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December 11, 2007

Newly Formed Breed Organization Announced
United States PRE Association

Alexander B. Zilo, North American Representative for the Spanish Studbook, and ANCCE, the national organization of PRE Breeders in Spain and holder of the parent studbook, announced the formation of a new association dedicated to the promotion of the Pure Spanish Horse (PRE) in America.

The United States PRE Association (USPRE) is newly formed for the benefit of PRE owners and enthusiasts and is headquartered in Wellington, Florida. The organization's goals are the general promotion of the PRE Horse as a sport horse through emphasizing its exceptional abilities for functionality. Photo: L-R - Alex Zilo, Pati Pierucci, Kim Boyer, The Mayor of Sevilla, Spain, Alfredo Sanchez Monteseirin and his wife. and Former ANCCE President Jose Palma.

Membership for First Year Waived Prior to January 1, 2008

Membership to the new organization is available on-line at www.usprea.com, and first-year dues are waived for all members who join before January 1, 2008. A kick-off reception for the new organization will be held the weekend of the 9th of February, during the Wellington Dressage CDI show.

The stated goals of the new organization are:

• 1. To celebrate and promote the Pure Spanish Horse (PRE).
• 2. Maintain cordial relations with and adhere to the regulations of the Spanish PRE Stud Book as managed by its regulating authority in Spain.
• 3. Promote among its members and to the public a better understanding of PRE horsemanship with emphasis on Dressage.
• 4. Promote good sportsmanship among USPRE members, friends and other organizations.
• 5. Sponsor competitions and other activities for the purpose of furthering the art of PRE dressage and other educational activities at the local, state and national levels.
• 6. Organize public PRE exhibitions and clinics.

Paving the Way to Pay Tribute

"The establishment of USPRE paves the way to finally recognize and pay tribute to the performance evolution and achievements of our noble horse in the United States as it has been honored in Europe for centuries," said Alexander Zilo. Kimberly Van Kampen Boyer of Hampton Green Farms, and Alexander Zilo of Windsor Stables, will serve as President and Vice President respectively. Both have served until recently on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse, a national association primarily addressing the needs of PRE breeders in the United States. “The time was right for an organization such as this,” stated Boyer. “Everywhere we go we meet another new PRE enthusiast. What was lacking prior to now was an organization that focused on the rider and the rider’s needs.”

Boyer and Zilo are active exhibitors in the WEF winter circuit in dressage and are committed to the education of the American equestrian community to the advantages and benefits of this breed, which has become one of Europe's most sought-after horses for upper level dressage competition.

A Resource of Information and Education on The Pure Spanish Horse

Recent meetings in Spain formalized the relationship between USPRE and ANCCE, with both parties excited about the future possibilities of development of the breed in the United States. ANCCE is the formal representative of the Purebred Spanish Horse in the WBFSH (World Breeders Federation of Sports Horses) as well as a member of the European Union association of breed organizations.

The Executive Director of USPRE is Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Pati Pierucci.

“We want to be a resource to those who own or are considering owning a Spanish Horse, to provide a means of education from the selection process through young horse training to the upper levels of performance,” commented Pierucci.

“This is most dedicated group of PRE riders in the country and there is a real momentum right now in our direction.”

For the coming year, USPRE plans to implement a number of programs and activities;

• The inauguration of the English language El Caballo Magazine
• A Wellington Forum with international Spanish Grand Prix rider Victor Alvarez during the first week in February
• Sponsorship and participation in a number of PRE breed shows beginning with Fiesta Midwest in Ohio in June
• A dressage awards program
• An interactive website.

Board of Directors and Honorary Board List Keeps Growing

Heading up the organizations is distinguished Board of Directors of PRE owners as well as an international Honorary Board that includes members of the ANNCE Executive Committee, top North American PRE Breeders, and well-known names in dressage circles such as Robert Dover, Victor Alvarez, Dr. Tim Ober, Dr. Hillary Clayton, Mary Anne McPhail, Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University, Kathy Connelly and Farrier, James Gilchrist and Mary Phelps-Hathaway.

Keep tuned to DressageDaily.com for more information about upcoming USPRE events and news of the Pure Spanish Horse in America.

Related Links
usprea.com
The Purebred Spanish Horse - The Stars of the 2002 World Equestrian Games
HorsesDaily News - The Pure Spanish Horse P.R.E.