U.S. Mangalarga Marchador Association (USMMA)

Category: Events

  • ABCCMM Inspection – Spring 2026

    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.

    Genuino do Saint Horse
    Fendi do Rancho Linda Marchadores
    Touro do Daisy's Folly

  • Saint Horse Marchadores at the WEC!

    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.

  • Cavalgada Tematica – Trout Creek Canyon

    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

    Questions?   More information?   Please contact the event coordinators:

    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.

    Staying in Helena is also an option and there are many options for hotels or Airbnbs. However, it will mean it’s 40 minutes to and from the ranch.

    What to See if you stay longer

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g45212-Activities-Helena_Montana.html

    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

  • Always Keep Learning!

    Alan Villaça CLINIC @Silver Stables,  Phoenix AZ 

    A USMMA event!  Hosted by Silver Stables and Summerwind Marchadors

    Alan returned to Arizona again this year and the USMMA took advantage of his longer stay to sponsor another clinic in January.  Our 2024 clinic was successful with some members saying it was the best clinic ever.   

    High praise and well deserved.  Alan is able to analyze the horse and the rider quickly to help each individual and each situation.   His suggestions and direction helps the riders or horses improve with immediate results.  It also inspires confidence to try new things that may have been avoided before the clinic – more speed, lead changes, flying lead changes, immediate halts, better backups are some examples.    

    For gaiting, Alan had many suggestions for each person and each horse, but overall, he thought most of our horses needed more hindquarter development and consistent disassociation exercises to gait better.  We talked about what we could do to add that.  Alan often rides the horses out on the trail or roads before gait training as a warm-up for the horse and to relax them before schooling.  

    Obstacles were new to some riders and some horses, but a fun time trying to master them all. Our obstacles:  a gate, 3 barrels, a jump, backup box, halt, dismount letting go of the reins with the horse remaining still, then walk off on a loose rein.  The jump was set at an easier level for some and an advanced height for those that knew how to jump.   The competition was based on the ABCCMM test PROVA FUNCIONAL (functional test), similar to Working Equitation. 

    USMMA members came from many states – AZ, CO, IN, NM and TX.  We were delighted to have 2 youth riders participate from the Silver Stables riding program.  We had 11 riders in 2 groups split into morning and afternoon sessions.    Many people rode their own Marchador, but 5 riders rode a Marchador they had never met and did so well.    It was informative, challenging and fun!    

    The Clinic Plan:

    Jan 18

    • Ground work exercises to practice flexibility and disassociation.  Riding the ground work exercises with your horse.  
    • Riding free walk, collected walk, extended walk, relaxed gait, collected gait, extended gait.  May include canter to improve the gait.   
    • A short gait competition with the class and explanation of the judging.

    Jan 19 

    • Questions and practice of any Day 1 exercises. 
    • Individual Obstacle training and practice, in hand and under saddle.   Obstacle course set-up and practice. 
    • Timed rides and practice, followed by a fun competition.

    The Results:

    For our combined scores in gait and obstacles, Alan first placed the horses in order and explained why they were placed in that order starting with the 5th place up to the top – as they do in Brazil.  Everyone got to pick a prize from the prize table.  

    Morning session best:  

    • Stella Quinn / Fidalgo do Summerwind, marcha batida (owned by Emma Keith)

    Afternoon session best: 

    • Jennifer Scanlon / Jedi-Knight do Summerwind,  marcha batida (owned by Elizabeth Sims)
    • D.j. Sims / Boneca da Lusonatica, marcha picada (owned by D.j Sims)

    About Alan:

    Alan Villaça is a riding instructor at the ABCCMM (Associação Brasileira dos Criadores do Cavalo Mangalarga Marchador) and a technician in Animal Science. Born into a family of breeders, Alan continues a tradition spanning generations, having been a Mangalarga Marchador breeder for over 20 years in the South of Minas Gerais region.

    As the owner of the Alan Villaça Equestrian Training Center (CTE Alan Villaça), he dedicates himself to horse training and the development of new talents in the equestrian world. Additionally, he provides specialized consulting for horse farms and teaches various courses, including:

    • • Starting and training,
    • • Gait and morphology,
    • • Halter training, 
    •   Carriage driving,
    • • Hoof trimming and shoeing,
    • • Dressage and equitation,
    • • Competition training.

    With profound knowledge and a passion for the Mangalarga Marchador breed, Alan Villaça is a reference in the field, contributing to technical advancement and the strengthening of equine culture in Brazil.

    Photos by Jennifer Jeung

  • Caminhos do Marchador

    SAVE THE DATES!  IT’S HAPPENING!   


