Majestic and powerful, watching an Iberian stallion move boldly across a dressage court can invigorate even the most jaded competitors. Their regal build and gentle temperament inspire images of a time long passed, and for Iana Gonzales, dressage trainer at Encore Ranch in Riverside County’s Temecula, few other breeds can compare to Iberian horses.
“I have worked with other breeds, but I just love working with the Iberian,” explains Iana. “My Lusitano, Talisman, was just approved as a breeding stallion. I’m very proud of him. He received a certification score of 74.8 percent.” And Iana has every right to be beaming with delight. In addition to receiving his breeding certification, Talisman was the 2006 California Dressage Society’s Lusitano Sporthorse Colt Champion.

“A happy horse is going to work well for you,” says Iana. “If you take care of your horse physically, mentally and spiritually he will give you 100 percent. You can’t force them to work. You have to be patient and they will let you know when they’re ready to move forward.”
Using that same approach to schooling her students, Iana has been remarkably successful helping her clients and their horses happily move forward with their training. Last year one of Iana’s students qualified for the Young Rider Championships. At the Fiesta California, Cañero, a stunning bay colt imported from Spain that Iana started when he arrived, was reserve champion in the 5 Year Old Division.
“I believe in following the classical training pyramid,” explains Iana. “I train all my horses using classical methods. There is a reason the classic methods have survived this long, they give you something to fall back on when you’re having problems and can guide you on what to do next.”
When not working with clients and riding, Iana is continuing her dressage education. She is dedicated to achieving her USDF certification this year and has been working diligently with silver and bronze medalist, Susann Regalmuto, who already has her USDF certification. As part of her continuing education, she has also been working with Julio Borba. Julio’s uncle, Guillermo Borba worked alongside the classical master, Nuno Oliveira, to found what would become the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. Iana also attends regular clinics with silver medalist and classical dressage trainer, Rafael Soto.
“You never stop learning. Education is an ongoing process for all of us and it should be enlightening. I will probably be 80 years old and still trying to figure out how to improve my half-halt,” jokes Iana.
Iana is eager to help the USDF certification process grow on the West Coast. There are several testing sites already on the East Coast, and Iana and Susann hope to set up Encore Ranch as a West Coast USDF testing site. “It’s a wonderful facility with a regulation size dressage court, a round pen and jumping arena. Debbie Schafer is there as a hunter/jumper trainer, which is wonderful because I’m a firm believer in cross training. But more than that, Encore has a great family atmosphere. Everyone there is very welcoming.”
Iana is always looking to welcome new students and their horses into her training program. Whether they are riding at Prix St. Georges or just starting out at Training Level, it makes no difference to her as long as they are enthusiastic about learning; and if they happen to own an Iberian horse, all the better.
For more information about Iana call 619-820-4768 or e-mail her at caballos17@hotmail.com. Her website www.ianadressage.com is currently under construction.