Photos submitted by the owners and breeders. Only some are shown here. At Saint Horse, photographer was Robyn Baker Foster. Thank you for sharing
The second 2026 ABCCMM inspection took place in Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida, starting late May and running into June.
2026 is a banner year for the Mangalarga Marchador breed, with many new foals adding to our population. 26 foals and horses were inspected by Dr. George Vilar, from the ABCCMM.
The journey to full registration of a Mangalarga Marchador is an exhilarating process, with a rigorous two stage inspection system mandated by the ABCCMM. The process helps to safeguard the MM breed standard. The first “provisional” happens at an early age and checks for genetic defects that would make the foal not eligible for registration. It continues by documenting unique markings and whorls, collecting DNA for parental verification, and microchipping the young foal —an essential foundation for its future. The foal gets recorded in the ABCCMM provisional book. The book for foals is 1 for males and 2 for female.
As we move forward, the second “definitive” inspection takes place after the horse turns three and has undergone training under saddle. This stage is where the true potential of each horse is assessed, as they are evaluated through both ridden and conformation tests, all aligned with the Mangalarga Marchador breed standards. Stallions need a higher score than mares to enter the breeding books. The books for breeding animals is 5 for stallions and 6 for mares. Geldings can be inspected, needing a lower score than a breeding animal to pass, but their book is C – for castrado. When the horse passes, the final step is to brand the horse with the trademarked ABCCMM horseshoe M brand.
This inspection process fosters an environment of learning and camaraderie among breeders and owners. We encourage you to attend an inspection happening in your area!
Here are the farms that participated in this inspection:
Daisy’s Folly, TN
CC Bellandi, FL
Paraiso das Palmeiras, FL
Family Silva’s, FL
Vovo Pedrinho, FL
Manna do Ceu. SC
Monarch Marchadors, SC
Saint Horse, SC
Vovo Pedrinho, SC
Congratulations to all! The photos are fabulous! Dr. George was impressed with the quality and the preparation of the foals and the riding horses.
More photos from the WEC! The article appeared in the USMMA News!
In the Spotlight! At the WEC!
Photo credit to Stunning Steeds for the article photos below)
Mangalarga Marchadors were on center stage for the second year in a row at the prestigious World Equestrian Center in Ocala FL! This year Saint Horse Marchadores proudly represented our breed there and showcased their excellence in breeding.
The Sunshine Peruvian Horse Show invites other gaited breeds and the show class list now highlights their recognition of the increasingly popular Mangarga Marchador Horse Breed in America!
An outstanding performance in that big arena was given by chestnut stallion Terra I do Saint Horse and impressive bay roan mare Four Season Pequinina who made the trip to Florida. Their efforts were rewarded with ribbons, fan support and pride! Maybe some extra carrots back in the stall too!
Expertly prepared and ridden by Brazilian trainer Welbert Jose, PBR rider Luca Ferreira and Brisa Greene. In the stands and behind the scenes were breeder Aline Greene of Saint Horse Marchadores, Brisa Greene when not showing, and family friend Mangalarga Marchador breeder, Amanda Yara Moreira.Haras Yara. New MM breeder Flávio Silva and MM owners Ailton Bispo and Filipe Martins visited too . The camaraderie and pride for our breed is evident with support like this.
Who will carry the banner in 2027? We are sure to be invited back!
2025 – CC Bellandi
2026 – Saint Horse Marchadores
Thank you Aline and for your invaluable contribution to the breed. We all benefit from the exposure and wonderful presentation that you gave there.
We have added a page that captures some of the great Mangalarga Marchador horses we have known and loved. Some of them contributed mightily to the breed genetics and growth in North America. Others earn recognition on their contribution to our lives.
Thanks to Ray and Jennifer Stewart who kicked off this effort with their heartwarming memorial to a beautiful station, Ritmo A.J.
We would like to honor every horse with a writeup that we will share in MM news. However to add a permanent page in their memory, there is a sponsorship now to create this. We are exploring the idea of publishing a photo book for the sponsor too. Here is how to become a USMMA sponsorfor a forever page on our website.
MEMORIAL SPONSORSHIPS – $250 for a forever page.
If you have owned a Marchador special to you, and want to honor their memory, create a website page dedicated to them. Submit photos, stories and share them to honor their contribution to our history from the person who knew them best. One day, we may create a book of our special Marchadors with your help. Example of a another memorial written about MM mare Elba Cruzalta
The USMMA sponsored Mangalarga Marchador breed awards in 4 disciplines in 2025.
