What an inspiration opera singer Andrea Bocelli is, an incredible voice, the warmest heart, and his love for horses is clear for all to see.

Being blind since the age of 12 has not stopped him from riding horses which he has done since the age of 5.  Last year we saw him with his wife riding around New York on film horse Novelisto D, a PRE (Pure Raza Espanola) stallion in Central Park, New York. What an amazing example of the kind and giving nature of the Spanish horse. Novelisto has many accolades outside of film including numerous USEF titles and championships

Recently we were intrigued when we stumbled across another image of Andrea with an Iberian, this time having fun with Portuguese Lusitano Caudillo, in Spanish tack -the picture you see at the top of the page.   With a little research we found he is here with Maestro Pasquale Beretta from Equisport di Pasquale e Angelo Beretta in Italy.  A master horseman who has long been a trainer of both Spanish and Portuguese horses. What a glorious meeting of cultures celebrating friendship and the Iberian horse across borders.  These two men have spent considerable time together with Andrea loving the experience of the Iberian horse, their sensitivity, bravery and kindness making them the perfect mounts. Being an artist and performer, Andrea certainly will relate to the expressive nature of these naturally exuberant horses. So much so, today, Andrea and his brother Alberto run a small stud with Iberian horses in the rolling Tuscan hills.

The Poggioncino Estate has been a family home for generations, and it is one of Andrea's favourite places to get away from the demands of a busy career touring the World. Their passion for the spectacular horses of Spain and Portugal is clear to see.  

Andrea says of the horse "First of all, horses mean freedom to me; they make the perfect companions for a direct, genuine contact with nature. I admire their intelligence, their athletic prowess, their ability to show affection, their ability to understand the rider’s emotions and mood".

Come and see for yourself why Andrea loves the beautiful horses of Spain and Portugal here in the UK at Westpoint at the the Festival of the Iberian Horse - daytime events and epic arena shows with global superstars under spectacular sound and lights. 29th Aug- 1 Sept. There is something special about these horses, and once you've fallen in love with them, you will never forget the way they reach deep into your soul.  

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