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Pure Spanish Horses Light Up Las Vegas at South Point Hotel Equestrian Event Center Aug. 30 – Sept. 3

The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and rescue of the Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E.), invites the public to attend the 2011 P.R.E. National Celebration of the Pure Spanish Horse Championship Horse Show sponsored by Yeguada Centurión of Segovia, Spain (Pictured above: Exhibition – Photo credit: Lesley Harrison).  

Photo credit: Pace Rey.

The show dates are Tuesday, Aug. 30th through Saturday Sept. 3 at the South Point Hotel & Casino Equestrian Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Featured in the films “Lord of the Rings” and “Kingdom of Heaven” these glorious horses known as P.R.E.’s (Pura Raza Espanola’s) or Andalusians, with their flowing manes and tails, are one of the rarest breeds in the United States. They have long been known and admired by royalty as the “horse of kings.”

Photo credit: Lesley Harrison.

Their incredible beauty, kind nature and amazing athletic ability captivate anyone who has the good fortune to “meet” one of these fantasy creatures. They will be a feast for the eyes as they compete in dressage, halter, performance and specialty classes. The show starts at 8:00 a.m. all days and the daily horse show is free to the public. If you’ve ever wanted to meet “Pegasus” in person, now’s your chance!

Photo credit: Christopher Kadish.

Included in the show will be exhibitions throughout each day, an Art Expo, silent auction, a live auction of a Pure Spanish filly, vendors and a variety of educational clinics, including two seminars sponsored by Yeguada Centurión featuring the Top Horse Presenter in Spain, Daniel Isidoro Muñoz and Breeding Farm Technical Director, Alberto Abajo.

Photo credit: Christopher Kadish.

Beginning on Tuesday August 30th, see talented horses of all breeds compete in Dressage at Celebration and the Sport Horse in Hand Show, a triple rated dressage show. Dressage continues on Saturday with the $5000 Musical Freestyle Challenge. Liselotte Fore, FEI (I) (International) Judge, will judge the Dressage show and Sport Horse In Hand show.

Photo credit: Christopher Kadish.

On Saturday, Sept. 3rd, Jan Curtis, “S” will be our judge in the Musical Freestyle Challenge where P.R.E.’s will vie for a $5000 cash prize. Thursday through Saturday horses will be competing in halter, specialty and performance classes including an American P.R.E. Idol Class the National Champion Spanish Walk, Piaffe and Passage classes, rail classes, Prix Caprilli, carriage/driving Working Equitation and many more. Come early and plan on staying all day!

Photo credit: Christopher Kadish.

Highlighting the show will be two ticketed events: on Thursday Sept. 1st beginning at 7 p.m., Mexican Heritage Night will feature the Mexican Heritage Freestyle Event followed by the El Puma de Sinaloa Concierto y Baile with special guest La Sonora de Colombia. At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3rd enjoy an all new production of The Horse of the Kings Theater which tells the story of the P.R.E. through a new and spectacular must-see theatrical event. This delightful play brings beautiful horses into the spotlight as they perform and dramatically show the history of the Spanish Horse as the audience enjoys the art of Classical Dressage (horse dancing), Liberty, Doma Vaquera, Spanish Garrocha, and more in a colorful performance with music, lights and dancers.

Photo credit: Linda Nickerson.

There will be a special appearance by the incredible stallions and trainers of the renowned Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Come early because just prior to the Theater will be a live auction of a beautiful P.R.E. filly­ take a real live Pegasus home with you! Both special events are fundraisers for the Foundation and tickets (VIP packages available) can be purchased through the South Point Box Office (702-797-8055.) For a complete listing of events, to sign up for clinics or see the show schedule visit www.prehorsecelebration.com or www.prehorse.org or contact the Foundation at 505-294-0800.

Photo credit: Linda Nickerson.

This year the National Celebration of the Pure Spanish Horse is packed with fabulous horses, spectacular exhibitions, first-class educational opportunities, and as always, is family friendly. There’s something for everyone and we guarantee that the “Horse of Kings” will gallop into your heart.

Photo credit: Lesley Harrison.