Not sure what to do on a hot Saturday evening? Looking for family entertainment?? Join The Vegas Tourist at the South Point Equestrian Center for “The Horse of the Kings Theater.” We caught a dress rehearsal of the show on Friday and found it spectacular. The horses are amazing at what they do. Plus the costumes and talent of the riders are awesome

This production is part of the National Celebration of the Pure Spanish Horse, currently going on at the South Point. Not sure what a Spanish horse is?? Think the jumping Lipizzaner Stallions and the horses used in Knights of the Round table productions and you get the picture!

The Horse of the Kings Theater tells the story of the P.R.E. (Spanish Horse) through a new and spectacular must-see theatrical event. This delightful play brings beautiful horses into the spotlight as they perform and dramatically show the history of the Spanish Horse as the audience enjoys the art of Classical Dressage (horse dancing), Liberty, Doma Vaquera, Spanish Garrocha, and more in a colorful performance with music, lights and dancers. There will be a special appearance by the incredible stallions and trainers of the renowned Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.

Horse of the Kings Theater

South Point Equestrian Center
South Point Casino and Resort

Saturday, September 3, 2011
Tickets $17.50/$20.00
Kids under 12 are free

(Photo: Equestrian Moments)

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It is said that once in your lifetime you’ll have one good horse. Some will search for that one horse, and never have that chance encounter. Others may have met that horse, but, never realized it until it was too late. One Dressage Rider may have found her once in a lifetime horse…

I have met a horse that is vying to take his rider Susan Treabess on a quest for a place on the United States Olympic Para Equestrian Team. Susan and this special horse have their hearts set on competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Susan Treabess resides in California and has been training with World Champion Dressage Rider Steffen Peters since 2009. Susan was born without a left hand, and wears a prosthesis. Susan participates in a variety of sports, but has been riding since she was five. Susan has been riding in competitively in Dressage since she was sixteen and her riding career evolved to allow her to compete in International Para-Dressage in 2006. In 2008 Susan found herself selected to be included on a prestigious list, as a developing rider for the US Para Dressage Team. Susan is kept busy riding and training for the events that will showcase her and her equine partner to the world in 2012.

Susan’s equine partner, Fugitivo XII a Pure Spanish Horse, is equally talented. Terry Waechter who is the owner of this beautiful horse was able to provide me a little insight on this majestic stallion. I first met Fugitivo at the 2010 National Celebration of the Pure Spanish Horse. Fugitivo was indeed magnificent, he stood in a class of his own, with an undeniable presence that was captivating. He was friendly and approachable and seemed to know he was a champion, and that he was waiting for his human partner to join him in the ring. That wouldn’t happen until the spring of 2011.

Fugitivo is a nine year old P.R.E. stallion who was imported from Spain as a two year old. From the moment his hooves touched American soil, Fugitivo was turning heads and winning Championships and awards. Fugitivo is also a proven breeding stallion having sired nine foals, and currently in Australia for breeding.

Fugitivo and Susan’s progress towards the London 2012 Paralympic Games can be followed on Fugitivo’s websitewww.fugitivo-xii.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/237848992921477/

I wish Fugitivo and Susan great success as they train, show, and prepare for the Olympics. They are already Champions in their own right both in the Dressage Arena and outside of the arena, with nothing to prove to the world, and I am proud to have met Fugitivo. Perhaps one day I will have the chance to see Fugitivo and Susan together at a Dressage competition, and capture their special moment as partners.

KJ Anthony
Equestrian Moments

Come on out next weekend and attend the 2011 P.R.E. National Celebration of the Pure Spanish Horse Championship Horse Show at the South Point Hotel and Equestrian Center. (event is sponsored by Yeguada Centurión of Segovia, Spain)

The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and rescue of the Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E.) and this is the third year this amazing event has been held in Las Vegas. Best of all is that the daily horse shows are Free to the public!

All this happens Tuesday, Aug. 30th through Saturday Sept. 3 at the South Point Hotel & Casino Equestrian Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Featured in the films “Lord of the Rings” and “Kingdom of Heaven” these glorious horses known as P.R.E.’s (Pura Raza Espanola’s) or Andalusians, with their flowing manes and tails, are one of the rarest breeds in the United States. They have long been known and admired by royalty as the “horse of kings.”

