Allison Brock: “Never underestimate a good PRE”

Allison Brock was born and raised in Hawaii. Her passion for horses started at the age of seven. She made the significant decision to leave Hawaii at the age of seventeen to pursue her dream of a career in equestrianism.

Allison's hard work and determination paid off when she earned a spot on the United States equestrian team, representing her country at the prestigious 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the Olympics, she showcased her talent and skill in dressage, contributing to her team's success and securing a bronze medal in the team dressage test.

Over the years, Allison has ridden multiple P.R.E. horses from her clients. Currently, she is the trainer of Ariana Chia and Guateque IV, one of the combinations that are in the spotlight right now.

This exclusive interview delves into Allison's insights into Purebred Spanish Horses and her memorable experiences as a rider and trainer.

Do you have any fond memories of your first contact with a Spanish horse?

Yes - the first one I can remember was a grey PRE stallion named Descarado. He was drop-dead gorgeous with a very dark grey mane and tail and absolutely stunning. He was also extremely sweet. He was one of the only PRE’s in Hawaii at the time and I want to say it was around 1988/1989. He made a tremendous impression on me with his beauty and character!

What do you like most about the Spanish Horse?

They are sensitive and intelligent horses that love to work with you. I have been fortunate to always have a few in our program since 2005 and I love them.

If you could ride a famous PRE horse right now, which would it be? And why?

I would have loved to have sat on Fuego de Cardenas!!!! And I was lucky enough that we had purchased Os Nervi as a schoolmaster for my employer, Claudine Kundrun. Luis Lucio trained him and to this day I think he was one of the most well-trained horses I have ever had the privilege to ride.

Over the last two years, you have been coaching Guateque IV. Did you expect such results?

I am extremely happy with how he has matured in the GP work. The Matute’s did a fantastic job training him, and he's been a pleasure to work with. His heart is bigger than him and I appreciate how he keeps giving more and more, the stronger and fitter he gets. He loves his job!

What do you think about the PRE breed in the US?

I think it’s great to see so many of them at the horse show and in barns in general. I am always happy to see them competing in top sports and they are so much more accepted as competition horses now. At the same time, they give a lot of joy to many adult amateurs and can be quite versatile! Never underestimate a good PRE!

Photo credits: Allison Brock riding Os Nervi, picture by Susan Stickle.