Endurance – AERCThere are 3 chances to win: Overall High Mileage, High Mileage Limited Distance, High Mileage Endurance (50 miles and over). High Mileage Endurance – no entries
The winner of overall High Mileage and High Mileage Limited Distance was Brooke Little riding Cheveyo InMotion.
Working Equitation – USAWE Each level is eligible for an award and the winners were: Level 3 – Randy Gassett riding Nobre do Summerwind Randy also won the FOSH WE Reserve Champion for Gaited Registered Horses. Level 2 – Eliza Frazer riding Caetano-Veloso Lazy T.Level 1 – no entriesYouth – no entries
Equine Trail Sports – ETS There was no MM reported – no winner.
Mounted Archery – MA3 The winner was Connie Claire, riding DaVinci do Summerwind.
These 2025 winners receive a BEST OF BREED MM ribbon and $50 – can be used for a MM branded item, a gift card to Riding Warehouse (a USMMA sponsor) or year’s USMMA membership.
These associations track results by breed and report them to us. You need to be a member in both associations to qualify, competing on a registered Marchador.
If you have a sport you would like to see added, please contact us!
Photos: Brooke Little on Cheveyo Randy Gassett on Nobre Eliza Eliza Frazer on Caetano (CAT) Connie Claire on Davinci (LEO)
February 1: The USMMA Annual Marchador Meeting was held to review the organization’s activities and achievements from 2025. Tia Nelson, President, presented updates on events, breed awards,registrations, and financial highlights. The organization’s officers and regional directors were introduced, along with plans for 2026 inspections and competitions. Tammy Cruickshank emphasized the importance of thanking sponsors for their contributions. Mary Rose Lombardi managed the technical aspects of the meeting. The group discussed future events and encouraged participation in the upcoming elections for executive board positions.
If you have a Google account, please follow this link to view the slides:
I would like to invite you to a scheduled Zoom meeting – the 2025 USMMA Annual Meeting.
Agenda:
Welcome, Introductions
2025 Events and News
Registry Report
Treasury Report
2026 Events and Goals
We look forward to the meeting and sharing this information with you. Please reply to this email if you have ideas or questions to submit. These will be discussed at the end of the meeting.
We will publish the presentation and discussion to all USMMA members in case you cannot attend.
Best regards,
Tia Nelson, DVM USMMA President
TIME AND SIGNIN
Topic: Annual Meeting 2025
Time: FEBRUARY 1 @ 05:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) 07:00 PM Eastern, 06:00 PM Central, 04:00 PM Pacific
Bom Dia! The USMMA (North America) and the ABCCMM (Brazil) associations assist our members in coordinating ABCCMM inspection visits. This helps to keep member costs down by sharing the inspector’s roundtrip ticket and makes the time in North America the most productive for the inspector. The USMMA Nucleo has Dr. George Vilar assigned to us. You have the right to request a different inspector or to schedule a repeat inspection if your Mangalarga Marchador does not pass inspection.
The USMMA does not require inspection for USMMA registration, but Brazil’s association does for ABCCMM registration – for Marchador foals (provisional) and for Marchadors 36 months of age or older and under saddle (Definitive).
You are always welcome to schedule your own personal inspection with the ABCCMM inspector at any time.
May – dates to be scheduled soon Florida, CC Bellandi and Vovo Pedrinho Tennessee, Daisy’s Folly South Carolina, Saint Horse, Manna do Ceu, Monarch Marchadors
August – dates to be planned Montana, Vista da Serra Colorado, Summerwind Utah, Yara California, de los Cielos Massachusetts – Mineirao
If you wish to add your horses to any of the planned visits, please let us know and we can be sure we add your stop and your dates to George’s calendar. Visitors are welcome to watch and learn about the inspection process at many ranches.
The USMMA will collect $250 upfront from each participating owner or breeder to share in the flight expenses for Dr. George. (The fee will end up being more or less based on the number of participants). Typically, the participants share the cost of the roundtrip ticket for the flight to the US. After than, each breeder is responsible for the airfare, lodging and meals for Dr. George Vilar for their farm inspection visit. If needed, we can provide an estimate of the cost for your inspection if you want to join in any of the planned inspections.
