The IALHA Show Committee has selected the painting “A King’s Knight” by Felipe Orozco to be the signature artwork for the 2009 IALHA National Championships. The painting will be featured on the show program cover, and on official show merchandise. The original version of the painting will sold in the Silent Auction to benefit the show.

About the Artist:

Felipe Orozco: Artist, Singer, Clothing Designer, and Horseman
By Julie Alonzo

The artist whose regal stallion graces the cover of our National Show Program has performed internationally (in Europe, Mexico, and the United States) and hopes someday to bring his unique combination of Mariachi and Banda music and horse skills to equestrian events around the world. When he does, this Issue 4 2009 cover of the Andalusian may well be a collector’s item. Take my advice: Hold on to it!

Felipe in Concert

Orozco explains, “A King’s Knight was inspired by my own Andalusian named Ricky. He is a white horse, and one day as he was running freely in my training area, I began to think about how kings used to ride these breathtaking animals. That is when I decided I wanted to capture the beauty of my own horse. I used my sharpened pencil and began to draw. The vision of gold accents came to my head clearly. This piece represents a king’s most noble warrior in time of battle.”

Orozco’s interest in horses was fostered by his father. “My father has a deep love for horses and has always had a passion for training them,” he reminisces. “His passion for these animals transformed to my siblings and I. Our family first started training mules and donkeys. We taught them to dance and would entertain people in various gatherings such as rodeos.” His success as a trainer helped Orozco’s father turn his passion into a means of making a living. Once he had decided to train full-time, Orozco’s family relocated from Orange County to Riverside, Calif., where he carved out a niche in the training business.

As is evidenced by his cover illustration, Orozco’s talents extend beyond training. “My first and foremost passion is singing and performing on horses,” Orozco says. “I have been singing in both Spanish and English since I was 15 years old. I started singing in my high school’s choir department. I was asked to sing abroad in Europe my senior year and ever since then, my energy has been devoted to my music. I have toured around Mexico and the United States performing and entertaining audiences. I take my trained horses with me when I perform.  My passion is entertaining audiences and giving them a spectacular show so they can forget about their worries for a while.”

Orozco knows how important the little details can be. “I have a particular interest in designing all of the jackets that I wear for my shows,” he says. “My logo is embroidered on the back of most of my clothing. Each jacket has its own unique cut. After designing them on paper, I send them off to Mexico where they are tailored.” The final product – stunning jackets with intricate finishing touches – are just one part of Orozco’s success.
He explains that he has taken dressage lessons, which gives him added insight into training his horses and that he spends “countless hours training with them in order to build the trust that allows me to stand up on them during performances.”

Orozco’s dreams for the future include more of what he is already doing: more performances, additional concerts, and the ability to help others experience art. “In 10 years,” he says, “I see myself running a foundation that supports handicapped children and children in the arts.” I, for one, certainly think he has what it takes to realize those dreams.

To see more of Orozco’s work and watch video clips of him performing on horseback, please visit his website. You can also contact his manager, Faizal Pedraza at (714) 473-5954 or (951) 224-5859.