    WHEN:   AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 1 2024
    PLACE:   RANCHO SR JUA, 91 FOX RD. BRIDGETON, NJ

    WHAT:  CAMINHOS DO MARCHADOR – It’s the FIRST OFFICIAL ABCCMM /USMMA COMPETITION IN NORTH AMERICA. The ABCCMM is the Brazilian Association of Mangalarga Marchador Breeders. The USMMA is the North American Mangalarga Marchador Association. We are a nucleo of the ABCCMM.

    EVERYONE WELCOME! MARCHADORS and other BREEDS can compete in this event.

    SIGN UP TODAY!!! Come to watch and clap! Or come to ride!

    Thanks to Rancho Sr. Jua, the event host who made this dream and event possible!

    This Marchador Competition will be a learning experience for both horses and riders!   It is several separate tests specifically designed for the Mangalarga Marchador!   That is why it is named – the Paths of the Marchador.  

    We will be sending more about how to train for this event in a separate letter and videos too.   The obstacles are very similar to the ones used in equine sports, cowboy dressage or working equitation – gates, a low jump, barrels, back up, weave poles etc.     To level the playing field, the course setup is not revealed until the event.  

    The ABCCMM and the USMMA have committed their support.  We are hopeful that the members and breeders will support it as well – by entering or by being a show sponsor.

    The SCHEDULE:

    Thursday August 29  – available for early arrival of horses.

    Friday August 30 – 

    7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Briefing.  Explanation of the technical details and the program.  Distribution of vests for riders.  Vests have rider/team number.

    Saturday August 31 –

    7:30 a.m -8:45 a.m. Vet exam of the horses competing.  Teams that do not show up on time will be penalized. 

    9 a.m. Calvagada  12 KM minimum or 7.5 miles.   Trail ride.

    1 p.m – 2 p.m. Expected end time for Endurance/Trail Ride. Vet check at completion

    2 p.m. Lunch. During this break, prepare the horses for the next event.

    4 p.m. Arena Gait Competition.  Judging is based on the style, regularity and performance.

    After Gait Competition. Manueverability. Arena Obstacle Competition.  Judging based on training and performance, ease of handling.

    8 p.m. Social hour/ Dinner 

    Sunday September 1 

    7:30 a.m – 8:45 a.m.. Vet exam of the horses competing.  Teams that do not show up on time will be penalized. 

    9 a.m. Calvagada with a judging of gait on the trail.  ABCCMM Judges will ride each horse to evaluate the gait.

    12 p.m. Expected end of the ride. Vet check at completion 

    1 p.m.  Award ceremony for medals for the competition.

    Event Cost and Details:

    For the horse and rider team, the entry fee is $150.   This fee includes stabling for the horse.   (The USMMA show subsidy can be requested.  See application and rules.)

    Each entry must submit copies of the vaccination history, a current coggins and health certificate at least 1 week before before the event.

     Everyone welcome! Food and beer are all-inclusive in the entry fee for spectators. $100 for Saturday.

    SIGN UP TODAY!!!!

    Please fill out the sign-up sheet on the website, or fill out the form attached.   Call or message Lynn Kelley or Carolina Peterson if you have questions about the form.   Lynn 602-999-3915; Carolina 503-970-3750.  Lynn is the USMMA Treasurer and will be doing the billing / bookkeeping for the event

    About Bridgeton:

    Driving:

    Driving directions to 91 Fox Rd, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.  Use Apple or Google maps.

    Closest Airports:

    The closest major airport is the Philadelphia International airport.  Airport code PHL

    Hotels/Houses for Rent:

    We found only one hotel in Bridgeton. Hotels are plentiful in Millville and Vineland, about 20 minutes from the event.   They range from $100 to $200 per night.   If you are comfortable driving a longer distance, even as far as Philadelphia, there are many more options for lodging and dining.

    You can also look for AIRBNB or VRBO rentals.   There are rooms and whole houses available.   If you are interested in sharing a house, please indicate this on your sign-up form and we will try to make the connections.

    Staying longer? More to do

    https://www.cityofbridgetonnj.gov/238/Visitors

    A zoo, a splash park, museums and more!

    Home

    We loved the Amish Farmers Market too!

  • AERC Convention Feb 24-25

    Irene Howcroft, USMMA Secretary is attending this annual event and presenting the Marchador breed in a booth at the trade show.

    The AERC stands for American Endurance Ride Conference. Endurance is a wonderful sport for the Marchador breed with their stamina, temperament and comfortable, ground-covering gaits. We have several Marchador owners and horses competing in the 25 mile and 50 mile rides.

