The music was booming, the crowd was roaring, and the sound board rumbled at the 2009 Spectrum International. From May 21 through May 24, the spectrum took place at the Tropical Park in Miami FL. This was the first time that this high profile show was held at this venue.

This Paso Fino horse show had all the good features of a proper show along with some nice surprises. However, it wasn’t without its flaws.

Among the usual features of the Spectrum were the high number of exhibitors and their horses. The number of competitors in the ring averaged about 15 horses in the Classic Fino classes. Another big number in the show was the number of spectators. The amount of people watching could be determined by how much the arena shook when a horse passed by the sounding board.

Relatively new features that are starting to become favorites include the new judging system. It is apparent that this new system is beginning to stand the test of time. The judging system is complimented by the fact the audience can now see how the judges vote on account of the gargantuan LED screen that anyone can see it anywhere in the arena.

The Florida PFHA did a job well done when it came to organizing the event and making a fun occasion for those involved.

Nevertheless, and understandingly so, the show didn’t go on without a few flaws. One of the announcers, kept going on about how this show was re-writing history (by the way, some one needs to tell this announcer there is no talking while horses pass the sounding board). History was certainly re-written with one of the biggest blunders of a between-class presentation. The young lady by the name of Zeyda left alot to be desired. In fact, if the audience doesn’t like these shows, they simply walk away. They don’t boo as they walk away.

But to fair, the quality and quantity of horses exhibited in the show arena more than made up for any flaws the show might have had.

-The Pleasure Fillies and Mares Champion was La Noche de Valparaiso. Valparaiso Horse Farm Inc. is theowner and is presented by Nelson Primus.

-Ricardo IA is champion in the Pleasure Colts and Stallions Championship. Ricardo IA was ridden by Javier Suarez.

-In the Performance Fillies and Mares Championship Tical de la Tierra was the champion. Tical de la Tierra is owned by John Bolivar and was ridden by Alonso Betancourt.

-Zacarias Dos Estirpe Lee Vulgaris from Massachusetts and ridden by Peter Sanchez

- In the 3-year-old Classic Fino Fillies class, Elegancia de jonseb took first place. Elegancia de Jonseb is owned by Norman and Debbie Timbs from Tennessee.

-The 4-year-old Classic Fino Fillies class winner was La Nacional. La Nacional is owned by Andres Salazar and was ridden by Jose “El Che” Fernandez.

-Valentino de Heaven’s Horses was the winner in the 3-year-old Classic Fino Colts class. Valentino was ridden by John Jairo Pelaez..

-Titan Royal of Hacienda Royal was the winner in the 4-year-old Classic Fino Colts Class. Titan Royal was ridden by Fabio Trujillo

-In the Classic Fino Mares class, as well the Classic Fino Fillies and Mares Championship, La

Reina de la Estancia took both blue ribbons home. La Reina is owned by United Paso Fino

Show Horses and was ridden by Alei Ortiz.

-The Stallions had an interesting turn of events. In the Classic Fino Stallions class Da Vinci de los Reyes (ridden by Alvin Perez) took first place. However, in the Stallions Championship Joyero III took the Stallions Champion title. Joyero III is owned by Dady Diaz.

All in all, everyone was very satisfied as to how the show in its entirety turned out. The 2009 Spectrum International will be talked about as a good endeavor by the Florida PFHA and one of the better shows of the season.

By: Jorge Mejia

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