Pura Raza Espanola (PRE) Association of Australasia ("PREAA") had a stall in the Breeders Village at Equitana 2010, which was held at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds from 18-21 November 2010.

As part of that advertising space, PREAA also had a stable in which to display a PRE horse - one that has a Spanish passport issued by the Cria Caballar, or ANCCE.

For the entire 4 days of Equitana, Alegria horses were displayed in the PREAA space. Two are still owned by the Alegria Spanish Horse Stud: Alegria Asombroso and Alegria Valiente - and two that were sold to Cara Burns of Del Viento Spanish Horse Stud.

Special thanks must go to Nicole Downes of Mellizo Equestrian Centre, Sunbury, for training Alegria Asombroso ("Sam") over the past 6 months, and bringing him in for this event. Nicole will also be campaigning Sam in 2011 in EFA dressage and other competitions. I have known Nicole for a number of years through shows throughout Victoria, but as a result of this combining of my horse with her training skills, we have developed a great friendship too!

Special thanks also must go to Kristy Sparkes of Woodend, who is a trusted breaker and trainer, and a dear friend. I would trust any of my horses in Kristy's care. Kristy only broke Alegria Valiente in about 3 months before Equitana, with only a month of arena time and the rest road riding (with the occasional jumping clinic thrown in for good measure!). So spruced up for Equitana, Kristy braved his first outing "of the extreme kind", and both came out smiling (and in Valiente's case, Piaffing!)!

Congratulations and thanks also to Cara Burns of Del Viento Spanish Horse Stud for bringing in her two Alegria-bred horses. Alegria Piccolo is being campaigned in dressage, and at the time of Equitana was 5th runner up in the state for 5yo dressage!

Aside from EFA comptitions, this was Piccolo's first major outing and he coped with the noise, bustle, and horses coming from every direction! He is a full brother to Alegria Valiente.

This is Alegria Elena in the stable at the PREAA stand. She has only been lightly broken, so was only shown in hand, but was a credit to the breed, my stud, and to Cara as well!

Unfortunately I had the morning off from Equitana on the day Elena came in, so this is the only photo I got of her!