Zafira MWF, by Meinse 439, was awarded the 2020 FHANA Talent Cup for five-year-old Friesian horses. This honor is bestowed on young dressage horses who demonstrate high levels of success in the show ring.
The beautiful black mare had an incredible year, claiming the GAIG/USDF Region 1 Training Level Champion with a 72.845%, as well as Reserve Champion First Level with a 70%. Ridden by Julio Mendoza Loor, Zafira also received the USDF All Breeds Award at First Level (FHANA) and ranked sixth in the USDF First Level Horse of the Year standings, with scores as high as 76.667%.
Zafira’s father, Meinse 439, is known as a producer of dressage and breed show winners. He is the sire of the Approved stallion Erryt 488, along with Star mares like Liberty Z and Helena WV. Another of Meinse’s 2020 winners is Zango ISF, who received the High Score award at his dressage debut.
Zafira’s dam, Wanda of Black Pearl, Star/Sport/Elite, is also an exceptional athlete in her own right. She received FHANA’s Horse of Distinction in 2020 and has earned championships at the Friesian World Championships, GAIG/USDF Region 1 Championships and the IFSHA Championships.
Sherri Garner, Zafira’s breeder and owner, answers all our questions about Zafira—the first Friesian produced in her breeding program!
How did you match Wanda of Black Pearl with Meinse?
SG Wanda has an excellent walk and trot, but is somewhat weak in her canter. She also is a very hot horse to ride. I matched her to Meinse to improve her canter and hopefully get a sweeter, calmer demeanor. I was looking for a horse that could go Grand Prix. I believe Zafira can accomplish that goal.
What was Zafira like as a foal and youngster?
SG Zafira was a very sweet foal and she learned quickly. She loved to run up to you and whirl around for a good butt scratch. She was quite adventurous as a youngster—challenging my rather large dogs and chasing the local Canadian geese. She was such a sweet soul and quite the sensation in our area, so she got a lot of attention. As an adult, Zafira is still sweet, but all business in the ring. She tries hard to please. Her trainer Julio calls her his little Ferrari. She is a loving horse, a barn favorite.
How did you begin working with Julio?
SG Julio Mendoza is an amazing dressage trainer. He saw Wanda at Zafira’s foal keuring and made a place for her in his training barn. Of course, Zafira joined her mother when she was ready to start her career. They competed in shows together in 2019 and 2020. Julio loves Friesians and currently has several in his training lineup.
What's next for Zafira?
SG Zafira is preparing to compete in South Carolina this month (March) at second level and will move to third level later this year. She loves to compete. Spectators have commented on how unusual it is for a horse so young to have such command of the ring. I see very good things in her future.
What type of dressage work is especially easy for her?
SG Zafira learns quickly. She is currently having fun with flying changes and playing with piaffe and passage. Lateral movements are also fun for her.
What does the FHANA Talent Cup mean to you as Zafira's breeder?
SG Winning the Talent Cup is amazing. Zafira has more than exceeded expectations.
When we first started taking Wanda to dressage shows, people laughed, “Friesians?” Last year the mother and daughter team showed how versatile and talented the Friesian breed is. The natural presence of the Friesian is hard to miss. These girls are taking on all breeds and winning. Now we hear, “The Friesians are here. We have to go watch them!”
Check out Meinse’s stallion page.
