Category: Member Forum

The USMMA wants to ask all our members if they are willing to volunteer to serve as Regional Directors in ALL regions. The term is 4 years from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029. In 2029, there will be another election for a 4 year term. 

We need to elect Regional Directors in 7 regions. Membership ranges from 10-50 members in each region, but growing.

1. Canada/International – all Canada and members living abroad.
2. Midwest Region- Oklahoma, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Louisiana, Kansas, and Arkansas
3. Northeast Region- Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, New Je5rsey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia
4. Northwest/Mountain Region – Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska
5. Pacific Region – California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington
6. Southeast Region – Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
7. Southwest Region – Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Utah

Please nominate yourself, or give us the name of a USMMA member to contact that you think would be a great candidate for these important positions. 

The calendar is as follows:

November 5 – November 25 Nominations Open for Regional Director Members interested are asked to submit their name, and a one page introduction of yourself to the membership. (This one page could include a statement about you, your Marchador and perhaps other things you want people to know, such as: qualifications, any previous USMMA activities, your ideas for the USMMA or for your region; other job or horse-related experience that apply, particularly with the MM breed).

December 5: Election held if there are multiple applicants. This is a National election as each regional director will sit on our Board of Directors and gets one vote. We do not need to fill each position if there are no candidates in a region.

December 10: New Regional Directors Announced 

January 1: New Regional Directors take office.

Thank you all for your considering this important position on the USMMA Board of Directors.

Sincerely,

Cathy Pierce, USMMA VP and Committee Chair

From the Bylaws: 

“To be considered for Regional Director, the individual must be an active FULL member or LIFE member for at least 60 days before the election, and be a USMMA -registered Marchador owner at the time of the election. Each Regional Director must remain an active voting member of the USMMA for the duration of their responsibility.

A full term will span 4 years. There are no term limits as long as the individual is willing to volunteer and is deemed capable to fill the position. Each Regional Director must submit their name to the Election Committee to be placed on the ballot and be elected by the members every four years. The first election was held in 2020.

The USMMA Regional Director elections will be staggered elections with the USMMA Officer elections so that elections are held every 2 years beginning in 2020.

Regional Directors shall be full members of the Board and required to cast their vote on USMMA budgets, bylaw changes and other motions requiring a vote of the board. They are required to attend at least two Board meetings a year. The USMMA President will request resignation of the Regional Board Member should they not make the required meetings.

Regional Directors are responsible to encourage participation and cooperation among breeders, owners, trainers, and other equine professionals in support of the Mangalarga Marchador and the USMMA goals within their region and to affiliate and coordinate with other local organizations and associations in support of the vision and mission of the USMMA. They are expected to know all of the USMMA members in their region and hold one Marchador or member event at least every 4 years. When a regional event is planned, the Regional Director needs to submit a plan and budget for the event to the USMMA if they are requesting funding for the event.”

To view on constant comment format – more photos and read only what you want.

https://conta.cc/48vCp29

To view in pdf format – click below to download the files.

I would like to invite you to the 2024 Annual Member Meeting (via Zoom) to be held on Sunday December 15 at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time (4pm PT, 6 pm CT, 7 pm ET).

We will send out the agenda and the ZOOM invitation a week before the annual meeting, but you can expect reports from the following areas:

• Membership
• Financial
• Registration
• Awards
• Current Projects
• Planned Projects

You can respond to this email with your ideas for things we should be doing or your questions or concerns you would like addressed during the meeting. We will also be asking again about a week before the meeting. Zoom also allows for questions and conversations during the meeting.

We look forward to the meeting and hearing from you, the members.

Best regards,

Tia Nelson, DVM 

USMMA President

drtiadvm@aol.com

August 30, 31, and September 1st – this became a reality at Rancho Sr. Jua, Bridgeton, NJ.

