Contact:
Lisa Patterson (508) 698-6810, classic.pr@verizon.net

MIAMI, FL-July 21, 2006-Ernie Sanz, owner of Hacienda Guadalupe Paso Finos in Miami, FL, has more than two decades of experience in the Paso Fino industry. He recently had the honor of serving as a judge at the Sixth World Young Riders Equitation Championship (Felix Santiago Oliver Equitation Mundial). One of the things he came away with was the firm conviction that the significant progress he saw in Paso Fino competition bodes very well for the future of the breed.

"As with any competition of this magnitude, there are some riders that seem to stand out, not because they are necessarily the best, but because they are the most improved," said Sanz. "The teams who competed at the Championship demonstrated great improvement in skill and preparedness compared to the last time they were in competition. This speaks a lot for our sport as a whole and its increasing level of skill and interest within the equestrian community."

The Championship was held under the governance of the International Confederation of Breeders of Paso Horses (CONFEPASO), July 3-9 in Kissimmee, FL. Nearly 300 young riders, age 4-24, from seven countries took part in the event, making it the largest CONFEPASO World Championship in history. Countries with teams competing included Aruba, Colombia, Curacao, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the United States, and Venezuela.

Riders competed in separate Championships for boys and girls, and each division competed according to age. In addition to mounted competition, participants over 12 years old are required to take a written test with questions relating to general horsemanship and competition rules.

The team from Puerto Rico shone, winning nine out of 12 division Championships. Aruba, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic each won a Championship in one division as well. For many of these young people, the World Championship was their first experience riding on a team as well as their first real taste of international competition.

"It was so emotional for everyone," said Sanz. "It was emotional for me, too, to see all of these kids representing their respective countries. There was a parade of countries before the mounted competition began, and it was touching to see how excited they all were to be there as part of a delegation representing their countries."

Sanz has dedicated most of his life to working with the Paso Fino breed. He started the Hacienda Guadalupe ranch in Miami, FL, with his father nearly 25 years ago. The ranch has grown to house 120 horses, including nearly 20 broodmares and a very special stallion named "222" (pronounced Dos Veintidos).

Bred and trained at the ranch, 222 has won numerous awards. As a 3-year-old, 222 was named the U.S. National Champion. One year later, he also took first place in the Classic Fino Colt division at the U.S. National Championship. By the age of nine, 222 had already been named one of the top 10 Paso Fino sires in the country. He has also won numerous international awards, including the Grand Championship at an international competition in Puerto Rico when he was just 4 years old!

Progeny from Sanz's breeding farm have become well-known throughout the world. Guadalupe del Secreto, a daughter of 222 bred at Hacienda Guadalupe, is considered one of the world's best Paso Fino mares. At the 2003 World Championship in Colombia, Guadalupe del Secreto was named the Grand World Champion Fino Mare.

As the equestrian community's interest in the Paso Fino breed increases, the skill and expertise of experienced Paso Fino breeders and trainers, like Ernie Sanz, becomes ever more valuable.

"It's an encouragement to others like myself, who love the Paso Fino breed, to see the progress of our breed and its growth in the horse world. I strive everyday to help Paso Fino horses and owners reach their potential and become the best they can be."

For more information on Paso Fino horses, please contact Ernie Sanz at (800) 289-6896 or esanz@222fino.com or visit Hacienda Guadalupe Paso Finos online at www.222fino.com.