    The USMMA also sponsors a year-end breed award for the Marchadors in conjunction with the AERC who tracks the miles and the entries. Kari Graves was our 2022 winner with her horse. Flying Oaks Zephyrus.

    Here are the banners that Irene made for the MM booth. The USMMA provided Marchador flyers and the Breeder’s list for handouts at the booth.

    For more information about the AERC and their convention, go to their website https://aerc.org

    Big 8 foot banner as backdrop. Narrow banner at front of booth. Please request the pdf file (too big) if you would like a copy to use.

  • 4Q Virtual Challenge

    Thanks to Dana Johnsen for creating this challenges for us! Marchador personalities – a photo and story submission of any or all the Marchador horses you own. Every submission will receive a small reward for entering. Entries in by December 31st!

    Dana’s tips:

    – Each entry sent separately via email to usmmarchador@gmail.com

    – Less tack is better

    – use lighting and angles to your best advantage

    Attached is a pdf document as well as a picture.

    USMMA VC 4 22 (1)Download

  • 3Q Virtual Competition

    Congratulations and thank you to the members who tried and submitted photos and videos. We have a new challenge for the 4th Quarter coming shortly.

    For conformation photos, the first 3 places went to:

    • Adrienne C. Scheck, photos of Gaia do Summerwind
    • D.j. Sims Klein, photos of Boneca da Lusonatica
    • Cathy Pierce, photos of Paris do Summerwind
    Conformation photos and comments about what’s good and what might be improved.

    For the ridden competition, you can view the entries on Youtube.

    Entries are:

    • Adrienne C. Scheck and Gaia do Summerwind
    • Carolina Biselli Peterson and Kharisma do Summerwind
    • Randy Gassett and Nobre do Summerwind
    • Dana Johnsen and Valentim Beijo Fazenda Zouga
    • Servando Garcia and Tigre do Summerwind
    • D.j. Sims Klein and Boneca da Lusonatica

  • CA HORSE SHOW NOW SEPT 11

    ANNOUNCEMENT – IMPORTANT SHOW UPDATE! LABOR DAY CLASSIC VENUE AND SHOW DATE CHANGE!

    Due to the CA heatwave and unforeseen circumstances, the show organizer has scaled down the Labor Day Classic Horse Show from 3 days to ONE DAY, held on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11th. The venue will be located at DEER SPRINGS EQUESTRIAN CENTER, in SAN MARCOS, CA 92069.

    Please join us on Sunday 11th to see beautiful Mangalarga Marchador horses in MM breed-only classes and Other Gaited Breed (OGB) classes! Mangalarga Marchador classes will include stallions and mares from C&C Bellandi Marchadors, High Country Marchadors, Rancho De Los Cielos, Rancho Linda Marchadores and Monarch Marchadors. The show organizer is Daniel Pulliam. For class participation information, text 575.613.5148. Questions? Text Linda Holst 858-212-6650.

    WHEN: SUNDAY SEPT 11TH – 9AM

    WHERE: DEER SPRINGS EQUESTRIAN CENTER

    2411 North Twin Oaks Valley Road

    San Marcos, CA 92069

    SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH, 5 PM

    A Pre-show Dinner with Guest Speaker, Claudia Bellandi will be at Stenerson Ranch, 7910 Camino Del Rey, Bonsall, CA 92003. (Located at the barn.) Claudia will share her invaluable knowledge and experience as a top Brazilian breeder and importer of Mangalarga Marchadors in the U.S. Dinner will be catered and hosted by Rancho Linda Marchadores & High Country Marchadors. Everyone, including friends, is invited as our guests. Please RSVP with the number of people to Linda Holst by text: 858.212.6650.

  • SUMMER FUN! USMMA VIRTUAL COMPETITION! 

    Thanks to Dana Johnsen, (Regional Director Canada), we have 2 “events” for all Marchador owners to participate in. 

    The first is a conformation PHOTO contest.

    The second is a VIDEO submission of you and your horse.

    Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 submissions in both categories! Have FUN! 

    Enter by September 30th!  Results will be judged in October 2022 with entries available for viewing online.

    Just click on the button below to download the pdf file to read the competition guidelines and how to enter!   ALL Marchador owners are encouraged to participate!

    Sample photos and videos below as well!

    usmma 2022 conformation v2Download

    Sample video – showing conformation at a walk. Dana Johnsen and Flying Oaks Valentim Beijo https://photos.app.goo.gl/KRdHSLofvFpfbkkE6

    Sample photos

    Flying Oaks Valentim Beijo showing conformation – front, back, side.