This ABCCMM Competition is designed to show off some of the best attributes of the Marchador breed with 4 separate events:

• a distance ride similar to endurance with vet checks for soundness at the start and finish
• an arena course with obstacles similar to Working Equitation  
• gaiting competition in the arena
• trail ride, this time where the judge tries each horse for comfort and training

Here are the top results of the Caminhos do Marchador! Congratulations! For the official class list and all rankings that includes scores and points, please contact us or Gian Coutinho.

Calvagada – Women

• 1 YASMIM ANJO SOARES SILVA – DEUSA DO SAINT HORSE
• 2 ELIZABETH SIMS – LEALDADE FOUR SEASONS
• 3 BRISA CELESTE GREENE – TERRA I DO SAINT HORSE – DQ

Calvagada – Open (top 3)

• 1 DIOGO ALVES – FERNANDO VISTA DA SERRA
• 2 LUCAS MARTINS DE OLIVEIRA – CHEROKEE IMPERIO AMARELO
• 3 WALLACE FERREIRA SOUZA – ESPERANÇA DO ZEL

Calvagada – Men (top 3)

• 1 JEFFERSON COTA DE ALMEIDA – DESAFIO VISTA DA SERRA
• 2 RILION GRACE – CERVANTES VISTA DA SERRA
• 3 ELTON JHONY RIBEIRO – ECHO VISTA DA SERRA

Obstacles – Women

• 1 ELIZABETH SIMS – LEADALDE FOUR SEASONS 00:02:41
• 2 YASMIM ANJO SOARES SILVA – DEUSA DO SAINT HORSE 23:59:59.599

Obstacles – Open

• 1 MARCIO DA SILVA TEIXEIRA – FAVORITA DO MINEIRÃO 0 00:01:48
• 2 GUSTAVO MATIAS DE SOUZA – HÚNGARO DO PORTO PALMEIRA 0 00:01:57
• 3 DIOGO ALVES – FERNANDO VISTA DA SERRA 00:01:49

Obstacles – Men

• 1 RILION GRACE – CERVANTES VISTA DA SERRA 00:02:02 00:00:00
• 2 RONALDO SABINO DOS SANTOS – ECLIPSE VISTA DA SERRA 00:02:29
• 3 JEFFERSON COTA DE ALMEIDA – DESAFIO VISTA DA SERRA 00:02:30

Marcha Batida – Stallions

• 1 DIOGO ALVES – FERNANDO VISTA DA SERRA OPEN
• 2 SAMUEL FERNANDES PEREIRA – NAIRE DAS ÁGUAS JM MEN 1 72,00 2 58,00 3 56,00 10

Marcha Batida – Mares

• 1 MARCIO DA SILVA TEIXEIRA – FAVORITA DO MINEIRÃO OPEN
• 2 WALLACE FERREIRA SOUZA – ESPERANÇA DO ZEL OPEN
• 3 ALAN REZENDE VILAÇA – IZABELLA DA MORADA NOVA OPEN

Marcha Batida – Geldings

• 1 GUSTAVO MATIAS DE SOUZA – HÚNGARO DO PORTO PALMEIRA OPEN
• 2 ELTON JHONY RIBEIRO – ECHO VISTA DA SERRA MEN
• 3 RONALDO SABINO DOS SANTOS – ECLIPSE VISTA DA SERRA MEN

Marcha Picada – Stallions

• 1 RILION GRACE – CERVANTES VISTA DA SERRA MEN
• 2 SHINAYDER GOMES DA SILVA – FRISCO VISTA DA SERRA MEN

Marcha Picada – Mares

• 1 ELIZABETH SIMS – LEALDADE FOUR SEASONS
• 2 YASMIM ANJO SOARES SILVA – DEUSA DO SAINT HORSE

Marcha Picada – Geldings

• 1 JEFFERSON COTA DE ALMEIDA – DESAFIO VISTA DA SERRA MEN
• 2 GLEIDSON BATISTA COELHO DE LANA – DOMINIO VISTA DA SERRA MEN

Why is it the first OFFICIAL ABCCMM Competition?

The USMMA has held many competitions based on ABCCMM competitions – 2012 in Ocala FL, 2014 in Helena MT, 2021 in Scottsdale AZ.   This August is our FIRST OFFICIAL ABCCMM competition.

