USPRE WEEK 2026: Education, Tradition and Passion for the P.R.E. Horse at IBERICON

Breeding

USPRE

-- text and Photos © Lily Forado for USPRE

For the second consecutive year, USPRE WEEK was part of the IBERICON programme, held from October 14–18 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. A week dedicated to the promotion of the Purebred Spanish Horse (P.R.E.) in the United States, bringing together institutional representatives, breeders, industry professionals and enthusiasts from different parts of the world.

Among those in attendance were ANCCE President Carlos Bohórquez; ANCCE Executive Secretary Manolo González; USPRE President Jane Bistline; and USPRE Executive Secretary Tanya Duffey. Also present were members and board representatives USPRE Association, including Kimberly Van Kampen, Jesús Juárez and Phil Merrill, as well as prominent breeders and industry professionals such as Cristina González, Christian Moll, Josefina Bakker, Sabas Trujillo, Juan Manuel Muñoz and Yolanda Lluch, among others.

The second edition of USPRE WEEK featured a programme particularly focused on education and learning, covering both Dressage and Conformation.

Technical Education: From Theory to Practice

Education took centre stage from the very first day, Wednesday, October 14, with a seminar led by international FEI 4* judge Juan Carlos Campos. During the session, he covered the fundamentals of Dressage, the Training Scale and the development of young horses, complementing the theoretical content with video analysis of competition performances at different levels.

A few hours later, Spanish horse handler Diego González took over with a session dedicated to Conformation. He explained the characteristics of the P.R.E. breed type and the main technical aspects of presenting horses in the show ring.

On Thursday, October 15, theory gave way to practice with three horses. Juan Carlos Campos and Olympic rider José Daniel Martín Dockx shared advice on gymnastic exercises, conformation, topline and the development of a supple, elastic back. Afterwards, Diego González offered practical recommendations on how to get the most out of horses during their conformation presentation, both in the standing position and in movement.

The USPRE Gala and Annual Awards Ceremony

As tradition dictates, Thursday's programme concluded with the USPRE Gala Dinner. Following institutional speeches by USPRE President Jane Bistline and ANCCE President Carlos Bohórquez, one of the most anticipated moments of the evening took place: the presentation of USPRE's annual awards, recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of the season.

USPRE Annual Awards

Member of the Year: Jesús Lodazal
Equestrian of the Year: Tina Veder
Horse and Rider of the Year: ESTATAN LHE and Stacey Hastings
Mare of the Year: ZARINA DE NARANJO – Owned by Rancho Los Naranjos
Stallion of the Year: SANTIAGO HGF – Owned by Hampton Green Farm
Functionality Champion of the Year: SANTIAGO HGF – Owned by Hampton Green Farm
Breeder of the Year: RANCHO LOS NARANJOS – Jesús Naranjo Bautista

Special Awards

Century Ride: Phyllis Stein and ALJARAFE VII
Lifetime Achievement: Grandioso III – Kimberly Van Kampen Crook

Friday: A Day of Conformation, Dressage and History

Friday was an especially busy day. While the Conformation Show at FIESTA OCALA continued in Arena 5, the break in the competition schedule provided an opportunity for a clinic with Olympic rider Juan Manuel Muñoz. Three USPRE members had the opportunity to work with him and benefit from his technical advice and guidance: Stacey Hastings with Estatan LHE, Shelley Van de Neste with Malagueño FSR, and Nick Phillips with Zapatero RB.

Later that afternoon, approximately 40 attendees gathered for the presentation Trabajo y Tradición (Work and Tradition), delivered by Rafael Peralta Revuelta and Francisco de Rooij. Throughout the session, both speakers took participants on a historical journey through the Spanish horse during the 19th and 20th centuries, with particular attention to the Carthusian horses associated with the Royal Household and the aristocracy. They also explored fundamental concepts for understanding the history of the breed, including the distinction between bloodlines and breeding lines.

It was a true masterclass in history and hippology, packed with references, facts and fascinating insights that allowed attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the roots and legacy of the P.R.E. horse.

What Does It Take to Become a P.R.E. Breeder? Experiences Beyond Borders

Saturday began with one of the week's main gathering points: the roundtable discussion entitled How to Become a P.R.E. Breeder?, which brought together breeders from different countries and backgrounds to share their experiences, lessons and reflections on developing a breeding programme.

The panel featured Josefina Bakker, from Criadero La Josefina (Ecuador); Sabas Trujillo, from Yeguada Trujillo (United States); Christian Moll, from Hacienda El Baluarte (Guatemala); Cristian García Gómez, from Yeguada El Diabolo (Spain); Kimberly Van Kampen (United States); and Jesús Juárez (United States).

Drawing on their individual experiences, the participants discussed the challenges involved in establishing and developing a successful breeding operation. The speakers shared some of the mistakes they had made along the way, the lessons they had learned and the importance of continuous education.

Attending competitions, asking experienced breeders questions, observing and learning from industry professionals and, above all, believing in one's own project from the very beginning were among the key messages shared during the discussion.

Another central topic was the role of the mare within a breeding programme. In this regard, all participants agreed on her importance as the true driving force behind any successful breeding operation.

Education continued a few hours later with a masterclass led by national USEF judge Sue Kolstad. Working with a young horse, Borbon HGF, ridden by Antonio Crespin, and an adult horse, Noturno Do Sagres, ridden by Nikki Barroso, she delivered a highly technical session, sharing recommendations and judging criteria to help improve the presentation of horses in the show ring.

Shortly afterwards, Juan Manuel Muñoz resumed his educational programme with the second part of his clinic. This session featured Antonio Crespin riding Byzantino HGF and Edwin Benavidez riding MIZTLI DEL ENCANTO, bringing an end to a day filled with learning and the exchange of knowledge.

ANCCE and USPRE: A Partnership That Continues to Grow

The United States is one of the most important international markets for the Purebred Spanish Horse and ranks as the second-largest country in terms of P.R.E. population. Against this backdrop, the close relationship between ANCCE and USPRE takes on particular significance.

Throughout the week, USPRE also had an information stand where members and breeders could receive assistance, ask questions and learn more about the association's various services and resources for breeders.

Initiatives such as USPRE WEEK help strengthen the ties between both associations, bring knowledge of the breed closer to American breeders and encourage the exchange of experiences among professionals on both sides of the Atlantic.

Following an intense week in Ocala, USPRE's next appointment will be in Seville during SICAB, where the association will once again have its own stand, continuing to build relationships with breeders, horse owners and P.R.E. enthusiasts.

For more information visit www.usprea.com

Breeders united at USPRE Week

The round table discussion during USPRE Week

USPRE brings together people with a passion for PRE horses

USPRE Awards 2026

Antonio Crespin riding in the clinic with Juan Carlos Campos, assisted by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx

Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Juan Carlos Campos

Sue Kolstad

Juan Manuel Munoz teaching Antonio Crespin in a clinic at USPRE Week

Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz clinic

Stacey Hastings on Estatan LHE

Diego Gonzalez clinic

Round table discussion

Internationa dressage judge Juan Carlos Campos spoke at USPRE Week