The cost of the ABCCMM inspector fee per breeder per location per day is $600US. That is paid directly to Dr. George Vilar by Zelle, cash or a check. In addition, there are costs for microchipping, DNA testing and provisional registration papers. For definitive registrations, only ABCCMM registration cost is additional, which is minimal.
The USMMA will make up a spreadsheet of the MMs that are eligible for inspection with your help. The list also helps us check that all needed paperwork and payments are current at the ABCCMM so we can make sure they have the data they need before the inspection day arrives.
Please reply to usmmarchador@gmail.com f you have questions, would like to add your horses to one of the planned inspection visits OR if you want to add new dates for additional inspections. More details and scheduling will occur with the individuals who sign up.
It’s a New Year! We want to extend an invitation to join for new members who share our passion for Mangalarga Marchador horses – and to welcome back our cherished returning members. As always, we give thanks for our lifetime members whose unwavering support is essential to our mission to our incredible Mangalarga Marchador breed in North America. Lynn Kelley, USMMA Treasurer, is the membership coordinator with assistance from Amanda Moreira, Haras Yara, UT and others who join in on a local level.
We encourage members to renew promptly, as Lynn will start sending PayPal renewal invoices to current USMMA members this month. You can use the address on the invoice if you wish to pay by check. There are new ways to join immediately on your own. Use thislink to pay with a credit card. Pay using ZELLE or VENMO to usmmarchador@gmail.com
Help us to foster a passionate and supportive community that thrives on engagement and collaboration as we celebrate the beauty and legacy of the Mangalarga Marchador breed! We believe in making our membership accessible to everyone, with individual fees set at an incredibly reasonable $50 per year and family memberships at just $75. To further accommodate different needs, we offer options for multiple-year memberships and lifetime memberships.
We encourage you to bring your ideas and projects to the table—your creativity and initiative are what drive our community forward! Join us to work on these new efforts. Do you have ideas or projects you want to see happen? For example: -Regional Events -Trade Shows -Breeder DIrectory -Half-Marchador Registry -Improved Social Media -National or Local Sponsors
Join us to make them happen! Together, we can make the Mangalarga Marchador a household word. Let’s make an impact in 2026.
Best regards,Tia Nelson DVM, USMMA President
The USMMA is the official Mangalarga Marchador nucleo in North America, recognized by the Brazilian MM Association, the ABCCMM. The 2026 ABCCMM dues are due now. We can assist you in paying your 2026 ABCCMM fees if you are also an ABCCMM member. We pay in Brazilian Reals and you pay us in US$. Contact us if you need help this month.
Donated by USMMA Vice President Cathy Pierce, Auction Item 1 is a Brazilian saddle designed to renowned Brazilian trainer Alan Villaca’s specifications. Alan used this saddle on the Mangalarga Marchador horses he trained for a week in AZ. Other than that careful and limited usage – it is brand new. This saddle has some delightful silver accents which gives it a brilliant look.
The saddle is premium leather from Brazil with a comfortable seat and a high cantle that is great for gaiting! There is a grab handle in front and knee rolls for security. It comes with 2 girths as well. Valued at $1,000.
Photos are attached that show the detail and measurements.
While made for a Mangalarga Marchador, the saddle will work with many breeds and many disciplines.
Brazilian leather headstall
Auction Item # 2 is also imported – a new Brazilian leather headstall complete with horsehair decorations and MM emblems! Premium leather. No bit or reins included. Valued at $125.
LeMieux ProSport Luxury Suede Dressage Pad.
Auction Item #3 LeMieux.Saddle pad added embroidered Marchador M brand and the words Mangalarga Marchador below. Winner gets choice of the three colors shown in the photo. Contoured in shape, this pad has a high-cut wither profile and swept back spine to keep pressure off these sensitive areas. The luxurious suede top has an attractive, sophisticated look. The soft bamboo lining is both breathable and moisture-wicking while also drying quickly and reducing slippage. Complete with reinforced material near the girth and D-ring and girth straps to keep your saddle secure, the ProSport Luxury pad is truly a step above the rest. Valued at $105.
Winner of any item will pay shipping cost to ship item.
AUGUST 9, 2025. Helena MT. Host HARAS VISTA DA SERRA.
“It’s the most beautiful ride I have ever been on” said one visitor to our ranch.
