JUNE EFO ROM: Isauro Flores!

1. How did you enter the Equestrian Industry?

   I had an opportunity to take over the training and management of a few Holsteiner Verband approved stallions with incredible talent and bloodlines that were in Oregon. Prior to that I was doing Management Consulting work for manufacturing companies but riding has always been my passion. When I had the opportunity to make it a business I took it.

2. What is your first memory you have with horses?

   Riding “Palomo” a grey gelding at one of my grandfather’s ranches. I was about 3 years old. The only way they could get me off the horse was once I went asleep. They would tie me to the horse and lead me around. The beauty of being born in Mexico. Safety is viewed in a different manner.

3. Did you always know that you would be working with horses as a profession?

   I knew I would always have horses in my life but I hadn’t seen a business model I liked to make it my profession. When the stallion model presented itself I jumped at it and am glad I did.

4. What does an average day look like for you?

   Fortunately there are no average days in my life. I get to ride amazing horses that are not only very talented but have unique and very varied personalities. I have a wonderful wife who is also passionate about horses.

5. What are the most common challenges you face?

   The most common challenge is to keep the number of horses I work with to a manageable number. I have the opportunity to work with more horses than there is time to ride and that is physically possible to do.

6. Do you have any suggestions for young riders aspiring to become professional riders?

Yes. Put in the hard work to become good at whichever discipline or aspect of riding you are interested in. For example, if you start by focussing on starting young horses and do a good job, before you know it you will have more breeders and owners of young horses calling you to start their young horses than you will have time to do.

From there you could then get a chance to develop some of them a bit further and you would then be known for getting young horses started in competitions. The progression will be natural and eventually you would be getting more experienced horses to work with.

The key is to put in the hard work and learn to understand the horses. Be flexible in your approach since each and every horse is a unique individual. The general principles are the same for every horse. The method and approach varies.

7. What are some of the most common challenges you face with your riding?

   Making sure I eat well and stay hydrated so I can ride all the horses. As a rider sometimes I forget to have hydration between horses. After riding 4 or 5 horses one after the other without fluids you run out of energy for the 6th plus horse. Same thing if you rush out the door in the morning and not have breakfast.

8. If you could spend a day doing a different sport, what would it be and why?

   Water skiing. The feeling of gliding over a smooth lake surface almost on your side with the large wake forming as you turn, gently touching the surface of the water with one hand, the sound of the ski caressing the water and the flow of then changing direction at high speed is delightful.

7. If you weren’t in the Equestrian Industry, what do you think you would be doing instead and why? (career wise)

   Consulting work for the Manufacturing industry. I love improving manufacturing process efficiencies and seeing the results in the bottom line.

8. What accomplishment are you most proud of within the Equestrian Industry? (Does not have to be show related)

   Having helped numerous horses with behavioural issues that had been misunderstood and mistreated to become fabulous horses that have led happy and productive lives after being taught a different way of approaching life.

9. The most memorable horse which you have owned or ridden is _____ and why?

   Harlekin. It is the horse I brought with me from Mexico. We knew each other at a time in life where I could spend 4 or more hours per day with him. Therefore the relationship I formed with him was incredible. He was an amazing competitor but also a fun horse. I would ride him bareback with a halter from Southlands to Spanish banks at a very fast pace, gallop on the beach, go for a swim on his back and then gallop back to Southlands. The next week he would be competing and winning. He could trot a 1.60m vertical no worries. Fun horse.

12. What is the one thing you can never go to a horse-show without? (i.e. lucky socks) A comfortable riding helmet.

13. Do you have any horse-show rituals? (other than getting Tim’s at 4am) Going to each horse and having a quick chat.

14. What is your favourite post-horseshow thing to do? (i.e. relax with a glass of wine, unpack the trailer etc.)

    After all is said and done my favourite post show treat is to have a nice cup of tea with honey in the company of my delightful wife.

15. Does your horse have a favourite treat? If so, what is it?

    Meggie loves watermelons, rind and all. The rest I have not found one particular treat they are crazy about. I find the best treat they all love is me being the best rider I can be so that each and every ride is a treat for them.

16. What do you like to do when you manage to get some time off and away from the barn?

    Going for a walk on the beach, enjoy a nice dinner with a view of the ocean and mountains. We are lucky to live where we do. A short drive and we have many activities and locations to enjoy.

17. Describe your dream vacation (does not have to be horse related)

    Going to a beautiful beach in Portugal or Spain and go for a gallop on the beach riding a beautiful PRE (Andalusian) Stallion bareback. Then enjoying the delicious food they have there in the company of my loved one :-)

18. What are you most grateful for at your barn?

    The way the horses I work with look at me with anticipation and a kind expression when I walk into the barn, ears forward and basically asking “Am I first today?”. Love it.

19. Describe the funniest wardrobe malfunction that you have had when riding?

    Amazingly, I have been riding for over 45 years and I don’t believe I have had a wardrobe malfunction incident. I have had tack incidents (girths snapping, reins breaking) but they weren’t that funny. Perhaps for someone watching me reach over and grab the bit to stop the horse it would look funny but when it happened I was not laughing.

20. What is your go-to late night snack?

My daughters chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk

Swim with my horse in the ocean

From all of us at Equestrian Fashion Outfitters, we wanted to say thank you for sitting down with us and answering our questions. We wish you the best of luck for this show season and those to come! 

- EFO