THE IBERICON ARTISTIC ACADEMY
Artistic Classical Dressage · Liberty Training · Freestyle Exhibition · Natural Horsemanship · Western Training · Trick Training · Long Lining
EXPERIENCE THE HORSE THROUGH THE EYES OF THE MASTERS
The IBERICON artistic ACADEMY
October 16–18, 2026
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
The IBERICON Academy offers a rare and inspiring opportunity to learn directly from some of the most respected horsemen and horsewomen in the industry. Through an extraordinary series of interactive workshops, demonstrations, and discussions, visitors can explore a wide range of disciplines including Competitive Dressage, Artistic Classical Dressage, Working Equitation, Natural Horsemanship, Western Training, Exhibition and Trick Training, Liberty, Long-Lining Work, Saddle & Tack Fitting, and much more.
More than presentations, these are opportunities to engage with the masters themselves—ask questions, gain insights that might otherwise take years to discover, explore new perspectives, and deepen your understanding of the horse.
As a special feature, the Elite Breeder Showcase will introduce exceptional breeding programs, stallions, performance horses, and select sale prospects through a limited series of featured presentations.
Rarely does an event bring together such a diverse group of accomplished trainers and horsemen willing to share their knowledge in an open and interactive setting. Whether you are a lifelong horse enthusiast, a dedicated competitor, or simply eager to learn, the IBERICON Academy offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the horse through the eyes of the masters—completely free to the public.
Learn from the Masters · Ask Questions · Be Inspired
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Behind The Curtain
LIBERTY: The INVISIBLE CONNECTION
How do you communicate with a horse when there are no reins... no lead line... only trust, communication, and an invisible connection?
Liberty is one of the most beautiful expressions of artistic horsemanship. What appears effortless is actually the result of countless hours devoted to building trust and understanding between horse and human.
Horses communicate naturally through body language, subtle movement, energy, and almost imperceptible signals within the herd. The journey to extraordinary horsemanship begins by learning how horses communicate, feel, and express themselves. Liberty trainers then transform that understanding into a shared way to communicate, creating the invisible connection that allows horse and human to work together in remarkable harmony.
At the IBERICON Artistic Academy, accomplished liberty trainers will take you behind the curtain to reveal the philosophy, principles, techniques, and artistry behind their work. Through demonstrations and discussion, you'll discover how they develop trust, establish clear communication, introduce vocal and physical cues, and create the willing partnership that makes extraordinary liberty performances possible.
Join us October 16–18, 2026, at the IBERICON Artistic Academy Arena, located in the covered arena directly behind Arena 5 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.
Step Behind the Curtain. Discover the Art
EVERY MEMORABLE FREESTYLE BEGINS WITH IMAGINATION.
Sometimes it's a piece of music. Sometimes it's a horse whose movement seems to dance. Sometimes it's simply the desire to create something beautiful together.
Creative expression through horsemanship is the journey of discovering how the unique gifts of your horse and the expression of your riding come together through movement, music, and artistic interpretation. It is where imagination, partnership, and years of thoughtful training become one.
At the IBERICON Artistic Academy, you'll step behind the curtain to explore the journey From Arena to Stage. Discover how music is selected, choreography is created, and horse and rider become partners in a performance that reflects their unique strengths, personality, and harmony.
Whether you aspire to create your own freestyle, bring more creativity to your riding, or simply want to dance with your horse, you'll leave inspired to discover new possibilities within your partnership.
Step Behind the Curtain. Discover the Art.
GARROCHA. The Art of Precision & Connection
How do you train a horse to confidently work with a traditional 10- to 13-foot Spanish Garrocha pole while performing precise lateral work, balanced turns, collection, smooth transitions, and energetic canter departures—all while guiding the horse with only one hand?
It doesn’t begin with the pole.
Long before the Garrocha is ever introduced, the horse must develop confidence, responsiveness to subtle aids, balance, and the willingness to work in harmony with its rider. Only then can horse and rider begin learning the art of the Garrocha together.
At the IBERICON Artistic Academy, accomplished horsewoman and trainer Christine Drentwett of Asteri Equine will take you behind the curtain to reveal the philosophy, principles, techniques, and progressive training behind this centuries-old Spanish tradition. Discover how the Garrocha is introduced, how confidence is developed in both horse and rider, and how the subtle communication required for one-handed riding creates the harmony and responsiveness that make this remarkable discipline possible.
Whether you dream of riding the Garrocha yourself or simply want to better understand the principles behind developing a confident, responsive horse, you'll gain insights that can enrich your own horsemanship.
Step Behind the Curtain. Discover the Art.
CREATING A LEGACY: Inspiring the Next Generation
What does it mean to leave a legacy in horsemanship?
For accomplished trainer Marsha Hartford Sapp, it means more than developing successful horses. It means sharing the knowledge, experience and values of a lifetime with the horsemen and women who will carry them forward.
A USDF Gold Medalist and Diamond Achievement recipient, Marsha is known for her remarkable ability to recognize potential in horses others might overlook—including her celebrated Mustang, Cobra, who rose from the wild to become a national champion and Hall of Fame horse.
At the IBERICON Artistic Academy, Marsha will share the experience and philosophy behind CREATING A LEGACY — Inspiring the Next Generation.
Come Behind the Curtain of Artistic Horsemanship and learn from the horsemen and women who have devoted their lives to the art.
IBERICON Artistic Academy 2026
October 16–18 • World Equestrian Center • Ocala, Florida
FREE TO ATTEND