The calvagada is 26 kilometers into a mountain wilderness area. We often see bears, deer or elk along this trail. The climb to the top of the mountain is 900 vertical meters. We pass through high grass meadows until we reach Trout Creek Canyon with limestone cliffs soaring hundreds of meters above our heads. Yes, there are trout in the creek!
Don’t miss this ride! But, also stay for the home-cooked buffet meal and music from a local band.
Haras Vista da Serra will introduce the Mangalarga Marchador breed and exhibit the best horses in their breeding program during the day.
About the Ride
We start the 26 kilometer ride heading down the dusty gravel road from the Vista da Serra ranch to the trailhead. Instantly, among the old growth conifers, a sense of peace settles in your heart. The stately old firs and pines patiently bear witness to our ride. We start to climb. Switchbacks! We gain almost 900 vertical meters in the first four or five kilometers. At the top, the horses rest, blowing the dust from their nostrils, knowing it’s all downhill from here. We start down, the horses quickening their pace in the cool mountain air. Down through the big switchbacks into the open, aspen-ringed meadows, chest deep or deeper in high-land timothy grass. The horses grab quick bites, not even having to drop their heads. The two track ambles on down to the top of Trout Creek Canyon. The stupendous, limestone cliffs soar hundreds of meters above our heads, a cathedral like sense pervades. The single track along the Canyon floor crisscrosses the thread of a creek. Nearly five kilometers of staggering mountain high beauty we ride through, quietly in awe of the natural splendor. Finally, we finish our road back on the dusty gravel road to the Vista da Serra ranch.
Get your Mangalarga Marchador ready to join the fun. There are a few extra horses available for out of state riders.
ABCCMM/USMMA OFFICIAL EVENT!
Everyone is welcome, but space is limited, Sign up today!
USMMA membership required – weekend rate is $25.
Rider with own horse $50 – dinner included
Rider needing a horse $100 – dinner included
Dinner when not riding $25 (The food is great!)
ABCCMM Official: Dr. George Vilar
Trail bosses: Tia Nelson and Derek Brown, Dyllon Price
Tia Nelson, DVM, USMMA President and Owner, Haras Vista da Serra, 406-431-8898 or drtiadvm@aol.com
UPDATE ON THIS DESTINATION EVENT
Many participants are arriving a day or two ahead of the event, or staying longer. We have made more plans if you would like to join in!
Thursday – provisional inspections for the 3 2025 foals: Joy, JuLeo a Journey. Perhaps measurements on the 3 year old horses in the afternoon. Four 2022 Marrchadors from Vista da Serra: Gem, Gisele, Grace and Gwenyvere Friday am. Definitive inspections on Five 2022 Marchadors. Devacao do Saint Horse is trailering in for the inspection. Friday pm. Arena riding with various Marchadors. Tia Nelson and Derek Brown will introduce the horses and their breeding program. Riders will get to try both picada and batida gaits. An obstacle course will be set up for fun. Friday evening – Dinner get together at the York Bar. Saturday am Saddle up for the Cavalgada! Light lunch or snacks on return Saturday evening. Silent Auction winner is announced Brazilian Pot Luck Dinner and Live Music Sunday – no plans, but to hang out and if you haven’t ridden enough, maybe more riding. Departures at various times if anyone needs rides to the airport.
Didn’t make it this year? Mark your calendar for 2026 – Second weekend in August!
Getting there!
If flying, the airport is Helena Regional Airport, Helena, MT. Airlines include Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines an United Airlines. The airport is about 40 minutes from Haras Vista da Serra. You will need to rent a car or share a car to reach the ranch. All groceries, water, or other shopping is best done in Helena before driving east toward York, MT.
Driving is a great option if you live in a nearby city or state.
Where to Stay
Tia and Derek have some options at the ranch. Be sure to contact them early! There are also a few houses for rent if you search airbnb or verb. Here are 2 options I found.
Museums, Mining, Ghost towns, Architecture, but the main attraction is the wilderness and nature. Get a guide and go exploring!
Photo Gallery
Apoteose do Saint Horse and Daryl Lee. Daryl Lee. Photo Mark LaRowe. Owned by Derek Brown and Tia Nelson.Chico Buarque de Lazy T. Tia Nelson. Photo Tia Nelson Astucia Vista da Serra. Jean Allred. Photo Daryl Lee.Aries Vista da Serra ears. Mary Meyer. His dam Nazare-Pereira de Lazy T ahead with Tia Nelson riding.Aries Vista da Serra. Mary Meyer