Their incredible beauty, kind nature and amazing athletic ability captivate anyone who has the good fortune to “meet” one of these fantasy creatures. They will be a feast for the eyes as they compete in dressage, halter, performance and specialty classes. The show starts at 8:00 a.m. all days and the daily horse show is free to the public. If you’ve ever wanted to meet “Pegasus” in person, now’s your chance!

Included in the show will be exhibitions throughout each day, an Art Expo, silent auction, a live auction of a Pure Spanish filly, vendors and a variety of educational clinics, including two seminars sponsored by Yeguada Centurión featuring the Top Horse Presenter in Spain, Daniel Isidoro Muñoz and Breeding Farm Technical Director, Alberto Abajo.

Beginning on Tuesday August 30th, see talented horses of all breeds compete in Dressage at Celebration and the Sport Horse in Hand Show, a triple rated dressage show. Dressage continues on Saturday with the $5000 Musical Freestyle Challenge. Liselotte Fore, FEI (I) (International) Judge, will judge the Dressage show and Sport Horse In Hand show.

On Saturday, Sept. 3rd, Jan Curtis, “S” will be our judge in the Musical Freestyle Challenge where P.R.E.’s will vie for a $5000 cash prize. Thursday through Saturday horses will be competing in halter, specialty and performance classes including an American P.R.E. Idol Class the National Champion Spanish Walk, Piaffe and Passage classes, rail classes, Prix Caprilli, carriage/driving Working Equitation and many more. Come early and plan on staying all day!

Highlighting the show will be two ticketed events: on Thursday Sept. 1st beginning at 7 p.m., Mexican Heritage Night will feature the Mexican Heritage Freestyle Event followed by the El Puma de Sinaloa Concierto y Baile with special guest La Sonora de Colombia. At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3rd enjoy an all new production of The Horse of the Kings Theater which tells the story of the P.R.E. through a new and spectacular must-see theatrical event. This delightful play brings beautiful horses into the spotlight as they perform and dramatically show the history of the Spanish Horse as the audience enjoys the art of Classical Dressage (horse dancing), Liberty, Doma Vaquera, Spanish Garrocha, and more in a colorful performance with music, lights and dancers.

Special Event and Auction

There will be a special appearance by the incredible stallions and trainers of the renowned Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Come early because just prior to the Theater will be a live auction of a beautiful P.R.E. filly­ take a real live Pegasus home with you! Both special events are fundraisers for the Foundation and tickets (VIP packages available) can be purchased through the South Point Box Office (702-797-8055.) For a complete listing of events, to sign up for clinics or see the show schedule visit www.prehorsecelebration.com or www.prehorse.org or contact the Foundation at 505-294-0800.

Theatre of the Spanish Horse 2010

On September 4, 2010 I was invited to attend an evening of the Spanish Horse aka The Theatre of the Spanish Horse.

This event was held after the Celebration of the Pure Spanish Horse, once all the ribbons had been awarded the evening began.  The horses and riders looked and performed their best to the audience at the South Point Equestrian Centre.

The evening was the place to showcase not only the Spanish Horse, but the talent and beauty of these horses.  From airs above the ground, to a performance from the Medieval Times Horses and Riders, there was something for everyone.  There was even a display of Belgium Heavy Horses, although they are not Spanish Horses, it was still a great display of horsemanship.

My thanks to the President of the Pure Spanish Horse Foundation for inviting me to attend this wonderful event, and thank you to the South Point for providing the venue. 

KJ Anthony

Equestrian Moments

Pure Spanish Horse

I was invited to attend the Celebration of the Pure Spanish Horse at the South Point, from September 1 to September 4, 2010.

The Spanish Horses are some of my favorite horses, and they have been a favorite of Kings throughout history.  Spanish Horses can excel any discipline from dressage to western pleasure.

Spanish Horses are strong boned, with a deep heart-girth, and round powerful haunches.  The most common coat color is grey, but horses can also by bay, black, or buckskin, coat colors can be variations of these colors.

My thanks to the President of the Pure Spanish Horse Foundation for inviting me to attend this wonderful event, and thank you to the South Point for providing the venue.

I was excited to see these beautiful horses and hope you can fall in love with the Spanish Horse.

