California Riding Magazine • June, 2008

Fiesta of the Spanish Horse
Multibreed show marks its 10-year anniversary.

Story and photos by David M. Rubin

The Los Angeles Equestrian Center celebrated the arrival of May with one of the most festive and colorful multibreed shows of the season. The 10th annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horse (Fiesta de los Caballos Españoles) ran May 1-4 and continued its tradition of raising much-needed funds for cancer awareness and research.

The four days of competitions showcased the full range of Spanish-bred horses with divisions for Andalusian, Lusitano, Paso Fino, Peruvian Paso, Pura Raza Española (PRE), and Puro Sangue Lusitano (PSL). A special division was also included for dressage.
The Equidome was filled to near capacity for the Fiesta’s highlight, the exciting Saturday Night Extravaganza. Pre-show activities included mariachi musicians, colorfully costumed dancers, flamenco performers, and the USC marching band.

Show producer/director Joanne Asman arrived on horseback in full Spanish attire to welcome the audience. The two-and-a-half-hour show got off to a grand start with waving flags, galloping horses and the national anthem. The evening’s entertainment included performers from Medieval Times, the Rancho Jimenez Charros, a Hollywood-style Paso Fino demonstration (with costumed actors, riders and stuntmen), Ramon Becerra’s classical equitation, the Peruvian Paso Heritage Riders, the Rainbow Riders drill team, and a great many other wonderful acts.

The Fiesta’s daytime competitions and the family-friendly Saturday-night performances served as an important educational showcase for the elegant beauty of the Spanish horse and its important role in California’s history.

Ed Houston riding Phoenicia in the Peruvian Paso division.

Alyssa Milano’s horse Sarafina La Luna
walks the sounding board after winning the blue ribbon with rider Thomas Milano.

Competitors in the Paso Fino Largo Race vie for the $100 prize.

Jennifer Fisher and her Paso Fino La Suena de Cardenal in the driving class.

The Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca.

Peruvian Paso riders compete on Friday afternoon.

Deborah Polec riding Mecena in the dressage competition.

A leaping Andalusian stallion from Medieval Times.

Colorfully costumed dancers entertain the audience at the outdoor arena.