Taking a look at...
Historical Sires
One of the great gold standards in 20th and 21st Century Andalusian horse breeding was, and is, the Cardenas stud
in Ecija; an ancient Moorish city in the very south of Andalucia. With a gene pool based mainly in Bocado (Cartujano) blood, with an influx of 20th Century Military influence, the Cardenas stud is known the world over for producing exceptionally beautiful, phenotypically correct animals with temperaments and athletic abilities to match. In
particular, they are especially noted for their long, elegant necks, and spectacularly lofty movement. Extension, joint
articulation, lift, and suspension are not mutually exclusive of one-another in Cardenas horses.
Cardenas horses are scarce as hens’ teeth in the United States, but wherever they may be found, they make their
mark on the North American show scene and gene pool. Of particular eminence is Heroe MAC, this edition’s featured Historical Sire.
Heroe MAC was bred by Miguel Angel Cardenas Osuna, and imported to the US as a yearling in 1999. He was purchased by, and still resides with Karen and John Rock of Jay Stables, in Big Rock, Illinois. Standing at 16.1, the stately
gray stallion is a grandson of Vasallo II and Leviton, both. Looking as though he recently stepped out of a calendar
or coffee table book, Heroe exemplifies the Cardenas ideal.
Heroe lives up to his family’s reputation, and has a hugely positive influence upon the Andalusian genepool in the
US. With over 150 registered offspring in the United States, Heroe has become known for passing on his world-class
quality to his offspring, who frequently carry on his winning ways in the show ring. Celtica DD, Santeno KDW, Usario KDW, JS Dahlia, and JS Cazador are some of Heroe’s noteworthy offspring.
Heroe himself has an extensive show record. Shown through Third Level Dressage and extensively at Andalusian
breed shows, he has dominated in not only the Halter arena, but also in Doma Vaquera, and Best Movement. Heroe is still currently standing at stud at Jay Stables. Truly, the epitome of a venerable stallion, Heroe is Andalusian
World’s September 2015 featured Historical Sire.
More on the Cardenas Stud
In the 20th century, Cardenas horses were made famous to the
general public with Robert Vavra’s iconic images of the Bilbaino
III sons, Vasallo II and Valido; Champions of Spain both. Today,
the Cardenas stud remains relevant on the international Dressage platform with the much-loved dressage Olympian, Fuego
de Cardenas, whose electrifying Grand Prix test earned him the
title “King of Hearts” during the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Following in his late father’s footsteps, Miguel Angel Cardenas
Osuna presides over the Cardenas stud, and continues to produce exceptional Andalusian horses for the serious dressage
competitor and modern day aristocrat alike.
To learn about how you can breed to Heroe MAC, visit
http://www.jaystables.com/
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