Beth has been on the back of a horse from as long as anyone can remember!  Growing up in the Paso Fino breed, Beth was a regular on the show scene as a Sub-Junior and Junior and has won Nationals in Equitation 5 times and in Pleasure Youth 2 times!  This doesn't even count the times she was in the ribbons.  Beth went to equine college and rode at the Intercollegiate level, winning Reserve National Intercollegiate Champion in Beginner Stock Seat (Western) Equitation in 1990.  It is no wonder that Beth is such a gifted instructor and trainer, a trait that is sought-after in the Paso Fino breed.  Beth's own education has lent itself to the natural progression of instructor and her students rave about her patience and the quality of her lessons.  See a photo journal of one of Beth's lessons here.

As a trainer, Beth has made her mark on the breed.  Shortly after graduating and taking over the management and training at El Tomaria, Beth appeared on the scene with several impressive mounts.  She won Reserve National Champion 4yr Performance Schooling Filly on Monsenora in 2001 and in the same year, she trained Oropel de Arroyuelos who went on to win Nationals in Performance Junior Youth. She has set the standard  for the style of training at El Tomaria and continues to train and show for the team in addition to managing the farm and its breeding program and instructing.  Come by and meet her and see why everyone says she always has a smile!

Christian’s  love and talent working with horses was evident at a very early age.  His family has a long history involved with the Paso Fino breed. He is a 5^th generation of a family of Paso Fino trainers originating in Puerto Rico, home to the Puerto Rican Paso Fino.  Christian’s grandfather, the great Cunda Figueroa, was the first inductee to the Paso Fino Hall of Fame  in Puerto Rico. His other accomplishments and contributions to the breed include serving as president of the association in the Dominican Republic and importing some of the first Paso Fino horses to the United States from Puerto Rico.

 Christian’s father, Eduardo Figueroa, is also a trainer here in the United States and a Senior Certified PFHA judge.  Eduardo had the honor of judging the 1998 PFHA Grand Nationals in Perry, Georgia.  He trained and won multiple National Champion titles as well as working with the famous Marichalo Royal, who he trained to win 5 National Championships. 

Christian’s uncle, Cese Figueroa,  was the first recipient of the PFHA Trainer of the Year in 1988 . He also had the honor as one of the first inductees into the PFHA Hall of Fame. 

Christian carries on the family tradition winning multiple National Championship titles.  He has also been instrumental in the success of many of his Amateur Owners and Youth riders clients winning National Championships. In 2006 he participated in the Youth Mundial lending his expertise with youth to support Team USA in the competition.

Christian and his wife, Beth, work together as a success training team.  Their hard work in training horses and developing amateur and youth riders is evident in the show ring. There are few husband/wife training teams in the Paso Fino breed that represent as many generations of family involvement and contribution to the breed as do Christian and Beth. Now with the birth of their daughter, Lena, who’s to say that another generation to serve the Paso Fino breed is yet to come!