First, it is because the USMMA was recognized as an ABCCMM nucleo – a chapter that can host official events.

Second, we had.a breeder willing to put in the extra work required to qualify – notifying the ABCCMM to place the dates on the ABCCMM calendar, getting their Board to vote to support the event and getting enough riders and horses to meet the requirement for number of participants.

Third, there is a combined effort from ABCCMM, USMMA organizers and show sponsors 

What does OFFICIAL mean?

In short, it means that the ABCCMM is giving us support.  They are paying to fly  3 judges to the US to judge the events.  They provide the vests for participants and have given us all of the ribbons and awards for the top contestants.    In addition they are providing equipment for precision timing and GPS devices for every rider during the distance ride.

The USMMA is also providing support, but in the past, we were responsible for funding everything.  It is great to have the ABCCMM support as we move ahead.

There are more rules to follow and boxes to check to confirm that the event and the horses are being handled correctly to the ABCCMM.

More events!   

We will probably continue to have the mix – USMMA events that are not official ABCCMM events and official ABCCMM events.   The ABCCMM events require much more planning, scheduling and safety precautions.  And a minimum number of 20 horses in the event.  There are only certain states that have enough Mangalarga Marchadors in the state or in statesnearby for the event to be official.  There are many ABCCMM events to choose from, not just the Caminhos do Marchador.  

Already, we have interest in trying from Florida, Tennessee and Arizona.  Arizona’s event is in planning for February 2025.

This show/event  is a great addition to the ways that we are getting out with our Marchadors, whether that be a sport or pleasure.   We know Marchadors in mounted archery, endurance riding, working equitation, jumping or liberty training.   Our competitions will be just another venue to show the world the versatility, beauty and comfortable movements of the Mangalarga Marchador. 

We want to reach as many people as possible to grow and expand the breed by expanding the number of markets and interest groups.  Recently, we have been seeing new ones being added.   The new Brazilian breeders have contributed greatly to the number of Marchadors here and in news states and in most cases, adding to the genetic diversity of the breed here with new imports, sometimes from their breeding program in Brazil.  There has been more activity on an international level with Europe and other countries with some breeders.  We are starting to see younger riders and owners who we need for the future.   

Let’s go! 

I met Lynn Kelley in 2015 at the PBR Finals in Las Vegas. She was showing some Mangalarga Marchadors to the public. I could tell from my first look they were a beautiful gaited breed and the rest is history. I became a breeder.

I searched America for the best mares I could find and purchase. I started with Crensa and Sabela. I then purchased some frozen semen from a champion stallion in Brazil from Lynn.

Talisma Kafe was my choice of stallions because I always believed “breed to the best and forget the rest.” My first colt was Apache do High Country and he was born n my lap. He grew up to be a good looking stallion, so I started showing him in California. He ended up winning a couple of grand championships which got the attention of a Marchador breeder in Germany. Apache made history the day his frozen semen was approved and shipped to the breeder in Germany. It had never been done before.

Just recently, the same German breeder decided to take another High Country Marchador yearling stud colt. We sent Bandit do High Country to Texas to be tested and shipped by plane to Germany. The Germans like my breeding program and are going to spread the word in Europe about the High Country Marchadors and their breeding program.

In 2024 we continued our breeding program by importing new frozen semen from Brazil, Jaguar Da Boa Terra. We will be hand-picking some of our mares for Jaguar and we have a small supply available for sale to anyone interested in improving their Marchadors with new lines.

Always remember when creating a new product, do the best so the next generation is better than the last. I consider us still in infancy of breeding Marchadors in North America. Now is the time to breed the basic products for an outstanding future product. 

Again, breed to the best and forget the rest.

Ronald and Nancy Knaack own and operate High Country Marchadors in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

The US Ranking sheet in Mounted Archery

Go Leo!! submitted by Connie Claire

A Marchador made it into the record books Mounted Archery in the US! Connie Claire competing with her Marchador gelding Leo (aka DaVinci do Summerwind) is ranked 7th in the U.S.

