Ignacio Candau: "Insights on the Promotion and Future of the P.R.E. Horse in the United States"

Breeding

USPRE

--- USPRE press release - Text & Photos © Lily Forado

Ignacio Candau is a celebrated name in the world of Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E.) breeding, renowned for his profound expertise and multi-generational commitment to advancing the breed. As a sixth-generation breeder, Candau has elevated his family’s legacy, producing P.R.E. horses that consistently excel in both conformation and dressage arenas. His breeding farm has won prestigious accolades at top-tier competitions, including SICAB.

With a keen eye on the U.S. market, in this interview Candau will share with us his opinion about the promotion of the PRE, the US market among other themes. Through collaborations with the U.S. P.R.E. Association (USPRE), he has helped guide American enthusiasts toward a greater understanding of the P.R.E.’s potential and qualities.

1. What factors do you attribute to the growing interest in the P.R.E. horse in the United States?

In my opinion, several factors contribute. Firstly, the work that USPRE has done over the years is ievident and directly increases American interest in the P.R.E. The promotion and public outreach for the P.R.E. horse have brought considerable value to the entire P.R.E. community. Secondly, the improved image of a horse with better gaits, thanks to selective breeding, has brought a broader and higher-quality selection for enthusiasts. Thirdly, the improvement in training and presentation of our horses, due to ongoing emphasis on professional development, adds considerable value. Each horse can be seen as a small ambassador of the breed, and in this, much progress has been made.

2. How are breeders adapting their breeding programs to meet the demand for P.R.E. horses?

Christian Moll and Ignacio Candau inspecting PRE's in Ocala

I don't believe that breeders are adapting their programs solely with the U.S. in mind, but it reflects an emerging demand across most markets. However, the U.S. is undoubtedly the market with the most potential and focus. Healthy, properly well-trained horses that meet high quality standards for riding are the type of horses sought after. While this may seem obvious, it hasn’t always been a priority for P.R.E. clients or breeders.

3. Do you think breeders' investment in the P.R.E. sports circuit has played a key role in its growing popularity?

Absolutely. Today, there are more and better P.R.E. horses for enjoying dressage at all levels. More breeders are investing in the sport, and there is increasing visibility in competitions and on social media, which in turn boosts interest and popularity. Demonstrating that our horse is capable is the best promotion possible; the P.R.E. is no longer a pretty horse for pictures.

4. How has the relationship between Spanish and American breeders evolved to enhance the quality and competitiveness of the P.R.E. in international circuits?

While this relationship may not be intensely collaborative, some breeders have made substantial efforts to breed, train, and commercialize horses for dressage in Spain. American clients are known to be serious yet demanding, which in turn motivates all parties involved to improve. Breeders who meet the standards find a highly interesting market in the U.S., which demands horses as a final consumer, something the P.R.E. needs since trading solely among breeders has its limitations.

5. How do you see the future of the P.R.E. in the sport and the role of the United States in its expansion?

The P.R.E. still has much to contribute to the sports world; there is a lot of work ahead in breeding and training. However, the quality and potential of this horse are increasingly undeniable. With the “Happy Horse” movement that is reshaping equestrianism, our horse has an opportunity if we capitalize on it. A horse with good temperament, ease for collection, and a noble heart, like ours, is well-suited to training methods now being sought after — or even demanded. Additionally, we need a more consistent presence in top competitions, but the emerging generation of horses and riders is very promising. The U.S. could play an important role in this, as Wellington and now Ocala represent some of the best showcases on the international circuit.

6. How has USPRE Week in Wellington evolved over the years, and what impact has it had on promoting the P.R.E. horse in the United States?

From my experience with visits over the years, I believe that USPRE Week has been a showcase introducing many riders, sponsors, and trainers to the P.R.E. For many, it has been their first contact with our horse and trainers. Through competitions, clinics, and talks by such important figures as Juan Manuel Muñoz and José Daniel Martín Dockx, two of the greatest Spanish riders and P.R.E. lovers, USPRE has effectively highlighted the importance of this breed every year during this week. As a result, an increasingly captivated audience has emerged. When you consistently showcase excellence, it shines through, and results begin to follow.

7. What do you think has led to the growing interest in P.R.E. horses among amateur riders, and what breed characteristics make them so appealing to this group?

To put it simply, the P.R.E. is a horse that allows non-professional riders to reach levels that would be very challenging with other breeds. We must remember that most riders are not professionals. Today, many high-quality P.R.E. horses are ridden by amateur riders, and the quality and temperament of these horses are hard to find in other breeds.

8. What role do events such as USPRE Week and the Iberian Horse Showcase play in educating and promoting the breeding, training, and athletic performance of the P.R.E. in the American market?

Ignacio Candau, Christian Moll, Alvaro Cabrera

These events are the cornerstone of the P.R.E.'s image in the U.S. It’s essential to showcase the horses, educate, and highlight the breed’s strengths while dispelling some stigmas. This is exactly what USPRE does at each event. USPRE is the main representative of the P.R.E. there, and although many Spanish breeders may not realize it, I think it is a huge asset for everyone to have an association like USPRE representing the P.R.E.

Discover the US PRE association at www.usprea.org