, and our offspring are revised and competed in morphology competitions with high marks in both Spain and the United States. (See http://hamptongreenfarms.com/PRE-horses-awards-en-84.html) Carmen HGF (Camaron IX x Escapada) is one example. Purchased in 2008 by Richard and Melanie James of Christchurch, New Zealand, they recently had the opportunity to have her evaluated by Spanish officials. Here is their update: "Very recently we've had a very well respected ex college of judges category A ANCCE judge visit NZ to do a judging tour. We were nervous for a while as he seemed to be being quite hard on our locally bred horses and was less than impressed with most of what he saw. You will be pleased to know though that Carmen blew everyone away with her movement and scored the highest marks across the country with 25 points. This was against a top class calificado stallion from Spain, and a recently imported show quality amazing mare from Spain, who also has very good movement. The judge scored her walk and trot as excellent, both 9's! The judge also liked her morphology very much, and overall she either came second or third in the country at around 106-7 points (just checking our calcs as the other imported mare had very close marks to her). The next highest mark was the top horse, the calificado stallion, who got some amazing scores, but Carmen was not beaten on movement. The judge was very impressed with her and told us he thought she was the mare of the future. We were stoked and very humbled all at once. We knew she was special, but we were surprised at how much she impressed him, as Dr Rodriguez has very high standards especially re morphology and particularly breed type. We are just annoyed we didn't capture any video of her trotting out as she just flew in her trot that day. Rich could hardly keep up with her but she stayed with him and floated beautifully. So I hope this news will be exciting for you, knowing you have bred a very special top quality PRE who in theory could compete with the best at SICAB (along with the many top quality competitive horses you have also bred). You probably wish now you didn't sell her. We are so grateful to you for allowing us to bring her to NZ. She will have always been special to us whatever happened. It is clear that she will be key to helping us develop the PRE in NZ, as we had hoped." Back, Loins - 9 Croup, Tail - 8 Forelimbs, Limb Alignment - 7.5 Hindlimbs, Limb Alignment - 8.75 Height, Overall Impression - 8 Breed Fidelity - 8 Walk - 9 Trot - 9 Canter - 7 Overall Total 107.25
HGF at Sunshine Tour, Week One
HGF horses did well during the first week of the CDI Tour in Vejer, Spain. Grandioso and rider Daniel Martin Dockx finished 7th of 40 in the Grand Prix on Friday with 68.5%. Going on to the GP Special with the top 15 horses, they improved to 3rd place with 70.9%. Ten year old Encanto scored 64.8 in the Grand Prix and 65.6 in the Consolation GP. Vaquero HGF competed in his first international show and scored 80.2 in the Preliminary 5 Year Olds, and 75.0 in the Final. He was also the recipient of the ANCCE award for the Young Horses levels in the show.
Toledo (Madrid) CDI3*: Team HGF Tops the Boards
Daniel Martin Dockx brought two horses to the CDI in Toledo, Spain, just outside of Madrid: Grandioso III and Vaquero HGF. With Grandioso, the pair won the Grand Prix on Friday, topping a class of 15 with 70.7%. On Sunday, they clinched the Kur with 75.00%, which should improve their FEI individual world ranking even higher from their current 48th place position. Not a bad place to be in their second year together at international Grand Prix. Six year old Vaquero HGF (Cuatrero X Idilio) finished the weekend as the top PRE in the young horse classes--with both the highest single score (73.8) and the highest average of all the young horse classes--to win the Copa ANCCE for the weekend. Congratulations to our Spanish team! Next stop on the road to Denmark is Austria! Picture Credits: Pedro Godinho
Hampton Green Farm Shines at Sunshine Tour
Sunshine Tour Week 2 Report: Grandioso does it again--sweeping the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Kur with personal best scores--71.36 and 75.2 respectively, demonstrating that he and rider Daniel Martin Dockx are ready to set their sites on competing in Northern Europe later this year. Vaquero HGF took 2nd again in the Six Year Old Preliminary Test to Oldenburg Sir Barnaby, but tables were turned in the Final test when Vaquero won the class with 76.8. And for a second week, Vaquero won the Copa ANCCE for the Young Horse Division--an award provided by the National Breeders' Association to the top scoring PRE horse of the 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds. (Grandioso was the winner of the Copa ANCCE both weeks for top scoring PRE horse in the FEI Divisions.) Encanto XI returned to the Grand Prix ring after having gone a year without competing, due to the busy schedule last year with Grandioso. Over two weeks, Encanto made progressively stronger showings with each test. He has confirmed himself now in the mid-60s, very respectable for a young Grand Prix horse who turns 11 in August. The high point of his tour was a 67.02 and Second Place finish in the Grand Prix Special for Week 2. A super wrap-up for HGF and Daniel Martin Dockx as they finished the Tour in the winners circle with all three HGF horses. Daniel and fellow Olympian Juan Manuel Munoz next travel to Florida this week to be the VIP guests and clinicians at USPRE week in Wellington.
