Javier Suarez - Awardee 1998

Interview

PPFTA: How many years have you been training Paso Finos?
Javier: I have been involved with Paso Finos all my life. I have been a professional trainer for 18 years.

PPFTA: Are there any other breeds that you have worked with?
Javier: Never spent long enough time with any other breed. To consider it worked.



PPFTA: Is there a single horse in your career that stands out?
Javier: Not just a single horse. A few special horses come to my mind, like: Manuela del Conde, Profeta de Besilu , Manuelo del Conde, Chaperona del Ocho,General del Paraiso, Pokahontas de la viña. All these horses have done great things for me at different times in my life.

PPFTA: Was there a particular win that was more emotionally gratifying?Why?
Javier: Yes, winning National with Manuelo del Conde for three consecutives years wa very special to me. Considering the fact that my brother Jaime and I bread him and I developed Manuelo's whole career. And winning Nationals with Chaperona in 1995 and 1994 the only times she ever showed in the United States meant a lot to me.

PPFTA: What trainers have been influential in your career?
Javier: First Jan Ramon Figueroa(Cese's oldest brother), my brothers Jorg and Jaime with them it wouldn't be possible, David Castro and Alberto Sierra. But I always admired any trainer that get positive results with a horse.

PPFTA: What did winning Trainer of The Year mean to you?
Javier: It means a lot to be selected by your peers and I thought it was appropriate to get this award the year after my brother Jaime received it.

PPFTA: What do you think makes a good trainer/client relationship?
Javier: Good understanding between the two parties, honesty and respect for one another.

PPFTA: In addition to your training responsibilities, do you also work with A/O and/or youths riders?
Javier: Yes, and it is very important to me since it is the heart and future of our industry.

PPFTA: What is your most valuable piece of equipment?
Javier: Not one piece is more valuable than the other. At the end of the day, your most valuable asset as a trainer are your hands.

PPFTA: If you have experience in the international show ring, what are the major differences?
Javier: I had shown many times in the International circiuit. The main differences are that we are much more structured in the United States and in the International circuit seems to be more entertaining.

PPFTA: As a trainer, what do you consider your greatest strengths?
Javier: Training horses is what I wanted to do all my life. I train with great passion and respect for the Paso Fino horse. And it is something that I shared with my whole family. That makes a big difference.

PPFTA: Besides the horses, what is your favorite animal?
Javier: Horses and my favorite animals. No other animal comes even close.

PPFTA: Do you take an interest in, or follow any other breeds?
Javier: Any horse that is a good athelete, no matter what breed I have interest for.