* Reprinted with permission from the Equine Journal Romantic Breeds 2009 issue, 'Association Spotlight'

THE SPANISH-NORMAN: A HORSE FOR ALL SEASONS The Spanish-Norman is a gentic and historical re-creation of the medieval knight's horse, a unique breed blending the genes of the Andalusian and the Percheron. Breed co-founders, Linda and Allan Hamid of Woodbury, Connecticut, established the Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, Inc. in 1991 to record the pedigrees of this rare breed. Their outstanding Andalusian stallion, Embajador IX, imported from Spain, was the first foundation sire. Presently, there are over 100 Andalusian and Lusitano approved sires from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Spain and England. The "Ambassador of the Spanish-Norman Breed", Hamid Hill Farm's 16.1h. stallion, Romantico H.H.F., gives charity exhibitions and competes with horse and rider in authentic armor to display the medieval heritage of the "warhorse of the ages". Romantico is the sole American-bred horse of Spanish descent to have ever won a United States Equestrian Team ribbon. Trainer Gary McAllister and Romantico won 6th place in the invitational freestyle reining in the June 2000 Festival of Champions at the USET Center in Gladstone, New Jersey. Romantico and his knight were also celebrity guests and performed at Breyerfest 2005 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Breyer Animal Creations honored Romantico in an exclusive, special edition horse model in fine porcelain. Sadly, in March 2008, co-founder of the Spanish-Norman Registry, and owner/breeder of Romantico, Allan Hamid, was suddenly diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer. Retired after 36 years of teaching history at the Fox Lane School in Bedford, New York, Allan devoted himself to enjoying time with his wife and horse, his two true passions. Each trail ride through the countryside on his beloved mount, Romantico, became a cherished experience. Romantico seemed acutely aware of his rider's condition and Allan frequently commented that when he was riding his horse, he felt fit, young, happy and even forgot he had cancer. Allan lamented there was only one thing he had wanted to do in life, but never had the chance. It was to exhibit his stallion himself in some public venue. The opportunity presented itself on July 19, 2008. Allan and Romantico performed at the Eastern Regional Andalusian Horse Club show at the Mt. Holyoke Equestrian Center in Massachusetts. To the music of Gene Autry's "Back In the Saddle Again", the two entertained the audience with a remarkable vision of rapport and joy shared by horse and rider. It was pure pleasure to behold the incredible relationship between them. Allan once said, "To watch a foal being born and pick him up in your arms is a joy; to raise a hrose to compete at the USET Festival of Champions is an awesome accomplishment; to have your horse chosen to be immortalized in a Breyer porcelain model is a great honor; to have your horse inspire, support and comfort you during your most difficult time is priceless." Allan H. Hamid died on May 7, 2009. This years July ERAHC show was dedicated to his memory. Allan had always known the Spanish-Norman was a versatile sport horse that excelled in various disciplines, from eventing and dressage, to jumping, reining and driving, and they are proving it throughout the show world.  At both the 2008 and 2009 ERAHC shows, sanctioned by the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association, Lady Abigail was the Half Andalusian Champion Mare as well as Spanish-Norman Specialty Breed Champion. The impressive black mare is owned by Joy Clark of Alegria Farm in Barre, Massachusetts, and is shown by her daughter Simone Clark. The 2008 Spanish-Norman High Point Trophy Winner, Monarch's Thor , has been having a successful season at NEDA's dressage shows. The gelding always gets scores in the 60s and takes second or higher in all Third Level tests. He is shown by Keith Angstadt and is owned by Sandra Austin. The breeder of the bay gelding is Bernice Parker of Sporthorse Canada in Sasketchewan. Presenting schooling Fourth Level, Monarch's Thor is acclaimed for his natural competitiveness, personality and work ethic. A ten minute DVD on the history of the Spanish-Norman , with performance clips featuring Romantico, is available from the Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, through their official website: www.spanish-norman.com. * Reprinted with permission from the Equine Journal Romantic Breeds 2009 issue, 'Association Spotlight'

For additional information on the Spanish-Norman breed, foundation sires, registration forms or how to nominate your Spanish-Norman Horse for a High Point Award, please contact:

Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, Inc.
Linda Osterman-Hamid, Registrar
P.O. Box 985 Woodbury, CT 06798