Wedenmark said it’s clear that judges do appreciate a good Iberian breed noting that at the recent Palm Beach Dressage Derby, she competed in a class judged by Uwe Mechlem where the top four finishers were Iberians – two Lusitanos and two Andalusians. And she feels McDowell’s horses have a bright future ahead. “I don’t feel that they have anything that would hold them back from going Grand Prix. When I ride, I try to preserve a bigger, more swinging gait in them. I don’t really shut them off. And I notice that they are responding very well to that type of riding. That’s the road I’m going to stay on because it’s working.”

PhelpsPhoto: Aire V, a seven-year-old stallion, was a Young Dressage Horse champion in Spain

For her part, McDowell is quite happy to be the owner of such beautiful horses and she’s confident that with the help of Wedenmark and Rubio, her breeding program is off to a good start. “These horses are extremely sensitive and it takes finesse and if you get the wrong rider on these horses, it doesn’t work. We keep bringing Juan over to help us to make sure we’re riding the horses to the best of their ability,” she said. “And I’m enjoying watching other people ride my horses. I’m happy to have them here. This is the first year that I’ve come out to the shows with horses since I last showed one myself. I’m glad to be back.”

Horsesdaily "On the Scene" at the Wellington Classic Dressage II 2007
Horsesdaily Breeding News - PRE Spanish Horse News