-- ANCCE press release, Photos © Lily Forado
A rising star breed in the world of United States dressage is the PRE (Pura Raza Española) known for its natural talent, intelligence, and exceptional versatility. As the popularity of these magnificent Spanish horses grows, PRE horses took the centerline in both the national and international show rings during the 2025 Adequan Global Winter Equestrian Festival (AGDF).
With their graceful movements and high-stepping gaits, PRE horses have gained forward momentum in dressage arenas in the United States and are integral to the sport’s growing diversity. The PRE breed dates back to Spain and has a long history of contributing to top equestrian disciplines. Their natural athleticism and eagerness to work make them a suitable
equine partner for a broad spectrum of dressage riders, ranging from training level to Grand Prix, amateur to professional.
Growing Popularity and Success
Several PRE’s have earned recognition for their performance this season at AGDF. Top riders and trainers with PRE horses in their training programs include Olympic Rider Ali Brock, Grand Prix Competitors David Marcus and Nicholas Fyffe, Spanish Team Member Pablo Gomez, and U25 Competitor Sophia Schultz.
“PRE’s hold a special place in my heart, largely thanks to their wonderful disposition and work ethic. This, combined with their exceptional ability for the high collected movements is what
gives them such a unique presence in the dressage arena,” says Sophia Schults, Sponsored Rider for Hampton Green Farm.
“Conocido has been an incredible teacher for me as we make our strides in the U25 arena; we’ve been together since he was four-years-old. He has been very tolerant of my mistakes and held my hand when I needed it. Having the opportunity to work with a large number of PRE’s on a day to day basis has taught me a great deal both in and out of the tack. Seeing how these horses develop from foals to the FEI levels is a tremendous privilege.” In 2025, Schults and Conocido are planning to continue their journey in the U25 division with the goal of representing the US on Nations Cup teams.
A Bright Future for PRE Horses in Dressage
“I see a promising future for PRE horses in the states,” says Manolo Gonzalez, Executive Secretary of Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española (ANCCE). “Their natural features of rideability, ability for collected movements, eagerness to learn, and absolute working will make them ideal equine partners.”
“The PRE horse studbook supports the breeding program for conformation and dressage. We share its results to the 70 countries where the Spanish horses are present through the catalogues of breeding stock.”
Providing breeders and owners with access to the PRE horse studbook offers several advantages, including verifying a horse's pedigree, ensuring genetic purity, and accessing information about breeding stock and genetic progress, all of which is essential for breeders and buyers.
About the PRE Horse:
The Pura Raza Española (PRE) is a breed of horse native to Spain, known for its natural beauty, powerful yet graceful gaits, and exceptional endurance. While historically used for various equestrian disciplines, PRE horses have a favorable reputation in dressage due to their versatility and accentuated movements. The breed is characterized by its distinct physical traits, including a strong yet elegant frame and calm, trainable disposition.
SICAB is the annual milestone to experience the PRE Horse World. From November 18 to 23, 2025 the Seville Conference and Exhibition Center will host the International Horse Show, SICAB 2025, the venue for the World Championship of the Pure Spanish Horse and the ANCCE Cup Finals. This year marks the 35th edition of the largest equestrian event dedicated to the Spanish horse in the world.
Beyond the competition, SICAB offers a full entertainment program centered around the equestrian world, featuring daily shows, exhibitions and sales of specimens, performances, training sessions, social events, and more. It also hosts a vibrant commercial activity.
About ANCCE:
La Real Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española and commonly known as ANCCE, is the mother association for the Purebred Spanish Horse throughout the world. Likewise, ANCCE has been officially recognized by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture to handle the PRE Stud Book and thus, guarantee the purity of this century-old breed.
About ICEX:
ICEX, an agency of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Trade, promotes Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses, also known as Andalusian horses, through campaigns and participation in international horse shows, aiming to increase their global recognition and sales.
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Email: ancce@ancce.com