On the Hunt course, they excel – just seconds behind Elizabeth Tinnan, the US #1. Connie’s time is the third fastest ever recorded in this event!

“The coolest thing to me is we make the record book!!!! You know how I told you Leo is super good at the hunt? Well, we have the 3rd highest score ever in the US!!! I’m serious, he is so smart. He’s like, “I got this mom” and he does all the work and takes me around exactly where I asked when we did our walkthrough!!! He is AMAZING!!! He truly is a team player!!!!! “

Connie has worked hard to achieve her goals and she always credits Leo and the partnership they have. In past years rankings they were ranked #34, but have steadily moved up. In 2023, Connie was named to the US team to compete in Mongolia (using a borrowed horse, not Leo).

Connie and her husband Doren own, operate, teach and run events at their facility Archer’s Point, Dunellon, Florida. Connie owns 2 other MMs, Dragao Vista da Serra and Hallelujah do Saint Horse, both younger and hopefuls to follow in Leo’s footsteps.

 The hunt course is an open field course!

Here are some other types of mounted archery courses:

• Sport track A traditional course with barriers that guide the horse in a straight line. This allows the archer to focus on accuracy and speed. 
• Field archery An open field course where the rider must steer the horse using their legs and body weight. This requires expert horsemanship. 
• Cross-country A course where targets are revealed as the archer passes trees. The archer must shoot quickly and accurately while also considering what the horse is doing. 

Mounted archery was a basic survival skill for many groups throughout history, and was used for hunting, protecting herds, and in war. 

For more information, visit the Mounted Archery Association website.

Working equitation is a competitive equestrian sport that combines traditional riding techniques with modern elements to test the skills of horse and rider: 

• What it is. A challenging sport that evaluates the horse’s temperament and training, the rider’s skill, and the relationship between the two. It also showcases traditional riding styles, costumes, and equipment from different countries. 
• How it’s judged. Judges use a scoring rubric similar to dressage, with each maneuver scored on a scale of 0–10. Judges also provide collective marks at the end of each phase. 
• What it involves. The competition has four sections: dressage, ease of handling, speed, and cattle trials. Some obstacles include a slalom with parallel poles, and a cattle trial where riders work in teams to move a specific cow to a pen. 
• Where it originated Working equitation originated in Europe, with the first European Championship in 1996. The World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) was established in 2004. The United States has its own national organization, the USAWE, which was formed in 2020. 
• Who it’s for. Working equitation is inclusive, welcoming riders from all disciplines and horses of all breeds. 

Preparing for 2025!

3-7 Regional Directors representing different sections of the U.S. and Canada. The regions are: Pacific, Northwest, Southwest,Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and Canada.  The region are selected based on numbers of members and Marchador horses in that area.   The states included in each region will be re-assessed based on number of members and numbers of Marchadors at every election year.   Not every regional position needs to be filled if there are no qualified candidates or interest in that region.  

To be considered for Regional Director, the individual must be an active FULL member or LIFE member for at least 60 days before the election, and be a USMMA-registered Marchador owner at the time of the election. Each Regional Director must remain an active voting member of the USMMA for the duration of their responsibility.

A term will span 4 years. There are no term limits as long as the individual is willing to volunteer and is deemed capable to fill the position. Each Regional Director must submit their name to the Election Committee to be placed on the ballot and be elected by the members every four years.  The first election was held in 2020.

The USMMA Regional Director elections will be staggered elections with the USMMA Officer elections so that elections are held every 2 years beginning in 2020.

Regional Directors shall be full members of the Board and required to cast their vote on USMMA budgets, bylaw changes and other motions requiring a vote of the board.   They are required to attend at least two Board meetings a year.  The USMMA President will request resignation of the Regional Board Member should they not make the required meetings. 