Grandioso Sweeps the Grand Prix at Sunshine Tour CDI, Week 1--Vaquero wins the Copa ANCCE
Grandioso returned to theshow ring for the first time since the Olympic Games to top a field of 16 in the first Grand Prix at Sunshine Tour in Vejer, Spain. The class held strong representation from Spain and Portugal, featuring many seasoned horses along with a good number of young combinations showing promise for the future. Daniel Martin Dockx's ride on Friday evening was conservative and cautious as Grandioso came into the ring rather strong and impatient. They were awarded 69.6 from the ground jury, which consisted of mostly French and Latin American judges. On Saturday, they performed a relaxed and confident Kur together and this was not lost on the judges, who gave Daniel and Grandioso their highest marks to date--74.825 with technical scores ranging from 71 to 74.7%. The pair's new Kur was designed late last year by Marlene Whitaker, an American freestyle designer whose workhas been represented at the Olympics, Para Olympics, World Cup, Young Rider World Cup, Pan Am Games, World Equestrian Games, North American Young Rider Championships, European Young Rider Championships,and many national championships. In 2009, Marlene designedGrandioso's Intermediate I freestyle for Courtney King-Dye for which they received scores in a similar range. Marlene's selections for the new arrangement derive from themes from the score of the 2012 film Hemingway and Gellhorn, interspersed with portions of modern Flamenco "fusion", creating an impression of grandeur and rhythm in the Spanish tradition. Vaquero HGF (Cuatrero x Idilio) continues to lead the competition in the Young Horse classes. For the second year in a row, Michigan-born Vaquero has won the Copa ANCCE at Sunshine Tour. This award, sponsored by the national breeders association in Spain, is given to the PRE Horse that has the highest composite marks for the week, all levels considered together. This past week, Vaquero finished 2nd place overall in both the Preliminary and Finals of the FEI 6 Year Old classes, both days placing behind a warmblood horse. In 2012, at the National Young Horse Championships in Zaragoza, Vaquero ranked first of all 5 year old PRE bred horses in the competition, and our hopes are to continue to hold this place in 2013. This was his first time doing the more complicated 6 year old test, and their combined scores topped all the other young horse PRE competitors in all age categories. They will show again in week 2. We will update next week on Encanto and the rest of Sunshine Tour.
What is a PRE?
You may have seen the recent correspondence between USPRE and the Pre Mundial registry that has revisited the controversy over that registry's use of the PRE name for their horses. Although Hampton Green Farm and USPRE are two separate entities, one a privately owned business and the other a public non-profit, the issues that are being addressed by USPRE are relevant if not vital to all PRE Breeders and owners in the United States, HGF and its clients included. The PRE Studbook (sometimes referred to as LGANCCE), owned by the Spanish Government and managed by the breeders' association ANCCE, is virtually unique among European Sport Horse studbooks in that it allows all PREs born outside of Spain who follow the protocol to be registered in the same studbook as horses born in Spain. Other studbooks, such as the warmblood studbooks in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and most others, are closed to breeders outside of their countries. These studbooks allow American breeders to form their own registries, and to include horses in their own (American) registries under the European breed name (ie, American Hannoverian, KWPN North America, American Friesian, North American Danish Warmblood Association, etc.) as long as they work closely under the auspices of the original European studbook authority. But an American Hannoverian is not registered in the same studbook as a German Hannoverian. (And no American registry for a European breed currently operates without the cooperation of the parent studbook--except for Pre Mundial.) Under current provisions, the PRE Horses Breeders in the United States have the privilege of having their horses registered in the parent Studbook in Spain, alongside all PREs born and registered there. To protect this right, American PREs must follow the same protocols as the PREs in Spain, submit the same paperwork, be presented for inspection by Spanish officials, and owners/breeders must be registered as such in Spain. PRE horses breeders in the United States accept the additional expense, effort and time this process brings, because they understand the value of their Spanish papers, and their clients know the value of the Spanish Carta, of having a horse that is registered in the parent Spanish studbook which is recognized and protected by the European Union. In the opinion of the government of Spain who owns the PRE Studbook, and ANCCE who manages the Studbook, and USPRE who represents the Spanish Studbook in America, the breed name PRE (Pura Raza Espanola or translated Pure Spanish Horse) belongs only to horses who are registered in the parent Studbook. Pre Mundial, on the other hand, is an American registry based in New Mexico that started three years ago and began to register new horses as PREs, without permission by any Spanish authority. Repeated calls by the government of Spain to cease and desist have gone unheeded by Pre Mundial, whose registry is only recognized by the United States, and who can only paper horses in the United States. Unlike their name, they neither represent the PRE Horse nor the entire world. Pre Mundial has admitted publicly that they are an American registry which