Rafael Peralta Revuelta and Francisco de Rooij to Headline the “Trabajo y Tradición” Roundtable
Ocala, Florida — The history of the Spanish horse is deeply intertwined with the land, livestock, tradition, and centuries-old horsemanship of Andalusia. At IBERICON 2026, two respected figures dedicated to preserving and sharing that heritage will come together to explore this connection.
On Friday, October 16 at 5:00 p.m., Rafael Peralta Revuelta and Francisco de Rooij will headline the “Trabajo y Tradición” (Work and Tradition) roundtable, part of IBERICON’s educational and cultural program at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
The conversation will take audiences beyond the arena, exploring the traditions that helped shape the Spanish horse and the culture surrounding it. Topics will include Andalusian countryside traditions, the Spanish horse and the bull, the language and customs of the vaquero, and the origins and evolution of the Spanish horse.
Beyond the Arena: The Spanish Horse and the Countryside
For centuries, the horse and the countryside have been inseparable in Spain. The traditional “faena en el campo”, or work in the countryside, represents far more than livestock handling. It is a way of life in which horsemanship, cattle work, and knowledge passed from one generation to the next have played a fundamental role.
The Spanish horse has been an essential part of this tradition.
The relationship between horse and bull is one of its most recognizable expressions. Working cattle required a horse capable of responding with precision, sensitivity, balance, and control, while developing a close connection between horse and rider.
These traditions helped shape a distinctive form of Spanish horsemanship—one that remains an important part of the cultural heritage behind the Pura Raza Española (P.R.E.).
The Carthusian Horse: Five Centuries of Heritage
A central topic of the discussion will be the Carthusian horse, one of the most historically significant lines within the Spanish horse.
The Carthusian tradition dates back more than five centuries and is closely associated with the Carthusian monks and their breeding program in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Over generations, Carthusian horses became recognized for their distinctive type, harmony, beauty, and movement. Their influence is an important part of the genetic history of the P.R.E. and of the broader story of the Spanish horse.
Today, preserving this heritage remains a priority for breeders dedicated to maintaining the Carthusian line and the characteristics that have made these horses a living expression of Spanish equestrian culture.
Meet the Speakers
Son of the renowned Spanish rejoneador Rafael Peralta Pineda, Rafael Peralta Revuelta will be part of IBERICON 2026. A writer, poet, lawyer, entrepreneur, and breeder, he has dedicated much of his career to promoting Andalusian culture, history, and equestrian traditions.
He is the author of five books and more than 600 articles published in La Razón, and has also contributed to numerous national and regional media outlets. He is also a board member of the Asociación de Criadores de Estirpe Cartujana, the Association of Carthusian Line Breeders.
Joining him will be Francisco de Rooij, owner of Yeguada Residelca and also a board member of the Asociación de Criadores de Estirpe Cartujana.
With more than 35 years dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Carthusian horse, de Rooij brings a unique perspective to the history of this celebrated line. He is recognized as the first breeder to bring Carthusian horses to the Grand Prix level in dressage.
His presentation will trace the story of the Carthusian horse from its origins in the monasteries of Jerez de la Frontera to its enduring influence on Spanish culture, art, breeding, and horsemanship.
A Journey Into the Heritage of the Iberian Horse
The “Trabajo y Tradición” roundtable offers IBERICON audiences an opportunity to discover the traditions behind the Spanish horse and better understand the cultural heritage that continues to shape its identity today.
The session will take place Friday, October 16 at 5:00 p.m. as part of the educational and cultural programming of IBERICON 2026, celebrating the Iberian horse and the traditions that connect it to generations of breeders, riders, and horsemen.