Biography of Jose Luis Perez Soto

Jose Luis was born on his family's ranch in Tonaya, Jalisco, Mexico (south of Guadalajara).  He attended the Mexico Military College (HCM) in Mexico City and served 22 years in the Mexican Military.  He competed for his cavalry regiment in jumping.  He tried out for and was selected to ride on the Secretary of Defense Equestrian Team and from there he competed extensively in Show Jumping, Dressage and 3-Day Eventing.  He competed many different types and breeds of horses, whatever came his way.  He trained many horses and competed up to the Grand Prix level in jumpers and Advance in Eventing.  

In 1974, Jose Luis was selected to attend a one-year training program in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Escuela de Caballeria, Departmento de Equitacion, Campo de Mayo) in which he trained to ride 3-Day Event, dressage and show jumping. He trained under Ike Molke, a Dressage Master from Poland.  Upon returning to Mexico in 1975, he competed in and won the selection trials to compete in the Pan Am Games. During this time, he trained under Rene duClois, a Master from the Saumur School (France).  He was Mexico's reserve rider for that competition. In 1976, he competed in and won the Selection Trials and competed in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal (Bromont) in 3-Day Eventing.  In 1980, he competed in and was selected to compete with two horses for the 1980 Olympics. Both horses competed for the team, one was ridden by Jose Luis, and one was ridden by a teammate.  At the 1980 Olympics, his team won the Bronze Medal in 3-Day Eventing.  In 1982, he competed at the World Championships in Germany.

Jose Luis has trained under numerous military instructors who were trained in Saumur, Italy and Spain, including General Uriza, Team Show Jumping Gold & Silver Medal in 1948 (Stockholm) Olympics.  In 1978 and 1979, he rode in several riding clinics and received judging instruction from FEI Dressage President Gustav Nyblaes.

Since coming to New Mexico, Jose Luis has competed locally in Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage.  He not only can ride a "made" horse, but also has the talent to "make" a horse.  Some of his training accomplishments are as follows:

Salatador del Mar -- a Swedish Warmblood stallion trained by Jose Luis to Prix St. Georges level and qualified for the Region 5 Dressage Championships (2006).

Jazz Bolt -- An Arabian/Trakehner cross trained from Training Level to Intermediare I and competed many times in the Arabian National Championships in Dressage.

Hessel fan't haskerfjild  -- One of 2 Friesians in training; qualified, competed and finished 3rd in the 2009 Region 5 Championships in Dresssage at Second Level.  Under Jose Luis' training and riding, Hessel fan't, an 8-yr old Friesian gelding, has won USDF All-Breeds awards in First Level and Second Level Dressage, and is currently competing 3rd Level.

Djibbe van 'den hoekse hoeve' --  "Warlock", a 9-yr old Friesian stallion finished 2nd overall in USDF All-Breeds awards for Friesians at 2nd Level.  He is currently competing at 4th Level.  

Vini Vidi Vici -- a 9-yr old Dutch warmblood mare, was started by Jose Luis and brought up the levels to Intermediare I. She competed in the USEF young horse program and qualified for the championships as a 4 yr old, 5 yr old and the Developing horse program. The pair has currently qualified for the 2011 USDF Region 5 Championships at Prix St. Georges and Intermediare I. The are currently schooling piaffe & passage. 

Borracho  -- Was NMHJA Training Jumper Champion two years in a row (2003 & 2004)

Izzabella   -- Finished 3rd in NMHJA year end awards for Training Jumper (2009)

Tequila Sam -- 1996, finished 9th in CCI*in Parker, CO, and completed Intermediate Horse Trials with no cross country penalties.

Jose Luis has the knowledge and experience to start young horses correctly, introduce them to saddle, as well as introduce them to the show ring and achieve results.

Jose Luis has instructed many students in dressage for years.  He has extensive experience in teaching Dressage in the military, as well as giving clinics in New Mexico.  He has done Dressage clinics in Los Alamos, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Amarillo, Tx and El Paso, Tx.  He has schooled many students to achieve their goals in eventing, jumping and dressage. Many have won their first event under his coaching.  Two of his students have achieved their USDF Bronze Medals and others have been USDF Regional Champions and Reserve Champions.  Recently, a student received her Dover Medal at Second Level.  Jose Luis has earned his USDF Bronze & Silver medals.

Biography of Marybeth Perez Soto

Marybeth has a background in jumpers.  She has competed up to the preliminary level in Eventing and competes currently in jumpers and dressage.  She has earned her USDF Bronze and Silver medals.  She has trained her FEI horse from a yearling and has qualified him for the USDF Regional Championships (2006) in 4th Level.  She currently competes him at Intermediare I.  She completed the USDF "L" education program and graduated with distinction and continues to update her dressage knowledge by attending Dressage Judge conferences and Trainer symposiums.  She currently instructs all levels of students in Dressage.  She has earned her USDF Bronze & Silver medals.