can only operate in the United States, that they have no permission from Spain to use the PRE name, and that they have chosen to use the PRE name of their own volition and by their own definition--in other words, an unauthorized imitation which endangers the quality and value of the good name of the original. USPRE has called on Pre Mundial to take the high road and stop pirating the name of the PRE Horse for their own benefit. USPRE has asked Pre Mundial to call their horses by an American name of their choosing, but not by the name of a studbook whom they do not represent. Confusion among breeders and new owners has already occurred with USPRE being put in the uncomfortable position of having to inform Pre Mundial owners who contact them that they have a horse that is not recognized in Spain. USPRE acknowledges that the American PRE Breeders have a unique privilege to register their horses in the parent Studbook, and also the responsibility to protect that right and the name of the breed that represents the quality, heritage and value of the PRE Horse. Engaging in a battle of words with Pre Mundial is not something that USPRE desires to do, or that it looks forward to. USPRE would like nothing more than to see Pre Mundial establish their own honestly-named registry and operate with success and collaboration with the other Iberian-based registries and associations here in the United States. However, as part of its role in representing the US Breeders of PREs, USPRE has no choice but to stand up and point out a counterfeit when they see it. A Pre Mundial horse may be a beautiful animal, may carry the kind and noble disposition of its ancestors, may excel in sport, and may bring a high price, but a Pre Mundial horse is not a PRE Horse, and can never be one unless it is registered in the PRE Studbook in Spain. For more information, seewww.usprea.com
SICAB REPORT 2010
Another year, another SICAB--another missed Thanksgiving with no regrets. SICAB--the annual PRE convention and show held in November in Sevilla--was another highly predictable and highly enjoyable event. It's a breed show like none other--with the best examples of the PRE horse gathered together for a final year-end competition--in-hand, under saddle in a number of disciplines, and of course, in the hearts of the hundreds of thousands of attendees. This year, a number of USPRE Directors and officials were on hand, and several important meetings were held throughout the week in reference to better services for the PRE Breeders in the US, and for continued promotion of the PRE horse within the dressage community in the States. We took advantage of the days together to spend time with our friends at ANCCE, particularly Revision Veterinarian Jaime Chapa, Manolo Ridriguez and Pedro Pons, ACPRE New Zealand Director Melanie James and her husband Richard who are also owners of HGF horses, Michele Widner, her family and rider Juan Perez, Rafael Ortiz, Arancha and Perico from the LG office, and more. We spent a day visiting Yeguada Marin Garcia--the birthplace of Grandioso, Cuatrero, Adelante, and many other HGF horses. We shared a wonderful meal with Javier Marin Fidalgo and his wife Margareta before traveling on to the Malaga region to see Daniel Martin and the HGF stallions newly stabled at his Hipica Dana training facility in Fuengirola. We were pleased to see all of the horses schooled and settled into this new stage in their training. Encanto continues to be prepared for a Grand Prix debut at some point in 2011, and we are hopeful that the others will be ready for their next levels sometime soon as well. On Monday, we return back to the States and begin our focus on 2011 and the Wellington Season. It's a Pan Am year, so things could get interesting... PS--Yes, that would be a carriage crossing behind the Spanish team horses, part of the Espectaculo Performance held in honor of the visiting Infanta, the daughter of the King of Spain.
November 22-29, 2009
This week several of us are traveling to Sevilla, Spain to attend SICAB--the annual National Breed Show for the PRE horse sponsored by ANCCE. We are traveling as part of a group hosted in Spain by the United States PRE Association (USPRE)--including Alexander Zilo, Courtney and Jason (King) Dye, and Lendon Gray. We will be sure to update our readers on everything we've seen as soon as we return.In the meantime, for our friends in the US, have a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend with family and friends!HGF Staff
David and Ulla Sonshine Are New Owners of Iliado II
Congratulations to new owners David and Ulla Sonshine, who have purchased 2005 PRE Stallion Iliado II, by Idilio II out of Ibiza. Iliado is revised in the Spanish PRE Studbook, and was awarded Best Movement (Mejor Movimiento) for 3 Year Old Colts by the Spanish ANCCE Judge at Fiesta Midwest in Ohio in 2008. He has started his dressage training with Maria Lithander this past summer. He has three impressive gaits that are easily recognized as the product of his sire, Idilio, who is also sire to Devon Champion Idolo Americano and German Medalist Martin Schaudt's Icono HGF. David and Ulla live in Ontario, Canada and David trains with Canadian Team member Belinda Trussell. He currently has an Iberian stallion and enjoys traditional riding along with classical dressage training. His wife, Ulla, is a competitive Ballroom Dancer who also enjoys the traditional music and dance of Spain. Iliado will spend the winter in Wellington working with both Maria and Belinda, and then will return to Belinda's barn in Ontario in the spring. We look forward to hearing more of Iliado's success in Canada! For more information about viewing HGF sale horses in Wellington this winter , please contact our office at 231-865-6000.