Ignacio Candau “ Never stop learning and invest In Training”

Ignacio Candau is a renowned PRE breeder, recognized as one of the world's leading experts in the field. Over the years, his breeding farm has achieved numerous victories in the conformation circuit, SICAB, and dressage competitions. Mr. Candau recently conducted two educational clinics in California, sponsored by USPRE. During the events, he shared valuable insights on changes in Conformation and Judging Rules, offering a deep understanding of what judges look for in each presentation.

What were the clinics about? 

The clinics were educational sessions for the breeders, assistants, riders, and enthusiasts. The clinic had two main components. The first part featured theoretical lectures, focusing on the divisions of the conformation sheet and an analysis of the main breed characteristics according to the judging manual.

The practical part involved the analysis of these characteristics, which had been discussed theoretically, using horses generously provided by D. Jesús Jiménez and D. Jesús Naranjo. The emphasis was on understanding "what the judge expects to see."

The practical part involved the analysis of these characteristics, which had been discussed theoretically, The emphasis was on understanding "what the judge expects to see."

What was the main focus of the clinic?
The primary focus of these clinics was to explain the judge's perspective and interpretation of the horses in the conformation shows. Additionally, the clinics emphasized how the handler's presentation can influence the final score.

What differences can we observe between the American circuit vs the Spanish one?

While I can't provide an in-depth assessment as I haven't frequently visited American shows, I believe that the Spanish standards should continue to serve as a reference and a guide for setting objectives. Although good work is being done in the United States, maintaining a connection to Spanish standards is crucial.

What are the latest updates in the Morphology circuit?

The fundamental changes in the Morphology circuit include revisions to the evaluation coefficients in the judging sheet, adjustments to the Judging manual, and specific aspects of two overall notes: racial fidelity and general condition and morpho-functional harmony.

The P.R.E. horse is in demand today. What recommendations would you give to Pure Breed Spanish Horses breeders to improve? 

My advice to breeders, regardless of their location, remains the same emphasize TRAINING in capital letters. Continuous learning is the key to breeders' independence, allowing them to make informed decisions without being overly reliant on the advice of others.

When you look back and see how much your perspective and interpretation of horses have changed over time, you realize that the learning journey is quite long. Training is the most effective way to shorten that path. Thanks to technology, there is now easier access to a wealth of information.

I must stress that learning is an ongoing process, and the deeper you delve into it, the more opportunities arise.

The United States is the second country after Spain with the highest number of P.R.E. horses. Can you tell us more about it?

The United States holds significant importance in the world of PRE horses. The country boasts exceptional horses that enhance the breed's reputation in both morphology and dressage.

In terms of market expansion and distribution within the country, there is still room for growth.

The reasons for this concentration may include language barriers, the vast size of the country, and other factors. The presence of the Piroplasmosis barrier, which is often viewed as a trade obstacle in Spain, adds complexity. Nevertheless, the PRE horse continues to gain more followers and interest among American enthusiasts.

In summary, from my point of view, the United States exhibits tremendous growth potential and plays an important role in the future of the PRE breed.