Lisa Wilcox: “The P.R.E. Has Tremendous Trainability”

Lisa Wilcox is one of the most accomplished American dressage riders of her generation. An international competitor and Olympic medalist, she has developed her career on both sides of the Atlantic, gaining extensive experience in some of Germany’s most renowned training and breeding environments before returning to the United States.

A bronze medalist at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games with the U.S. team, Wilcox brings to the P.R.E. a perspective shaped by decades at the highest level of dressage and by her experience with both Warmblood and Iberian horses.

In this interview, she shares her thoughts on the Pura Raza Española, from its intelligence, trainability and work ethic to the evolution of its breeding for modern dressage. She also reflects on her experience working with P.R.E. horses in the United States, her current partnership with Urbano FSR II( bred by Francisco Santiago Ruiz and owned by Silver Drache Farm LLC), and the importance of developing the breed’s movement without losing its natural qualities.

Her connection with the Spanish horse also took her to Spain, where she visited the ANCCE genetic laboratory and the historic Yeguada Militar, gaining a deeper appreciation for the breeding traditions and systems behind the P.R.E.

And after attending SICAB, Wilcox experienced first-hand the passion, pride and cultural importance surrounding the Spanish horse. Here, she shares her impressions of the event and explains why the P.R.E. continues to capture her attention as a dressage horse with a unique combination of intelligence, willingness and character.

Do you have any fond memories of your first contact with a P.R.E horse?

I confess, my familiarity with the P.R.E horse (specifically) didn’t occur until taking some into training, several years after returning to the states in 2006. Prior to that, I had worked with a fair number of Lusitanos, first when (future Olympian) Maria Caetano would come and train with me as a young rider at Gestut Vorwek; and, later, the stallions of Ingred Lin - Queba HM & Quemacho HI (both competing successfully through Grand Prix).

What do you like most about the Spanish Horse?

What I have come to appreciate about the P.R.E (or, the more broadly encompassing) Iberian horse, is their intellect and work ethic. The breeding of these horses has made tremendous strides over the years, infusing more elasticity, suppleness & ground cover into the natural paces. That being said, what they once seemingly lacked in natural athleticism, they more than made up for in trainability. They grasp new concepts very quickly, so it’s up to the rider to make sure that the training is very deliberate and correct.

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

During my most ‘prolific’ period at the highest echelon of the sport, Rafael Soto always looked like he was having the time of his life on Invasor. Though not the most expansive or brilliant mover, he had some of the best passage & pirouettes of that time - and, always appeared to be a happy, willing athlete.

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

I have had the good fortune to work very closely with an American P.R.E breeding operation, CAE Dressage. They have gone to great lengths to promote and elevate the standing of the breed, including having three stallions approved for the Oldenburg (G.O.V) Verband, the Hanoverian Society, & the Westphalian registry. Breeding is an imperfect science, but I would say that the breeding, from a dressage perspective, is moving in the right direction.

They say the Iberian breeds are best at collection, more precisely with piaffe and passage. Do you find you have to ride the PREs differently from other breeds?

I would say that my training aesthetic and system for developing the P.R.E (or Iberian) horse is the same. That being said, I would say that the development of these horses takes more care. Movement derived from tension often makes the gaits of the Iberian horse more mincy and less dynamic - you can’t get away with senseless running, like you sometimes can with the warmbloods. I am fortunate that the education I received really put an emphasis on carefully, and consequently, developing what would now be considered unremarkable basic paces. The Rubinstein lines were historically rather mediocre movers to start, until they were 6/7 - then they would find the suspension and expression. Horses have their own timeline, regardless of the breed.

During your visit to Seville, did you have the opportunity to tour the ANCCE genetic laboratory and learn about its role in the development of the PRE breed. What is your opinion about it?

Yes, I did. I was quite impressed by the lengths to which they go to ensure the purity and integrity of the bloodline.

Did you also visit Yeguada Militar considered a foundational base of the PRE horse and what impressions did it leave on you?

I had the good fortune to visit the Yeguada Militar. Having built much of my career at similarly renowned breeding operations (in Germany), it is always a privilege to visit institutions so rich in breeding history and tradition.

Currently you are riding, Urbano FSR II. ¿What are your plans with him? (Short Goal and Long Term Goal) 

I have had Silverdrache Farm’s Urbano in training since the end of October. He had successfully competed through small tour with another professional, & now it is time for the owner (Andrea Eppley) to take over the ride. I will compete him (some) in preparation, but the long-term goal is to finish him to Grand Prix, with Andrea as the primary jockey.

Last year you attended SICAB. What was your impression of the event?

SICAB was truly an awe-inspiring, cultural immersion. The enthusiasm and pride exuded, by both exhibitors and spectators, for the P.R.E horse was truly infectious. It was an honor to be included.