NTERVIEW WITH ANDRÉS MONTIEL,
Managing Director
of YEGUADA MONTIEL-ESCRIBANO (Spain)
It is very sad that the Spanish
Institutions neglect the United States PRE Horse Breeders and Enthusiasts
Breeder of the best Pure Spanish Horse
Interview © PURA RAZA / December 2000
-As you were present in Las Vegas, could you comment on, Mr. Montiel, on what was seen and experienced in CELEBRATION 2000?
-Basically, Celebration 2000 was a morphological contest of PRE horses, judged by three qualified Spanish judges. It followed, however, a different development to the one we are accustomed to in Spain, with regard to the sections and the way the stock was presented. Castrated specimens were judged, as well as other male and female specimens, all ridden in different styles. In addition, the exhibitions were outstanding, among which was a flag parade, whose horse-riding flag bearers gave a specially emotional token to the Spanish public. Within this section, our amazon friend, Maribeth Horan from Boston (known as Maribel in Spain) carried the Spanish flag dressed with the short Andalusian suit., and riding a Cortijo Olivera specimen, at the tune of the Spanish hymn. These moments spoke for themselves, and to me they made the trip to Las Vegas worthwhile. In general terms, I believe Celebration 2000 was more than just a concentration of PRE horses. It was quite an homage to the Spanish culture, yet sadly enough, without any kind of support nor encouragement from Spain. In turn, these American friends of ours, live our culture and customs with great enthusiasm, and in a spontaneous, natural way. This is something that must be known, as there has got to be someone who ensures that the seeds PRE has sewn in America, are not wasted away. These American enthusiasts and organizers deserve great attention by way of our Administration, and from whomever else may be concerned, which will, in the end, increase bilateral relations. If you allow to say so, I have discovered that the world of Spanish horse enthusiasts in the USA is like a sponge, eager to absorb the Spanish culture and information.-Have you confirmed that the foreign markets of the Spanish Thoroughbred Horse are experiencing a lack of information channels?
-A year ago, in issue 9 of PURA RAZA, we spoke about this phenomenon, and about how there was great dissatisfaction within a large number of enthusiast and breeder sectors, especially in the US…
My conclusions are that the marketing of the Spanish products is done in the United States, through experts with knowledge on the necessary bureaucratic proceedings as well as the proper monitoring of the trip. Another very different matter, however, is the possibility that a Spanish breeder has of entering these commercial groups, as it doesn't only depend on the quality of the products, and on the prices….-In your criteria, what actions could be taken in the midst of the XXI century in order to alter such a lamentable point of view?
-It is a difficult question to answer, and therefor my response would be an improvisation, lacking content, and would even contain erroneous aspects. This issue requires a detailed study carried out by an ample group of trained people and entities with enough experience. What we must be clear on, are the objectives: Promoting in general terms the Spanish culture and customs and in particular, those at equestrian level, and related to PRE, as well as the organization and widespread knowledge of commercial exchange.-And in product terms, how would you appraise those specimens shown in Las Vegas?
-There's a little bit of everything, although in general terms, we can sense a slightly lower level than those mid-level contests we hold in Spain. However, it is true that here in Spain, we can count on a larger number of specimens and are able to have a wider selection of those that we want to present. In spite of this setback, very high quality products were presented, as is the case of the champion horse, Prestigio, which was also USA champion in 1999.-Can we talk about homogeneity in the race, or must we assume dispersion as the predominant note in USA as far as PRE is concerned?
-In this sense, the specimens presented in Las Vegas are a true reflection of the reality in Spain. Racial dispersion is a fact which, according to some, enriches the race, and according to others, questions its credibility. I believe that, just like everything else in life, virtue is somewhere in-between the two extremes, and that progress is a very desirable aspect as well as essential, given its inevitable nature.-We have had news of Indiano XVIII, born from the breeders Nobleza del Guadiana, and sent to America by Federico Jiménez, as one of the relevant ancestors of this morpho-functional Contest in Las Vegas. What other Spanish geneology, and lineage competed?
-Spanish, as well as Mexican and from other countries including USA itself, yet mostly of Spanish ancestry. Trophies were dispersed among the different lineages.-And what is happening in America, Mr. Montiel, with concepts such as the Andalusian Horse, Purebred Spanish, Spanish Horse, Spanish Ancestry, etc…do you believe that we will be able to sort out all this conceptual confusion for the sake of a positive re-organization of the market?
-Not only do I wish for this to occur, but that it may occur as soon as possible. In this sense, Spanish breeding associations and authorities have a lot to say and do. It is we, who, when abroad, must maintain our brand and carry out promotional campaigns of our race, leaving no room for doubt. It's obvious that there is an excessive amount of denomination, which in some way contributes to creating confusion. However I think that American organizers and especially the enthusiasts are willing to use the name of PRE, which confirm some expressions that were heard at the Celebration 2000 such as "come see my PRE" or "I also have a PRE", or "I'm going to go ride my PRE". This is authentic music to our ears, given the emphasis and enthusiasm that these American friends place on their favorite past-time. In summary, I must mention that the days spent there were very pleasant, everything went very well: socializing with those who attended the event and who came from different countries, and the affection we received from the hosts. This is why I would like to personally thank the President of the Foundation for the Spanish Horse, Mrs. Barbara Currie for her exquisite dedication to us, the vigilant efforts given by Lady Donna Hecht to ensure the smooth organisation, the personal attention and assistance that Maribeth Horan gave us in the organization of the trip, and to all who were involved in one way or another with the Celebration 2000.
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© PURA RAZA Nagazine. N. 13. October-December / 2000.
