ECUMAD 1998 - A First Visit

by Sue Wingate

The Garrochista

Although I lived in Spain some years ago the opportunity to visit any major horse shows there never materialised so in many ways my trip to ECUMAD ‘98 was quite a novel experience - I simply had no idea what to expect. I was pleased that we arrived on Friday since the show was relatively quiet that day which gave the ideal opportunity to wander around taking the measure of people, horses and (occasionally!) the events in the rings. This in many ways is still ‘laid back’ Spain with no thought of the somewhat frenetic, production-line scheduling of events that is the norm in the UK nowadays. Indeed it was perfectly easy to miss a class or demonstration altogether! Our attempts to view the Garrochista displaying his skills were almost thwarted by the fact that he entered the main ring over half an hour early! Fortunately I managed to witness half of his display but my companions were not so fortunate. A pity, since it really was a joy to see his display. With consummate artistry and natural riding skills, the rider and horse perform incredibly delicate movements, pivoting around the long ‘garrocha’. Of course all movements have been perfected from those required to manage and control the magnificent fighting bulls on the large estates...

A stallion warming up for the Championship

Capricho XII

The show takes place in 2 large airy exhibition halls which have an open air exercise arena between them. This proved to be somewhat challenging from a photographic point of view. The interiors being dimly lit and a step outside took you into the brilliant sunshine and deep blue skies of a Spanish winter! The exercise arena was a most interesting place to be much of the time, especially when the stallions participating in the Championship were warming up. The championship has an interesting formula in that the horses are judged on conformation, movement and finally ridden in an individual test containing some of the more demanding dressage movements. This contest was spread over 2 days - the result being decided on Sunday afternoon with the contestants going in reverse order - the leader going last of all. There were changes in the order over the 2 days and this was a fascinating competition won by Capricho XII from Yeguado Martinez Suay who, like the majority of the Purebred Spanish Horses at the show, was a grey.

Obviously, as at all horse shows, a considerable amount of time was given over to wandering around the stands. However, this was a show with a difference - quite apart from all the trade stands (many with wonderful leather goods) the major Spanish Stud Farms also had stands - on which were very small enclosures for some of their best horses. The Yeguada de la Cartuja stand was surely the most magnificent of these, decorated with the lovely Spanish tiles and wrought iron work. Three stallions were housed in individual stables whilst their prize mares stood in groups of three in the small pens and as far as I could discern, barely moved for 3 days.
All over the show there were pens of horses - often a whole group of youngsters together or mares. I could not imagine horses in the UK accepting all this in the same way, but brought up the Spanish way they do accept it as the ‘norm’. The temperament of these horses was certainly put thoroughly to the test, particularly at the weekend when the crowds thronged around their boxes - all wanting to touch them. Not once did I see a horse react angrily - bored and long suffering certainly (who wouldn’t have been) but bad tempered, never.
Ecumad is a showcase for Spanish breeders - they want to show off their horses to you. One day whilst having lunch I glanced through the window and just outside a grey stallion was doing a levade... pulled out his box he was immediately asked to perform the movement - which he did a few times and he was then put back again. There was no question of ‘warming up’.

Starting early is obviously a key to success.

I think my favourite horse of the entire show was a chestnut Lusitano cross horse called Cantador from Coudelaria Antonio-Xavier de Lima. It was obvious that the owner thought the world of this horse who would not have been a champion in looks or confirmation yet he oozed character and personality. He was often asked to ‘display’ for passers by - and would piaffe for several minutes at a time to entertain... really it was seeing horses in this way that distinguished the show from others.
In the one arena there was a mini bullring and many stands devoted to the fighting bulls which are quite awe inspiring whatever one’s views of bull fighting. The ‘harmless’ demonstrations in the bull ring always attracted big crowds - the star being the young son of Portugal’s most famous rejoneador Joao Moura.

Tamarinda - winner of the Mares' Movement Championship

The in-hand arena also attracted much attention - especially for the Champion Mare class. The Spanish love their horses to move well and these mares certainly did - and to considerable acclaim. Watching some of them though I couldn’t help feeling that the Spanish were missing out on by not riding them! Given that it is an inconceivable concept that a Spaniard should ever ride a mare, however wonderful she may be, the absence of similar social inhibitions elsewhere should surely encourage us to ride these lovely animals more often? I couldn’t help but notice though that these mares were on the whole not very fit, and somewhat flabby in condition - no doubt partly due to the fact that many have limited opportunities to roam and exercise themselves. The good mares had excellent bone and frankly reminded me of some finer Irish Draught horses - not surprisingly perhaps since they were used to improve the breed.

Standing starts require great impulsion...

For most spectators the highlight of the show was the Doma Vaguera Championship, seats being taken well in advance of the class - if you have never seen this skill demonstrated before then it is a revelation. Once again it owes its existence to the management of bulls and the considerable demands that this places on horse and rider. Lightning reaction can save life, and certain techniques inevitably have become more and more refined. The riders only ever use one hand. They perform delicate movements some of which you will find in dressage competition - canter pirouettes, canter half pass, etc. Others you will not find in a dressage competition - such as galloping flat out down the arena and stopping in one stride! Or, moving backwards, the length of the arena at lightning speed... some of this work is quite breathtaking and should you ever have the opportunity to see it performed, don’t miss it. If, optimistically you wish to begin training, look for a horse with all the dexterity of a polo pony but with the ability to perform some movements normally associated warmbloods, then be prepared to put in hours and hours of practice!
There were large displays in the main ring too. The Spanish police seem especially well mounted and put on an impressive performance which included Spanish Walk and a most attractive carousel movement executed at canter half pass!
This was a most enjoyable and entertaining show to visit, run with a casualness only to be expected in Spain, but also with passion and a great sense of involvement. There was a great deal of hospitality on offer one way or another, and any breeder wanted nothing more than to tell you, and to show you, just how wonderful his horses were... who could possibly ask for anything more?
Show report and results follow.