Viva Iberica began in 1987 when Richard and Sue Lust began buying and selling Spanish and Portuguese tack and riding clothing and a few years later, in 1992, the first Viva Iberica tack shop was opened, in Bedfordshire, England, alongside their Purebred Spanish (and Lusitano) horse stud 'Yeguada Iberica'. Firstly, through contacts and friends in the 'Spanish' horse word around the globe there began a demand for the specialist items they stocked and this grew into a mail order business in 1993. Then, in 2003, the shop, stud and mail order business was relocated to Tobarra, Spain, and the range of goods was expanded.

Even before they opened their UK tack shop, Richard and Sue had been involved in the Spanish and Portuguese horse scene, but from 1987 began building up relationships with the best Iberian manufacturers and suppliers in the industry.

Sue became a judge for Spanish Horse competitions and covered many shows in England and both Sue and Richard have taken extensive training and specialist judging courses in Spain. Richard introduced Doma Vaquera riding to the UK and founded the UK Doma Vaquera Association with the exclusive support of the Asociacion Nacional de Doma Vaquera (Spanish National Doma Vaquera Association) for which he is currently an international delegate.

While keeping in touch with the latest developments they are able to advise on traditional tack and costume as well as the latest in new product technology applied to 'traditional' designs. For example, as well as the traditional straw filled Vaquera saddles a new generation of models are also stocked made from the latest materials, traditional in appearence but with much lighter weight, special 'flexible' trees, etc.

As an authority on correct traditional Spanish tack and clothing, Sue has written comprehensive articles on what is considered correct traditional Spanish riding costume and tack for Doma Classica, Vaquera, Feria etc. and these are used as a guide by several National Associations for the Purebred Spanish Horse. So Viva Iberica not only offers an extensive range but sound advice is also available.

There are articles on the main website advising what Spanish tack and riding clothing is considered correct for a variety of disciplines; under the heading 'TACK' (on Main Site). There is also an article covering training a showing Spanish Horses.

Viva Iberica also supplies a limited range of Spanish tack and clothing in the UK through Kim Warren: (e-mail kim.warren@ntlworld.com)

Riding Holidays in Spain . . . Equestrian Centre . . . Classical Riding (training & holidays) . . . Yeguada Iberica (PRE Stud)