KJ Anthony

Equestrian Moments

We were there for the first show in 2009. This is an amazing event with some beautiful horses that maintain their Spanish heritage and flavor.

Come on out and enjoy the magic and beauty of the Spanish Horse!

South Point Equestrian and Events Center at the SouthPoint Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada September 1st – 4th, 2010. The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse invites the public to attend the National Celebration of the Pure Spanish Horse Show and Equine Gift/Art Show being held Wednesday, August 30th through Saturday, Sept. 4th at the South Point Equestrian and Events Center.

This year the Foundation and SouthPoint Hotel and Casino have joined to offer free tickets to several Las Vegas children’s charities including Horses for Heroes, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, Big Brother/Big Sister, and the Boy Scouts and 4-H! If your child is a member of one of these organizations please call them and ask for information about attending the Theatre of the Spanish Horse as our guest.

The horse show starts at 8:00 a.m. and admission to the daily horse competitions is FREE.

This stunning, “Royal Breed of Kings” also known as “Andalusians,” featured in the films; Lord of the Rings, Hercules, Kingdom of Heaven, -and so many others- will amaze and astound you competing in dressage classes on Wednesday followed by halter, performance and specialty classes Thursday through Saturday. There is something for everyone on Saturday afternoon, from the crowning of our new American “P.R.E.” Idol to displays of dancing in the Mexican Heritage Freestyle and the $5000 Musical Freestyle Kur Challenge…even a fashion show, parade of champions and more!

The highlight of the show will be the fabulous Theatre of the Spanish Horse beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening featuring acts by Medieval Times Dinner Theatre Head Trainers; Tom Reed, Victor de Lara and Rehda Tharsa working their magic with six magnificent P.R.E. stallions performing long–lining demonstrations, the renowned, “Pas de Trois” and the incredible leaps and feats of athleticism known as “Airs Above the Ground.” Many other exhibitions are planned including traditional Spanish riding disciplines such as the garrocha and the heart-stopping Hacienda Miranda Escaramuza team.

If you have not seen this wonderful hybrid of traditionally North American riding with a Mexican flavor by daring ladies in fabulous costumes, this is a “no miss” event. They will be joined by Big Horse Productions specializing in spectacular acrobatics known as Vaulting plus many other exciting acts!

The Saturday Event “The Theatre of the Spanish Horse” is a ticketed event to benefit The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit entity with programs including horse rescue, youth, education and breed preservation programs. This is a family oriented event and show admission is only $17.50 general admission

Tickets through the South Point Ticket Office 702-797-8055. Children under 12 are admitted free. More information is available at www.prehorse.org or www.southpointcasino.com. The South Point Hotel and Equestrian Center is located at 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

The P.R.E./Spanish Horse — known in Spain as “Pura Raza Española” — and here as “Andalusians” is one of the rarest breeds in the United States. The breed’s incredible beauty, legendary kind nature and amazing athletic ability captivate anyone who has the good fortune to “meet” one of these fantasy creatures. Come and meet the incomparable Spanish Horse, the P.R.E. Remember, The National Celebration daily competitions are free to all and the Theatre of the Spanish Horse exhibition is a superb entertainment value- along with being completely family-friendly. Come join us and let the “Horse of Kings” gallop straight into your heart.

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Chincoteague Ponies on the Shore of Assateague Island

Do you remember reading the book Misty of Chincoteague, by Marguerite Henry, about the wild ponies of Assateague?

Well the ponies and the island are real… and every year since 1925, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company who are the owners and managers of the pony herds, have held an auction of the foals for that year.

The round up and auction occurs in July on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday.  This year the round up was on July 28, with the auction on July 29.  This was the 85^th swim, which lasts approximately three minutes.

The crowds along the shore were expected to swell to forty thousand, as between one hundred fifty and one hundred seventy five ponies crossed the channel.  Mares, stallions, and their foals crossed during low tide, which helps ensure their safety while in the water.

Once the ponies reach the shore, the first foal is crowned “King or Queen Neptune.”  The winner will receive the foal at the Carnival Grounds.  They purchased a ticket from the Fire Company’s raffle, and the winner must be present to win.

