As we turn the page to June in the IALHA Calendar, meet SFA Malagro, the six-year-old Andalusian gelding whose lineage and natural athleticism make him a true standout. Bred by Janita Smith at SF Andalusians, Malagro is by of Sandokan and out of Kapparah’s Alpha Martys. From the moment he set hoof on the ground, Janita knew that Malagro possessed a special spark.
“This horse has been a real dream and continues to mature and show his athleticism. Malagro has been showing at Novice A, Working Equitation, and at A/L Breed shows. In 2021 he earned the IALHA High Point Andalusian of the Year for USWAE and he placed 3rd out of 75 in the USAWE 2021 Novice A, Open, National Leaderboard. We look forward to his Working Equitation accomplishments in the future.”
Janita Smith, Owner, Bonita Springs, FL
The captivating photograph was skillfully captured by Vicki Correa, a freelance writer, and photographer based in Missoula, Montana.
“I have been fascinated by photography since a very early age, and have shot with every type of camera available, from an old Kodak Brownie Box to a pinhole camera made from a tomato sauce can, to an Instamatic “point and shoot”, to miles and miles of film, and now digital.
My passion is nature photography, and I spend as much time as possible outdoors shooting wildlife, birds, scenic, flowers, bugs; anything that attracts my attention, and I also shoot pet portraits. Aside from nature photography I love action shots and have been shooting photos at stock dog trials for the past 15 years, and events at the Big Sky Horse Park in Missoula for the past 6 years. That is where I captured this photo, during the Working Equitation Cross Nations Cup, which brought together people from Holland, Denmark, Germany, Canada and Australia.
Working Equitation is a great discipline to demonstrate the many different aspects of horsemanship, and the partnership between horse and rider – and great fun to photograph. All participants cheered for their teammates, and everyone was very supportive of each other, which goes to show that no matter where you are from, we all appreciate good horsemanship, friendship, and comradery. I’ve met some amazing people at these shows.”
Vicki Correa, Montana Magic Photography, Missoula, Montana
Vicki’s photograph perfectly captures the harmony between SFA Malagro and his rider, Erica Peet. Thanks to Vicki’s artistry, we can appreciate the horsemanship, unity, and beauty of equestrian sport on an IALHA horse!
