Pat Figueroa - Awardee 1990

Interview

PPFTA: How many years have you been training Paso Finos?
Pat: I have been training Paso Finos for 28 years.

PPFTA: Are there any other breeds you have worked with?
Pat: Yes, there are other breeds I have worked with.

PPFTA: Which ones?
Pat: The other breeds I have worked with are Saddlebreds, Appaloosas, Arabians and Quarter Horses.

PPFTA: Is ther a single horse in your career that stands out?
Pat: No, I have been fortunate that there have been many exceptional ones in my career.

PPFTA: Was there a particular win that was more emotionally gratifying?
Pat: Yes, there was a win that was more emotionally gratifying, it was winning the Grand Championship in Fino on Pasion.

PPFTA: Why?
Pat: It was the most emotionally gratifying win becasue I had trouble with her the year before and had to scratch her right before her class at the Nationals. It also meant that I had a Grand Championship winner in every division!

PPFTA: What trainers have been influential in your career?
Pat: The trainers that have been influential in my career are Cese Gigueroa, John Lyons, Al Dunning, Clinton Anderson and mostly my sister, Margaret, because in the beginning though I had my own passion for horses, she made riding actually possible.

PPFTA: What did winning Trainer of the Year mean to you?
Pat: Winning Trainer of the Year meant that my peers believed in my abilities and that they respected me as a trainer.

PPFTA: What do you think makes a good trainer/client relationship?
Pat: I think honesty, knowledge and making lessons and showing fun makes for good trainer/client relationship. Winning doesn't hurt either!

PPFTA: In addition to your training responsiblities do you also work with A/O and /or youth riders?
Pat: Yes, I aso work with A/O and youth riders. Their wins are even more gratifying, knowing that I helped make someone happy. I love seeing those smiles!

PPFTA: What is your most valued piece of equipment?
Pat: My most valuable piece of equipment is my rope halter because I can tie, lunge, trailer, bathe, flex, and ride with it if I had to.