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While the term ÔhorsemanÕ is applied quite liberally to riders who have achieved sporting excellence, one perhaps forgets those people behind the scenes, such as trainers and breeders, without whom such goals may have remained elusive. If anyone deserved the title ÔhorsewomanÕ it is Pilar Cepeda
Not only did she pluck an aging (by ÔbeginnersÕ standards) Alfonso Romo from obscurity to Olympic selection in just a few short years but, having spent the last nine years with La Silla, Pilar has had a fundamental role in the development of their stud farm and breeding enterprise. It now ranks as one of the best in the world in terms of quality of livestock. Modesty would prevent her from demanding any sort of recognition yet she is a glowing example of someone who has overcome personal adversity, with a quiet determination, and still retained her sense of humour. As far as her breeding role at La Silla is concerned, she talks with knowledge and pride, and vehemently defends their philosophies, which some have openly criticised.
...Q When Alfonso Romo wanted to begin his breeding programme, what was the first priority, performance horses or good bloodlines?
Well, we started retiring certain horses and I always said why donÕt we breed with them; ponies of Ponchito or mares of Macita (RomoÕs son and daughter) who have carried them successfully in competitions. Everybody knows in breeding that the best horse is always in the field of your neighbour. Alfonso, you know him, he likes perfection, he likes the best, so we were always going to end up buying a lot of horses. I could never believe that from good sport horses we wouldnÕt get sport horses. If you had two showjumpers, you had to get jumpers. ItÕs not complicated. What I mean is, we didnÕt do anything special.
Q So the original principle was that you had to have the best in order to try and product the best?
Exactly. We had to have both good stallions and good mares. So many people have a broken down mare and a top class stallion, but we had both. Good mares who had to retire, maybe because theyÕd had a small injury, but who had been the best. u What is your definition of a good brood mare? Does she always have to have been a performer? No, I donÕt necessarily think so, but she has to have very good bloodlines. Also itÕs better if weÕve already ridden her ourselves, so we know what sheÕs done. These horses must be very generous and loyal, straightforward, and characters with no complications in the sense of being positive and obedient. Nice people! ...