Festival of the Iberian Horse

Wishing a very special happy birthday to the incredible Marilyn Tennent who judged the Spanish horses for us in 2018. Here a brief delve into a notable career with the horses of Spain, and a little more on the special horse in the picture Victorioso....

MARILYN TENNENT has been involved with Spanish Horses for more than 40 years, having followed an initial fascination with the Breed to Seville in 1974 where she met the American photographer Robert Vavra and went on to spend time with many of the most notable Breeders of these horses while working with Robert on many of his famous books. This led on to the purchase of Principe, who famously starred as the “last unicorn” in the film Legend, and later on – after many years of study - to writing about the horse and its history for the book The Andalusian Horse, a Portrait, by Robert Vavra and published in 1992.

Having met the riders of the Escuela de Arte Ecuestre on their first visit to London in 1974, Marilyn was later to spend a considerable time working with Mercedes Gonzalez Cort, with whose help she bought the stallion Victorioso II, bred by the prestigious Stud of Jaime Guardiola Fantoni. Marilyn and her horse then spent 7 years at the home and training centre of D. Luis Ramos Paul in Los Palacios, Seville. Held in high esteem as a Classical Maestro, Luis had been Chief Instructor at the Real Escuela de Arte Ecuestre in Jerez and also formerly a four-time Campeon de Espana in Doma Vaquera. With Luis as her mentor and based in the heartland of the Purebred Spanish Horse, Marilyn’s “apprenticeship” was rooted not only in the principles and practice of Classical Equitation but also in the history of the horse and the extensive culture and the many customs and traditions that surround it.

Victorioso achieved high honours in the show ring and then went on to win 3 Gold Medals in Doma Clasica with Luis before he and Marilyn came to the UK where they were unbeaten in Ridden Championships, including the Breed Shows and Royal Windsor, for 3 years. The pair later returned to Spain and were based at the Stud of Dehesa La Granja in the Sierra de Cadiz where stud work was added to the repertoire until ill health forced retirement from an active riding career. Marilyn has trained horses and has enjoyed instructing many riders of all ages in both Spain and England, and having attended the relevant Courses in Spain has worked as a Judge on many occasions over the years, in Spain, the UK and the United States.

Wishing the fantastic Frédéric Pignon a very very happy birthday and a magical, joyful year ahead!

📷 Aga Karmol Art from our 2023 UK arena show

Many of you watched and met the amazing Alison Zuend from The Horse Place at our 11 years of shows. Alison was twice our Spanish Reserve Champion on two different horses (Il Danubio and Elba), she also performed in evening galas, ran many demos at Westpoint and performed as a butterfly in a Magali Delgado piece! Alison is currently riding from John o Groats and is 60 days in arriving at Lands End in another 30 or so. Poppy is her trusty steed who is a Lusitano - PRE - Hanoverian mix. They are riding with Jo Treweek and Bonny, and altogether they are raising money for Alzheimer's Research, such an important cause that affects so many. Please follow their journey at the link below and you'll find a link to make a donation in the comments

800 miles or thereabouts!

🇵🇹 On Portugal Day - here, Paulo Santos riding Lusitano Exparta D'Atela, owned by Holly Barber at our 2018 Gala show. We would like to wish everyone at the Lusitano Breed Society of Great Britain breed show this weekend, 13th and 14th June at Addington the most fantastic weekend. They have a full programme of events including the prestigious APSL Cavalo Lusitano classes, PRE classes, MCI dressage and more. Spectators are free and very welcome
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📷 Fleur Churchill - Andalucía Equuscapes

We would like to pay tribute to Jasmine Jackson-Lloyd (1997-2026) who is being laid to rest today. Originally from Exeter, Jasmine appeared in our 2019 gala show at The Grange with DOLBADARN FILM HORSES. Jasmine made a huge impression on the audience and our whole team, an incredibly vivacious, powerful and talented young lady. As a stunt rider, aerialist, climbing instructor, divemaster, kick-boxer, fire performer, model and all round superstar and warrior girl, Jasmine was certainly one of those who burned very very bright for too short a time. We send our prayers and condolences to all friends and family today and beyond.

📷 Martin Walls from the Grange and Feather Photography

Entries for Royal Cornwall Show close on the 20th April. With three adult dedicated Iberian classes available (in hand, English ridden and a Parade plus a youngstock class all in the main ring on Friday 6th June, this is an opportunity like no other to show off your Iberians at one of the biggest shows in the UK. The Lusitanos and PREs have been consistently successful in the overall World Breeds Section Championship over the past 12 years and the in hand champion can also go forward for a HOYS qualifier. Please note that a 45 minute official break has been added between the English ridden and Parade, the Royal Cornwall teams love these spectacular horses and are always so accommodating. We absolutely loved our two years of main arena demos at this prestigious event promoting the Festival. Please support the classes and good luck to everyone competing