In 2009, seventy ponies were sold.  The average cost was $1,344.29, and highest bid was $11,700.  Total sales came to $94,100.

The Chincoteague pony is a recognized breed, with pinto markings being the most common.  To keep the herd at a sustainable size of approximately one hundred and fifty horses, mares are given a contraceptive vaccine.

The mares and stallions returned to Assateague Island on Friday morning.  The island is 48,000 acres and the landscape and weather is ever changing. 

Perhaps one day I will be able to travel to Virginia and see these wild ponies. 

KJ Anthony

Equestrian Moments

PS  The photo was provided by Patrick J. Hendrickson of Highcamera Aerial Photography, of this year’s round up.  Patrick gave me permission to share his photo with you, and if you want to see his other photos, be sure to go to his website… www. highcamera.com

G’day and Welcome to Downunder Horsemanship with Clinton Anderson.  I attended the Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour at the South Point Equestrian Center June 12 and 13.  Clinton Anderson Australian Horse Trainer and Clinician brought his method to Las Vegas, and showed us the partnership that can be formed between a rider and their horse.

Clinton moved from Australia to the United States in 1997.  Clinton’s accomplishments include winning the Australian National Reining Futurity in 1997, and winning the Road to the Horse Colt Starting Challenge in 2003 and 2005.

Clinton apprenticed under Gordon McKinlay and Ian Francis in Australia, and started over six hundred horses.  In 1996 Clinton came to the United States to train and learn from Al Dunning who has won numerous American Quarter Horse Association World Championships.

The South Point was set up differently than when other horse events have been held there.  There were almost no vendors on the concourse, which meant there wasn’t mobs of people standing in the way to the arena and the event could be comfortably viewed from the concourse.

The arena was split one-third for Downunder Horsemanship merchandise and autograph booth, and the other two-thirds was arena with a round pen.  At least fifteen hundred people attended the clinic, which is a great turn out.

The lights were dimmed when Clinton was working with a horse, with overhead track lighting providing focus on Clinton and the horse he was working with. Clinton would talk to the horse’s owner to let the audience know why the horse was brought to him.  From there Clinton would work with the horse for about an hour and an half, depending on the horse and their needs.

Clinton has three main tools for working with a horse in the round pen.  The first tool is the halter.  Clinton’s halter of choice is a rope halter because it is more uncomfortable for the horse to lean on the halter when compared to a web halter, and it also helps teach the horse to give to pressure.  The second tool is a lead rope that is fourteen feet in length.  At that length you are able to do all the groundwork with your horse, and if you encounter a disrespectful horse you can still get out of their way.  The end of the rope is weighted allowing the rope to be twirled or thrown easily.  The rope is designed in a way that allows the slightest wiggle to cue your horse, as it travels from you to your horse.  The third and finally tool is a stick and a string, officially known as a Downunder Handy-Stick with String.  The stick and a string could be considered an extension of your arm, and a reinforcer of cues that you give your horse.

Throughout the clinic Clinton would reinforce the importance of working safely around your horse, and gaining the horse’s respect.  When you are working with your horse you always want to have ‘two eyes,’ towards you rather than ‘two heels.’

Clinton talked throughout clinic explaining why he was doing something or what he was looking for in the horse.  Clinton explained what he would do with the horse if he was at home, and why he does what he does.  Clinton worked very well with the horses, and never raised his voice and remained calm.  Focusing on keeping the horse and helping them understand what he wanted.

Ground work is a very important element in getting respect in your horse; if they don’t respect you on the ground they won’t respect you in the saddle.  Clinton worked with the stick and the string to encourage the horse to move away from him.  He would start by pointing in the direction the horse was to go, clucking if the horse didn’t follow through, smacking the ground by the horse was the third step, and the fourth was to smack the horse on the butt.  And as Clinton pointed out, he wasn’t beating on the horse merely enforcing his previous requests.

Clinton also worked on getting the horse used to the lead rope being tossed around them, around their legs, head, neck, back.  A horse that is more used to these movements will less likely to over react in a similar situation. Clinton also talked about psychology, and how as a trainer and rider once you understand how the horse thinks you can improve your horse’s confidence and mutual respect towards you.

This was a great clinic for anyone who wanted to improve not only their skills as a Horseman, but their partnership with their horse.  Thank you Clinton Anderson for bringing his methods to Las Vegas.