Regional Directors are responsible to encourage participation and cooperation among breeders, owners, trainers and other equine professionals in support of the Mangalarga Marchador and the USMMA goals within their region and to affiliate and coordinate with other local organizations and associations in support of the vision and mission of the USMMA.  They are expected to try to get to know all of the USMMA members in their region and hold one Marchador or member event at least every 4 years.  When a regional event is planned, the Regional Director needs to submit a plan and budget for the event to the USMMA if they are requesting funding for the event.

	States	Members (rounded)
Pacific	California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada	30
Northwest	Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska	20
Southwest	Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Texas, Colorado	50
Midwest	Oklahoma, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Louisiana, Kansas, Arkansas	10
Northeast	New England, New York, Pennsylvania,New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia,	20
Southeast	Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi	20
Canada/Other	Canada (11) plus other countries (8)	20

We have some extra shirts ordered for a USMMA event. Modeled by Derek Brown, Haras Vista da Serra, the shirts have a BIG M brand trademark on the back, and the USMMA logo in front. All black, but sizes that are remaining are M, L, XL and 2 XL.

Quantities are limited.

Priced at $35. Shipping is free.

To order, click here:

 The USMMA is creating a separate fund earmarked for Marchador EVENTS.     We are committed to holding more events and in different areas of the country where there are enough Marchadors to make the competition both fun and meaningful.   In addition to the membership, events draw in others interested in the Mangalarga Marchador breed.   

Do you have an interest in becoming a sponsor to these events and building our event fund? 

Our first priority is funding the Caminhos de Marchador held August 31st – September 1st, 2025 at Rancho Sr. Jua, 91 Fox Rd, Bridgeton, NJ.  

Similar events are happily in the works for 2025 in different locations.  So far, AZ, FL,  MT, NJ and TN have expressed an interest in hosting Mangalarga Marchador events.    The host of the event contributes a significant effort in time and money and also works to obtain local sponsors.  Our fund will provide more support where needed to the event host and also for USMMA members traveling there to compete in the event.

Any contribution will be welcomed.   Think of it as a GOFUNDME.  $5 is appreciated.    

We will offer opportunities for the sponsors at these levels:

$1,000 Gold Sponsor 

$   500 Silver Sponsor 

$   250 Bronze Sponsor 

Gold Sponsor:  $1,000 

Gold Sponsor: $1,000 

• Recognition of your sponsorship and link to your website on the USMMA website.
• invitation to hang a banner in the main arena and display your business cards, brochures and/or products at the MM information booth at all events. (Option to have your own booth setup)
• 2-5 free tickets to a MM event (based on pricing and what’s included) Valued at $400 
• Announced as a gold sponsor in the opening ceremony and throughout the Caminhos do Marchador and in all 2025 planned events. 
• Recognition in social media and any articles, flyers, or other publications written about the Caminhos do Marchador in NJ and in future events.

Silver Sponsor level: $500

• Recognition of your sponsorship and link to your website on the USMMA website.
• Invitation to hang a banner in the main arena and display your business cards, brochures and/or products at the MM information booth. (Option to have your own booth setup)
• 1-3 free tickets (based on pricing and what’s included). Valued at $200.
• Announced as a silver sponsor in the opening ceremony and throughout the event
• Recognition in social media and any articles, flyers, or other publications written about the Caminhos do Marchador in NJ and in future events.

Bronze level: $250

• Recognition of your sponsorship and link to your website on the USMMA website.
• Invitation to hang one banner in the main arena and display your business cards at the information booth.
• Announced as a bronze sponsor in the opening ceremony and throughout the event
• 1 free ticket to a MM event. Valued at $100.
• Recognition in social media and any articles, flyers, or other publications written about the Caminhos do Marchador in NJ and in future events.

Any amount – appreciated!

• Recognition in a banner or poster to be displayed at all events – unless you wish to remain anonymous.
• Recognition of your contribution posted on the website and social media once a year, unless you wish to remain anonymous.

In-kind product or service 

Sponsorship level equals the value of the item or service donated. 

Click here to become a SPONSOR or contribute any amount to the EVENT FUND!

Click here to see our question and answer page with more information.