|
|
His studfarm, La Escondida, is at Linares, just one hourÕs drive south of Monterrey in the Mexican state of Nuevo Le—n, where he is producing quality sport horses. Breeding is, however, only one part of Guillermo ZambranoÕs passion as he is the Chairman of Proeza, a highly successful multi-national empire with its headquarters in Monterrey, Mexico.
Guillermo ZambranoÕs passion for horses began at the age of six, when he swopped his bicycle for a horse - much to the horror of his parents.
...Q How did you begin breeding?
When I began working, I had one or two horses, thoroughbreds or thoroughbreds crossed with quarter horses, from the King Ranch close to here (Monterrey). My thoroughbreds used to race in Mexico City but, finally, I quit because itÕs too hot for them in Nuevo Le—n and, to run horses 1,000 kilometres away is too far. So, I changed to quarter horses because I used to play polo and, once in a while, I jumped.
Q What, is your advice to Mexican breeders?
Maybe this will be useful for the Mexican association. I havenÕt become a member yet because I want to see how things develop so I donÕt know whether to say this or not ... but, first, people must be more conscious of genetics, to be more knowledgeable about a horseÕs qualities and, more importantly, whether he is really a jumping or a dressage horse. Of course, Europe is more advanced because theyÕre 1,500 years older than we are. I think, in Mexico, we must also generate schools and training courses for blacksmiths and grooms. All the European studbooks have formal schools for blacksmiths, so why donÕt we have one here. Then, our riders need more discipline. ThereÕs a general lack of knowledge. They ride, but theyÕre not conscious of orthopedics. We must start at the beginning, maybe with formal riding schools for talented, young pupils in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Finally, there are not enough equine courses at our veterinary schools. Basically, we have to be better organised all round.