KJ Anthony

Equestrian Moments

This twelve year old mare is special, not only was The Arabian Breeders World Cup her first show, but, even more amazing she was rescued from a home of neglect. Eight months ago she was only skin and bones, to see her before and after photos and to see her transformation is amazing.

I had a chance to visit with her Owner and listen as he explained how far she had come, in those eight months.  From being haltered to having her feet picked up, this mare had to learn to trust humans all over again.  As a statement to the Arabian Focus Princess showed what love, kindness, and a good home can achieve.

For one mare and one Owner, miracles do happen.  Focus Princess I look forward to seeing you again next year.  Thank you to your Owner and Handler for sharing your amazing story with me.

Following is a little more information on the Arabian Breeders World Cup… The Arabian Breeders World Cup was held in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel and Casino from April 15 to 18, 2010.  The Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance or “AHBA” was the sponsor of the fourth annual Arabian Breeders World Cup.  The AHBA is a non-profit organization, whose goal is to promote the Arabian horse.

The Arabian Breeders World Cup strives to introduce people to the beauty and majesty of the Arabian horse.  The Arabian Breeders World Cup brings the finest purebred Arabian breeding horses to Las Vegas from around the world.

The Arabian Breeders World Cup is based on shows from Europe.  This show format allows the horses to be presented more naturally, further highlighting their inherit beauty and spirit. There were five International judges from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, South Africa, Morocco, and Brazil. Five International Judges score the horse on the following six areas; on a scoring system of ten to twenty points per area:  Arabian Type, Head and Neck, Shoulder, Body and Topline, Feet and Legs, and Movement.  The total possible number of points awarded to each horse was one hundred and twenty.  Horses were judged standing, walking, and trotting.

I would like to thank the Arabian Horse Breeders for bringing these beautiful horses to Las Vegas, and to the South Point for providing the venue.  I look forward to seeing everyone next year.

KJ Anthony

Equestrian Moments

The mystique of the Purebred Arabian can be answered this weekend at the SouthPoint Equestrian Center.   Or at least it can be further explained for those of us who have never seen this breed up close and in all its glory.

That is one of the goals of the Arabian Breeders World Cup, is to help promote the Arabian horse. The nice thing is that you can do it for free this weekend as the event is open to the public.

This will be the fourth annual and our second time attending.  This event has become one of the premier purebred Arabian horse shows in the world.  We went last year and found out it really is an “International horse show”.  We met Arabian breeders and enthusiasts from around the world who came just for this event.

Of course, what Arabian event in Las Vegas would be complete without Mr Las Vegas, Wayne Newton.  He seems to be the Vegas ambassador to the Arabian horse world by the way he was treated and the way they swooned over him.

It will be interesting to see if his recent troubles with the process server will make him a no show or not, but we will wait and see.

I do have to agree with the website, it does showcase the natural beauty, nobility, excitement and unique characteristics of the Arabian horse breed and provides a lively and entertaining experience for existing breeders and those new to Arabian horses.

These are some beautiful creatures to see up close and in the ring.  Although they do have a weird way of showing them off.  Using plastic bags and other tools to make noise and get them to perk up and prance.  Hard to explain.  However the crowd goes wild once they are in the gate and moving like gentle giants.

More from the website:
The Arabian Breeders World Cup is a horse event like no other in the U.S. To begin with, it features a showcase competition for purebred Arabian breeding classes. These breeding classes are conducted in the European style using the World Cup Scoring System, similar to the All Nation’s Cup in Aachen, Germany and the World Championships at the Salon du Cheval in Paris, France. Through the use of the European style of showing, the show emphasizes a more natural way of preparing, presenting, and showing the horses so that their true Arabian spirit shines.

In addition, the European judging system is more transparent since each judge is required to display the scoring results to the audience after each horse is judged. As a result, the spectator can be more involved and can better understand and appreciate the attributes that the judges are appreciating and those that they are not. The show features 5 International judges, a true mix of the best from America, Europe and South America, with the goal of achieving the highest possible standards of judging.

Where: South Point Casino Equestrian Center

Tickets: Free to the Public

Time:
12:30pm Thursday
10:00am Friday, Saturday and Sunday