USDF Spotlights the Team Behind Phyllis Stein and Aljarafe VII's Century Ride

Throwing back to April 1st, the dressage community witnessed a moment that quickly became one of the most inspiring stories of the year. At Whippet Run Farm in Ocala, Florida, Phyllis Stein rode down the centerline of a Kür freestyle for the very first time in her life. But this was far more than just another freestyle. Together with her longtime partner, the P.R.E. horse Aljarafe VII, bred by Los Alburejos, the pair completed a memorable Century Ride; an achievement recognized when the combined ages of horse and rider total 100 years or more. At 79 years old, riding her 21-year-old partner, Stein officially became part of The Dressage Foundation Century Club.

The story of Phyllis Stein and Aljarafe VII extends far beyond the unforgettable Century Ride that captured the hearts of the dressage community. It is a story of dedication and Partnership.

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) will continue celebrating this remarkable partnership with an exclusive interview featuring Sue Kolsted, national judge and trainer who guided Phyllis and Aljarafe throughout their journey. As someone who witnessed their preparation firsthand, Sue will offer a unique insight into their story.

The occasion also serves as an opportunity to reflect on Aljarafe VII's extraordinary life. From his early years in Spain under the guidance of Javier Ruiz Garrido, Aljarafe has demonstrated the versatility, generosity, and longevity that define the P.R.E. horse. Adding to this celebration, USPRE will honor Phyllis Stein during USPRE Week at IBERICON 2026 with a special recognition for her lifelong dedication to the breed and the sport of dressage.

To commemorate this exceptional achievement, we have gathered reflections from those who have been part of Aljarafe VII's remarkable journey, from his former rider in Spain to the people who witnessed his greatest accomplishments in the United States.

Kim van Kampen, Vice President of USPRE, reflected on this milestone:

USPRE would like to congratulate Phyllis Stein and her marvelous Al Jarafe for their Century Ride. This accomplishment is a milestone that cannot be overstated...it required not only the fitness of two senior athletes--human and equine--to reach the magic sum of 100 years of combined age and functionality, but also Phyllis and Al Jarafe have exceeded all expectations by performing at the highest level of the sport of dressage--the Grand Prix! Their partnership and this ride say so much about both of them--their dedication, patience, talent, and true grit.

We are so proud of both of them, but we also take this opportunity to expound on the lifetime partnership that is possible with a PRE horse. PRE schoolmasters are always in demand for many reasons, but mostly because there are so few of them on the market, due to their long usefulness, safety, and willingness to work until old age. Owners simply won't part with them. Many mature riders have continued their partnerships with their PRE horses long after their own competitive days are over, and trainers all over the country can attest to the many new roles these older pairs have taken on--whether its classical riding (such as is taught in the Baroque Equestrian Games and Institute), exhibition work such as long-lining or parade riding, trail riding, or the super-popular Working Equitation.

This year, USPRE Week is dedicated to simply this: the Horse for All Seasons. Our PRE horses, with their noble beauty, gentle nature, and kind gaits, have taken their riders from the grandest competition arenas to the quiet pleasures of steady, faithful companionship in older age. Phyllis and Al Jarafe have proven once again the valor of our mighty horses, for those who will love them and cherish them.

Javier Ruiz Garrido, the previous rider in Spain who achieved multiple accolades and medals in Spain, comments: Aljarafe VII, a son of Embrujo VI (the paternal half-brother of the Olympic horse Invasor), was bred by Mr. Álvaro Domecq Romero. Although his career was primarily dedicated to Mr. Álvaro Domecq's renowned equestrian shows, where he stood out for his exceptional talent in long-reining, he also competed in several national dressage competitions. He first competed at the Prix St. Georges level and, years later, also performed in several Grand Prix classes. In 2012, I decided to compete with him in the Alta Escuela (High School) division at SICAB, where we won the Gold Medal in the Highest Level category (Grand Prix). It was there that he was sold to the United States. Actually, his competitive career was not particularly long, but for me, he remains one of the finest horses I have ever had the privilege of working with. He possessed