Turning Heads in Virginia: The Road to Spain Runs Through the Foundation

In Virginia this fall, Pam Esteves and her young stallion Poison stepped into the international spotlight at a WAWE qualifier, and came out turning heads. Competing at Level 7 for only the second time, this six-year-old Lusitano stallion held his own against some of the top Working Equitation riders in North America, and coming home with a 4th place ribbon, cementing his place as a rising star in the discipline.

This didn’t happen by accident. This kind of composure, performance, and potential doesn’t come from flashy training or short-term gains. It comes from the foundation.

"It’s not just about teaching movements. It’s about shaping a mind, the horse’s, and the rider’s."
- Pam Esteves

The Making of a Champion (That Isn’t Just About Winning)

Poison has only been in this sport for just over a year, yet his precision, power, and emotional maturity stand out in a crowd of seasoned competitors. His performance in Virginia wasn’t just a competitive success, it was a testament to the carefully layered approach Pam and Marco have cultivated at Azores Stables.

“You don’t prepare for the world stage overnight. It’s every ride, every detail, every decision made with the long game in mind. We treat every horse here like they're capable of great things and they show us they are.”
- Marco Esteves

From groundwork to nutrition, classical flatwork to obstacle finesse, nothing is rushed. Every cue, every session is built on the belief that horses become their best when training is consistent, compassionate, and intelligently structured.

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Foundation First: The Azores Philosophy

At Azores, the approach is simple, but powerful:

• Prioritize mental wellness and physical readiness
  

• Build correct movement from calm, classical dressage principles
  

• Layer on obstacle exposure and precision only after balance and rhythm are installed
  

• Coach the rider’s mindset as much as the technical skills
  

“You can’t have clarity under pressure if your basics aren’t automatic. You have to train the foundation until it’s instinct, for the rider and the horse."
- Pam Esteves

This foundation-first approach is what gives Poison his confidence. It’s what allows him to step into elite competition without losing his mind or his body. And it’s exactly what riders of all levels can learn through the Azores Rider Development Program.

What This Means for You

The road to Spain is underway, and Azores is bringing riders along for the journey.

You don’t have to be a pro rider. You don’t need a fancy arena. You just need a horse to ride, a desire to grow, and a willingness to commit to a real, structured program that builds you from the ground up.

The Rider Development Program includes:

✔️ Monthly workshops led by industry experts
✔️ Live Q&A sessions following each workshop
✔️ Bi-weekly in-person or virtual feedback lessons
✔️ Step-by-step training exercises with video commentary from Pam
✔️ A full online portal of modules in Classical Dressage, Working Equitation, horse fitness, and more

Whether you’re prepping for the next clinic, your first Virtual Show, or just ready to finally train with a plan, this program gives you the tools and mentorship to actually make progress.

Get Involved- Here’s How

Check the clinic calendar to ride with Pam at a location near you
Reach out to host your own clinic and bring this level of coaching to your farm

📅 See clinic dates & apply to ride: www.azoresstables.com/calendar
📩 Questions or ready to start? Email [email protected]
💬 Book a chat with Pam: Message on Facebook

“The real competition is with yourself, to ride better, communicate clearer, and bring out the best in your horse. That’s what we’re here for.”
- Pam Esteves

Join us. Learn with us. Grow with us.
Azores Stables - Built on foundation. Built for the future.